HIV seroprevalence among patients admitted to two psychiatric hospitals

Article Abstract:

Researchers have established that many mentally ill patients self medicate with non-prescribed drugs, resulting in a clear relationship between mental illness and substance abuse. One outcome, also due to their tendency not to engage in safe sexual behavior, is that the mentally ill are particularly susceptible to HIV infection. However, little is known about the prevalence of HIV infection in this group. In the present study, patients in two psychiatric hospitals in New York City were tested for HIV antibodies from late 1989 to mid 1990. Of 451 patients who consented to be tested, 25 tested positive for HIV. Blacks accounted for 38 percent of those tested, and 76 percent of the positive results; the rate of infection was similar for men and women. Nine of the 25 HIV-positive patients had a reference in their chart to a high risk behavior. Physicians were previously aware of only 7 of the 25 cases identified. Overall, 1 in 18 patients admitted to these psychiatric hospitals was HIV-positive; in most cases, physicians failed to identify these patients. Strong risk factors for these patients were male homosexual activity and injection of drugs. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Care and treatment, Mentally ill persons, Demographic aspects, Mentally ill, Psychiatric hospital patients, HIV seropositivity, HIV positive

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The role of culture in psychiatric care

Article Abstract:

Cultural background plays a significant role in a patient's concept of mental illness, the manifestations of depression and compliance to treatment. There is a need for psychiatrists to be aware of the cultural extraction of their patients in order to manage the case effectively. Although the psychiatrist may come from a different cultural background, it is essential for him to be knowledgeable and sensitive to the patient's cultural background. An illustrative case involving a woman with Cuban descent is presented.

Social aspects, Research, Culture, Psychotherapy, Psychoanalysis, Psychoanalysis and culture

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Living and dying with HIV/AIDS: a psychosocial perspective

Article Abstract:

The case of a 32-year-old Mexican-American who died of AIDS is presented by the psychiatrist who helped treat him. Psychiatrists should become more involved in the care of HIV patients, since many patients and their families develop psychosocial problems.

Case studies, AIDS (Disease)

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