Coping with AIDS and HIV - Other Psychological Reactions to HIV

Written by HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

What other psychiatric reactions are possible with HIV disease?

Many people with HIV disease do not develop serious emotional illness. However, if you develop any of the following reactions, it is important that you seek treatment.

• Depression: Characterized by prolonged periods of sadness and crying, feeling low or despairing, feelings of guilt and lowered self-esteem, a tendency to see only the negative side of things; also, fatigue, decreased ability to concentrate, loss of pleasure in activities, changes in appetite and weight, trouble sleeping, and, sometimes, thoughts of suicide.
• Anxiety disorders: Characterized by excessive worry, feelings of being always on edge, muscle tension, restlessness; and other physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, sweating, rapid heart rate, nausea and diarrhea. They may also appear as sudden attacks of intense anxiety.
• Mania: Characterized by an abnormally and persistently elevated mood or great shifts of mood, often with marked irritability. There is decreased desire for sleep, over activity, rapid talking, poor concentration, and racing thoughts. People with this disorder may also have grand and sometimes bizarre ideas about themselves and impossible schemes for making money and becoming famous. They may engage in spending sprees and other impulsive behavior. They may become very disorganized in their thinking and behavior and be unable to take care of themselves.

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• Psychotic symptom: People may develop hallucinations, seeing things or hearing things that other people do not. They also may become "delusional," developing strange, unrealistic, and very unlikely ideas. For example, they may think that even their closest friends are plotting to harm them or that secret organizations are spying on them, bugging their telephone or sending messages by television or radio. These are just a few examples of the many forms psychosis can take.
• Alcohol and drug abuse: Some people may try to numb their feelings by abusing drugs and alcohol. At times, the person has a history of such problems. At other times, they begin to abuse drugs and alcohol after they learn they are HIV positive or develop symptoms of AIDS.

Difficulties with memory and thinking

Infections, malignancies, and nutritional deficiencies that are the results of AIDS can affect brain functioning. Some medications used to treat HIV infection or its complications can also have these effects. HIV itself can infect the brain, causing a condition doctors call AIDS Dementia Complex. Symptoms that might be a signal of trouble include:-

• Forgetfulness Confusion- Difficulty paying attention
• Slurred or changed speech
• Sudden changes in mood or behavior
• Clumsiness or difficulty walking
• Muscle weakness or strange sensations, like numbness or tingling
• Slowed thinking and difficulty finding words

If you have any of these problems you should discuss your concerns with your physician. He or she may suggest the help of a psychiatrist or other mental health specialist.

How can a psychiatrist help me?

A psychiatrist will talk with you and take a history in which he or she will ask about your current problems and how you managed in the past. He or she will need to know about any past or present alcohol or drug abuse and whether there is any family history of emotional problems or substance abuse. The psychiatrist, who is a medical doctor, will need to speak with your other physicians and review your medical history. The psychiatrist will ask specific questions to test memory, attention, and other aspects of thinking and problem solving. Your psychiatrist will tell you and your physician what he or she thinks is the nature of your problem, and will make recommendations for treatment. With your agreement, he or she may provide the recommended treatment if the expertise of a psychiatrist is required.

What treatments are available?

Various forms of psychotherapy may be useful, alone or in combination with medications which can help people with HIV disease express and understand their emotional reactions and find better ways to cope. Some problems can be treated with medications. There are anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants, including psycho-stimulants, that are safe and effective for use in people with HIV disease. People with Mania may need a mood stabilizing medication and those with psychotic symptoms may need an anti-psychotic medication. There is substance abuse counseling for those with alcohol or drug abuse problems. In some areas of the country, there may be support groups or AA groups for people who have both HIV and substance abuse problems.

Are there other forms of help?

Many areas have community groups that provide services such as food preparation, housing, buddy networks, hotlines, and information on how to access medical care. There are also self-help support groups where people with HIV or AIDS can meet with others coping with the same or similar problems. Groups are also available to provide support and services for friends and family members.

continue: Helping Yourself When You're HIV Positive