The latest quarterly update on HIV and mental health from Mental Health AIDS includes results from recent research and resources for finding the latest information related to clinical practice. The report is divided into several sections related to prevention, assessment, and treatment, each of which presents several recent research topics and their results.

HIV Prevention News

To explore the relationship between mental health and HIV among young women, researchers examined more closely the link between HIV-related stigma and risk behavior in 147 young HIV positive women.

The researchers found that among these young women, stigma stemming from HIV may lead to negative self-awareness, which in turn causes depression-related symptoms and ultimately leads to high risk behavior.

Other pathways leading to risky behavior include personal and social/cultural effects that the individual may feel. The researchers suggest using interventions that involve therapy to address depressive symptoms. In addition, researchers point out that these women could counter the effects of negative stigma by learning about safer sex and skills for coping and emotional regulation.

HIV Assessment News

In a psychiatric assessment of adolescents, another group of researchers studied mental health problems, diagnoses, and service utilization among youth. These researchers surveyed 164 individuals between the ages of 13 and 21.

Approximately 31 percent of the participants reported symptoms associated with clinical psychopathology (mental illness or distress).

Moreover, it was found that HIV-positive adolescents who were questioning their sexual identities or who were bisexual were at greater risk for emotional or behavioral problems. For these groups, the researchers concluded that improved evaluation and health service is needed for these high-risk individuals.

Another study found that HIV-positive individuals living in rural areas reported greater levels of hostility and psychological distress. This could be due to their living circumstances where social isolation and stigma may lead to delayed screening and treatment of psychological symptoms. The researchers suggested that alternative health service methods such as telemedicine be available in these areas.

HIV Treatment News

A group of researchers examined the effect of caregivers on antiretroviral therapy and a patient’s adherence to medications. To study this relationship, 144 adults with HIV or AIDS, along with their familial caregivers, were examined.

Scientists found that many subjects did not have a thorough knowledge of antiretroviral therapy and its specific benefits for controlling HIV. Those that did have an understanding reported that negative side effects resulting from treatment made it difficult to adhere to the medication regimen. However, most participants acknowledged that strict adherence to medications was critical for therapeutic success.

With respect to familial caregivers, the researchers found that many caregivers were very involved and informed regarding the treatments that their loved ones were undergoing.

On the other hand, some caregivers had a limited understanding of their family members’ medical care.

The researchers concluded that a strong relationship between caregivers and patients is vital in helping a patient adhere to his or her medication. Moreover, although many caregivers and patients do not have the same perceptions or knowledge level regarding therapy, the researchers pointed out that shared knowledge between these two parties was essential towards developing a positive perception of the treatment experience.

The findings suggest that it is advisable for physicians to include both patients and their caregivers in discussions about antiretroviral therapy, as this will improve the patient’s adherence to the treatment.

For more information, please see the Mental Health AIDS Web site.