Findings in psychiatric consultations with patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome

• Published in: The American journal of psychiatry Vol. 142; no. 1; p. 82
• Main Authors: Dilley, J W, Ochitill, H N, Perl, M, Volberding, P A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.01.1985
• Subjects: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome - psychology; Adjustment Disorders - diagnosis; Adjustment Disorders - psychology; Adult; Attitude of Health Personnel; Attitude to Health; Depressive Disorder - diagnosis; Depressive Disorder - psychology; Guilt; Homosexuality; Humans; Life Style; Male; Mental Disorders - diagnosis; Mental Disorders - psychology; Mental Disorders - therapy; Primary Health Care - standards; Psychiatry; Referral and Consultation; Social Isolation
• ISSN: 0002-953X
• DOI: 10.1176/ajp.142.1.82

Thirteen of 40 patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) admitted to the wards of a large city hospital were seen by the staff of a psychiatric consultation service. Eleven were gay men and two were bisexual men. "Depression" was the stated reason for referral of 10 patients; of these, two met DSM-III criteria for major depression, one had dysthymic disorder, and seven had adjustment disorder with depressed mood. Recurrent psychological themes of the 13 patients were: dealing with a life-threatening illness, uncertainty about the implications of an AIDS diagnosis, social isolation, and guilt over their previous life style. The role of the primary physician and of the mental health professional in the psychological care of AIDS patients is discussed.