NEUROPSYCHIATRIC AND PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS RELATED TO HUMAN IMMUNO DEFICINCY VIRUS (HIV) INFECTION

The prevalence of HIV infection in India is likely to increase dramatically in coming years. Neuropsychiatric and psychosocial problems are common among HIV infected individuals. Therapeutic measures employing biological, psychological and social approaches are necessary for managing these problems. Strategies for reducing high-risk behavioural patterns need to be developed for preventing the spread of infection. To cope with these tasks, neurology and psychiatric personnel should possess an adequate knowledge of the various aspects of HIV infection. Reports indicate a high prevalence of misconceptions among hospital staff. The paper provides a brief review of the biological, europsychiatric, psychosocial and management aspects of HIV infection relevant to neurology and psychiatry.