Am J Psychiatry 1985; 142:82-86
Copyright © 1985 by American Psychiatric Association
Findings in psychiatric consultations with patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome
JW Dilley, HN Ochitill, M Perl and PA Volberding
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.
