Management of Mental Health Disorders in Patients With Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Abstract

Compared with the general population, people living with human immunodeficiency virus are at a higher risk of developing mental health conditions such as depression, substance use disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, suicidality, psychosis, and generalized anxiety disorder. These conditions can negatively impact the patient’s treatment options, adherence to treatment, and eventual health outcome. Unfortunately, these conditions often go undetected and the correlation with the disease unrecognized. Primary care providers for people living with human immunodeficiency virus need to screen and manage these mental health disorders for improved prognosis.