Treatment of People With AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome): Psychosocial Considerations (From AIDS: Principles, Practices, and Politics, P 33-45, 1988, Enge B Corless and Mary Pittman-Lindemann, eds. -- See NCJ-110857)

• NCJ Number: 110858
• Author(s): Z Foster
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 13 pages
• Sale Source: Hemisphere Publishing Corp
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Numerous psychosocial considerations exist for individuals who have a diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or AIDS-related complex (ARC), for their loved ones, and for those who have the responsibility for providing social and health care.

Abstract

People with AIDS experience common concerns and face many obstacles that can severely damage their coping capacities. The diagnosis of AIDS immediately threatens long-term survival, a drastically reduced quality of life, and multiple and staggering personal losses. These losses are intensified by feelings of rejection and self-blame. In addition, specific problems exist for specific risk groups with AIDS: intravenous drug users, homosexuals, women, children, and people who develop AIDS or ARC due to receipt of contaminated blood products. The pressures to offer effective psychosocial treatment place extreme stress on health providers. Supportive help for caregivers can take many forms. Education, support groups, coordination, and the use of interdisciplinary teams are all beneficial. 23 references.