Relationship Adjustments

Abstract

The wide range of psychological issues already discussed in this book have a clear consequence: they change the way that a seropositive person relates to those around him or her. Anxiety, for example, can lead to a clinging overdependence on hospital staff, lovers and/or carers:

John, a 39-year-old salesman, became very anxious about the possibility of new symptoms of his infection. He became overscrupulous about personal hygiene and would collapse in tears if ever he thought he would be left alone in the house by his partner (who had to work regularly to support them both). In addition, he would not move out of the house alone, demanding that his partner accompany him everywhere and preferably do everything for him. His partner soon became exasperated by John’s behaviour, particularly when he would seem to ‘break down’ completely and start tearfully begging never to be left alone at any time.