Psychosocial Interventions for HIV-Seropositive Persons

Abstract

Asymptomatic but HIV-seropositive persons are the largest group of individuals affected by AIDS. Some HIV-infected persons may live for the rest of their lives without developing physical symptoms but remain capable of transmitting the virus. Some will develop physical symptoms and future health compromises, while others will progress to frank AIDS. Without doubt, knowledge of one’s own seropositivity precipitates a host of questions, uncertainties, and health anxieties for which there are few reassurances. Several million Americans are already infected with the human immunodeficiency virus and, despite the well-documented and detrimental psychological consequences of HIV infection, little clinical research has yet appeared to guide the mental health professionals who will soon be seeing the growing number of HIV-exposed persons.