Marseille 2007
Marseille 2007
Abstract book
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Abstract #232  -  MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS IN PEOPLE WITH HIV REFERRED TO THE GENERAL HOSPITAL PSYCHIATRIC SERVICE- FIFTEEN YEAR REVIEW (1990-2005)
Session:
  6.43: Posters A (Poster) on Monday   in  Chaired by
Authors:
  Presenting Author:   Dr David Hinchcliffe - South Kensington & Chelsea Mental Health Unit, United Kingdom
 
  Additional Authors:  Dr Susham Gupta, Dr Osman Malik, Dr Naheela Dar, Dr Balaji Wuntakal, Dr Jose Catalan,  
Aim:
Aim: The aim of the investigation is to describe the characteristics and mental health problems of individuals referred to a general hospital psychiatric service in central London of people with HIV infection. Data are provided at regular intervals from 1990, 1995, 1999 and 2005.
 
Method / Issue:
Method: All referrals to the general hospital psychiatric service for the years 1990, 1995, 1999 and 2005 were identified using the units database and the demographic characteristics, mental health problems, reasons for referral, social difficulties and other features were identified and compared.
 
Results / Comments:
Results: A consistently high number of referrals to the HIV and mental health service have continued during the review period. The demographic characteristics show an increase of non-white individuals being referred, consistent with changes in the demographics of people with HIV in the UK in general. The primary psychiatric diagnoses showed changes in the direction of an increase in the proportion of individuals diagnosed with depression and anxiety as well as sexual dysfunction problems, with reductions in the proportion of individuals with a primary diagnosis of organic brain syndromes, substance misuse and mania and schizophrenia like illnesses.
 
Discussion:
Discussion: Some of the trends identified previously have continued, (Catalan et al 2000) with a reduction in acute psychiatric disorders, and an increase in long-term syndromes associated with prolonged survival and efforts to cope with the consequences of chronic illness and the side effects of treatment. Conclusion: HIV infection, in spite of important therapeutic progress made in the last ten years, continues to be associated with a substantial psychiatric morbidity and a combination of psychological and pharmacological interventions is required to deal with these mental health problems.
 
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