Institute Offers Update on Psychiatric Factors in HIV

Enormous mental health challenges face a patient with HIV/AIDS. Studies estimate that as many as 75 percent of all AIDS patients will show symptomatic central nervous system consequences. It is vital for mental health providers to have access to training programs and materials to provide the best possible care for the HIV patient.

In collaboration with the University of Illinois and the Midwest AIDS Education and Training Center, APA’s Office of HIV Psychiatry will offer a full-day neuropsychiatric course at the 2002 Institute on Psychiatric Services in Chicago. The course, titled “The Recognition and Treatment of the Psychiatric Dimensions of HIV/AIDS,” will be held Friday, October 11, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Registration will be held from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.

As part of the morning sessions, participants will receive the latest medical update on HIV including epidemiological findings and current HIV treatment modalities and an overview of the neuropsychiatric aspects of HIV infection. There will also be review of clinical and treatment issues affecting those who are triply diagnosed with HIV, mental illness, and substance abuse.

During the lunchtime presentation, participants will be able to discuss the issues regarding risk patterns and challenges to HIV prevention and risk reduction for patients with mental illness.

The afternoon sessions will begin with a presentation about working with specific populations. This will be followed by a panel of HIV-positive individuals who will share their perspectives regarding HIV psychiatric assessment and treatment issues. They will discuss their personal experiences with mental health professionals, including challenges they have faced and suggestions for how mental health professionals could better meet their needs. The day will end with an interactive case discussion.

The deadline to reserve space in this course is September 27. Reservations may be made by contacting the Office of HIV Psychiatry by phone at (202) 682-6147 or by e-mail at [email protected]. ▪