Sessions on HIV/AIDS Address Medical, Psychological Issues

According to a 1997 survey of psychiatrists, 84 percent reported seeing at least one patient who was at risk for HIV infection, and 45 percent reported seeing at least one patient who was HIV positive.

To help psychiatrists care for these patients, APA’s AIDS Education Project and the Commission on AIDS will conduct several programs at the 2002 annual meeting in May to address important aspects of the care of HIV-positive patients with psychiatric complications. The programs aim to be useful to psychiatrists with varying levels of knowledge and experience and will provide updated information on HIV complications and treatments, the impact of longer life spans on patients’ life choices, and the cultural considerations in treating Hispanic and African-American HIV-positive patients.

• Residents’ Program: APA’s Commission on AIDS will again present a special program designed for psychiatric residents. It provides practical information on neuropsychiatric aspects of HIV, drug-drug interactions, ethical dilemmas in treating patients with HIV, and a model for complex clinical decision making. Discussion and case studies will allow residents time to deepen and integrate the lecture material. Those interesting in attending must reserve their space by calling (202) 682-6147 by May 1.

• Psychiatric Treatment of HIV Disease—Part I: This symposium is the first of two designed to provide a full clinical update for psychiatrists. A panel of national experts will provide information on CNS complications, mood and anxiety disorders, dual diagnosis, and treatment approaches. A discussion period will allow participants to present questions and comments.

• Psychological Issues in People Living Longer With HIV: This Commission on AIDS component workshop will provide information on the impact of aging on HIV-associated cognitive impairment and immune dysfunction, changes in physical appearance and bodily functioning, and a discussion of reproductive issues.

• HIV Treatment Dimensions Among Diverse Populations—Part II: In his 2001 report on mental health, Surgeon General David Satcher, M.D., drew attention to the critical need for mental health clinicians to understand the role culture plays in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses. Nowhere is this more important than in the treatment of patients with HIV. This program will address cultural considerations for treating HIV-infected African-American and Latino patients and features an HIV-positive patient panel discussion. As in Part I, questions and comments will be invited, as well as actual cases for discussion.

• Resource Center: Visit the booth of the Office on HIV Psychiatry in the APA Resource Center in the Convention Center Exhibit Hall to learn more about the programs and resources available to help psychiatrists in their training efforts or clinical practice. The exhibit will offer national and local clinical and patient information including books, newsletters, training curricula, brochures, articles, and lists of Web resources. ▪