Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders in HIV

Individuals living with HIV are disproportionately affected by psychiatric disorders that impact on life quality and health outcomes. Mental illness in HIV-infected individuals may be associated with a lower likelihood of receiving and adhering to antiretroviral medications. Moreover, despite the benefits of antiretroviral therapy for decreasing overall morbidity and mortality, 30%-60% of people living with HIV infection present with HIV associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Although risk of HIV dementia is much reduced, milder forms of HAND remain prevalent and affect quality of life and adherence to treatment. Interventions to treat psychiatric disorders and HAND are extremely important in the care of HIV-infected people. Psychopharmacological treatment, psychotherapy, and behavioral interventions appear to be effective instruments in managing psychiatric symptoms, alleviating psychosocial distress, and improving health-related quality of life.