| Abstract: |
Discusses the psychosocial impacts of the stresses associated with the diagnosis of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The 4 groups at highest risk of contracting AIDS are homosexual and bisexual men, intravenous drug users and their children, and hemophiliacs. It is suggested that diagnosis is especially stressful for AIDS patients, most of whom are between 25 and 49 yrs, and that this is a critical, but often neglected time for psychosocial intervention. Special problems of AIDS patients include loss of employment and insurance, support network limitations, isolation, and side effects of treatments (e.g., depression, weakness). A psychosocial intervention model is described. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved) |
