Threatening mental health disorders of HIV/AIDS patient

Mental health of individual is important for good living. It is a state of overall happiness in which every individual understands his or her own capabilities, can cope with the normal anxieties of life, and can work efficiently.

When a person is gripped under dreaded disease HIV, he/she needs to take good care of physical health and mental health. HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is the virus that leads to AIDS. Individuals who suffer from HIV are at high risk for developing range of mental disorders such as mood, anxiety, and cognitive disorders. They may also undergo other mental ailment like depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidal thoughts, and insomnia.

Stresses that can trigger to mental health problems for HIV patients, include:

-       Having trouble in getting the services they need.

-       They do not get social support and in turn live in isolation.

-       HIV patients may loss job that leads to intense stress.

-       HIV patients are hesitant to tell others they are HIV positive and it creates stress.

-       They develop stress in managing HIV medicines.

-       Patients are stressed as they undergo changes in physical appearance or abilities due to HIV/AIDS.

-       Finally, patients of HIV face the stigma and discrimination related with HIV/AIDS.

In order to avoid multiple mental disorders, HIV treatment should be initiated at the earliest when they get infected, it will help to achieve the best health outcomes. Once they are diagnosed, HIV infection is treated using a blend of medicines known as antiretroviral therapy (ART).

HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND)

HIV/AIDS and some medications to treat HIV may adversely impact on patient’s brain. It may cause problems with thinking, emotions, and movement. Patients may grip in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). In this mental ailment, patients show following symptoms:

-       Amnesia

-       Confusion

-       Difficulty paying attention

-       Sudden swings in mood or behaviour

-       Muscle weakness

-       Clumsiness

HIV patients who suffer from mental disorders, such as not getting enjoyment, persistent sadness or feeling empty, anxious or stressed and have suicidal thoughts must seek advice of psychiatrists, therapists and mental health professionals. Mental health treatment may lessen depression and anxiety, improve adherence and HIV health outcomes and, sequentially, decrease the probability of death from AIDS.

Effective coping strategies to deal with severe mental disorder:

For HIV patients, it is natural to show emotional reaction such as anxiety, anger, or depression. To cope up in such situations, patients are advised to talk about their feelings with their psychiatrists, physicians, friends, family members, or other supportive people. HIV patients have to explore some activities that can help them to release stress. It is always good to sleep well. They must engage themselves in relaxation methods such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing. It is suggested to develop good dietary habits. They should limit the amount of caffeine and nicotine, eat healthy meals in small quantity at short intervals, throughout the day. HIV patients may join a support group.

In concluding remark, it is demonstrated in mental reports that there is a high occurrence of HIV infection in people with serious chronic mental disorders. HIV/AIDS enforces a substantial psychological burden. People with HIV often undergo with depression and anxiety and have problems to live with a chronic fatal illness. HIV infection can be related with high risk of suicide or attempted suicide. These patients need proper care, medication and effective therapies to manage their life.