Publication: HIV/AIDS and Mental Health
Date
2005-01
ISSN
Published
2005-01
Author(s)
Baingana, Florence
Thomas, Rachel
Comblain, Christine
Abstract
Mental and neurological disorders have
an intertwined relationship with HIV, yet are often
overlooked when AIDS interventions are planned and
implemented. Cognitive disorders, substance abuse, and
disorders of personality can influence behavior in ways that
lead to greater risk of HIV infection. Conversely, HIV/AIDS
itself can lead to psychological conditions due to
circumstances surrounding the disease, and psychiatric
conditions resulting from HIV-related neurological changes.
Such disorders can adversely influence the progression of
the disease, lead to noncompliance with prescribed medical
treatment, and increase the likelihood that people living
with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) will act in high-risk ways. Since the
World Bank is the largest long-term investor in the
prevention and mitigation of HIV/AIDS in developing
countries, it has an important role to play in mental health
interventions related to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The main
purpose of this document is to increase knowledge of the
relationship between HIV/AIDS and mental health and
highlight the need for psychosocial support for PLWHA. The
document begins with a description of the global AIDS
pandemic, addresses psychosocial risks for infection, then
discusses the socio-economic impact of HIV/AIDS. This is
followed by a description of the neuro-psychiatric and
psychological disorders associated with HIV/AIDS and the
social and economic implications of failing to address these
disorders. Next, current World Bank AIDS initiatives are
considered, and opportunities and challenges for including
mental health and psychosocial interventions in AIDS
programming are explored. The document concludes with
recommendations for future initiatives aimed at meeting the
mental health and psychosocial needs of PLWHA.
Citation
“Baingana, Florence; Thomas, Rachel; Comblain, Christine. 2005. HIV/AIDS and Mental Health. Health, Nutrition and Population (HNP)
discussion paper;. © World Bank, Washington, DC. http://openknowledge.worldbank.org/entities/publication/e2284bf9-17a4-5cae-89e4-73d7a8f37e1c License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”