How does AIDS impact one’s mental health?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a sexually transmitted infection, but it can progress to a disease called Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Apart from the adverse impact on their physical health and overall functionality, HIV/AIDS also puts individuals at a higher risk of developing mental health disorders.   

Individuals with HIV/AIDS are twice as likely to have depression as compared to the people who do not have AIDS. Along with the diagnosis, there are certain situations that can contribute to the development of mental health conditions in people with AIDS such as: 

• Difficulty in telling people about the diagnosis 
• Discrimination and stigma associated with AIDS 
• Lack of acceptance and social support 
• Lack of access to mental health services  

HIV and Mental Health  

 HIV and mental health are strongly connected because it can impact a person’s mental well-being. Additionally, mental health challenges can disrupt the ability to manage and maintain the treatment for HIV. This may lead to very slow prognosis of the treatment process resulting in unhealthy physical and mental well-being. The HIV infection can affect the brain and rest of the nervous system, which has a big impact on how a person thinks and behaves. The specifications of this relationship will be discussed further below.   

HIV and Mental Health Statistics   

• According to the National Institute of Mental Health, people with HIV are at a higher risk of developing mental health conditions.
• The prevalence of HIV is higher in adults with mental health conditions. 
• 36% of people living with HIV had major depression.
• 15.8% of people living with HIV had generalized anxiety disorder. 

The risk of development of a mental health disorder while living with HIV/AIDS is high, which is emphasized by statistics and the risk factors associated with it. Due to the stigma and misinformation regarding HIV/AIDS, many individuals do not access management based treatment for HIV/AIDS and/or mental health care, nor take preventive measures, which worsen the situation. The two most commonly found mental health conditions are mood disorders which are specifically discussed below.  

HIV and Depression  

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions a person with HIV may experience. Stigma attached to HIV can escalate the stress level that can contribute towards depression. Chronic stress and inflammation can have an impact on the immune system which results in chemical changes involved with depression, anxiety and suicide. Thus, the experience of living with a chronic illness like HIV can have significant psychological and emotional impacts.    

HIV and Bipolar Disorder 

HIV and bipolar disorder create unique challenges that require treatment. Both the conditions can affect mental and physical health, making the management process complex. People with bipolar disorder, especially during manic or hypomanic phases may engage in risk taking behaviors, such as unprotected sex or substance use, which increase the risk of HIV infection. In some cases, HIV diagnosis can lead to mood instability associated with bipolar disorder. HIV infection is highly stigmatized and discriminated against in society, similarly HIV AIDS which is the most common disease stemming from the infection experience the similar level of social exclusivity.    

HIV/AIDS and Mental Health Symptoms  

 HIV/AIDS can lead to high emotional distress and increase the risk of a chronic mental health condition, especially anxiety disorders, depression and bipolar disorder, as well as cognitive impairments.  

Moreover, due to emotional burden and in many cases a loss of support associated with an HIV/AIDS diagnosis, there is prolonged stress which can exacerbate the existing conditions and can even lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

Further, the virus causes inflammation in the brain and nervous system which can result in cognitive impairments, mood disorders, and even dementia in advanced cases. A significant portion of people with HIV/AIDS report experiencing AIDS mental symptoms like paranoia, cognitive fog, and mood swings. 

Hence, HIV can lead to HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders (HAND), i.e., impairments impacting memory, focus, decision-making and overall cognitive functioning. These neuropsychiatric effects are complicated to address, hence, a combination of treatment for physical and mental health overall would be essential. 

Mental Health Treatment Approaches for Individuals with HIV/AIDS  

Usually in combination with medical treatment for HIV/AIDS i.e., Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) that is used to manage HIV infection, mental health support services and substance abuse treatment and recovery are often recommended for a holistic treatment and better results. Following are some of these approaches: 

• Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness-based techniques, Cognitive Rehabilitation based exercises are highly recommended for managing mental health conditions in individuals with HIV/AIDs as well as for coping with stigma and acceptance of diagnosis and related issues. 
• Psychiatric evaluation and care including antidepressants, mood stabilizers to address depression and anxiety as and if needed.
• Substance use treatment programs and recovery to address substance use dependence and disorders.
• Support groups for individuals with mental health conditions, alcohol and drug abuse, living with HIV/AIDS, as well as for partners/families of individuals with HIV/AIDS are extremely helpful in providing comfort and social support which is a crucial aspect of treatment. 

 While it can be challenging for providing quality and specialized care due to a limited access to resources in remote areas, or financial hardship, stigma and discrimination, it is important to increase awareness and reduce stigma about HIV/AIDS to ensure that the individuals receive the multifaceted, holistic care they deserve. 

For those seeking support, searching for resources such as HIV mental health services near me or contacting NABHS can guide you towards the right support and be the vital first step towards healing which will remind you are not alone.