title: HIV seropositivity diagnosed during pregnancy: psychosocial characterization of patients and their adaptation.
abstract: The diagnosis of HIV infection is uniquely traumatic to the pregnant patient. Her adjustment is complicated by concerns for her fetus and by coexisting psychiatric disorders. The 15 obstetric patients described demonstrated significant comorbidity, including psychoactive substance abuse or dependence, adjustment and mood disorders, and personality disorders. Treatment should address not only adaptation to HIV infection but also the psychodynamics of pregnancy, the anticipation of illness in the infant, and the management of drug addiction and unstable character.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine, Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, GA 30335.
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: James
mesh_terms: D000386:AIDS-Related Complex / Q000523:psychology; D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000523:psychology; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003042:Cocaine; D005260:Female; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000523:psychology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012803:Sick Role; D012944:Social Support; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology
chemical_list: D003042:Cocaine