A new and timely delusion: the complaint of having AIDS.
Delusions presented by patients with psychiatric disorders are often a combination of psychopathology and current events. The authors present three cases that document the delusion of having acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in patients who were not members of high-risk groups but had psychiatric disorders. This clinical phenomenon raises psychodynamic issues as well as adds a new dimension to the controversy over AIDS testing.
Psychiatry Service, VA Medical Center, Durham, NC 27705.
S L
SL
Mahorney
J O
JO
Cavenar
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis; D000328:Adult; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D003702:Delusions / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors