title: The effectiveness of psychiatric treatment for HIV-infected patients.
abstract: The study sought to determine the effectiveness of a model program of psychiatric care for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. This was a cohort study of 126 HIV-positive outpatients referred for psychiatric evaluation and treatment (average follow up of 14 months) in a HIV-dedicated primary-care outpatient clinic in the inner city. A global outcome measure (encompassing symptom relief, functioning, and HIV-risk behaviors), and a measure of abstinence from alcohol and illicit substances were used. Fifty percent of patients improved, with 19% "nearly well" at follow-up. Abstinence was achieved 48% of the time. Good compliance with treatment and the absence of injection drug use were the primary predictors of good outcomes. Of the compliant patients, 94% improved, with 45.7% being nearly well. Psychiatric treatment of HIV-infected patients is effective when located in the HIV primary-care setting and administered by a multidisciplinary team under the direction of a psychiatrist, using evidence-based interventions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
authors.forename: C G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Lyketsos
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fishman
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hutton
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Cox
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hobbs
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Spoler
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Hunt
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Driscoll
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Treisman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015142:Baltimore; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome