Psychiatric morbidity in HIV-infected children.
After the introduction of antiretroviral therapy, HIV infection in children has been transformed from an acute to a chronic illness. The number of HIV-infected children has also increased in recent years. The routes of transmission and clinical manifestation of HIV infection in children are unique and different from those of adults. There are a number of biological, psychological and social factors associated with HIV-infected child that may predispose him/her to develop psychiatric illness. However, there are very few studies on psychiatric morbidity in HIV-infected children. In the existing studies, a number of psychiatric illnesses including: depression, anxiety, disruptive disorders and hyperactive disorders have been observed in HIV-infected children. A number of variables have a bearing on psychiatric morbidity, including experience and expression of physical illness as well as adherence to medications. The physician dealing with HIV-infected children should be aware of the psychological manifestations so that appropriate interventions and referral may be made as needed.
Rao
R
R
Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. drrvrao@yahoo.com
Sagar
R
R
Kabra
S K
SK
Lodha
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012649:Self Concept; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000517:prevention & control*
D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents