Document 0994
 DOCN  M94A0994
 TI    Counselling as a supportive therapy for HIV patients.
 DT    9412
 AU    Ashok S; DESH, India.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(2):233 (abstract no. PB0945). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94371581
 AB    OBJECTIVE: To assess the emotional, social and behavioural consequences
       brought about by the diagnosis of HIV infection influencing the survival
       of the HIV patients. Infection with HIV being a life long process, how
       far would preventive and supportive counselling be beneficial for the
       HIV patients. METHOD: A cohort of 15 HIV + VE patients were selected
       from the STD. Dept. Govt General Hospital (O.P.D) to assess their
       psychiatric symptoms. Pre and post counselling systems were administered
       on them with followup, to assess any changes and behaviour
       modifications. DISCUSSION AND RESULTS: 95% of the patients, aware of
       their HIV status, presented the following psychiatric complaints a) As
       the literacy level increases the fear about AIDS and fear of death also
       increases. b) Loss of sexual drive-a Psychological pressure, due to fear
       as a constraint of the diseases--80% of the patients with a high level
       fear of the disease have a low sexual drive. c) 50% of the patients are
       suffering from depression due to social discrimination and knowing that
       others have died or are very ill as a result of AIDS. During the follow
       up sessions the following changes did occur: Behaviour
       modifications--high risk to low risk life style. Adopting a realistic
       approach to changing life style. Motivating and facilitating decision
       making towards a positive out look. CONCLUSIONS: Deterioration of the
       illness is faster with psychological pressures and therefore HIV
       patients do need emotional and supportive counselling as a thereapeutic
       measure.
 DE    Behavior Therapy  *Counseling  Fear  Human  HIV Infections/*PSYCHOLOGY
       Life Style  *Social Support  MEETING ABSTRACT

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