Abstract
In Australia, the fear and panic that typified the early years of the HIV and AIDS epidemic has largely gone. Today, there are 12,500 Australians living with HIV, about 2,500 of whom have AIDS. Annual infection rates have fallen from a peak incidence of 2,500 in 1984 to about 450. Management of HIV has improved dramatically since the late 1990's with the introduction of combination anti-viral therapies.
During this period, knowledge about the mental health aspects of HIV has also grown. There has been an increasing recognition of the psychiatric disorders associated with HIV and its treatment, as well as recognition that the chronic nature of this condition raises particular challenges to maintaining good mental health.
This update will be aimed at providing an overview of the key disorders associated with HIV, as well as discussing the challenges of providing mental health care in the HIV service setting.
