Brief Psychotherapy of AIDS Patients with Cognitive Impairment

Abstract

Neuropsychological sequelae to HIV infection may be complicated by a variety of cofactors, including a history of alcohol and substance abuse, head trauma, learning disabilities, and psychiatric illness. This article describes a brief treatment approach in psychotherapy of AIDS patients with mild to moderate cognitive impairment. A representative case study of a patient with AIDS-related cognitive impairment and a history of alcohol abuse shows how the use of life review in time-limited psychotherapy may help patients revise life structures in the context of illness experience and carry out psychological and social tasks in later stages of the condition. The narrative approach described here complements other types of intervention in psychosocial rehabilitation and shifts the focus from disability and dysfunction to concern for existing strengths and personal growth. Emergent issues in clinical research are summarized.