Update on mental health issues in patients with HIV infection

HIV infection remains a major world health problem more than 20 years after discovery of the virus. Mental disorders make individuals more vulnerable to behaviors that transmit HIV and interfere with HIV treatment adherence. The evidence supporting the need for optimal provision of mental health care in HIV clinics is mounting, along with evidence that these disorders can be treated successfully. Disorders of mental life include brain diseases (eg, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and dementia), personality disorders, addictions, and psychologic disruptions, which contribute to the spread of the virus through their influence on behavior. However, although evidence exists that successful treatment of co-occurring mental disorders leads to improved HIV outcomes, integrated mental health care in HIV clinics remains grossly suboptimal.