First published in 1993, this book provides a concise, critical account
of the mental health aspects of HIV infection as it affected patients,
their partners and families, health professionals and other carers in
the early 1990s. The author, whose research, teaching and practice were
conducted in an academic department of psychiatry, offers a considered
and objective overview of the information on psychological and
behavioural aspects of AIDS and HIV, challenging a number of ill-founded
attitudes and opinions. Prefaced by clear explanations of the biological
and neurological effects of infection, the particular and often very
complex problems encountered by patients and health workers are explored
in this volume. The author provides an informed assessment of reports
and studies from around the world, including, where available, data from
developing countries. He also contributes case histories, insights and
practical advice for a wide readership in the mental health field and
beyond.