Psychological discomfort and mental illness in patients with AIDS: Implications for home care

A chart review study of 100 consecutive AIDS patients cared for by our Home Care (HC) unit was performed. The main characteristics of the sample were: M/F ratio = 3/1; mean age 39.7 +/- 6.6; mode of transmission = 56% intrave nous drug users (IVDU); Centers For Disease Control (CDC) classification = 98% C-3; mean length of HC = 5.2 months. Psychopathological evaluation led to an overall rate of morbidity during HC of 73%. The most common psychiatr ic diagnoses were dementia and adjustment disorders. Nearly two thirds of t he patients received psychopharmacological treatment; one fifth were still on methadone. Psychological discomfort was perceived by more than half of p atients. Interpersonal problems with cohabitants were noticed by caregivers in 41%. Female patients showed an increased prevalence of anxiety and depr essive disorders. IVDUs had more prominent psychosocial problems. Interpers onal problems with cohabitants were correlated to substance use or other me ntal disorders in the family and to the patient's psychological discomfort. We conclude that mental health professional intervention for AIDS patients is strongly needed in a home-care setting.