A diagnosis of HIV or AIDS will create a wide range of emotional issues, reports AIDS.gov. This disease is complex to handle emotionally and physically. The emotional effects of AIDS can be ongoing throughout treatment of the disease or may be sporadic. AIDS is an ongoing disease that can be managed with careful attention to physical and emotional treatment regimens. Reach out for help to a doctor if emotional problems are overwhelming during AIDS treatment.
Depression
Depression can increase while handling AIDS, notes AIDS.gov. The antiretroviral drugs used to treat AIDS can intensify the experience of depression. All symptoms of depression should be discussed with a doctor to ensure that emotional health issues are evaluated and treated as part of the overall AIDS management plan. Adding exercise to the daily regimen is an important way to fight the depression associated with AIDS, notes AIDS.gov.
Thoughts of Suicide
Suicidal thoughts can result from being diagnosed with AIDS. William Breitbart of the Psychiatry Service and Pain Service, Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, reports that men in New York City with AIDS had a suicide risk 36 times higher than average. It can be emotionally overwhelming to receive a diagnosis of a major illness that will require ongoing treatment. If not adequately treated with medication and therapy, the depression that commonly occurs with AIDS can lead to thoughts of suicide.
HIV Causes Mental Health Changes
The viral infection of HIV can change mental health, notes AIDS.gov. Thus, it is important to get an evaluation at diagnosis of HIV/AIDS to help doctors identify any emotional or mental health changes as the disease is treated. Emotional issues can strongly impact the ability to maintain the regimen of drug and medical treatments required for an AIDS diagnosis.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a common response to AIDS, notes AIDS.gov. Anxiety can come and go during AIDS treatment. It can be intense and cause problems with handling medical issues. A diagnosis of AIDS opens up many issues such as fear of the unknown, worries about longevity and fears about being able to manage daily life and work while also managing the disease.
Avoidance
Avoidance of the need for treatment of AIDS is an emotional effect of this disorder, notes AIDS.gov. Taking medications every day can be overwhelming emotionally. The medications are an ongoing reminder of the illness. Fear can lead to just ignoring the need for ongoing care of AIDS. Anxiety can be managed with therapy and medication. Don't let anxiety escalate. Let a doctor know if anxiety is interfering with the management for AIDS.
