HIV, or the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a retrovirus that damages the immune system and causes AIDS. HIV infection in one member of the family affects everyone by creating emotional, financial and psychosocial problems. While medications are available to help manage the disease, they are often costly and can cause severe side effects. Understanding the psychological effects of HIV allows families to provide support for the affected member while maintaining stability in the family as a whole.
Prevalence
HIV is a widespread health problem in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than a million Americans are currently living with HIV, 21 percent of whom don't know they're infected. Men who engage in homosexual activity are most heavily affected, with some 53 percent of all new infections occurring in this population. Other high-risk groups include heterosexuals who engage in unprotected sex and injection drug users. HIV also affects black and Latino people at a disproportionate rate.
Features
HIV is a slowly progressing disease that takes from five to 10 years on average to cause full-blown AIDS. Families of infected individuals have a front-row view of its devastating effects, which may include severe weight loss, diarrhea, night sweats and dementia in later stages. In patients unaware of their HIV status, these symptoms can be baffling and disturbing, making it impossible to work or carry on otherwise normal lives.
Effects
HIV infection in a family member can be devastating for everyone involved. According to the National Library of Medicine, family members of infected persons often experience identical psychological symptoms, such as anger, bargaining and negation. The social consequences are also similar, with family members experiencing the same isolation, discrimination and fear of job loss and friendships as the infected person.
The financial burden of caring for a disabled person can add additional stress to an already difficult situation. The high cost of HIV drugs in conjunction with other medical costs and job loss due to disability can lead to financial hardship for the whole family.
Prevention/Solution
While there is no easy solution for dealing with HIV in the family, it is possible to minimize its emotional burden and make the situation more bearable. Encouraging open communication about individual concerns and experiences creates an environment of openness while giving each family member permission to ask for support when they need it.
Psychological assistance in the form of individual and family counseling, HIV support groups and other professional services can give families the psychological tools they need to cope with an HIV diagnosis.
Time Frame
Family members of HIV-infected individuals may require long-term support to deal with the emotional and psychological impact of the situation. The time required to process and deal with the experience of HIV in the family varies based on factors such as the presence of additional stressors, underlying mental illness and other individual differences.
