Mental%20disorders%20may%20be%20even%20more%20prevalent

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HIV/AIDS and Mental Health A Toolkit
Mental disorders may be even
more prevalent among PLWHA because they face
additional AIDS- related stressors (i.e.
stigma and discrimination)
Barriers to Addressing Mental Health within the
HIV/AIDS Pandemic

• Lack of basic needs is priority
• Knowledge gaps
• Stigma and discrimination
• Limited funding and resources for MH
• No consensus on the definition of psychosocial
  
• Proposed AIDS Interventions may compromise
• human rights

Primary Prevention Primary Prevention
Rationale Interventions
Stigma and discrimination stem from societal inequality so interventions targeting them should focus on changing social structure Increase involvement of PLWHA in visible roles within governments and communities Construct a legal framework protecting the rights of PLWHA
Knowledge and information about HIV/AIDS and mental disorders can help reduce stigma, discrimination, and AIDS spread Develop campaigns aimed at attitude change through education about and exposure to PLWHA Provide information on HIV/AIDS, mental disorders, stigma and discrimination, voluntary testing and counseling, and available health services through community education and media campaigns
Interventions that target HIV positive, pregnant women can prevent transmission to children Provide antenatal counseling for mothers and continue counseling after the birth Provide positive mothers with Niverapine to prevent transmission
Secondary Prevention Secondary Prevention
Rationale Interventions
Recognize mental disorder risk factors Teach coping strategies to those with a psychiatric history, limited social support, and frequent avoidance or denial patterns
Include mental health in primary health care Routinely screen HIV/AIDS patients for MH disorders Train PCPs to recognize and manage MH disorders in PLWHA Establish referral systems for cases outside PCP scope
Ensure access to psychiatric medications Create an essential drug list for psychiatric disorders Train medical professionals in MH drug distribution
Ensure access to ARV treatment Provide as widely as possible
Tertiary Prevention Tertiary Prevention
Rationale Interventions
Psychosocial interventions for AIDS orphans and vulnerable children will help reduce their risk of infection and smooth their development as healthy, productive adults Improve communication between parents and children Keep children in school and alleviate economic barriers to education Help families plan for the future by naming guardians Provide job training and economic opportunities for youth Create memory books to pass on a sense of identity and belonging Offer counseling opportunities