An analysis of the management of HIV Mental illness comorbidity

AN ANALYSIS OF THE MANAGEMENT OF HIV-MENTAL ILLNESS COMORBIDITY AT THE PSYCHIATRIC UNIT OF THE DR GEORGE MUKHARI ACADEMIC HOSPITAL,SOUTH AFRICA BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has increased the lifespan of HIV-infected patients over recent decades. Consequently, a rise has been observed in the neuropsychiatric manifestations of HIV. Clinicians now face the challenge of managing HIV and mental illness (MI) comorbidity, requiring integration between mental health and general medical care. This study aimed to evaluate the inpatient management of HIV-MI comorbidity in a psychiatric unit. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted. Records of patients admitted to the unit with a diagnosis of HIV-MI comorbidity from June 2011 to June 2012 were retrieved and analysed. RESULTS: The management of psychiatric disorders was excellent for all patients. However challenges were observed in HIV management.Generally, the coordination of care between psychiatrists and other disciplines was insufficient. CONCLUSION: There is a fragmentation of care for patients with HIV-MI comorbidity. An integrated management approach need to be implemented