Psychological factors

Psychological Factors HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS has a particularly complex psychological dimension:sex, death, and difference.The epidemic has done severe psychological as well as physical harm, causinganxiety and depression among people infected and at risk.The first step to combat psychological problems around HIV infection is to recognize your anxiety or depression.Talking with others who are also worried about HIV infection has helped many people.Actively working with HIV/AIDS non political and service organizations to fight the epidemic can reduce feelings of powerlessness and isolation.

Psychological symptoms around the topic of AIDS include:

· Persistent sadness or hopelessness

· Intense nervousness or irritability

· Anxiety attacks or panic attacks

· Obsessive preoccupation with illness or physical symptoms

· Increased use of drugs, including alcohol

· Prolonged insomnia

· Inability to concentrate, feelings of being ,,slowed down,, loss of energy

· Inability to function at work or at home

· Inability to enjoy social or sexual life

· Avoiding necessary medical care

· Thoughts of suicide

If you are suffering any persistent combination of these symptoms, seek psychological counseling.Learning the facts about HIV infection and practicing risk reduction may reduce your anxiety.If your psychologival symptoms persist, consider the possibility that they may be the result of other emotional conflicts.

Author: Shahid waheed - 06/15/2009
Updated: webmaster HIV info Iceland - 11/28/2009