Psychological Perspectives in HIV Care

The care paradigm for patients with HIV has improved in recent years, changing from managing an infectious condition with a poor prognosis to managing a long-term chronic disease. Despite this, people living with HIV continue to experience considerable stresses due to their diagnosis. As a result, promoting patients’ holistic wellbeing is an important aspect of long-term care.

This book provides an accessible introduction for healthcare professionals who work with people living with HIV. It is designed to help readers understand how care in practice can be more person-centred and psychologically-focused, whilst promoting compassion, health and wellbeing. Topics cover include self-awareness, attachment theories and communication as well as key aspects of providing care for people living with HIV, such as shame, stigma in young adults, sexuality, neurocognitive issues, the sexualized use of drugs and the needs of older adults living with HIV.

Invaluable reading for health professionals working within multidisciplinary teams that provide care for people living with HIV, this book is also a core text for those studying in the area.