RESUMO
Reports on the prevalent attitude towards HIV and AIDS in Barbados, which is obstructing the battle against the disease. HIV-positive individuals' nondisclosure of their condition to their sex partner; Men as the worst offenders; Swiss tourist scandal; Examples of anecdotal evidence; Need for AIDS education
Assuntos
Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Infecções por HIV , Síndrome de Imunodeficiência Adquirida , Barbados , Trinidad e Tobago , Comportamento Sexual , Atitude , Revelação da Verdade , Região do CaribeRESUMO
The disclosure of positive human immunodefficiency virus (HIV) test result of infected patients has prompted a cry for revenge directed towards themselves and society. AIDS revenge is a behavioural manifestation of a grief reaction, variably influenced by the individual's perception of his illness and society's response to it. Many perceive an infection with the AIDS virus as a shamefull death sentence, exposure of homosexual involvement and humiliation to the victim and his family. Three illustrative short cases are presented. There appears to be a need for structured psychological treatment methods. The consultation-liaison psychiatrist or psychologist must be involved in treatment since they can identify serious problems before they present as medical emergecies (AU)