ABSTRACT
HIV/AIDS-related pain remains a clinically challenging condition despite recent advances in treatment modalities. The existing data on pain in HIV-positive persons demonstrate a high prevalence, wide variability in clinical presentation, significant negative impact on health-related quality of life, and alarmingly inadequate assessment and management. Patients with HIV/AIDS have clearly identified physician attention to pain control as extremely important. This article discusses the psychiatric components and considerable impact of pain in the HIV population. Special attention is given to psychological assessment issues, psychosocial barriers to treatment, and psychotherapeutic approaches. An integrated, flexible, and interdisciplinary team approach model for treating HIV/AIDS-related pain is presented with specific recommendations.
Subject(s)
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome , Pain Measurement/methods , Pain , Quality of Life , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/complications , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/physiopathology , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/psychology , Female , Humans , Male , Pain/classification , Pain/etiology , Pain/psychology , PrevalenceABSTRACT
The high prevalence, underassessment, and undertreatment of pain throughout the course of HIV disease make understanding the barriers and inequalities in HIV/AIDS-related pain care essential. There is a tremendous need for integrated implementation of pharmacological and psychosocial interventions. Part 2 of this review aims to discuss mood, anxiety, and substance abuse assessments; barriers to care; and psychiatric treatments in the context of HIV-AIDS-related pain. Recommendations are made from the gathered data that highlight the need for an interdisciplinary comprehensive approach to managing pain in HIV disease. Further research is needed to examine the relationship of pain and psychiatric issues in order to formulate effective treatment strategies.