Mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression, cognitive impairment, and substance abuse are often undetected and under-treated in people living with HIV (PLWH). Early identification and treatment of mental health and substance abuse problems can significantly improve HIV treatment adherence and clinical outcomes. This technical brief highlights the key mental health issues in the continuum of HIV care and reviews promising programmatic practices for addressing these issues in resource-limited countries.
The WHO framework for optimal mental health care maintains that primary health care providers can play a pivotal role in the identification, monitoring and support of PLWH with mental health or substance abuse problems. This tool is primarily focused on adults and does not address specific HIV and mental health issues related to children, adolescents or family concerns; as such the brief provides links to important resources and tools for program planners and health care providers concerned about mental health issues in HIV care and support.
Mental Health and HIV/AIDS Technical Brief (PDF, 367 KB)
