The International Journal of Psychoanalysis (en español), 2015
Todos los derechos reservados. Traducción autorizada de la edición en idioma inglés publicada por... more Todos los derechos reservados. Traducción autorizada de la edición en idioma inglés publicada por John Wiley & Sons Limited. La responsabilidad por la exactitud de la traducción es responsabilidad exclusiva del Instituto de Psicoanálisis y no responsabilidad de John Wiley & Sons Limited.
The report aimed at obtaining information about patients' experience of how the diagnosis of ... more The report aimed at obtaining information about patients' experience of how the diagnosis of AIDS was given to them by their doctors, and about patients' satisfaction with the consultation. Thirty people with AIDS completed a self-report questionnaire enquiring about their views and satisfaction with the process of communication of the diagnosis. Results showed that about two-thirds of patients were satisfied, while almost a quarter were definitely not satisfied with the consultation. Satisfaction was associated with the general attitude of the person giving the diagnosis and with the quality of the information given. The relevance of the findings for the training of doctors is discussed.
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) health care pers... more HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) health care personnel is faced with a life threatening disease and with problems concerning fear of contagion and sense of professional inadequacy in dealing with chronically and terminal patients who may be suffering from psychosocial and neuropsychiatric problems. Therefore, HIV/AIDS health care workers may develop the "burn-out syndrome" (BOS) that is characterized by emotional distress, lowered job productivity and spread of work problems to family and conjugal relationships. BOS aetiology involves individual, organizational and socio-cultural factors and its consequences may negatively affect quality of care of HIV/AIDS patients. BOS prevention includes continuing staff training and education on HIV-related issues and support groups for health workers.
in brain from neuroleptic-naive schizophrenic patients (3). Furthermore, studies that used l76Bn]... more in brain from neuroleptic-naive schizophrenic patients (3). Furthermore, studies that used l76Bn]hnomospiperone failed to demonstrate amiy age-related decline in D2 dopamine recepton density in the stniaturn of these patients (4). This contradiction is explained by the fact that raclopnide underestimates
The study was aimed at evaluating the psychosocial and psychopathological characteristics of indi... more The study was aimed at evaluating the psychosocial and psychopathological characteristics of individuals with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection seeking psychological help compared with a sample not seeking help. Two hundred and seventy-one HIV seropositive (HIV+ve) subjects belonging to three transmission categories (90 gay men, 154 intravenous drug users and 27 heterosexuals) who were assessed at their first clinic appointment and offered access to psychological help were studied. Subsequently, it was found that 45 (17%) took advantage of the offer of psychological help, and attended a specialist clinic, while 226 (83%) did not seek help. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to establish the characteristics of subjects who received psychological help. Results showed that five factors identified at the time of first clinic appointment were significantly associated with seeking psychological help subsequently: (1) having a current DSM-III-R Axis I psychiatric diagnosis; (2) being single; (3) belief of being affected by a serious physical illness (negative correlation); (4) higher level of education; and (5) no past or current history of substance misuse. The implications of the findings are discussed.
HIV infection is associated with substantial psychological and social morbidity, although there i... more HIV infection is associated with substantial psychological and social morbidity, although there is a dearth of studies of women with the infection. In recent years, developed countries have reported an increase in the prevalence of HIV infection in women, a fact that makes it all the more important to address the study of their psychological and social status. The study is a controlled investigation of HIV seropositive (n = 49) and seronegative women (n = 43), including study of psychological status and history, social functioning and perceived supports, coping style, life events, and sexual difficulties. The results show that about a third of women were psychiatric cases, regardless of HIV status, although more than half of symptomatic women were psychiatric cases. Seropositive women were less likely to use instrumental social supports and more likely to use mental disengagement as ways of coping. Regarding perceived social supports, positive women had lower scores on social integration and guidance. Positive women were more likely to experience sexual difficulties and not to be in a relationship. Negative women reported more adverse life events in the last 6 months. Psychiatric morbidity was associated with poorer social adjustment and more adverse life events, but not with serostatus. HIV positive women and those at risk of HIV infection have substantial levels of psychological and social morbidity that require recognition by those involved in their care and provision of adequate mental health intervention.
The International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine, 1990
Personal and familial psychopathological histories and information about early losses were collec... more Personal and familial psychopathological histories and information about early losses were collected and the results of the locus of control test and tests for psychological responses were determined for a series of ninety-two HIV-infected subjects (58 drug addicts; 26 homosexuals; 8 heterosexuals, partners of drug addicts). A higher percentage of drug addicts reported past histories of attempted suicide than the homosexuals. Early loss events were more frequent for homosexuals than for drug addicts. There was a higher psychopathological risk for asymptomatic HIV seropositivity in homosexuals, drug addicts who had attempted suicide, subjects that acknowledged that they have serious illness and subjects with external coping mechanisms rather than internal.
The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of current and past psychiatric morbidity i... more The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of current and past psychiatric morbidity in HIV seropositive asymptomatic subjects belonging to three transmission categories (gay men, intravenous drug users, and heterosexuals) compared with that found in HIV seronegative controls from the same groups. A cross-sectional, controlled study including 279 seropositive subjects belonging to groups II and III defined by the Center for Disease Control (94 gay men, 157 intravenous drug users, and 28 heterosexuals) and 159 seronegative subjects (38 gay men, 91 intravenous drug users, and 30 heterosexuals) is reported. Outcome measures included standardised, self-report questionnaires and a semistructured interview to assess current psychopathological status and past psychiatric history. In addition, a psychiatric diagnosis according to DSM-III-R criteria Axis I and II was made in the seropositive subjects. Results showed that these subjects differed very little from the controls and th...
A group of 22 individuals with HIV infection who had made acts of self-harm were compared with a ... more A group of 22 individuals with HIV infection who had made acts of self-harm were compared with a sex and age-matched control group of individuals without known HIV infection who had also being involved in acts of deliberate self-harm (DSH). Compared with all DSH individuals referred to the deliberate self-harm service during the same period. men were over-represented amongst HIV
The study aimed at obtaining information about the experience of how the diagnosis of HIV infecti... more The study aimed at obtaining information about the experience of how the diagnosis of HIV infection was given. Thirty asymptomatic HIV seropositive subjects completed a self-report questionnaire enquiring about their views of the process of communication of a positive test result. Subjects' current mood was assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD). Only about one-third of subjects were definitely satisfied with the way they were told the diagnosis. Satisfaction was associated with perceived reassurance and sympathy, and with the quality of the information given. The views of patients, as reported in this study, should be taken into account when training staff in the notification of HIV test results.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of current and past psychiatric morbidity amo... more The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of current and past psychiatric morbidity among HIV seropositive and HIV seronegative heterosexual men and women and to identify the psychosocial factors associated with psychiatric morbidity. Twenty-four asymptomatic HIV seropositive and twenty-six HIV seronegative heterosexuals were included in the study. Outcome measures included socio-demographic data, psychiatric history, current psychological status (Zung Self-Report Anxiety Scale, Zung Self-Report Depression Scale, Symptom Check List 90-R), Social Supports and Locus of Control Scales, and information on changes in work, social, and sexual life after HIV testing. There were no significant differences between HIV seropositive heterosexuals and HIV seronegative controls on any of the outcome measures. Levels of psychiatric morbidity were generally low and similar to those expected in a general out-patient medical population. Multiple regression analyses showed that degree of social support was the only significant factor associated with psychiatric morbidity. The implications of the findings are discussed.
... THE PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACT OF HIV INFECTION IN WOMEN ANDREA PERGAMI,* COSTANZO GALA,'i&... more ... THE PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACT OF HIV INFECTION IN WOMEN ANDREA PERGAMI,* COSTANZO GALA,'i' ADRIAN BURGESS,* FEDERICO DURBANO,t ... the neuropsychiatric and psychosocial aspects of AIDS (Dr A. Pergami) from Istituto Superiore di Sanita' (Italian ...
The International Journal of Psychoanalysis (en español), 2015
Todos los derechos reservados. Traducción autorizada de la edición en idioma inglés publicada por... more Todos los derechos reservados. Traducción autorizada de la edición en idioma inglés publicada por John Wiley & Sons Limited. La responsabilidad por la exactitud de la traducción es responsabilidad exclusiva del Instituto de Psicoanálisis y no responsabilidad de John Wiley & Sons Limited.
The report aimed at obtaining information about patients' experience of how the diagnosis of ... more The report aimed at obtaining information about patients' experience of how the diagnosis of AIDS was given to them by their doctors, and about patients' satisfaction with the consultation. Thirty people with AIDS completed a self-report questionnaire enquiring about their views and satisfaction with the process of communication of the diagnosis. Results showed that about two-thirds of patients were satisfied, while almost a quarter were definitely not satisfied with the consultation. Satisfaction was associated with the general attitude of the person giving the diagnosis and with the quality of the information given. The relevance of the findings for the training of doctors is discussed.
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) health care pers... more HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) health care personnel is faced with a life threatening disease and with problems concerning fear of contagion and sense of professional inadequacy in dealing with chronically and terminal patients who may be suffering from psychosocial and neuropsychiatric problems. Therefore, HIV/AIDS health care workers may develop the "burn-out syndrome" (BOS) that is characterized by emotional distress, lowered job productivity and spread of work problems to family and conjugal relationships. BOS aetiology involves individual, organizational and socio-cultural factors and its consequences may negatively affect quality of care of HIV/AIDS patients. BOS prevention includes continuing staff training and education on HIV-related issues and support groups for health workers.
in brain from neuroleptic-naive schizophrenic patients (3). Furthermore, studies that used l76Bn]... more in brain from neuroleptic-naive schizophrenic patients (3). Furthermore, studies that used l76Bn]hnomospiperone failed to demonstrate amiy age-related decline in D2 dopamine recepton density in the stniaturn of these patients (4). This contradiction is explained by the fact that raclopnide underestimates
The study was aimed at evaluating the psychosocial and psychopathological characteristics of indi... more The study was aimed at evaluating the psychosocial and psychopathological characteristics of individuals with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection seeking psychological help compared with a sample not seeking help. Two hundred and seventy-one HIV seropositive (HIV+ve) subjects belonging to three transmission categories (90 gay men, 154 intravenous drug users and 27 heterosexuals) who were assessed at their first clinic appointment and offered access to psychological help were studied. Subsequently, it was found that 45 (17%) took advantage of the offer of psychological help, and attended a specialist clinic, while 226 (83%) did not seek help. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to establish the characteristics of subjects who received psychological help. Results showed that five factors identified at the time of first clinic appointment were significantly associated with seeking psychological help subsequently: (1) having a current DSM-III-R Axis I psychiatric diagnosis; (2) being single; (3) belief of being affected by a serious physical illness (negative correlation); (4) higher level of education; and (5) no past or current history of substance misuse. The implications of the findings are discussed.
HIV infection is associated with substantial psychological and social morbidity, although there i... more HIV infection is associated with substantial psychological and social morbidity, although there is a dearth of studies of women with the infection. In recent years, developed countries have reported an increase in the prevalence of HIV infection in women, a fact that makes it all the more important to address the study of their psychological and social status. The study is a controlled investigation of HIV seropositive (n = 49) and seronegative women (n = 43), including study of psychological status and history, social functioning and perceived supports, coping style, life events, and sexual difficulties. The results show that about a third of women were psychiatric cases, regardless of HIV status, although more than half of symptomatic women were psychiatric cases. Seropositive women were less likely to use instrumental social supports and more likely to use mental disengagement as ways of coping. Regarding perceived social supports, positive women had lower scores on social integration and guidance. Positive women were more likely to experience sexual difficulties and not to be in a relationship. Negative women reported more adverse life events in the last 6 months. Psychiatric morbidity was associated with poorer social adjustment and more adverse life events, but not with serostatus. HIV positive women and those at risk of HIV infection have substantial levels of psychological and social morbidity that require recognition by those involved in their care and provision of adequate mental health intervention.
The International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine, 1990
Personal and familial psychopathological histories and information about early losses were collec... more Personal and familial psychopathological histories and information about early losses were collected and the results of the locus of control test and tests for psychological responses were determined for a series of ninety-two HIV-infected subjects (58 drug addicts; 26 homosexuals; 8 heterosexuals, partners of drug addicts). A higher percentage of drug addicts reported past histories of attempted suicide than the homosexuals. Early loss events were more frequent for homosexuals than for drug addicts. There was a higher psychopathological risk for asymptomatic HIV seropositivity in homosexuals, drug addicts who had attempted suicide, subjects that acknowledged that they have serious illness and subjects with external coping mechanisms rather than internal.
The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of current and past psychiatric morbidity i... more The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of current and past psychiatric morbidity in HIV seropositive asymptomatic subjects belonging to three transmission categories (gay men, intravenous drug users, and heterosexuals) compared with that found in HIV seronegative controls from the same groups. A cross-sectional, controlled study including 279 seropositive subjects belonging to groups II and III defined by the Center for Disease Control (94 gay men, 157 intravenous drug users, and 28 heterosexuals) and 159 seronegative subjects (38 gay men, 91 intravenous drug users, and 30 heterosexuals) is reported. Outcome measures included standardised, self-report questionnaires and a semistructured interview to assess current psychopathological status and past psychiatric history. In addition, a psychiatric diagnosis according to DSM-III-R criteria Axis I and II was made in the seropositive subjects. Results showed that these subjects differed very little from the controls and th...
A group of 22 individuals with HIV infection who had made acts of self-harm were compared with a ... more A group of 22 individuals with HIV infection who had made acts of self-harm were compared with a sex and age-matched control group of individuals without known HIV infection who had also being involved in acts of deliberate self-harm (DSH). Compared with all DSH individuals referred to the deliberate self-harm service during the same period. men were over-represented amongst HIV
The study aimed at obtaining information about the experience of how the diagnosis of HIV infecti... more The study aimed at obtaining information about the experience of how the diagnosis of HIV infection was given. Thirty asymptomatic HIV seropositive subjects completed a self-report questionnaire enquiring about their views of the process of communication of a positive test result. Subjects' current mood was assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD). Only about one-third of subjects were definitely satisfied with the way they were told the diagnosis. Satisfaction was associated with perceived reassurance and sympathy, and with the quality of the information given. The views of patients, as reported in this study, should be taken into account when training staff in the notification of HIV test results.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of current and past psychiatric morbidity amo... more The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of current and past psychiatric morbidity among HIV seropositive and HIV seronegative heterosexual men and women and to identify the psychosocial factors associated with psychiatric morbidity. Twenty-four asymptomatic HIV seropositive and twenty-six HIV seronegative heterosexuals were included in the study. Outcome measures included socio-demographic data, psychiatric history, current psychological status (Zung Self-Report Anxiety Scale, Zung Self-Report Depression Scale, Symptom Check List 90-R), Social Supports and Locus of Control Scales, and information on changes in work, social, and sexual life after HIV testing. There were no significant differences between HIV seropositive heterosexuals and HIV seronegative controls on any of the outcome measures. Levels of psychiatric morbidity were generally low and similar to those expected in a general out-patient medical population. Multiple regression analyses showed that degree of social support was the only significant factor associated with psychiatric morbidity. The implications of the findings are discussed.
... THE PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACT OF HIV INFECTION IN WOMEN ANDREA PERGAMI,* COSTANZO GALA,'i&... more ... THE PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACT OF HIV INFECTION IN WOMEN ANDREA PERGAMI,* COSTANZO GALA,'i' ADRIAN BURGESS,* FEDERICO DURBANO,t ... the neuropsychiatric and psychosocial aspects of AIDS (Dr A. Pergami) from Istituto Superiore di Sanita' (Italian ...
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