The Changing Face of Treatment: Mental Health Concerns and Integrated Care in an HIV Clinic

Though advances in medical treatment have increased lifespans for those living with HIV, quality of life concerns often remain under-treated by health care providers. The integration of mental health services within the HIV medical setting can provide comprehensive care for patients, including brief screening, intervention, and appropriate follow-up. In this study, investigators examined mental health concerns identified during behavioral health screens at appointments in an Infectious Disease Clinic and compared them with previously published data from the same setting to assess changes in patient-reported problems. Results indicated shifts in identified problems, as well as demographic changes in the patient population from the previous study. Analyses suggested anger and goal-setting problems significantly contribute to reports of psychiatric symptoms, and suggested that adjustment to diagnosis, depression, and sleep concerns significantly contribute to the likelihood of engaging in a mental health consultation. Our findings highlight the importance of behavioral health screening to identify psychosocial concerns in integrated HIV care settings.