Trastornos mentales e intervenciones psicológicas más frecuentes en pacientes con diagnóstico de VIH/SIDA

Abstract

HIV/AIDS is a severe global health problem, impacting about 38.4 million individuals worldwide (UNAIDS, 2023). In addition, a large portion of this population experiences a significant level of stress, which can lead to complications at the brain level, resulting in a variety of mental disorders. This study aims to examine the incidence of mental disorders and the most common psychological interventions in HIV patients. A non-experimental descriptive approach was applied based on a literature review. Forty-three high-impact scientific articles were examined, sourced from Scopus, ProQuest, and PubMed. Inclusion criteria were focused on the adult population, timeliness (publications in the last five years), and thematic relevance. The results highlight that this population's most common mental disorders are major depression, generalized anxiety, post-traumatic stress, sexual dysfunction, substance abuse, and sleep-related disorders. The most common intervention in seropositive patients is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. These therapies incorporate meditation, progressive relaxation techniques, motivational therapy, brief cognitive behavioral therapy, problem-solving, emotional management, and social skills. In conclusion, mental disorders are highly prevalent in HIV/AIDS patients, accentuating their vulnerability. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is effective in psychological interventions, as it primarily improves social relationships, reduces pain, and enhances treatment adherence.