Description:
This course provides an overview of the co-morbidity of HIV, substance abuse and mental disorders. It outlines the methodology and the challenges in the assessment of mental disorders, psychiatric symptoms, and substance abuse problems in clients with HIV. It provides an understanding of how these three problems interact and aggravate the severity of symptoms and compromise the psycho-social functioning and judgment of such clients. It emphasizes the importance of properly diagnosing and aggressively treating such conditions to ensure compliance with an HIV medication regimen and prevention of the spread of HIV. It highlights the importance of effective integration of pharmacological intervention, psycho-social support, harm reduction approaches and case management in working with HIV-affected clients coping with substance abuse problems and mental disorders.
Intended Audience:
Social workers, psychologists and other mental health/behavioral professionals, substance abuse counselors, nurses and other health care professionals, health educators, case managers, HIV/AIDS care providers.