Psychological consultation to persons with AIDS.

Consultation to persons concerned about or infected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or who have developed the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is relatively new to psychologists. This article is an introductory overview to assist psychologists in understanding the infection, to reflect on any personal biases that may impede successful rendering of care, to understand some psychological responses by patients that are common to various stages of the illness, and to recognize potential clashes of complex individual and societal issues, in order to provide more informed consultation and psychological interventions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)