THE PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES OF HIV AND AIDS AND EFFECTS OF ART THERAPY ON HIV AND AIDS POSITIVE PATIENTS UNDERGOING ART THERAPY.
Abstract
Author(s): Siphepho Jameson S. & Hlophe Londiwe D.
The purpose of the study was to identify situations contributing to the escalating of psychological sufferings experienced by HIV and AIDS positive patients on ART therapy. The HIV and AIDS positive patients who are on ART do suffer some psychological difficulties. According to the results, the HIV and AIDS positive patients on ART; do developmental alteration, memory loss, stress, depression, suicidal thoughts and others, eventually committing suicide. The psychological consequences and effects of ART therapy, most often cause patients default treatment and subsequently developing opportunistic infections. The objectives of the study were to identify issues of stigmatization and discrimination; to reveal whether the patients do suffer from depression; ascertain the amount of stress that they experience; identify the level of knowledge and understanding that health professionals and the patients have on ART therapy; to determine whether the patients do experience suicidal thoughts; to identify whether they do experience mental alteration. In conclusion, it is evident from the study that psychological impacts of HIV and AIDS and antiretroviral related therapy if not well addressed contributes immensely to issues of suicide, depression and stress as well as mental alteration. Key Words: Psychological consequences, HIV and AIDS, Effects of antiretroviral
