Research in psychopathology in patients with HIV/AIDS and psychiatric services in Spain

Abstract

In this article, we review the research carried out in Spain concerning psychiatric aspects of HIV/AIDS in general, and of suicide and suicidal ideation in particular. The paper presents available information concerning this psychopathology in patients with HIV infection, along with a review of the epidemic's dimensions and friends in Spain. Available studies are based on retrospective evaluation of patients referred for psychiatric evaluations. No longitudinal studies have been carried out, nor studies on the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in unreferred samples of HIV-infected patients. This neglected area of research is also a neglected area of care within Spain's mental health system.