Psychosocial distress and well-being among gay and bisexual men with human immunodeficiency virus infection

• Published in: The American journal of psychiatry Vol. 146; no. 7; p. 876
• Main Authors: Chuang, H T, Devins, G M, Hunsley, J, Gill, M J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-07-1989
• Subjects: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome - psychology; Adult; AIDS-Related Complex - psychology; Anxiety - diagnosis; Attitude to Health; Bisexuality; Depression - diagnosis; HIV Seropositivity - psychology; Homosexuality - psychology; Humans; Life Change Events; Male; Mood Disorders - diagnosis
• ISSN: 0002-953X
• DOI: 10.1176/ajp.146.7.876

The authors examined levels of psychosocial distress and well-being in 65 gay or bisexual men infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); 24 of these men had asymptomatic HIV infection, 22 had acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related complex, and 19 had AIDS. All of the men evidenced high levels of psychosocial distress, but those with AIDS-related complex and those with asymptomatic HIV infection were significantly more distressed than those with AIDS. Corresponding differences were not observed in feelings of psychosocial well-being. The authors conclude that specific psychosocial issues and adaptive demands should be identified over the course of HIV illness.