The American journal of psychiatry
-
Little is known about the impact of comorbid psychiatric symptoms in persons with HIV. This study estimates the burden on health-related quality of life associated with comorbid psychiatric conditions in a nationally representative sample of persons with HIV. ⋯ Optimization of health-related quality of life is particularly important now that HIV is a chronic disease with the prospect of long-term survival. Comorbid psychiatric conditions may serve as markers for impaired functioning and well-being in persons with HIV. Inclusion of sufficient numbers of appropriately trained mental health professionals to identify and treat such conditions may reduce unnecessary utilization of other health services and improve health-related quality of life in persons with HIV infection.