Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
The Future Outlook
At the beginning of the 1990s, there was a bleak outlook for those living with HIV. By the start of the twenty-first century, children born with this virus were graduating high school, attending trade schools or colleges, and holding down jobs.
Along with proper medical care, attitude appears to be essential. Those who keep themselves mentally active, have a sense of purpose in their lives, and maintain a sense of humor appear able to successfully adapt to the continued uncertainties inherent in this disease. Despite the many stresses they must face, young adults with HIV need to be given the opportunity to develop and pursue their goals. In an article that appeared in the book Pediatric AIDS, Lori Wiener, Anita Septimus, and Christine Grady emphasized that if recognized and nurtured, young people with HIV have the potential to significantly contribute to society. The psychologist working with children and adolescents with HIV can play an essential role in helping these individuals overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Thus, for patients with HIV and for the mental health professionals involved in their care, the future is looking brighter every day.
See also: BIRTH DEFECTS; PREGNANCY
Bibliography
HIV/AIDS Surveillance Report. 12(1):20. Atlanta. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2000; Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000.
Kaplan, Edward. "Evaluating Needle-Exchange Programs via Syringe Tracking and Testing (STT)."AIDS and Public Policy Journal 6, no. 3 (1991):109-115.
Lemp, George F., Susan F. Payne, Dennese Neal, Tes Temelso, and George W. Rutherford. "Survival Trends for Patients with AIDS."Journal of the American Medical Association 263 (1990):402-406.
Lipson, Michael. "What Do You Say to a Child with AIDS?" Hastings Center Report 23 (1993):6-12.
Remafedi, Gary. "The University of Minnesota Youth and AIDSProjects' Adolescent Early Intervention Program: A Model to Link HIV-Seropositive Youth with Care." Journal of Adolescent Health 23S (1998):115-121.
Stephens Richard C., Thomas E. Feucht, and Shadi W. Roman."Effects of an Intervention Program on AIDS-related Drug and Needle Behavior among Intravenous Drug Users." American Journal of Public Health 81 (1991):568-571.
Wiener, Lori S., Anita Septimus, and Christine Grady. "Psychological Support and Ethical Issues for the Child and Family." In Philip A. Pizzo and Catherine M. Wilfert eds., Pediatric AIDS: The Challenge of HIV Infection in Infants, Children, and Adolescents, 3rd edition. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1998.
World Health Organization. "Global AIDS Surveillance—Part I."Weekly Epidemiological Report 72 (1997):357-360.
Lori Wiener
Staci Martin
Additional topics
Social Issues ReferenceChild Development Reference - Vol 1Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome - Epidemiology And Transmission, Developmental And Social Impact On The Child, Prevention, The Future Outlook