Psychology and AIDS Exchange Newsletter
January 2014
About This Issue
Introduction to current issues on HIV/AIDS in older adults
By Timothy G. Heckman, PhD
This issue addresses some of the complex and evolving mental health needs of older adults living with HIV.
In This Issue
- COPA recognizes distinguished leaders in HIV/AIDS
Committee on Psychology and AIDS announces recipients of 2014 Psychology and AIDS Distinguished Leadership Award.
- Sexual risk behavior in HIV-positive older adults
Age-appropriate secondary prevention interventions may reduce sexual risk behavior among HIV-positive older adults.
By Travis I. Lovejoy, PhD, MPH - Understanding the impact of stigma on older adults with HIV
HIV stigma and ageism may coexist for many older people with HIV disease; mastery, the belief that one controls one's own life circumstances, and social support can mitigate the deleterious effects of HIV-related stigma.
By Charles A. Emlet, PhD - Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in older adults living with HIV/AIDS
Depression, avoidant coping, poor social support and diminished neuropsychological functioning may contribute to reduced ART in older adults with HIV.
By Stephen Karpiak, PhD - Multimorbidity and depression in HIV-infected older adults
Mental health practitioners should be alert to the physical conditions and changes experienced by older people with HIV and address these in treatment.
By Richard J. Havlik, MD - Neurocognitive considerations in older ethnically-diverse HIV-seropositive adults
Older people with HIV have an elevated risk of neurocognitive deficits, but older adults with HIV who are racial/ethnic minorities may be at additional risk.
By Caitlin Miranda, Armando Fuentes, and Monica Rivera Mindt