HIV & AIDS
More than 1.1 million Americans have HIV, with more than 56,000 new infections contracted each year. An estimated 12 percent of new HIV infections each year are directly attributable to injection drug use.
The development of effective medications has lessened the psychological impact of an HIV/AIDS diagnosis for many people. In fact, most HIV-infected people — especially gay men with good social support and access to medical care — don’t suffer from sustained, severe distress.
In addition to helping individuals who are distressed, psychologists are studying ways to change people’s behavior and prevent people from contracting the disease in the first place.
Adapted from the Encyclopedia of Psychology and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
What You Can Do
- Chronic illness
Learn how to manage the uncertainty, stressful lifestyle changes and day-to-day difficulties that a chronic illness can bring.
Getting Help
- Find a Psychologist
- How to help a friend or loved one suffering from a chronic illness
Learn how to give patients and their families the support they need.
News
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Performer launching HIV campaign aimed at women
May 1, 2013, CNN
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Federal panel says everyone 15 to 65 should have HIV test
April 29, 2013, Los Angeles Times
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HIV spread in England 'could be halted within generation'
April 24, 2013, BBC News
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Possible step toward AIDS vaccine development
April 4, 2013, CNN
Monitor on Psychology Articles
- Allies against HIV/AIDS
December 2012
- The psychology of HIV/AIDS prevention
July 2012
- APA steps up advocacy efforts on HIV/AIDS
February 2011
- Reducing the risk
October 2009
- New system ranks HIV/AIDS interventions
May 2008
APA Offices and Programs
- Office on AIDS
The American Psychological Association's Office on AIDS provides information, training, and technical assistance on a wide range of HIV/AIDS-related topics.
