Psychiatric patients and HIV infection: A new population at risk?

Background. We assess the evidence that psychiatric patients are at increased risk of infection with HIV and discuss some of the clinical implications. Method. Surveys of HIV seroprevalence and risk behaviours among psychiatric patients were obtained from a manual and computer search (Medline and AIDSline). Results. Most studies report an increased prevalence of HIV infection among psychiatric patients compared to the general population. Risk behaviours, and obstacles to risk reduction, are identified. Conclusions. There is a strong case for investigating the seroprevalence of HIV in psychiatric settings in the UK. Issues relating to HIV and AIDS are likely to assume increasing importance in general psychiatric practice.