Int Conf AIDS. 1990 Jun 20-23;6(3):185 (abstract no. S.B.399). Unique

OBJECTIVE: To describe the changes introduced in individual psychotherapeutic techniques applied to hospitalized AIDS patients. METHODS: Retrospective review of psychotherapists' records of 20 patients seen in 2 different periods (1st period: July/August 1987: 12 patients; 2nd period: November/December 1989: 8 patients). RESULTS: The analysis of the material has shown the following results: Psychoanalytic psychotherapy model was more applied in the 1st period. Free association, multiple focus and psychotherapists neutral role were encouraged. In the 2nd period brief-focus psychotherapy model gained emphasis. Advising, clarifying and making suggestions to the patient acquired greater importance. Sound reasons justified these changes: a) our initial lack of experience with AIDS patients and groups most commonly affected by the disease, b) high incidence of patients' cognitive deficits which requires technical adjustments, c) psychoanalytic therapy usually increases patients' regression and dependence, d) brief-focus therapy model seems more efficient in alleviating patients' anxiety and depressive reactions. CONCLUSION: Psychotherapists' active role is more adequate when applied to hospitalized AIDS patients. Principles of brief-focus psychotherapy should be preferred in order to determine specific goals for therapy and help restore integrative capacities of the patient.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*PSYCHOLOGY Anxiety Cognition Disorders/*COMPLICATIONS *Community Mental Health Services Depression Hospitalization Human Incidence United States ABSTRACT