Psychosocial aspects of acquired immune deficiency syndrome and the primary care physician.

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome is now an epidemic in the United States. Multiple factors contribute to the high degree of psychosocial stress experienced by those with HTLV-III infection, regardless of their current clinical status. Family members, friends, and health care professionals all often experience significant stresses associated with HTLV-III infection or AIDS-spectrum illness in the patient. Knowledge about the psychosocial consequences of cancer, of the unique psychosocial stresses experienced by individuals with AIDS-spectrum illness, and of the functional psychiatric syndromes and organic mental disorders common to AIDS can assist the primary care physician as he cares for individuals with HTLV-III infection and AIDS-spectrum illness.