Social consequences of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Awareness of the pertinent psychosocial dimensions of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) provides researchers and clinicians with an understanding of factors impinging on their relationships with persons at risk for this disease. These observations are made from the standpoint of the American Association of Physicians for Human Rights, a national organization of gay physicians that serves as an advocate in improving health care for gay men and lesbians. Fear and uncertainty in patient care and prognosis as well as loss of confidentiality are among the stresses on gay men with AIDS. Injudicious "expert" pronouncements and sensational stories in the media heighten the fear of persons at risk for the disease as well as the fear and prejudice of the general community. Members of all communities, both heterosexual and gay, scientific and lay, should work together to eliminate social ignorance about AIDS.