HIV seropositivity diagnosed during pregnancy: psychosocial characterization of patients and their adaptation.

The diagnosis of HIV infection is uniquely traumatic to the pregnant patient. Her adjustment is complicated by concerns for her fetus and by coexisting psychiatric disorders. The 15 obstetric patients described demonstrated significant comorbidity, including psychoactive substance abuse or dependence, adjustment and mood disorders, and personality disorders. Treatment should address not only adaptation to HIV infection but also the psychodynamics of pregnancy, the anticipation of illness in the infant, and the management of drug addiction and unstable character.