What is the role of the HIV liaison psychiatrist?

In this article we review the field of HIV liaison psychiatry and illustrate the manner in which psychiatric care can contribute to the health and quality of life of this group of patients. To illustrate our discussion we review experience and findings in relation to affective illness, cognitive impairments, and personality disorder in HIV infection. We also highlight some of the areas where psychiatric care of people with HIV infection is unique from other types of psychiatric liaison work.