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AIDS dementia a concern - SASOP

    JOHANNESBURG

    The South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP) says more emphasis must be placed on the emotional and neurological effects of AIDS on HIV-positive people.

    SASOP advised that the care of people living with the virus should not be restricted to their physical health, and medical professionals should be made aware of the mental manifestations of AIDS.

    "These range from minor intellectual difficulties [forgetfulness, poor concentration] to serious memory problems and sudden onset of psychiatric symptoms, such as psychosis and mania," the society warned in a statement.

    The organisation recommended that psychosocial support become a crucial part of care and treatment programmes for both HIV-positive individuals and their families.

    This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions

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