Practitioner's Guide to the Neuropsychiatry of HIV/AIDS

The last decade has seen tremendous gains in our understanding of the profound impact of HIV/AIDS on brain functioning. This comprehensive handbook is designed for mental health clinicians, especially those without extensive neurological training, who need to be able to recognize and address HIV-associated cognitive/motor impairment, dementia, and related disorders. The book presents the most current information on neurological and neuropsychiatric manifestations of HIV disease, promotes early identification of neurologically related mental status disturbances, and details common psychiatric features seen in these patients. Treatment issues are covered in depth, with chapters on pharmacology, psychotherapeutic approaches, and occupational therapy. Special attention is given to ethical and legal issues that may confront helping professionals, patients, and significant others.

Wilfred G. van Gorp, PhD, ABPP, is Associate Professor of Psychology in Psychiatry at the Cornell University Medical College and Director of the Neuropsychology Assessment Service for the New York Hospital Mental Health System. A member of the Executive Committee of Division 40 of the American Psychological Association, he also serves on the boards of directors of the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology, of which he is the current President, and the Association of Postdoctoral Programs in Clinical Neuropsychology.

Stephan L. Buckingham, MSSW, ACSW, developed the first psychosocial treatment program for persons with HIV/AIDS at the UCLA Medical Center in 1983. He has also served as Director of Psychosocial Services at Pacific Oaks Medical Group, and Director of Mental Health at AIDS Project Los Angeles. He currently maintains an independent practice in New York City and consults to the healthcare communications industry around the unique psychosocial issues associated with HIV/AIDS.