Psychosocial considerations in the therapy of epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma. NLM AIDSLINE Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1987. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

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Psychosocial considerations in the therapy of epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma.

Semin Oncol. 1987 Jun;14(2 Suppl 3):48-53. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/87263460
Holland JC; Tross S

Abstract: Since the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) burst into prominence in 1981, it has claimed victims at an exponential rate and taxed the resources of physicians, health workers, and social support agencies. A sizeable minority of AIDS patients, mainly male homosexuals, have been presented with epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma (EKS). Although life expectancy with this presentation may be greater than with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia or other opportunistic infection, the underlying immunodeficiency still foreshadows an untimely death, usually from infection. Those remaining months or years are frequently marked by a poor quality of life attended by pain, functional impairment, cosmetic stigmata, central nervous system (CNS) complications, loss of employment, poverty, ostracism, guilt, and anger. Psychologic burdens may disrupt the patient's efforts to deal with the disease. Health care workers must often overcome their own prejudices and fears about AIDS to provide effective management.
Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/COMPLICATIONS/*PSYCHOLOGY Adaptation, Psychological Brain Diseases/ETIOLOGY/PSYCHOLOGY Human Mental Disorders/ETIOLOGY Professional-Patient Relations Sarcoma, Kaposi's/ETIOLOGY/*PSYCHOLOGY/THERAPY JOURNAL ARTICLE

KWDacquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome/complications/KWDpsychologyadaptation,psychologicalbraindiseases/etiology/psychologyhumanmentaldisorders/etiologyprofessional-patientrelationssarcoma,kaposi's/etiology/KWDpsychology/therapyjournalarticle
871030
M87A0328

Copyright © 1987 - National Library of Medicine. Reproduced under license with the National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD.

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