Lastly, mental health and substance abuse issues often cause or contribute to adherence problems. To counter these barriers, we can access mental health counselors and refer to a psychiatrist. Our social worker also has experience working with and modifying high-risk behaviors. Adherence issues in the HIV positive individual are complex. Ongoing evaluation of patients is important to identify the problems.
Early intervention is needed in order to stave off antiretroviral resistance.
It is also important to have specialized services available that are easily accessible. Comprehensive HIV treatment centers can benefit by having a wide range of services available on-site. This will preserve the effectiveness of the medications and maintain options for future treatment. Mellors JW, Mu oz A, Giorgi JV, et al. Ann Intern Med.