2026 ECNP Congress

EP01-1050

Bridging the gap in hiv care: a consultation–liaison psychiatry experience

Aslihan Polat — S. Kocaayan, M. Turksoy, E. Kanyılmaz, E. Sisman · Kocaeli University, Psychiatry, Kocaeli, Türkiye

2026 ECNP Congress

Introduction

Although antiretroviral therapy has transformed HIV into a manageable chronic condition [1], the increasing number of new diagnoses in Türkiye indicates that HIV remains an ongoing public health concern [2]. People living with HIV (PLWH) often experience psychosocial difficulties such as stigma, concerns about disclosure, and social isolation. These factors are associated with higher rates of depressive and anxiety symptoms and may negatively affect quality of life [3,4].

Recent data from Türkiye suggest that, despite a considerable level of reported mental health need among PLWH, the use of psychiatric services remains limited [5]. This gap indicates that conventional referral pathways may not fully meet patient needs. Consultation–Liaison Psychiatry (CLP) may help address this issue by integrating mental health support into routine medical care. The present study aims to describe psychiatric symptom burden and quality of life in PLWH evaluated within a same-visit psychiatric assessment model during routine infectious diseases follow-up.

Methods

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted within a CLP service model in a tertiary care setting. HIV-positive individuals attending routine follow-up in an infectious diseases outpatient clinic were evaluated by the CLP unit during the same visit.

A total of 17 HIV-positive participants were included. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and anxiety symptoms using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Quality of life was evaluated using the World Health Organization Quality of Life scale (WHOQOL-BREF) .

BDI scores were categorized as follows: 0–9 (minimal), 10–16 (mild), 17–32 (moderate), and ≥33 (severe). Only descriptive statistics were used in the analyses.

Results

Seventeen patients were included, the majority of whom were male (n = 15, 88.2%).

The mean BDI score was 14.8 ± 12.6 (median: 13; range: 1–47). According to predefined categories, 35.3% (n = 6) had minimal, 17.6% (n = 3) mild, 35.3% (n = 6) moderate, and 11.8% (n = 2) severe depressive symptoms. Overall, 47.1% of participants had moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms.

The mean BAI score was 13.0 ± 10.9 (median: 12; range: 0–37), corresponding overall to mild-to-moderate anxiety levels.

Quality of life assessment showed relatively preserved physical health (0.72 ± 0.17), while lower scores were observed in social relationships (0.56 ± 0.19) and general health perception (0.55 ± 0.29).

Conclusions

This CLP-based same-visit evaluation model indicates a notable psychiatric symptom burden among PLWH in Türkiye. Nearly half of the participants exhibited moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms, and anxiety levels were also elevated at a mild-to-moderate range. In addition, quality of life appeared particularly affected in the social domain.

Although the sample size is limited, these findings suggest that both depressive and anxiety symptoms may be clinically relevant and not always adequately addressed in this population. Considering the limited utilisation of mental health services among PLWH in Türkiye [5], integrating accessible psychiatric support into routine infectious diseases follow-up may facilitate earlier identification and management of psychiatric symptoms and help reduce barriers related to stigma.

References

  1. UNAIDS. Global HIV & AIDS statistics — Fact sheet. 2023.
  2. Ministry of Health of Türkiye. HIV/AIDS Surveillance Data.
  3. Bing EG, Burnam MA, Longshore D, et al. Psychiatric disorders and drug use among HIV-infected adults. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2001;58:721–728.
  4. Uthman OA, Magidson JF, Safren SA, Nachega JB. Depression and adherence to antiretroviral therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep. 2014;11:291–307.
  5. Ince Guliyev E, Yıldız Sevgi D, Gündüz A, et al. Mental health service utilization among patients followed up in tertiary HIV/AIDS clinics in Turkey: A need for integrated care. Int J STD AIDS. 2025;36(3):185–194. doi:10.1177/09564624241301491.