The burden of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) in the Asia-Pacific region and recommendations for screening.

Background: HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder incurs a significant burden on HIV patients in Asia-Pacific countries; however, the incidence is difficult to estimate due to a lack of local epidemiological data. The impact of neurocognitive impairment in HIV patients is often underestimated due to a lack of education and awareness, and there are consequently gaps in the provision of screening and diagnosis to enable earlier intervention to limit neurocognitive impairment.

Method: This review seeks to redress the imbalance by promoting awareness and education among physicians concerning the neurovirulence of HIV and thereby increase screening efforts to improve diagnosis rates and clinical outcomes for underserved patients in this region.

Liaison psychiatry with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to describe the referral patterns, assessment and suggested management of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples referred to an inner-city general hospital psychiatry service. The overarching goal was quality improvement.

Method: Participants were identified from the consultation-liaison psychiatry database of all referrals to the service from the general hospital and Emergency Department.

Neuropsychological and psychiatric outcomes following coronary surgery or angioplasty: a comparative study.

Background: Medical outcomes following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) are similar, but few studies have compared neuropsychological outcomes after these procedures.

Methods: A retrospective study compared detailed neurocognitive and psychosocial functioning in 32 patients (CABG, n = 16; PTCA, n = 16) aged 61 +/- 6 years, 9-15 months after coronary revascularisation. Subjects were tested for executive functioning, speed of processing/attention and learning/memory, significant psychopathology (General Health Questionnaire, GHQ) and psychosocial functioning (Short Form (SF)-36 health survey).

Psychiatric morbidity and adherence to antiretroviral medication in patients with HIV/AIDS.

Objective: To determine whether psychological morbidity is associated with poor compliance with antiretroviral medication in HIV-positive subjects.

Method: This is a cross-sectional survey of patients attending a public HIV clinic in Sydney. Volunteers completed a survey which gathered data on substance use, psychological distress, attitudes to illness and medication, and self-reported medication adherence.