March 29, 2008

Changes in your physical condition or reactions to medication can cause shifts in your emotions. These feelings will often disappear when the infection is cleared up or the drug or treatment is finished. Ask your doctor about side effects related to drugs and treatments, and tell him or her about changes in your emotional state. Be careful about getting treatments for mood changes. Some doctors are quick to prescribe medication without giving thought to the long-term effects of drug dependency and overmedication. This is especially true for women. If you have questions about your medication, ask your doctor, and get a second opinion if you are uncertain. Complementary therapies can provide an alternative for dealing with some mood changes.

 

Drug reactions or interactions, and infections of the central nervous system, can cause depression or confusion, which seem like psychological problems.

 You may have to cope with the emotional effects of specific illnesses. Chapter 7 deals with many of these in detail. In addition to these illnesses, you may experience physical changes such as weight loss or skin problems. You may worry about not looking as attractive as you once did. This can be damaging to your self-esteem. Talking with other people living with HIV/AIDS who have had similar experiences can be helpful.

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