The psychiatric reactions relating to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection cover the whole range of mental illnesses and psychosocial problems. This poses a challenge to both physicians and psychiatrists and is of immense relevance due to the rising number of HIV patients in Singapore.

To retrospectively examine the psychiatric disorders and related factors associated with HIV infected patients in a general hospital in Singapore.

To review and describe the psychiatric disorders and related factors associated with HIV patients under the care of Tan Tock Seng Hospital and Communicable Disease Centre in Singapore.

A 2-years retrospective descriptive study was performed on all HIV patients who were referred to the Department of Psychological Medicine of Tan Tock Seng Hospital for psychiatric assessment and this includes both inpatient and outpatient referrals. The data for inpatient referrals was obtained through the interdepartmental referral registry and relevant case notes. The data for outpatient referrals was obtained through the attendance and relevant case notes of the HIV psychiatric clinic. The data was collated and analyzed.

Mood disorders were the most common psychiatric disorders diagnosed and antidepressants were the most commonly used psychotropic drugs. Most patients were followed up on an outpatient basis for continuation of treatment.

Many HIV infected patients may have concomitant psychiatric disorders. Clinicians may need to actively identify patients at risk and initiate early psychiatric consult to ensure appropriate care for these treatable disorders.