Please Note: Due to volume considerations, not all questions can be answered. Questions most likely to be answered will be those of general interest to a broad group of visitors to this forum. Questions pertaining to a specific case; requests for diagnosis, medical advice, or second opinion; or requests for opinions about untested alternative therapies will generally not be answered.
|
|
 |
 |
I hope you post this - comment on your answer
Jul 13, 2006
I wanted to comment on your answer to Am I crazy to continue to be with someone HIV+?
Jun 4, 2004
I came to the site with a similar question, being in a similar situation. What your post did not mention, but perhaps should have, is that many women with ADHD have a tendency to act impulsively. If that is true in her case, it should be taken into account when making her decision.
For some women with ADHD a tendency to be impulsive can translate to a tendency to not use protection. This is not simply anecdotal (though it has been my personal experience) there are many studies showing a correlation between ADHD and risky behavior.
I am not commenting on what decision she should make. But she wrote to you to get information to make an informed decision, and I think she needs to understand the risk factors of both HIV and ADHD to do that.
I hope you post this. The correlation between ADHD and risky sexual behavior is not talked about often enough. Having an awareness of a tendency can be very helpful in prevention including making decisions about what situations are appropriate for an individual; that includes relationships, parties, and so forth.
|
 |
|
 |
|
Response from Dr. Remien
I appreciate your comment and hope that others benefit from it as well. You are right to point out that conditions like ADHD, as well as other mental disorders (e.g., depression, post-traumatic stress, bi-polar disorder, etc.), can contribute to vulnerability in terms of "risk behaviors." It is important for people to be mindful of the potential reality of lapses in judgment and the very real risk of HIV transmission in serodiscordant couples. Impulsive behaviors can certainly contribute to this vulnerability.
As a clinical psychologist I am an advocate for people taking care of themselves, as well as their partner, and that often includes addressing their mental health needs. Mental health services are available in most settings, including for people with limited income. I encourage all to be mindful of, and to take care of, their own mental health. Again, thank you for your comment.
|
|
|
 Please remember that this forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not engaged through this
forum in rendering legal or medical advice or professional services. Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible
for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither The Body nor any sponsor is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.
Questions and messages posted to this forum are not statements of advice, opinion, or information of The Body, Body Health Resources Corporation or any sponsor of this
forum. While neither The Body nor Body Health Resources Corporation regularly reviews posted content, we reserve the right to delete, move, or
edit postings if we deem it appropriate under the circumstances. Visitors submitting questions remain solely responsible for the content of their
messages.
Information provided by experts is general only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease, or relied upon as
legal or other professional advice. This information is not a substitute for professional advice or care. If you have or suspect you may have a
health or legal problem, you should consult your own health care provider or your attorney.
Copyright notice.
|
|
|
|
