Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Assessment

Has HIV affected you or your loved one? Are you looking for modern therapy to deal with the effects of HIV? Did you know that HIV may affect your brain and mental health?

At Thoughtwise, we have experts that specialize in the neuropsychological testing that can help you, your family, and your providers learn and understand how HIV is affecting your brain and cognitive functioning.

What is HIV?

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. HIV is known as a severe virus and infection that attacks the body’s immune system, making it harder for the body to fight illnesses and diseases.

HIV can be transmitted through:

• Accidental exposure to HIV or AIDS.
• Unprotected sex.
• Injecting drugs.
• From mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.
• HIV is transmitted commonly through exposure, blood to blood contact, or exposure to body fluids.

There are currently prevention methods to prevent HIV and AIDS.

How is HIV related to mental health and brain health?

HIV can put someone at high risk for HIV-induced dementia, addiction, and neurological problems including problems with cognition, low dopamine levels (where dopamine is needed for proper brain functioning), and can induce behavioral, mood, and/or movement problems.

The influence on the brain and mental health due to HIV may be due to many factors such as:

• Inflammation of the nervous system (including the brain).
• Side effects from drug interventions.
• Cognitive decline due to complications of the nervous system.
• From infections or illnesses.
• From other effects of HIV on the body.

Some of the manifestations of HIV relevant to brain health and mental health are known as:

• Stress.
• Anxiety.
• Depression.
• Dementia.
• Inability to maintain normal work duties.
• Panic.
• Family and relationship issues.

What can Thoughtwise do for me and my family?

At Thoughtwise we can help in many ways after you or a loved one has been diagnosed with HIV or AIDS. Ongoing monitoring of neurological and neuropsychological difficulties associated with HIV/AIDS is important.

At Thoughtwise we can offer you expert clinical services in:

• Initial neuropsychological screening to determine if further testing should be conducted.
• Comprehensive neuropsychological testing.
• A consultation about the findings of the neuropsychological examinations.
• Recommendations and opportunities for therapeutic treatments and counseling that can assist you to maintain a high-quality life.

If you have been diagnosed with HIV or AIDS, please contact us at Thoughtwise. We can offer you services to monitor your health and wellbeing, and interventions that can help you improve your life, and your mental health.

What is a quality life?

Did you know that HIV was once known as a terminal condition, where now it is not?

Some people with HIV build therapy routines in which help them maintain a high quality of life, lower stress, and stay more adherent to medication regimens. Did you know that some of these routines can include only one hour of therapy a week?