TI   "Counseling Adolescents for HIV Testing Takes Time, Insight"
 AU   Noormohamed, Saleem and Ferguson, Kristi
 SO   AIDS Alert (12/93) Vol. 8, No. 12, P. 186
 AB   More and more adolescents are voluntarily seeking HIV testing. Denial
      and an inability to fully comprehend the consequences of an HIV test
      may demonstrate the need for several counseling sessions.  Topics of
      discussion should include the differences between HIV and AIDS, how
      the virus affects the immune system, how appearance does not reflect
      infection, the difference between confidential and anonymous testing,
      state testing and reporting laws, and how unprotected intercourse is
      the primary means of transmission.  The main goal of counseling is to
      develop a rapport with the adolescent, who may be discussing these
      issues with an adult for the first time, and to eliminate myths that
      adolescents may have, the most common of which are that an
      HIV-positive test result means immediate death and that only "bad"
      people become infected.  Counselors must also assess a patient's
      frame of mind and support system.  If there is a risk of the
      adolescent becoming suicidal, then it is better to wait. Delivering
      positive test results requires straghtforward communication--although
      supportive and caring--and the counselor should be prepared to help
      the patient verbalize feelings and avoid destructive ways of acting
      out anger, fear, and helplessness.J Grief, coping, risk reduction,
      and empowerment are the main issues faced after the test.

      Copyright (c) 1993 - Information, Inc., Bethesda, MD.  This
      information is provided by the Centers for Disease Control &
      Prevention (CDC), National AIDS Clearinghouse as a public service. 
      Non-profit reproduction is encouraged.

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