1/
I sat on a virtual #HIV webinar yesterday.

The speaker had a slide about "nonadherence with meds among patients living with HIV."

They listed the usual factors:
- cost/insurance
- experiencing side effects
- personal schedule
- home dynamics
- personal beliefs

2/
Many other factors were listed but one notably absent was anxiety.

Those of us working in HIV often forget that for patients, not only may this be their first time at the medical rodeo, but it's also about their lives.

It's scary.

It's paralyzing.

It's nerve-wracking.

3/
No amount of "HIV isn't the death sentence it used to be" clichés will change that.

Someone's whole life is changed.

They may have difficulty adjusting to the diagnosis.

Yes, even months to years later.

Taking meds is a reminder of the diagnosis and that change.

4/
Instead of just focusing on making sure they are taking their meds...

Start with the question:

"How are you holding up with all this?"

Even if it is months to years after the diagnosis.

Remember that living with HIV is a lifelong commitment.

Not an easy pill to swallow.