Patients of the San Francisco General Hospital were seen by the psychiatric consultation-liaison service following referral from the general medical wards of the hospital. Their medical and psychosocial histories were reviewed, and semistructured interviews and mental status examinations were performed. Thirteen of the 40 inpatients were seen over a 9-month period. Twelve of the 13 received psychiatric diagnosis. The most common diagnosis was adjustment disorder with depressed mood, thought to be a reaction to the patients' present illness. During the course of the diagnostic and followup interviews, the patients elaborated on several recurring themes. These include: (1) feeling anger and anxiety over the uncertainty surrounding their illness and treatment, (2) having fears of social abandonment and isolation; and (3) experiencing their illness as punishment for past sexual activity. The primary care staff and psychiatric consultant, as a result of these findings, are urged to review their attitudes and feelings in several areas, such as homosexuality and drug abuse; openly recognize the frustrations associated with treatment of AIDS; and become clear about the nature of their involvement with the patients. 1 case report, 1 exhibit, and 14 references.