We understand vulnerability as a term that enables transformations in health care practice, because at its core it renders it urgent to think of those transformations as social and historical ones, requiring the combined work of different sectors of society and interdisciplinary action.

Aim:

Identify brazilian and international journals that publish articles regarding the vulnerability to HIV/AIDS of individuals diagnosed with mental disorders treated in mental health care clinics.

Method:

We used an integrative review of the literature published in the year 2012, observing the online databases Medline and Lilacs.

Result:

Brazilian and international articles were found, predominantly concerning teenagers. After reading and analysis, it was observed that the Brazilian health service is underprepared for taking care of HIV/AIDS or STD contaminated people who are in vulnerable situations with respect to those illnesses.

Conclusion:

Health care service to this clientele must consider the characteristics the individuals acquire from their psychiatric illness, including institutional dependency and the loss of social bonds.