THE PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACT OF HIV-INFECTION IN GAY MEN, DRUG-USERS AND HETEROSEXUALS - CONTROLLED INVESTIGATION

The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of current and p ast psychiatric morbidity in HIV seropositive asymptomatic subjects be longing to three transmission categories (gay men, intravenous drug us ers, and heterosexuals) compared with that found in HIV seronegative c ontrols from the same groups. A cross-sectional, controlled study incl uding 279 seropositive subjects belonging to groups II and III defined by the Center for Disease Control (94 gay men, 157 intravenous drug u sers, and 28 heterosexuals) and 159 seronegative subjects (38 gay men, 91 intravenous drug users, and 30 heterosexuals) is reported. Outcome measures included standardised, self-report questionnaires and a semi structured interview to assess current psychopathological status and p ast psychiatric history. In addition, a psychiatric diagnosis accordin g to DSM-III-R criteria Axis I and II was made in the seropositive sub jects. Results showed that these subjects differed very little from th e controls and that overall levels of psychiatric disturbances in both groups were low and similar to those found in other life-threatening illnesses. Furthermore, intravenous drug users, regardless of HIV sero logical status, had the highest levels of psychological morbidity. Psy chosocial distress was associated with previous and current lifestyle, independently of HIV status.