SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION IN HIV-INFECTED INDIVIDUALS - ETIOLOGIC CONSIDERATIONS

The relationship between self-reported symptoms of depression and reac tion time were evaluated in 51 HIV seropositive (HIV+) individuals, 15 HIV seronegative (HIV-) individuals with a diagnosis of adjustment di sorder, and 18 HIV- normal control subjects. The HIV+ and adjustment d isorder groups had equivalent scores on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) that were significantly higher than the normal control group. In dividual items and the group of items with somatic content were endors ed equally by the HIV+ and the psychiatric HIV- groups. A mild but sig nificant correlation between BDI scores and reaction time was obtained only for the HIV+ group. Exploratory factor analysis of the BDI produ ced specific symptom clusters that correlated with reaction time in th e HIV+ but not in the HIV- psychiatric subjects. These findings sugges t certain self-reported symptoms of depression may reflect, at least i n part, central nervous system involvement in HIV+ individuals.