DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS IN PATIENTS WITH HIV-INFECTION - A FURTHER EXPLORATION

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and sever ity of depressive symptoms, to determine the rate of depressive disord er, to explore possible reasons for the development of depressive symp toms and to examine the effects of depression in a group of human immu nodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients. Method: HIV-positive patie nts attending an outpatient treatment facility were assessed by the re search psychologist and completed a number of questionnaires: the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI); the Life Event Inventory (LEI); the Core Bereavement Item (CBI-17) questionnaire; and the Psychosocial Adjustme nt to Illness Scale (PAIS). Patients scoring greater than or equal to 14 on the BDI were seen by the psychiatrist for further assessment, an d where appropriate, diagnoses were made according to DSM-III-R criter ia. Results: One hundred and ninety-two patients participated in the s tudy; 95 scored greater than or equal to 14 on the BDI and one-third o f these were found to have a depressive disorder. Factors significantl y predictive of a BDI score greater than or equal to 14 were: an LEI s core > 77; a diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS); b eing on sickness benefits or a pension; no current relationship; and a past history of depression. Few differences were demonstrated between those with a depressive disorder and those with a BDI score greater t han or equal to 14 but no diagnosis of depressive disorder. Both group s had high mean PAIS scores indicating significant illness effects in multiple areas of function. Conclusions: Depressive symptoms are commo n among patients with HIV infection. Few factors differentiate between patients with a depressive disorder and those whose depressive sympto ms do not meet diagnostic criteria. Substantial disability is present in both groups.