Anxiety and depression among HIV-positive subjects: prevalence and risk factors

Objective: the aim of the study was to determine the rates of depressive an d anxiety disorders among HIV-positive subjects, and to identify risk facto rs for these disorders. Method: 31 seropositive outpatients treated in a da y hospital care unit were included. None of them had AIDS. Each patient was assessed with a semi-structured interview (Mini International Neuropsychia tric Interview) giving DSM-IV diagnoses. Scores of depression and anxiety w ere evaluated using the MADRS, the CES-D and the COVI. The Social Support Q uestionnaire was used to assess social support. Results: in our sample, mor e than one out of three the subjects presented with a current diagnosis of depressive disorder (major depressive disorder or dysthymia) and 38.7% with a diagnosis of anxiety disorder. An association was found between a low de gree of satisfaction with the social support and a current diagnosis of anx iety and/or depressive disorder. We also found that subjects with a short t ime elapsed since the serostatus notification were more likely present with a current depressive disorder.