Depressive symptoms in patients with HIV infection: a further exploration.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and severity of depressive symptoms, to determine the rate of depressive disorder, to explore possible reasons for the development of depressive symptoms and to examine the effects of depression in a group of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients.


METHODS
HIV-positive patients attending an outpatient treatment facility were assessed by the research 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 Adjustment to illness Scale (PAIS). Patients scoring > or = 14 on the BDI were seen by the psychiatrist for further assessment, and where appropriate, diagnoses were made according to DSM-III-R criteria.


RESULTS
One hundred and ninety-two patients participated in the study; 95 scored > or = 14 on the BDI and one-third of these were found to have a depressive disorder. Factors significantly predictive of a BDI score > or = 14 were: an LEI score > 77; a diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS); being 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 > or = 14 but no diagnosis of depressive disorder. Both groups had high mean PAIS scores indicating significant illness effects in multiple areas of function.


CONCLUSIONS
Depressive symptoms are common among patients with HIV infection. Few factors differentiate between patients with a depressive disorder and those whose depressive symptoms do not meet diagnostic criteria. Substantial disability is present in both groups.
Judd
F
F
University of Melbourne, Department of Psychiatry, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
Mijch
A
A
McCausland
J
J
Cockram
A
A
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile