HIV-related posttraumatic stress disorder: investigating the traumatic events.
This study examined the relationship between the experience of various HIV-related events (receiving the diagnosis, receiving treatment, experiencing physical symptoms, self-disclosing HIV positive status, and witnessing HIV-related death) and posttraumatic stress symptoms in a sample of 100 gay men living with HIV. Self-report data revealed that 65% met criteria for having experienced a traumatic event in accordance with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) criterion A. The experience of shame, humiliation, or guilt during an event was measured but not found to be a significant indicator of having been traumatized. A total of 33% qualified for a PTSD diagnosis. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that receiving medical treatment, experiencing physical symptoms, and witnessing HIV-related death were most associated with HIV-related PTSD symptoms. Given that multiple HIV-related events are potentially traumatic, the screening, assessment and treatment for HIV-related PTSD may need to be considered by HIV services.
Theuninck
Anthony C
AC
Department of Adult Mental Health, Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom. anthony.theuninck@gmail.com
Lake
Nick
N
Gibson
Stuart
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D004644:Emotions; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000175:diagnosis; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis*; D055815:Young Adult