title: A description of common mental disorders in men who have sex with men (MSM) referred for assessment and intervention at an MSM clinic in Cape Town, South Africa.
abstract: Men who have sex with men (MSM) have a higher prevalence of common mental disorders (CMD), as compared with heterosexual men. HIV infection is independently associated with higher rates of CMD. Given this context, and the high background community prevalence of HIV in South Africa, MSM are at even greater risk of developing CMD. The aim of this research was to investigate neuropsychiatric symptoms and disorders in MSM who were referred for assessment and management of mental health problems, in an MSM Clinic in urban Cape Town, South Africa. Twenty-five men were screened using the MINI, AUDIT, DUDIT, and IPDE Screener. Depression, suicidality, as well as alcohol and drug use disorders were highly prevalent in this group (44, 56, 48, and 56 % respectively). The personality disorder screening was suggestive of a high prevalence of personality disorders. The high prevalence of neuropsychiatric disorders in this sample supports the idea that integrated mental health services are needed to address the complex needs of this population. Adequate input into the mental health needs of this population could reduce the potential for HIV acquisition and transmission, improve adherence to treatment and care, and ensure the provision a comprehensive health service for MSM.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa. kevin.stoloff@uct.ac.za
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Stoloff
authors.forename: John A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Joska
authors.forename: Dorothy
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Feast
authors.forename: Glenn
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: De Swardt
authors.forename: Johan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hugo
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Struthers
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McIntyre
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Rebe
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D013405:Suicide / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult