Components of Depression in HIV-1 Infection: Their Differential Relationship to Neurocognitive Performance

Abstract

Both depression and neurocognitive compromise are commonly observed among persons infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). To date, the majority of studies have failed to find a consistent relationship between mood and cognition among HIV-seropositive (HIV+) individuals, suggesting that these constructs are independent of one another. However, depression is a multidimensional syndrome and its measurement often utilizes multi-factorial instruments containing cognitive, affective, somatic, and motivational components. The degree to which various symptoms or dimensions of depression might be related to neuropsychological performance in HIV-1 infection is not typically explored and was a main objective of the current study. A sample of 247 HIV+ persons completed both a comprehensive neurocognitive battery and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) as part of a standard clinical evaluation at a major community hospital. To examine the dimensionality of the BDI, a principal components analysis was conducted which suggested a three-factor solution comprised of factors representing Self-Reproach (SR), Mood-Motivation Disturbance (MM), and Somatic Disturbance (SOM). The relationship between each of these three factors and neurocognitive performance was examined using both regression and analysis of variance techniques. These analyses showed the MM factor, more so than either the SR or SOM factors, to be associated with several aspects of neurocognitive performance, including verbal memory, executive functioning, and motor speed. These findings suggest that certain items on depression rating scales may be more indicative of central nervous system (CNS) involvement than others. The association between disturbance in mood and motivation and neurocognitive compromise may suggest that each are sequelae of disease specific mechanisms.

Depression in HIV Infected Patients: a Review

“…Moreover, the occurrence of cognitive impairment in the case of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) might complicate a diagnosis of depression [90][91][92].…”

The Possible Role of Transplacentally‐Acquired Antibodies to Infectious Agents, With Molecular Mimicry to Nervous System Sialic Acid Epitopes, as Causes of Neuromental Disorders: Prevention and Vaccine Implications

“…2004), as direct agents or via autoimmune mechanisms in the etiology of some NMD's. In case of HIV perinatal infection, we now appreciate, not only the severe earlyage encephalitis, but also the later neuromental dysfunctions in HIV/AIDS children and adolescents, even those receiving successful antiviral therapy (Castellon et al 2006). It should be emphasized that the pathogenesis of neural involvement, using the more recent molecular and cellular methods, are best known for HIV, than for any of the TRCH agents.…”

HIV infection and psychiatric illness

“…20 Some neuropsychological test may help in differentiating patients with HIV cognitive impairment with and 1 12 20 0 without depression. 59 Depression does not seem to influence basal ganglia-mediated psychomotor speed, and such psychomotor evaluation of CNS function or dysfunction in HIVpositive patients might be used without having to take depression into account. 60 Suicidality may be cause for psychiatric referral in those subjects who have been informed about a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS.…”