Does “asymptomatic” mean without symptoms for those living with HIV infection?

Abstract

Throughout the history of the HIV epidemic, HIV-positive patients with relatively high CD4 counts and no clinical features of opportunistic infections have been classified as “asymptomatic” by definition and treatment guidelines. This classification, however, does not take into consideration the array of symptoms that an HIV-positive person can experience long before progressing to AIDS. This short report describes two international multi-site studies conducted in 2003–2005 and 2005–2007. Results from the studies show that HIV-positive people may experience symptoms throughout the trajectory of their disease, regardless of CD4 count or classification. Providers should discuss symptoms and symptom management with their clients at all stages of the disease.

Prevalence, correlates, and self-management of HIV-related depressive symptoms

“…Depression is the most common psychiatric diagnosis in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHAs; Pence, 2009). In our two previous international studies, depressive symptoms were the second most frequently reported, with 56 and 58% prevalence observed (Willard et al, 2009). In the USA, estimated prevalence of depression is 2Á10 times higher in PLHAs than in the general population (Bing et al, 2001;Pence, 2009).…”

Pain Among Ambulatory HIV/AIDS Patients: Multicenter Study of Prevalence, Intensity, Associated Factors, and Effect

“…The WHO clinical staging system for HIV/AIDS was developed in 1990 and emphasizes the use of clinical parameters to guide clinical decision-making in the management of HIV/AIDS patients. 67 The system classifies HIV disease on the basis of clinical manifestations that can be recognized and treated by clinicians in diverse settings, including resource-constrained ones, and by clinicians with varying levels of HIV expertise and training. 68 Additional information on the number of comorbid conditions (including general medical comorbidities, such as diabetes, hypertension, and dementia, as well as opportunistic infections, such as tuberculosis, cryptococcal meningitis, hepatitis B, and malignancies) was separately extracted from patients' medical files.…”

Problems taking pills: understanding HIV medication adherence from a new perspective

“…It is important to note that often clinicians and PLWHA identify symptoms as being focused on CD4 counts or those directly related to opportunistic infections. However, evidence provides that PLWHA experience symptoms not just directly related to CD4 counts and OIs but also depression, fatigue, fear, and worries (Willard et al, 2009). This study also found that depression, fatigue, fear, and worries, were in the top five most recorded symptoms.…”