Formation mechanisms of mental disorders in people living with HIV

Abstract

The epidemic of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection affects all social groups of the population. Biopsychosocial stressors directly related to HIV infection, such as stigma, discrimination and shame, side effects of treatment, symptoms of HIV infection, and disclosure of the diagnosis influence the deterioration of mental health of people living with HIV. Stigma and discrimination can prevent the timely seeking of psychiatric help. Social stigmatization of HIV infection may affect their adherence to antiretroviral therapy. The purpose of our study was to study the formation mechanisms of mental disorders in people living with HIV. A comprehensive examination of 118 patients diagnosed with HIV infection between the ages of 22 and 61 was conducted at the Sumy Regional Clinical Medical Center for Socially Dangerous Diseases. During the examination of each patient, a psychiatric examination was carried out, anamnestic data were collected, and questionnaires were used: the Symptom Check List90-Revised psychopathological symptoms questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). The examined patients were diagnosed with organic mood disorders, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders; disorders related to stress and trauma. The results of the questionnaires confirm the diversity and breadth of clinical symptoms found among those examined. 55.9% of patients had severe symptoms of psychological distress. 55.9% of the examined show symptoms of depression of varying severity. As a result of the study, the main parameters that influence the formation of mental disorders in people living with HIV were formed: socioeconomic factors, which are primarily represented by a low level of education and a fairly high level of unemployment, social isolation and the absence of family support, fear of stigmatization, the presence of harmful habits and stressful events and factors related to the detection of HIV infection. Keywords: antiretroviral therapy, depression, neuroinflammation, psychosocial factors.