Personality Psychopathology in HIV Infected Patients.

Introduction: Given the magnitude of the problem and the multiple physical and psychological stressors that persons with HIV face in India, a study was planned to assess magnitude of substance abuse, and extent of personality psychopathology in HIV positive patients attending A.R.T. clinic at P.B.M. Hospital, Bikaner (Raj.). Aims: To assess and identify the extent of personality psychopathology in HIV patients Material and Method: 50 new seropositive patients without any severe medical illness, CD4 count above 350 and not on Antiretroviral Therapy were selected for study from ART Centre, PBM Hospital, Bikaner during 1 January 2010 to 31st December 2010. Personality psychopathology was assessed in study subjects for inter group comparison on various parameters like drug abuse, sex, etc., and other socio–demographic data on a self designed Performa and International Personality Disorder Examination (IPDE). Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. Results: 77 % [14 out of 18] male HIV positive patients with substance abuse had disorder level of personality psychopathology, compared to 36% [4 out of 11] male HIV positive patients without substance abuse. 17 female patients out of 21 had only trait level of personality psychopathology. Conclusion: Majority of patients with substance abuse had co-morbid personality disorder and therefore it suggests that HIV infection may be consequent to basic personality problem.

Psychiatric Disorders in HIV Infected Patients.

Introduction: Psychological and psychiatric issues associated with HIV infection have received considerable attention in the last decade owing to the emotional impact of the disease and its effect on an individual’s personal, sexual, occupational social and emotional life. Aims: To study the phenomenology of psychiatric disorders in relation to HIV infection. Material and Method: 50 new seropositive patients without any severe medical illness,CD4 count above 350 and not on Antiretroviral Therapy were selected for study from ART Centre, PBM Hospital, Bikaner during 1 January 2010 to 31st December 2010. Equal number of attendants of patients were also assessed on same parameter as control group after recording socio–demographic data on a self designed Performa, Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating scale (MADRS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) were administered. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. Results: 8 out of 18 (45%) male HIV patients with substance abuse reported moderate–severe tension, 1/3 of patients exhibited moderate–severe depression and 15 (84%) were moderate to severely anxious. Among known drug abuse patients, 7 (64%) had moderate to severe anxiety and depression, 8 (72%) felt moderate to severe tensions. All males were moderate to severely hostile. Psychopathology was more frequent in females. Where tension, moderate to severe anxiety and depression were present in 90% of patients. Conclusion: Results indicate that the 65–85 % of non drug abuse male suffer from moderate to severe psychopathology,and the psychopathology in drug abusers is approximately 45% .The females were the worst sufferers.

Catatonic Syndrome – A Review.

Catatonia is common in clinical practice, though prevalence of affected patients has decreased over time. It is a syndrome with varies etiologies. Causative factors range from schizophrenia, depression, drug induced adverse effects to organic causes. It may present in two forms: stuporous and excited. Schizophrenia is thought to the most common cause, however, evidence suggest that it is more common in depression. Successful treatment of catatonia with lorazepam supports it.