Personality Psychopathology in HIV Infected Patients.

ABSTRACT

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.