ABSTRACT
This 2-year longitudinal study assessed prevalence of Axis I anxiety disorders and anxiety symptoms and their relationship to manifestations of HIV illness in a sample of nonintravenous drug users. The sample included 173 homosexual men with HIV or AIDS (HIV+/AIDS) and 84 homosexual men negative for HIV or AIDS (HIV-). Data were compared with national prevalence rates to provide a framework for interpretation. No significant differences were observed. However, compared with the general population, both HIV+/AIDS and HIV- men reported more anxiety symptoms and stress. For the HIV+/AIDS group there was a positive relationship between anxiety and HIV symptoms, fatigue, and physical limitations. No changes in rates or levels of anxiety were observed in those whose immunologic markers improved or worsened over the 2 years.
Subject(s)
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/psychology , Anxiety Disorders/diagnosis , Anxiety/diagnosis , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/epidemiology , Adult , Anxiety/epidemiology , Anxiety/psychology , Anxiety Disorders/epidemiology , Anxiety Disorders/psychology , Comorbidity , Cross-Sectional Studies , Homosexuality, Male/psychology , Humans , Longitudinal Studies , Male , Middle Aged , Prospective StudiesABSTRACT
Thirty-three HIV-positive women, 12 of whom were pregnant, participated in semistructured interviews to define areas of psychosocial need. Eighty-eight percent of the subjects reported current unemployment. A history of substance abuse was reported by 82 percent, suicide attempts by 52 percent, and sexual problems by 43 percent. Approximately 30 percent reported elevated levels of depressive symptoms on standardized symptom inventories. The pregnant women appeared psychologically healthier than the nonpregnant group. HIV-positive women face multiple psychosocial stressors and may experience significant psychological distress.
