Depression and support systems in male army HIV+ patients

Psychiatric interviews were conducted with 55 male Army HIV+ patients. These soldiers were diagnosed in an early stage of HIV, and were not clinically demented. Sixty-four percent were given diagnoses of a depressive disorder by a psychiatrist, while 42% self-reported depression. Fifty-five percent had a history of suicidal thoughts since their diagnosis of HIV, but only one soldier was actively suicidal. Half said that they followed a more healthy lifestyle since their diagnoses. Factors associated with a high rate of depression included being divorced, of Hispanic origin, having other medical problems, or a history of mental illness. Not telling friends and family, or feeling a lack of support from them or the military, was also significantly correlated with depression.