[Noopsychological changes and psychopathological characteristics of HIV-1 patients of various risk groups]

Reports on neuropsychological assessment and psychopathological symptoms in HIV-1 patients are rather different. The aim of the study was to assess frequency and extent of noopsychic changes and psychopathological symptoms in HIV-1 patients of different risk groups. Of the 77 patients being included in the study 35 patients belonged to risk group 1, 42 to risk group 2. The patient groups were compared to a control-group of healthy volunteers (n = 50) and to a control-group of HIV-negative i.v. drug-addicts (n = 31). The psychometric test battery included Raven and MWT Test, Benton Test, numerical memory Test, ARG Test. Personality variables were assessed by MMPI, Psychopathology by AMDP-System, Hamilton Depression Scale, Wellbeing Scale (von Zerssen), STAI 1 and 2 and BPRS. Patients of risk group 1 showed significantly less impairment of noopsychic performance than patients of risk group 2. Risk group 1 showed only in the Benton Test significant impairment compared to healthy volunteers while risk group 2 in most of the tests was impaired. Risk group 2 did not show impairment compared to the control-group of seronegative drug users. Depressive syndromes mainly in risk group 2 showed a significant influence on the noopsychic performance.