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Depression and neurocognitive performance in Portuguese patients infected with HIV

Miguel Bragança1, António Palha

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Oporto Medical School, Porto, Portugal. miguelbraganca@netcabo.pt

AIDS and Behavior
|May 21, 2011
PubMed

Insights

HIV infection significantly impacts cognitive function and mood. Depression is common in HIV patients, affecting neuropsychological domains like motor speed, even with effective treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Neurocognitive disorders (HAND) are a significant concern in HIV infection.
  • Understanding the relationship between depression and cognitive function in HIV is crucial for patient management.
  • Previous research indicates a high prevalence of HAND and depression in individuals with HIV.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the most affected neuropsychological domains in HIV-positive individuals.
  • To identify factors associated with depression in this population.
  • To examine the impact of depression on cognitive functioning.

Main Methods:

  • Study included 130 HIV-positive individuals on HAART with CD4 >200 and undetectable viral load.
  • Neuropsychological assessment used the HIV Neurobehavioral Research Center (HNRC) Battery.
  • Depression was assessed using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D); statistical analyses included univariate and multivariate regression.

Main Results:

  • 34% of participants were depressed, with high rates of suicide attempts and psychiatric medication use.
  • Only 19% had no criteria for HAND.
  • Depression significantly worsened cognitive function in five of eight measures; dexterity and motor speed were key predictors of depression.

Conclusions:

  • High prevalence of HAND and depression persists despite effective antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and good immune status.
  • A significant relationship exists between depression severity and cognitive functioning in HIV-infected individuals.
  • Factors like sex, social class, and motor speed are significant determinants of depression.

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