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[Neuropsychiatric aspects of HIV infection and AIDS]
M Bourgeois1, H Verdoux, F Peyre
1I.P.S.O., Centre Carreire, Bordeaux.
Neurotropism of H.I.V. has recently been recognized. More than one third of Aids patients have neurological complications (infections, tumors, multifocal progressive leuko-encephalopathy...) attributed to immunological failure. Necropsy reveals more frequent neuropathology (75%). "AIDS Dementia Complex" (A.D.C.) has been described. Neuropsychological impairment (and personality alteration) is frequent (20-40%) even in asymptomatic patients. H.I.V. infects the C.N.S. early in the course of viral infection and prior to the development of classical associated neurological abnormalities. Mental disorders are frequent: anxiety, depression, suicidal behavior, etc. They can be psychological reactions, although they are often already present before H.I.V. infection in "high risk groups". The signification of psychosis is discussed. Overview of literature.
Neurotropism of H.I.V. has recently been recognized. More than one third of Aids patients have neurological complications (infections, tumors, multifocal progressive leuko-encephalopathy...) attributed to immunological failure. Necropsy reveals more frequent neuropathology (75%). "AIDS Dementia Complex" (A.D.C.) has been described. Neuropsychological impairment (and personality alteration) is frequent (20-40%) even in asymptomatic patients. H.I.V. infects the C.N.S. early in the course of viral infection and prior to the development of classical associated neurological abnormalities. Mental disorders are frequent: anxiety, depression, suicidal behavior, etc. They can be psychological reactions, although they are often already present before H.I.V. infection in "high risk groups". The signification of psychosis is discussed. Overview of literature.