AIDS and suicide

An association between suicide and the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) has been noted in several epidemiologic studies. Numerous case reports also support the trend of an increased suicide risk in persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and persons with AIDS. A variety of medical, neurologic, and psychiatric factors may contribute to the death of an HIV patient. I present the case of a 27-year-old man who committed suicide approximately 2 years after he received a diagnosis of AIDS. He had no previous psychiatric history. It is imperative that physicians caring for such patients be aware of the various neurologic and psychiatric manifestations of HIV infection. If appropriate, an assessment of suicide risk should be included in the regular office visit.