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Confounding factors in the measurement of depression in HIV
C E Drebing1, W G Van Gorp, C Hinkin
1Los Angeles School of Medicine, University of California.
Abstract:
Our study investigates the nature of elevated depression scores on the MMPI-168 in human-immunodeficiency-virus- (HIV-)infected individuals. Comparison of MMPI scales, factor scores, and individual depression item endorsement rates were made between three groups of homosexual/bisexual men: asymptomatic HIV-1 seropositives (n = 156), symptomatic HIV-1 seropositives (n = 156), and a comparison group of HIV-1 seronegatives (n = 117). Elevated scores were found on the MMPI depression scale for all three groups, with HIV infection and the presence of symptoms being associated with significant elevations in depression. Analyses of these elevated scores through the use of factor scores and individual item analyses strongly suggest that endorsement of items related to physical symptoms and neuropsychological complaints accounted for much of the difference in overall depression scores between samples. Implications are discussed for measurement and diagnosis of depression in HIV populations.
Insights
Elevated depression scores on the MMPI-168 are common in men infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Physical and neuropsychological symptoms significantly contribute to these higher depression scores in HIV populations.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Infectious Diseases
- Psychological Assessment
Background:
- Elevated depression scores on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-168 (MMPI-168) are noted in individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
- Understanding the specific factors contributing to these scores is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management in HIV-infected populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the nature of elevated depression scores on the MMPI-168 in HIV-infected individuals.
- To compare depression scores and item endorsement rates among asymptomatic HIV-positive, symptomatic HIV-positive, and HIV-negative homosexual/bisexual men.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of MMPI scales, factor scores, and individual depression item endorsement rates.
- Inclusion of three groups: asymptomatic HIV-1 seropositives (n=156), symptomatic HIV-1 seropositives (n=156), and HIV-1 seronegatives (n=117).
Main Results:
- All three groups exhibited elevated MMPI depression scale scores.
- HIV infection and the presence of symptoms were associated with significant increases in depression scores.
- Physical symptoms and neuropsychological complaints were major contributors to the elevated depression scores.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights that elevated depression scores in HIV-positive individuals are influenced by physical and neuropsychological symptoms.
- Findings have implications for the measurement and diagnosis of depression within HIV populations.
- Further research is needed to refine assessment tools for depression in this demographic.