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Schizophrenia and HIV
1Mission Valley Mental Health Clinic, San Diego Veterans Affairs Medical Center, CA 92108, USA.
Schizophrenia Bulletin
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Co-occurring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) spectrum illness and psychosis, like schizophrenia, increases health risks. Patients with new-onset psychosis and HIV may need lower antipsychotic doses, but optimal treatment remains unknown.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Infectious Diseases
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Limited data exists on the co-occurrence of HIV-spectrum illness and psychotic disorders.
- Coexistence of these conditions can significantly worsen patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of HIV-spectrum illness and psychosis co-occurrence.
- To highlight the impact of combined illnesses on morbidity and mortality.
- To identify gaps in knowledge regarding treatment and medication efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on HIV and psychosis.
- Analysis of reported frequencies of HIV in psychiatric patients and psychosis in HIV patients.
- Examination of treatment response and tolerance in affected patients.
Main Results:
- HIV infection rates in mentally ill patients range from 5-7%.
- New-onset psychosis in HIV patients ranges from 0.2-15%, increasing with HIV progression.
- Combined illnesses are linked to increased morbidity and mortality.
Conclusions:
- Patients with new-onset psychosis and HIV tolerate low-dose antipsychotics.
- The impact of HIV on neuroleptic dosage in patients with pre-existing psychosis is unknown.
- Further research is needed to identify optimal neuroleptic treatments for co-occurring HIV and psychosis.