OBJECTIVE: The authors examined HIV infection among young adults with
newly diagnosed psychotic disorders. METHODS: The study was based on a
research cohort of 320 first-admission patients aged 20-39 years in a
semirural-suburban county. Research assessments and medical records were
systematically reviewed for information about HIV status. RESULTS: Despite
the fact that few patients were tested for HIV, 12 (3.8%) of the 320
patients had a known HIV infection. In all 12 cases, the HIV infection was
contracted before the onset of psychosis. AIDS was the leading cause of
mortality in the 320 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The HIV epidemic may be having
an important effect on the etiology and the course of psychotic
disorders.Abstract Teaser