Am J Psychiatry 1990; 147:89-93
Copyright © 1990 by American Psychiatric Association
Psychiatric diagnosis before serological testing for the human immunodeficiency virus
S Perry, LB Jacobsberg, B Fishman, A Frances, J Bobo and BK Jacobsberg
Department of Psychiatry, Cornell University Medical College, New York Hospital, NY 10021.
To identify the diagnostic characteristics and counseling needs of
individuals at risk for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS),
standardized DSM-III-R diagnoses were given to 207 physically asymptomatic
adults when they sought serological testing for the human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV). The subjects had high lifetime rates of mood disorders. Even
after the 20 subjects with intravenous drug use as a risk factor were
eliminated, lifetime rates of nonalcohol substance dependence were also
high. These findings suggest that even before they are notified of HIV test
results, many individuals at perceived risk for AIDS may be vulnerable to
future depression and nonintravenous drug abuse.
