PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS IN HIV SEROPOSITIVE INDIVIDUALS

Background: Infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), has been the most significant disease to affect our society during the last two decades. Profound psychiatric complications of HIV-infection and AIDS have been recognized almost since the recognition of this condition in 1984. Aim: To study the incidence and prevalence of psychiatric disorders and their relation to socio demographic variables among HIV seropositive individuals. Methods: Socio demographic data was collected from one fifty patients who were HIV seropositive and were assessed for various psychiatric disorders. Results: Specific Phobia (AIDS Phobia) accounted for 30% patients of psychiatric diagnosis. Affective disorder was the next common diagnosis being 24%, 12% were diagnosed as having anxiety disorder, 6% had delusional disorder, 8% had somatoform disorder, 12% were mentally retarded and 8% had Post Traumatic stress disorders (PTSD).