| Title | Psychiatric context of acute/early HIV infection. The NIMH Multisite Acute HIV Infection Study: IV. |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2009 |
| Authors | Atkinson, Hampton J., Jenny A. Higgins, Ofilio Vigil, Robert Dubrow, Robert H. Remien, Wayne T. Steward, Corinna Young Casey, Kathleen J. Sikkema, Jackie Correale, Chris Ake, Allen J. McCutchan, Peter R. Kerndt, Stephen F. Morin, and Igor Grant |
| Journal | AIDS and behavior |
| Volume | 13 |
| Issue | 6 |
| Pagination | 1061-7 |
| Date Published | 2009 Dec |
| ISSN | 1573-3254 |
| Keywords | Adaptation, Psychological, Adult, Anxiety, Depression, Female, HIV Infections, HIV-1, Humans, Male, Mental Disorders, Middle Aged, Psychiatric Status Rating Scales, Questionnaires, Sexual Behavior, Stress, Psychological, Substance-Related Disorders, United States |
| Abstract | Acute/early HIV infection is a period of high risk for HIV transmission. Better understanding of behavioral aspects during this period could improve interventions to limit further transmission. Thirty-four participants with acute/early HIV infection from six US cities were assessed with the Mini International Diagnostic Interview, Beck Depression Inventory II, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Brief COPE, and an in-depth interview. Most had a pre-HIV history of alcohol or substance use disorder (85%); a majority (53%) had a history of major depressive or bipolar disorder. However, post-diagnosis coping was predominantly adaptive, with only mild to moderate elevations of anxious or depressive mood. Respondents described challenges managing HIV in tandem with pre-existing substance abuse problems, depression, and anxiety. Integration into medical and community services was associated with adaptive coping. The psychiatric context of acute/early HIV infection may be a precursor to infection, but not necessarily a barrier to intervention to reduce forward transmission of HIV among persons newly infected. |
| DOI | 10.1007/s10461-009-9532-3 |
| Alternate Journal | AIDS Behav |
