1/2. DSM-IV mental disorders and neurological complications in children and adolescents with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection (hiv-1).AIM: - To study the types of psychiatric problem encountered in children infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and their relationship to central nervous system disorder and the severity of infection. methods: - 17 HIV-infected children presenting with psychiatric problems were included. mental disorders were evaluated according to DSM-IV criteria. Neurological disorders and progressive encephalopathy (presence or absence) diagnosis were evaluated by clinical and radiological examination. The severity of infection was assessed by the percentage of CD4 lymphocytes. RESULTS: - The most frequent diagnoses were major depression (MDD: 47%) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD: 29%). Major depression diagnosis was significantly associated with neuroimaging or clinical neurological abnormalities (p < 0.01). In contrast, no association was found between hyperactivity diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria and central nervous system disorder. Percentage of CD4 lymphocytes were close to 0 for more than 80% of children presenting with psychiatric complications. CONCLUSION: - The very low % of CD4 lymphocytes of these children suggest that the appearance of a psychiatric complication should be regarded as a factor indicating severe HIV infection. Depressive disorders may be a clinical form of encephalopathy.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = mental disorder (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/2. Evaluation and treatment of mental disorders in patients with AIDS.Mental symptoms are common in patients with AIDS. Optimal management involves the identification and treatment of underlying mental disorders rather than symptomatic treatment alone. Organic mental disorders are very frequent in AIDS, particularly with seriously ill patients who are medical inpatients. There is a high priori probability that such common symptoms as agitation, irritability, and insomnia will be caused by an organic mental disorder. psychopharmacology in the patient with AIDS requires considerable caution. Lower doses and careful surveillance for subtle neuropsychiatric side effects are necessary. Routine medical contact with a compassionate physician may be of inestimable value to the patient in coping with the fear and dread that surround the illness.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1.75keywords = mental disorder (Clic here for more details about this article) |