Neuropsychiatric evaluation in HIV positive patients: a preliminary study

WOS: 000406284600012Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess neuropsychiatric symptoms of HIV infected patients and determine related socio-demographic and clinical features. Material and Methods: A total of 10 HIV (+) outpatients who have been followed in Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Cukurova University Medical School were included in the study. To evaluate cognitive functions, a neuropsychological test battery consisted of 8 tests were administered. All patients completed Symptom Check List (SCL-90) to determine psychological symptoms and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) were used to evaluate the severity of depression. Results: The sample included 10 patients (4 females, 6 males). All patients had low or mid socioeconomic status, one half were married and seven patients had high or more level education. Executive functions and memory were impaired secondary to attentional narrowing in all HIV infected patients. Four patients were not diagnosed as depression (HAM-D