Associations between Cerebrospinal Fluid Parameters and High Degrees of Anxiety or Depression in United States Air Force Personnel Infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Abstract

The relationship between anxiety and depression, and serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) immune parameters was studied in 98 patients randomly selected from those undergoing routine medical evaluation for human immunodeficiency virus seropositivity as part of the U.S. Air Force's mandatory screening program. A total of 95% of the sample did not have acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The population was subdivided into high and low anxiety or depression groups for statistical purposes. Significant correlations were obtained between high Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression scores (greater than 10) and CSF nucleated cell count and protein levels. High Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (greater than 10) scores were positively correlated with CSF nucleated cell count and absolute CD4a counts. There were no statistically significant group differences with respect to mean laboratory values between high and low anxiety or depression subgroups. Serum viral titers to Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus were not correlated with anxiety or depression scores. These results suggest a complex relationship between CSF and systemic immune abnormalities and degree of anxiety and depression.