DSM-IV mental disorders and neurological complications in children and adolescents with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection (HIV-1)

Abstract

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.