Depressive Symptoms in Patients with HIV Infection

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Abstract
Objective: The aim of the paper was to assess the frequency and severity of depressive symptoms amongst HIV positive patients attending an out-patient treatment clinic. Method: One hundred HIV positive patients attending the out-patient clinic at Fairfield Hospital, Melbourne, completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Results: Forty-four patients scored 14 or more on the BDI. No significant relationship was demonstrated between BDI score and living situation, relationship status, duration of known seropositivity, current CD4 count, or Centres for Disease Control (CDC) category of illness. Significantly more patients scoring in the depressed range were unable to work because of illness. Forty patients reported suicidal ideation. Conclusions: Depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation are common amongst HIV positive patients, occurring at comparable or greater rates than those found in a variety of other medically ill populations.