The structure of mental disorders in HIV-infected patients with syphilis

Abstract

Introduction

There are no data in literature on mental disorders in HIV-infected patients with syphilis.

The objective of the study was to determine the structure of mental disorders in HIV-infected patients with syphilis.

Method

Sixty-five HIV-infected patients with syphilis were examined by a clinical method.

Results

The sample included 45 men (average age 32.09 ± 9.83) and 20 women (average age 31.7 ± 5.97). We divided the sample into three comparison groups (according to the importance of risk factors): women, men who have sex with men (MSM), and men who have sex with women (MSW).

Mental disorders were identified in most patients (83%). Opiate dependence (F11, ICD-10) was established in 55% of women (7.7% for MSW, 0% in MSM; P < 0.001). The dependence on multiple drug use (F19) was revealed with nearly the same frequency in women (25.0%) and in MSW (23.1%); but far less frequently in MSM (3.2%; P = 0.047). The dependence on stimulants (F15) was found in women (5.0%) and MSM (6.3%). The dependence on alcohol (F10) was more common among MSW (61.5%) and women (50.0%) (9.4% in MSM; P < 0.001). 20% of women had Depressive episode (F32). Adjustment disorders (F43) were found much more often in men (43.8% for MSM; 38.5% for MSW; 10% for women; P = 0.035). Personality disorders (F60) were found in all the groups.

Conclusions

We revealed a high incidence of addictions among women and MSW. Affective disorders were represented by depressive episode in women and adjustment disorders in men.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.