| Publication Abstract Display | | Type: Published Manuscript | | Title: Depression and suicidality in HIV/AIDS in China. | | Authors: Jin H, Atkinson HJ, Yu X, Heaton RK, Shi C, Marcotte TP, Young C, Sadek J, Wu Z, Grant I, and the HNRC China Collaboration Group | | Contact: HIV Neurobehavioral Research Center, University of California at San Diego, 150 W. Washington, 2nd Floor, San Diego, CA 92103, USA. hjin@ucsd.edu | | Year: 2006 | | Publication: Journal of Affective Disorders | | Volume: 94 Issue: 1-3 Pages: 269-75 | | Abstract:BACKGROUND: This pilot study examined rates of major depression and suicidality and their associations with daily functioning in HIV infected (HIV+) and uninfected (HIV-) persons in China. METHOD: HIV+ participants (N=28) and demographically matched HIV- controls (N=23) completed the Chinese Composite International Diagnostic Interview to determine lifetime rates of major depressive disorder (MDD) and suicidality. Current mood and suicidal ideation were assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory-I. The impact of depression and HIV infection on daily functioning was measured by an Activity of Daily Living questionnaire. RESULTS: Mean duration of known HIV+ status was 2 years. Almost 79% (n=22) of HIV+ but just 4% (n=1) of HIV- groups reported lifetime major depression. Of the 22 HIV+ individuals with lifetime MDD, only one had onset before learning of HIV status. The remainder developed MDD within 6 months after testing HIV positive. In those HIV+ subjects who met MDD criteria after HIV diagnosis, only two (9%) had received depression treatment, yet four (18%) had persisting active suicidal thoughts. Depression and HIV+ status independently predicted worse daily functioning. LIMITATIONS: Representativeness is limited in this small sample of convenience. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study presents evidence of high rates of major depression and suicidality in HIV-infected persons in China. Despite this, few had sought mental health assistance, suggesting a need to increase awareness of psychiatric comorbidity and access to mental health services. | | Funding: NIMH:MH MH-62512 |
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