Publication Abstract Display
Type: Poster
Title: Suicidality and neuropsychological impairment in HIV-infected persons.
Authors: Badiee J, Moore DJ, Vaida F, Franklin D, Gouaux B, McCutchan JA, Atkinson JH, Heaton RK, McArthur J, Morgello S, Simpson D, Collier A, Marra C, Gelman B, Clifford D, Grant I, for the CHARTER Group
Date: 02-03-2010
Abstract:Objectives: Neuropsychological (NP) impairment is common among HIV-infected individuals. NP deficits also exist among individuals with suicidal ideation and those who have attempted suicide. To date, no study has examined suicidal ideation and NP impairment in the context of HIV infection. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine whether increased rates of NP impairment would be observed in individuals reporting prior suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior in the CNS HIV Antiretroviral Therapy Effects Research (CHARTER) cohort. Participants and Methods: 1560 participants completed baseline evaluations. Of these, 981 participants endorsed some depressive symptoms on the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) and were evaluated with suicide-related questions from the CIDI. Based on this assessment, participants were placed into the following 5 categories: No suicidal ideation, thoughts of death, suicidal ideation, made suicide plan, and made suicide attempt. Participants were characterized as NP impaired or unimpaired based on a comprehensive NP battery covering seven domains. These groups were also compared on neuromedical, psychiatric, and demographic characteristics. Results: The overall NP impairment rate for the cohort was 39% (380/981), however rates of NP impairment did not significantly differ across the 5 suicide categories. Individuals in the more severe 3 suicide categories reported higher scores on the Beck Depression Inventory II (p<0.0001) and higher rates of current major depressive disorder (p=0.01) than individuals in the less severe 2 groups. Individuals in the attempt category also reported higher rates of lifetime substance abuse (p=0.02) and current use of psychotropic medications (p=0.01). Conclusions: Contrary to expectations, rates of NP impairment did not significantly differ across the 5 suicide categories. These findings suggest that the presence of suicidal ideation and behavior may not confer additional risk for NP impairment among HIV+ persons.

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