HIV-related posttraumatic stress disorder: investigating the traumatic events

AIDS Patient Care STDS. 2010 Aug;24(8):485-91. doi: 10.1089/apc.2009.0231.

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between the experience of various HIV-related events (receiving the diagnosis, receiving treatment, experiencing physical symptoms, self-disclosing HIV positive status, and witnessing HIV-related death) and posttraumatic stress symptoms in a sample of 100 gay men living with HIV. Self-report data revealed that 65% met criteria for having experienced a traumatic event in accordance with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) criterion A. The experience of shame, humiliation, or guilt during an event was measured but not found to be a significant indicator of having been traumatized. A total of 33% qualified for a PTSD diagnosis. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that receiving medical treatment, experiencing physical symptoms, and witnessing HIV-related death were most associated with HIV-related PTSD symptoms. Given that multiple HIV-related events are potentially traumatic, the screening, assessment and treatment for HIV-related PTSD may need to be considered by HIV services.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders*
  • Emotions
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy
  • HIV Infections / mortality
  • HIV Infections / physiopathology
  • HIV Infections / psychology*
  • HIV Seropositivity / diagnosis
  • Homosexuality, Male
  • Humans
  • Life Change Events
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / diagnosis*
  • Young Adult