Disturbi psicotici in corso d'infezione da HIV-1

Starting in November 1990, the research had the objectives of studying the possible correlation amongst neuropsychiatric aspects, somatic symptoms, immune status, neuropsychological performance, neuroradiological findings (CAT scan and MRI), and CSF findings. A diagnosis of Psychotic Disorder due to HIV infection of the Central Nervous System was made in a group of 11 (5M/6F) in and out-patients out of 325 subjects observed. The mean age was 32 (±6.91), and the mean period known to be HIV-1-1 positive was 4.1 years (±2.02). In our sample, delusions showing an organic origin presented during a wide variety of impairments of cerebral functions, and most episodes were diagnosed during the advanced stages of the infection. We observed that subjects with simply loosely held persecutory beliefs are those most cognitively compromised, and showing an impairment in the Central Nervous System. On the other hand delusions were more complex in subjects with no neuropsychological impairment. Furthermore our data suggest that patients presenting both organic cerebral impairments and psychosis had a more severe prognosis for the development of other psychosis in the future and for life expectancy.