Amsterdam 2015
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| Abstract #2085 - Poster 2 | ||||
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Session: 59.6: Poster 2 (Poster) on Tuesday in Chaired by Authors: Presenting Author: Ms Sarah Zetler - Homerton University Hospital NHS Trust, United Kingdom |
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| Additional Authors: | ||||
| Aim: UK guidance recommends that all persons within the first three months of HIV diagnosis should be screened for mental health symptoms and drug and alcohol misuse (BHIVA Standards of Care, 2013), with the aim of identifying co-morbidities which impact on disease progression, risk taking behaviour and quality of life. In this study, we examined results of screening to determine: 1. prevalence of mental health and substance misuse in those receiving a new HIV diagnosis 2. cross-sectional associations of symptoms with demographic, social and HIV-related factors and 3. referral patterns post-screening for treatment of identified mental health and substance misuse difficulties. | ||||
| Method / Issue: We commenced screening persons with new HIV infection in 2010 with a modified Client Diagnostic Questionnaire (mCDQ)(Aidala et al., 2004). The mCDQ includes standard questionnaires for anxiety, depression, PTSD, and substance misuse. All new diagnoses screened with the mCDQ from 2010 to 2014 were included. Data on demographic and HIV factors were obtained from electronic records. Referral to mental health and substance misuse providers was analysed. | ||||
| Results / Comments: 155/360 (43%) newly diagnosed HIV outpatients were screened. Of those screened 84/155 (54%) were positive on at least one measure. 53 (34%) screened positive for a depressive disorder, 31 (30%) for generalized anxiety disorder, and 14 (9%) for a panic syndrome. 31 (20%) had a history of harmful drinking, 49 (32%) had ever used recreational drugs, and 17 (11%) had a history of drug abuse. 113 (73%) had experienced some traumatic event while 25 (16%) screened positive for PTSD. 13 (8%) had previously accessed mental health services. 83/155 (54%) received a referral as a result of the screening. 69 (45%) were referred to the in-house psychology service. 7 (5%) were referred for psychiatric assessment. 38 (25%) were offered ongoing support from Health Advisors. 7 (5%) were offered referrals to drug or alcohol services. Of demographic and immune status results only gender and sexuality were associated with positive screening with more MSM and fewer women scoring positive on the CDQ. | ||||
| Discussion: This study highlights the importance of screening for mental health problems in people newly diagnosed with HIV. Results suggest high prevalence of mental health problems in those presenting with a new HIV diagnosis and yet the majority had no previous contact with mental health services. Mental health screening post diagnosis enabled referral to psychological and substance misuse services for a significant number of people that otherwise might not have been detected. We recommend screening becomes part of routine care per guidelines. References Aidala, A., Havens, J., Mellins, C. A., Dodds, S., Whetten, K., Martin, D. & Ko, P. (2004). Development and validation of the Client Diagnostic Questionnaire (CDQ): A mental health screening tool for use in HIV/AIDS service settings. Psychology, Health & Medicine, 9(3), 362-380. | ||||
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