Age Difference in Rates of Mental Health/Substance Abuse and Behavioral Care in HIV-Positive Adults

Abstract

This study aims to investigate age differences in rates of mental health/substance abuse and behavioral health treatment in HIV-positive adults. One-hundred and nine HIV-positive adults (21-88 years old) were recruited from the University of Pennsylvania Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) infectious disease clinics. Each subject participated in a 3-hour comprehensive behavioral/psychosocial interview. Over half of the sample displayed significant mental health and substance abuse symptoms, of which approximately a third were actively participating in behavioral health care. Major depression and illicit drug use appeared to be the most prevalent syndromes. However, individuals with mania and psychosis were most likely to be participating in behavioral health treatment, while individuals with at-risk drinking and illicit drug use were least likely to be participating in treatment. Furthermore, older-aged adults were less likely to be receiving behavioral health care when there was evidence of need. The findings of this investigation generally concluded that HIV-positive adults, especially older-aged adults, are in need of improved behavioral health management for mental health/substance abuse.

The impact of age, HIV serostatus and seroconversion on methamphetamine use

“…In addition, older adults with HIV are less likely to receive behavioral health care for substance use disorders (49). The persistence of methamphetamine use and lower likelihood of engagement in behavioral health care may confer additive risk for poorer health outcomes among older persons with HIV.…”

Psychiatric symptom burden in older people living with HIV with and without cognitive impairment: the UCSF HIV over 60 cohort study

“…The frequency and severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms were significantly higher in HIV compared to healthy elders: a result that is even more worrisome given that elders with HIV are less likely to receive needed mental health care compared to their younger counterparts (28% and 40%, respectively) (Zanjani, Saboe, & Oslin, 2007). Regular psychiatric symptom screening is pertinent.…”

Telemedicine for Depression in Older People Living with HIV

“…Some studies indicate depression prevalence as high as 52% for older PLWH [24], while others show that older PLWH are five times more likely to experience depression compared to HIV-negative peers [25]. The high rates of depression in older PLWH are especially disconcerting since this cohort is less likely than their younger counterparts to seek treatment [26].…”