Neuropsychiatric Manifestations of AIDS-Spectrum Disorders

Psychiatric aspects of HIV-1 infection and AIDS

“…In some of them, cognitive impairment was associated or soon developed, thus suggesting a diagnosis of organic brain syndrome (Kermani et al 1985;Gabel et al 1986;Perry & Jacobsen, 1986;Dauncey, 1988;Schmidt & Miller, 1988); in some others, cognitive impairment did not appear throughout the episode (Buhrich et al 1988;Schmidt & Miller, 1988). The possible interpretations of these last cases are similar to those proposed for acute psychotic disorders.…”

Aids-related dementia: A case report of rapid cognitive decline

“…The literature identifies many early dementia symptoms that often are described as psychiatric symptoms suggestive of a pseudodementia (Perry & Jacobsen, 1986). More recently, however, recognition of an AIDS-related dementia complex has occurred (Navia & Price, 1987).…”

“…more sensitive assessment than mental status exams surely is required (Holland & Tross, 1985;Perry & Jacobsen, 1986). The recognition of dementia as a primary criterion for the diagnosis of AIDS further underscores the importance of early and continuing assessment of cognitive function.…”

“…Originally thought to be a slow, progressive dementia that affected only a portion of the AIDS/ARC population (Christ & Wiener, 1985;Snider et al, 1983), recent research has reported that up to 80% of these patients demonstrate detectable central nervous system (CNS) involvement at autopsy (Petito et al, 1985). Onset and progression have been reported variably with more rapid deterioration evident within 3 months (Navia & Price, 1987), while others describe insidious onset over a period of years (Perry & Jacobsen, 1986). Currently, the significance of a developing dementia among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients has increased sharply, with the recent inclusion of dementia as a primary diagnostic criterion for the diagnosis of AIDS (Centers for Disease Control, 1987).…”

“…Perry and Jacobsen (1986) reported the case of a 33-year-old lawyer whose psychological testing revealed a significant decline relative to probable premorbid levels (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Verbal IQ = 117, Performance IQ = 92). Subsequent to development of AIDS-like symptoms, however, no further cognitive assessment occurred.…”