Minor Cognitive Deficits and Mood States in HIV-1 Infected Men

The aim of this study is to evaluate cognitive deficits and the psychoemotional state of patients affected by HIV-1. The sample, composed of 30 male HIV-1 positive patients aged on average 35.59, was assessed using a psychodiagnostic protocol based on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—Revised (WAIS-R) and the Profile of Mood State (POMS) applied at the three phases of observation: baseline (T1), 6 months later (T2), and 18 months later (T3). The outcomes were compared using a non-parametric statistical technique in a multivariate context (NPC test). The results highlight significative differences in responses during the three different phases of observation (T1, T2, T3) showing, in particular, reduced cognitive performance at T3 with increased anxiety, depression, aggressiveness, asthenia, and cerebral confusion. It is thus suggested that in the study sample the condition of disease accelerates the decline of specific brain mechanisms, resulting in psychiatric disorders with reduced quality of social and working life.