Suicide risk and prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) among individuals infected with HIV-1 subtype C versus B in Southern Brazil

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is among the most prevalent neuropsychiatric disorders associated with HIV infection; however, its risks and neurobiologic correlates in diverse cultures are poorly understood. This study aimed to examine the frequency of MDD among HIV+ participants in southern Brazil. We hypothesized that the frequency and severity of MDD would be higher among individuals HIV+ compared with HIV−, and higher in HIV subtype B compared with C. Individuals with HIV (n=39) as well as seronegative controls (n=22) were enrolled in a cross-sectional, prospective, observational study. Current and lifetime history of MDD was diagnosed by MINI-Plus; symptom severity was assessed by BDI-II. Current and past episodes of MDD were significantly more frequent in the HIV+ versus HIV− group: current MDD, 15 (38.5%) vs. 0 (0%), p = 0.0004; past MDD, 24 (61.5%) vs. 3 (13.6%), p = 0.0004. The median BDI-II score in the HIV+ group was significantly higher than in the HIV− (13 [8–27.5] vs. 2.5 [1–5.5]; p < 0.0001). Current suicide risk, defined as during the last month, was found in 18% of participants in the HIV-positive and in none in the HIV-negative group. Neither current MDD frequency (8 (57.1%) vs. 6 (40%), p = 0.47) nor BDI-II score differed across subtypes B and C. CONCLUSIONS: HIV+ group may be more likely to experience current MMD than HIV−. This was the first study to compare the frequency and severity of MDD in HIV subtype B and C; we found no difference between HIV subtypes B or C