evaluation of depression in hiv/aids patients refering to behavioral counselling center of imam khomeini hospital

hiv/aids because of its transmission methods has cultural, social and psychiatric impacts on patients especially in islamic countries. we investigated depression frequency in an iranian referral center for hiv/aids patients. all patients attending the counseling centre of imam khomeini hospital during 2006 and 2007 who agreed to participate were enrolled. depression was measured by beck depression inventory-ii (bdi-ii) questionnaire. patients with score 15 and above were considered depressed. 199 patients (27 female; age 37.9‏ ± 9.5) filled the questionnaire. bdi-ii scores 13 and above and 15 and above were detected in 74/1% and 71/7% of patients, respectively. we observed statistically significant relationship between depression (as defined by bdi-ii score > 15) and cd4 count, duration of diagnosed seropositivity, history of depression in the patients and his/her family, imprisonment, job status and education level. the relationship between depression and addiction was not statistically significant. the observed frequency of depression in our study (74%) is one of the highest ever reported. we recommend regular psychiatric visits for these patients in islamic countries.