Effects of Childhood Trauma and Alcoholism History on Neuropsychological Performance in Adults with HIV Infection: An Initial Study

Background Childhood trauma carries heightened risk for neuropsychological impairment and is a frequent concomitant of HIV infection (H) and alcoholism (Alc). Little is known about compounded effects of childhood trauma and these diseases on cognitive and motor functioning. We queried the relation between childhood trauma history (experiencing at least 1 of 13 specified traumas before age 18) and cognitive and motor performance in HIV infection with and without lifetime alcoholism. Methods Relations between childhood trauma history (Tr) and four performance domains (episodic memory, information processing speed, executive function, and fine motor function) were examined via ANCOVAs covarying for age and education in four HIV groups: 21 H+Alc+Tr, 19 H+Alc, 19 H+Tr, and 25 HComp (H comparison group without Tr or Alc). Results H+Tr, irrespective of Alc, performed poorly on the episodic memory domain. Specifically, immediate and delayed verbal recall, and immediate visual recall were affected in those with HIV and history of childhood trauma with or without alcoholism history. By contrast, H+Alc+Tr performed faster than H+Alc or H+Tr in information processing speed. Conclusion The findings of poorer episodic memory in HIV infection with childhood trauma history corroborates previous reports and now extends findings to H+Alc+Tr trimorbidity. The novel interaction of alcoholism and trauma in HIV infection suggests that information processing speed is slowed with trauma history or alcoholism history alone in HIV but not with HIV+Alc+Tr trimorbidity, possibly reflecting greater impulsivity and hyperarousal in multiply-affected individuals.