Personality changes in HIV-infected patients who have been receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy

Abstract

Introduction: The major objective of this paper was to search for personality changes in people diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as well as to investigate their level of self-esteem, psychosocial benefits, and cognitive appraisal of the infection. We have also analysed how the subjective appraisal of the infection correlates with personality traits, the level of psychosocial benefits, and variables related to antiretroviral therapy (ARV). Material and methods: The study involved 32 HIV-infected patients who had been receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Research tools used: Adjective Check List (ACL), Silver Lining Questionnaire (SL-24), Disease-Related Appraisals Scale (DRAS), and our own questionnaire used to obtain socio-demographic information and data related to ARV therapy. Results: The study proved there are statistically significant differences between the Actual self and the Retrospective self profiles regardig the need for change, submission, and the Adapted Child ego. The level of self-esteem in HIV-infected patients emerged po be sinificantly lower when compared to other clinical control groups. Patients with HIV reported psychosocial benefits regarding their life philosophy, improved character strength, and improved interpersonal relationships. The cognitive appraisal of the HIV infection correlated significantly with certain personality traits as well as the level of psychosocial benefits, the duration of ARV therapy, and the CD4 cell count. Conclusions: The diagnosis of HIV infection may cause personality changes in the affected person. HIV-infected patients have a low level of self-esteem. Also, they may experience post-traumatic growth. People infected with HIV create a subjective (cognitive) assessment of their situation, which proves to depend on their personality traits, the level of psychosocial benefits, and treatment-related variables.