Investigating the impact of HIV on patients with first episode psychosis: a study protocol for a longitudinal cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

South Africa (SA) has a high HIV prevalence and limited mental healthcare resources. Neuropsychiatric complications such as psychosis onset in people living with HIV (PLWHIV) remains poorly understood. The study aims to compare the socio-demographic, clinical, substance use, cognitive and trauma profile of PLWHIV presenting with first episode psychosis (FEP) to those with the condition but without HIV.

Methods and analysis

This study will compare presentation, course, and outcome of a cohort of PLWHIV and FEP with a control group recruited over a 3-year period. We will prospectively test the hypothesis that the 2 groups are socio-demographically, clinically and cognitively distinct at illness presentation, with higher trauma burden and poorer outcomes in those w

SUBMITTER: Chhagan U 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8144045 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature