Fatigue in Psychiatric HIV Patients: A Pilot Study of Psychological Correlates

BackgroundEven though viral management of HIV infection is now more effective, clinical observations suggest that fatigue remains a problem for a substantial proportion of patients.ObjectiveThe authors delineated prevalence and severity of fatigue in HIV patients with psychiatric comorbidities and examined psychological correlates of fatigue.MethodThe authors comprehensively assessed fatigue in 38 consecutive HIV patients referred for psychiatric treatment with the Identity-Consequence Fatigue Scale.ResultsAbout 80% of patients reported at least moderate feelings of fatigue, and about 25% judged that fatigue was severely affecting their daily functioning. Depression, anxiety, and perceived stress explained between 20% and 75% of the variance in fatigue ratings.DiscussionThe results suggest that fatigue in the era of effective antiretroviral treatment is prevalent, relevant, and related to psychological morbidities. Recognition and treatment of these comorbidities may be important in reducing this fatigue.