Patterns of Anxiety Disorders in HIV Perinatally-infected and Perinatally-exposed But Uninfected Youth

Rachel C Zimmerman, Fordham University

Abstract

Youth affected by HIV have been shown to experience high levels of psychiatric disorder. However, the bulk of literature surrounding the intersection of anxiety disorders and HIV have focused largely on adult populations, while that concerning pediatric HIV focus on psychiatric disorders as a whole. This analysis sought to help bridge this gap by investigating the prevalence of specific anxiety disorders in PHIV and PHEU youth in their older adolescent and young adulthood years while also assessing for differences in family environment and social support from friends. Findings indicated no significant relationship distinguishing PHIV’s from PHEU’s in meeting criteria for a specific anxiety disorder, however, secondary analyses indicated significantly higher rates of overall psychiatric disorder in PHIV youth. Minimal differences emerged in measures of social support systems. These findings may contribute to the body of knowledge utilized by health care providers treating youth affected by HIV and help work towards a more inclusive, well-rounded approach to include mental health alongside physical well-being as a cornerstone of treatment.

Subject Area

Clinical psychology

Recommended Citation

Zimmerman, Rachel C, "Patterns of Anxiety Disorders in HIV Perinatally-infected and Perinatally-exposed But Uninfected Youth" (2019). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI13881148.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI13881148

Share

COinS