The Impact of HIV Diagnosis-Related vs. Non-Diagnosis Related Trauma on PTSD, Depression, Medication Adherence, and HIV Disease Markers

The present study examined differences in three groups of people living with HIV (PLWH); those who did not meet post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) criteria, those with HIV-related PTSD, and those with non-HIV-related PTSD. Patients with PTSD reported more PTSD and depression symptoms and lower levels of medication adherence. Participants with HIV-related PTSD were more likely to report reliving the trauma and were more adherent to HIV medications than participants with non-HIV-related PTSD. Results suggest that HIV- and non-HIV-related PTSD have a similar impact on PLWH and in both cases impact their functioning, adherence to medications, and levels of depression.