Antisocial personality disorder and HIV infection among intravenous drug abusers

Robert K. Brooner, Lawrence Greenfield, Chester W. Schmidt, George E. Bigelow

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

138 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: Antisocial personality disorder in drug abusers has been associated with poor treatment outcome. The authors examined the relationship between diagnosis of antisocial personality and HIV infection. Method: Subjects were 272 intravenous drug abusers, 140 (52%) of whom were in methadone treatment. Subjects were given an HIV risk behavior interview before diagnostic interviewing and HIV testing. Results: Using the DSM-III-R definition, the authors found that 119 (44%) of the subjects met criteria for antisocial personality. Significantly more of the subjects with antisocial personality (18% [N=21] than of the subjects without antisocial personality (8% [N=12]) had HIV infection. The diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder was associated with a significantly higher odds ratio of infection independent of ethnicity, gender, and treatment status. Conclusions: Antisocial personality is a risk factor for HIV infection among intravenous drug abusers.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)53-58
Number of pages6
JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry
Volume150
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1993

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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