Risk of Deliberate Self-Harm and Factors Associated With Suicidal Behaviour Among Asymptomatic Individuals With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

The risk of deliberate self-harm & factors associated with suicidal behaviour in 213 asymptomatic individuals (68 gay men, 123 iv drug users, & 22 heterosexuals) with HIV infection was evaluated. 12 subjects were involved in deliberate self-harm after being notified of a positive HIV test result. 8 subjects attempted suicide within 6 months & 4 between 6 months & 3 years. Subjects with a past psychiatric history showed a 7.7-fold increase in the relative risk of deliberate self-harm. (33 refs.)