Subclinical Depressive Symptoms in HIV Infection are Related to Avoidance Coping Responses: A Comparison with End-Stage Renal Failure and Breast Cancer

We examined the relationship between coping responses and mood states among three samples of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (n=26), end-stage renal failure (n=98), and breast cancer (n= 60). Avoidance scores differed significantly across the groups, being highest in those with HIV infection. The avoidance scores were significantly and positively correlated with depression scores. However, patients with HIV infection did not fulfill the diagnostic criteria for major depression. Although patients with HIV infection may have minor psychiatric symptoms, results suggest that the symptoms are not strong enough to warrant a psychiatric diagnosis of mood disorder. It might be clinically important to attend to avoidance behaviors and thoughts which may develop into the manifestation of depression.