Comorbidity between addiction, dysthymia, HIV and HCV: case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Comorbidity between chemical dependence and infectious diseases is well known, as is the relationship between mood disorders and substance misuse. Nevertheless, dysthymia in these patients is not well explored. That is partly justified since the diagnoses of dysthymia is more difficult than other mood disorders due to the abstinence time (2 years) required for the diagnoses, and since addiction patients present several relapses during the course of their lifetimes. HIV and HCV infections, frequently associated to intravenous (IV) drug use, contribute to mental status deterioration and the treatment for such conditions can cause fluctuations on mood. CASE REPORT: A 40 years old patient with comorbidity between chemical dependence (heroin and alcohol) and dysthymia, complicated by relapses, IV drug use and serological status positive to HIV-1 and HCV. CONCLUSION: Addiction patients with psychiatric and infectious comorbidity are challenging to diagnose, treat and define therapeutical approaches to the different conditions. Proper clinical investigation and approach leads to benefits in health quality and potential financial benefits.