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HIV

Increased Risk of Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders Among People with HIV

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A recent study conducted by researchers at Copenhagen University Hospital has found a significantly higher risk of schizophrenia spectrum disorders among individuals with HIV, particularly among those who contracted HIV through injection drug use. The study, which was published in the AIDS journal, analyzed data from a nationwide, population-based, matched cohort study of people with HIV in Denmark from 1995 to 2021. The results showed that individuals with HIV had a 20-year cumulative incidence of schizophrenia spectrum disorders of 3.7%, compared to 1.0% in the general population.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found a significantly increased risk of schizophrenia spectrum disorders among individuals with HIV, with a 20-year cumulative incidence of 3.7% vs. 1.0% in the general population.
  • The increased risk was particularly pronounced among individuals who contracted HIV through injection drug use, with a hazard ratio of 11.3 (95% CI: 7.7-16.4).
  • Siblings of individuals with HIV who contracted HIV through injection drug use also had an increased risk of schizophrenia spectrum disorders, with a hazard ratio of 2.9 (95% CI: 1.9-4.5).
  • Familial risk factors may contribute to the increased risk of schizophrenia spectrum disorders among individuals with HIV.

Statistics:

  • 20-year cumulative incidence of schizophrenia spectrum disorders among individuals with HIV: 3.7%
  • 20-year cumulative incidence of schizophrenia spectrum disorders in the general population: 1.0%
  • Hazard ratio of schizophrenia spectrum disorders among individuals with HIV who contracted HIV through injection drug use: 11.3 (95% CI: 7.7-16.4)
  • Hazard ratio of schizophrenia spectrum disorders among siblings of individuals with HIV who contracted HIV through injection drug use: 2.9 (95% CI: 1.9-4.5)

Sources:

  • Research article: Risk of schizophrenia spectrum disorders among people with HIV: A nationwide, populationbased, matched cohort study. AIDS, 2025.
  • Journal: AIDS, published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  • Publisher contact information: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Two Commerce Sq, 2001 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA.

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