[Perceived emotional support of HIV-positive men in relation to the stage of the disease].

Perceived emotional support is considered important in buffering the adverse effects of life-threatening conditions, e.g. AIDS. The aim of the present study was to investigate (1) which aspects of perceived emotional support are associated with depression, anxiety and suicidality in patients with HIV-infection, and (2) whether perception of emotional support is influenced by the stage of disease. 40 male patients with HIV-infection, most of them homosexuals (no drug-addicts, no signs of neuropsychiatric impairment) were investigated. A Perceived Emotional Support Scale, Zung's Self-rating Depression Scale and Spielberger's State-Trait-Anxiety Inventory were administered. To assess suicidality, a clinical interview was carried out. Stage of disease was determined according to CDC-classification and CD4-cell count. The data indicate that (1) aspects of perceived emotional support concerning regulation of self-esteem in relation to a key figure are of greatest importance in predicting depression and state-anxiety and (2) emotional support is perceived significantly better in patients with low CD4-count, i.e. in those patients facing the greatest threat.