Case study: behavioral symptoms of pediatric HIV-1 encephalopathy successfully treated with clonidine.

There are few reports of the behavioral manifestations in the pediatric population infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). We report a case of a 4-year-old child with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, whose initial manifestation of central nervous system involvement consisted of sudden onset of impulsivity, hyperactivity, initial insomnia, and aggressive behavior. This clinical picture may suggest an initial presentation of HIV-1 encephalopathy. Clonidine was helpful in ameliorating these behaviors.