The development of a Q-sort behavioral rating procedure for pediatric HIV patients.

Developed a Q-sort procedure to assess social, emotional, and motivational behavior associated with central nervous system disease among 180 HIV-infected pediatric patients. These ratings were factor analyzed and scales were derived based on the factor structure. Younger (M age = 1.03 years) patients with HIV-associated encephalopathy were rated as more apathetic and nonsocial in their behavior than nonencephalopathic younger patients. Older (M age = 7.8 years) encephalopathic patients had significantly higher scores on scales measuring depression, autism, and irritability compared to nonencephalopathic patients from this age group. A subgroup (26 patients) showed a significant decrease in these elevated scores after a 6-month course of AZT.