Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that affects CD4 lymphocytes. Inflammation and neoplasms occur as a consequence of the destruction of the cellular origin of immunity and disruption of the general immunity regulation. HIV enters the nervous system during the first hours of infection and persists throughout the entire infection. Many psychiatric syndromes can be observed in HIV-infected individuals, such as depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, sleep disorders, alcohol-substance abuse disorders, delirium, dementia, and psychosis. Here we present a case of hypomania that developed in an HIV positive patient, aiming to point out the importance of screening, diagnosing, and treating psychiatric disorders related to HIV presence. A 41-year-old male patient was diagnosed with acquired immunodeficiency 6 months ago, and while he was being followed up at an infection diseases clinic, he presented sudden onset of insomnia, nervousness, overtalking, and overspending money behaviors. He was referred to a psychiatry clinic, and at psychological examination of the patient, increased mood and psychomotor activity were detected. Haloperidol ampule 10 mg/day and biperiden ampule 5 mg/day were started and given for 3 days. There were neither hallucinations or delusions nor homicide or suicide ideas. No substance abuse history was present. He was diagnosed with hypomania due to acquired immunodeficiency. The patient has been in remission for the last 3 months and is still being followed up in our clinic.

Keywords: Hypomania, human immunodeficiency virus, depression