Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM) Neurocog 1&2 Study (MSM Neurocog)

The treatment of HIV and the tests performed for HIV care have changed over the last 20 years but improvement of management of HIV-infected subjects is still warranted. The investigators would like to collect and analyse clinical information obtained from subjects who are between 18 and 50 years of age. The investigators will look at routine clinic information such as blood pressure, recent blood test results and clinical history. The investigators will then assess cognitive (brain) function by talking and/or written tests. These tests will include tests for memory, depression and anxiety.

All of those who are identified as having problems with their brain function in this way will be offered onward referral for further assessment as appropriate. Those taking part will be offered a follow up visit at 24-48 weeks after the first assessment to see if there are any changes. This will allow us to understand how brain problems develop, get worse, or get better over time. No genetic research will be done. Depression is a mental health condition that can be characterized by negative feelings, a generally low mood, or problems with eating and sleeping normally. Anxiety is also a mental health condition where a person can feel general anxiousness or fear of specific situations, or, in more serious cases, can have panic attacks. Impaired brain function is a condition of the nervous system or brain where the brain does not function as well as it normally should, and can include symptoms such as forgetfulness, doing everyday tasks more slowly or becoming disorientated to the time of day or the place one is in.

For this study, the investigators will also collect data from medical records, including (and if known)social and educational-related data, HIV infection-related data (e.g. date of diagnosis, blood test results), relevant medical history (e.g. previous psychiatric conditions) and medication used (e.g. date started, the drugs used).

The information the investigators will get from this study will be used to inform healthcare providers (doctor, nurse, health advisor, psychologist) on whether it is necessary to routinely assess HIV infected patients for the presence of anxiety/depression and impaired brain function. The investigators will also get information on whether the treatments used for HIV infection make a difference to how commonly these conditions occur in patients.