Overcoming depression

Abstract

Depression is one of the most prevalent and undertreated complications of HIV disease. Despite the improvements in health related to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), women and men with HIV continue to be at risk for depression. Untreated depression not only can affect quality of life, but it also may compromise HAART adherence, weaken immune functioning, exacerbate chronic pain, and contribute to substance use. Depression might also lead to sexual risk-taking behavior in some people with HIV, potentially contributing to HIV transmission. This article will address a range of questions concerning HIV-related depression. Why is depression so common in people with HIV? Is it seen more frequently in those with HIV disease than in uninfected individuals? If so, why? And if depression is so common, why is it typically overlooked by HIV clinicians? Finally, is depression treated differently in people with HIV, and what specific types of therapy or medications are most useful?