Management of Depression Associated with HIV/AIDS and Antiretrovial Therapy. (2006)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Halman, Mark
• Is Part Of: Canadian journal of infectious diseases & medical microbiology =. Volume 17(2006)Supplement D
• Page Start: 5D
• Page End: 9D
• Publication Date: 2006
• Subjects: Antiretrovirals -- Depression -- Efavirenz -- HIV/AIDS; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Infection -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases; Infection; Communicable Diseases; Communicable Disease Control; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1155/2006/254238
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1712-9532

Abstract

Abstract : Depressed mood is a common psychiatric complaint in persons with HIV/AIDS, with a meta-analysis indicating that the rates of depression within this group may be as high as double that of the general population. Depression may result from a biological diathesis to mood disorders, a physiological reaction to a medical illness or its treatment, and/or a psychological reaction to challenging life circumstances. Associated symptoms include sleep, energy and appetite disturbances; social withdrawal; diminished capacity to experience pleasure; diminished concentration; feelings of worthlessness, shame and guilt; and recurrent thoughts of death, including suicidal ideation. The emotionally and physically painful state of major depression is associated with decreased antiretroviral adherence and poorer HIV/AIDS disease outcomes. Neuropsychiatric symptoms have been reported with several of the medications taken by patients with HIV/AIDS, including lamivudine, zidovudine, interferon and, most notably, efavirenz. However, data from several sources demonstrate that neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with efavirenz use are generally transient, with onset early after treatment initiation, peaking after one week and decreasing over the first one to four months of treatment. Recent comparative studies have not found elevated incident rates of major depression in patients treated with efavirenz, but they have confirmed the typical neuropsychiatric symptoms reported in earlier open-label studies and case reports. Becoming skilled in the management of depression and psychiatric symptoms is integral to the provision of comprehensive care for patients with HIV/AIDS.