Depression linked to faster HIV progression

Depression has been linked to faster HIV disease progression and to poor adherence to anti-HIV treatment.

Now doctors have found that people who are depressed and who do not take their HIV treatment properly, have an increased risk of death. The study involved people who were taking their first combination of anti-HIV drugs. They found that over 50% of patients reported symptoms of depression. People who were depressed but nevertheless took their HIV drugs properly did not have an increased risk of death. But depressed patients who missed doses were significantly more likely to die.

Treatment for depression works just as well in people with HIV, and HIV doctors should recognise the importance of their patients’ mental health. Support for depression and other mental health problems should be readily available through your HIV clinic, so make sure that you tell your HIV doctor if you are feeling depressed – help will be available.