HIV & Depression 

Depression is the most common symptom in people living with HIV in the United States affecting nearly 20-30% of people living with this condition (Bengtson & et al., 2016). It is a mental illness that affects the quality of life. Even though anti-depressants exist as treatment for depression, there is a lack of proper treatment for people with HIV. It is estimated that “20% of HIV-infected persons with depression are estimated to receive any depression treatment, and just 9% to receive adequate treatment (Bengtson & et al., 2016).”  

Interventions can help HIV providers identify and treat depression symptoms as soon as possible. In previous studies, the Measurement-Based Care (MBC) helped analyze patient symptoms and treat depression. These types of studies would be able to help professionals provide the right tools and resources to different communities in need.  

Talking to an HIV health care provider, close friends or loved ones, spiritual/ community faith can help get the right support. SAMHSA’s Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress. Also, getting information online https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ or call: (800) 273-TALK (8255). 

Written by: Brisa Rodriguez Alcantar 

Reference:  

Bengtson, A. M., Pence, B. W., Gaynes, B. N., Quinlivan, E. B., Heine, A. D., OʼDonnell, J. K., Crane, H. M., Mathews, W. C., Moore, R. D., Westreich, D., OʼCleirigh, C., Christopoulos, K., Mimiaga, M. J., … Mugavero, M. J. (2016). Improving Depression Among HIV-Infected Adults: Transporting the Effect of a Depression Treatment Intervention to Routine Care. Journal of acquired immune deficiency syndromes (1999), 73(4), 482-488. 

Link: 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5085843/pdf/nihms800542.pdf