Management of psychiatric disorders in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus

A Systematic Review of Interventions for Demoralization in Patients with Chronic Diseases

BACKGROUND

Demoralization, a significant mental health concern in patients with chronic diseases, can have a large impact on physical symptom burden and quality of life. The present review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions for demoralization among patients with chronic diseases.

METHOD

PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science were systematically searched. Research on providing interventions to patients with chronic diseases that included quantitative data on demoralization was then systematically reviewed.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies were included, most of which considered demoralization as a secondary outcome. Interventions included evidence-based meaning-centered psychotherapy, dignity therapy, psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy, and others. Ten studies used randomized controlled designs. Six of these investigated evidence-based meaning-centered therapy, and four investigated dignity therapy, showing the best empirical support for these intervention types. Most studies showed significant impacts on demoralization in patients with chronic diseases.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review provides insights into potential psychological interventions for reducing demoralization in patients with chronic diseases. Randomized controlled designs and adequately powered samples, with demoralization as the primary outcome, are needed to more clearly evaluate its effectiveness.

Global trends in depression among patients living with HIV: A bibliometric analysis

Background

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) related depression has seriously affected the quality of life and treatment outcomes of patients living with HIV (PLWH), which has become a hot topic in recent years. This study aims to discover the main keywords, predict frontier topics, and give meaningful suggestions for researchers by bibliometric analysis.

Methods

Publications between 1999 and 2022 on depression in HIV/AIDS were searched in the Web of Science core collection. Microsoft Excel 2010 and VOSviewer were utilized to key contributors (e.g., authors, journals, institutions, and countries). VOSviewer and CiteSpace were used to analyze the knowledge evolution, collaborative maps, hot topics, and keywords trends in this field.

Results

In total, 8,190 publications were included in the final analysis. From 1999 to 2021, the number of published articles roughly presents a steadily increasing trend. The United States, South Africa, and the United Kingdom were three key contributing countries/regions to this field. University Calif San Francisco (United States), University Calif Los Angeles (United States), and Johns Hopkins University (United States) were three key contributing institutions. Safren, Steven A. was the most productive and highest cited author. AIDS Care was the top prolific journal. Antiretroviral therapy and adherence, men has sex with men, mental health, substance abuse, stigma, and Sub-Saharan Africa were the central topics regarding the depression-related research in HIV/AIDS.

Conclusion

This bibliometric analysis reported the publication trend, major contributing countries/regions, institutions, authors, journals and mapped the knowledge network of depression-related research on HIV/AIDS. In this field, topics such as “adherence,” “mental health,” “substance abuse,” “stigma,” “men who have sex with men” and “South Africa” have attracted considerable attention.

Neuropathogenesis of HIV and emerging therapeutic targets

INTRODUCTION

HIV infection causes a wide range of neurological complications, many of which are among the most common complications of chronic HIV infection in the era of combined antiretroviral therapy. These neurological conditions arise due to complex interactions between HIV viral proteins and neuronal and glial cells that lead to the activation of various inflammatory and neurotoxic pathways across the nervous system.

AREAS COVERED

This review summarizes the current literature on the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of neurological injuries associated with HIV in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system. Molecular pathways relevant for possible therapeutic targets or advancements are emphasized. Gaps in knowledge and current challenges in therapeutic design are also discussed.

EXPERT OPINION

Several challenges exist in the development of therapeutic targets for HIV-associated cognitive impairments. However, recent developments in drug delivery systems and treatment strategies are encouraging. Treatments for HIV-associated pain and peripheral sensory neuropathies currently consist of symptomatic management, but a greater understanding of their pathogenesis can lead to the development of targeted molecular therapies and disease-modifying therapies. HIV-associated autonomic dysfunction may affect the course of systemic disease via disrupted neuro-immune interactions; however, more research is needed to facilitate our understanding of how these processes present clinically.

Primary Care of the Person Living with HIV

Life-changing progress has been made over the past 30 years in the treatment of HIV infection. HIV has transformed from an illness that resulted in one complication after another and nearly always resulted in death to a chronic illness that for most patients is more easily managed than diabetes or heart disease. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is now simple and well-tolerated. The most important priority of HIV treatment is ensuring that people living with HIV stay on continuous, effective ART. ART, although not curative, suppresses the virus and allows the immune system to recover. Even when the CD4 count remains low, suppressive ART helps prevent opportunistic infections and other HIV related complications. (1) Suppressive ART is important not only to the individual living with HIV health but is an important public health goal since people living with HIV will not transmit HIV to their sexual partners if their viral load is undetectable. (2) A respectful, culturally appropriate patient–provider relationship is one of the most important factors in keeping people living with HIV engaged in care. (3) Persons living with HIV deserve both excellent HIV and primary care. Some communities have providers that are experts in both, but often people living with HIV receive the best care by collaboration between their primary care provider and an HIV expert. This article is written to help primary care givers who are not HIV experts provide appropriate primary care to their patients who are living with HIV and emphasizes issues that deserve additional attention in people living with HIV compared to the general population

Synapto-protective effect of lithium on HIV-1 Tat-induced synapse loss in rat hippocampal cultures

Human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV-1) infection of the CNS produces synapse loss which correlates with cognitive decline in patients with HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Lithium is mood stabilizer of unknown mechanism used to treat bipolar disorder and is known to exhibit neuroprotective properties. Here, we studied the effects of lithium on HIV-1 Tat-induced synapses between rat hippocampal neurons. The number of synapses was quantified to detect clusters of the scaffold protein postsynaptic density 95 (PSD95) which is clustered at glutamatergic synapses on cultured rat hippocampal neurons in vitro. Lithium protected synapses from HIV-1 Tat-induced synapse loss and subsequent neuronal death. This synaptic protection was prevented by both the activation of NMDA receptor leading to intracellular signaling and the regulatory pathway of lithium including inositol depletion and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β). These results suggest that mood stabilizers might be effective drugs to treat neurodegenerative disorders including HAND.

The Patient Reported Outcomes as a Clinical Tool (PROACT) Pilot Study: What Can be Gained by Sharing Computerized Patient-Reported Mental Health and Substance Use Symptoms with Providers in HIV Care?

Substance use and mental health (SU/MH) disorders are insufficiently recognized in HIV care. We examined whether conveying SU/MH screening results to patients and providers increased SU/MH discussions and action plans. Intervention participants completed a computerized patient-reported questionnaire before their HIV visit; screened positive on ≥ 1 measure: depression, anxiety, PTSD symptoms, at-risk alcohol use, or drug use; and reviewed screening results to decide which to prioritize with their provider. Screening results and clinical recommendations were conveyed to providers via medical record. A historic control included patients with positive screens but no conveyance to patient or provider. The patient-provider encounter was audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded. For the overall sample (n = 70; 38 control, 32 intervention), mean age (SD) was 51.8 (10.3), 61.4% were male, and 82.9% were Black. Overall, 93.8% raised SU/MH in the intervention compared to 50.0% in the control (p < 0.001). Action plans were made for 40.0% of intervention and 10.5% of control encounters (p = 0.049). Conveying screening results with clinical recommendations increased SU/MH action plans, warranting further research on this intervention to address SU/MH needs.

Suicidal ideation, psychopathology and associated factors among HIV-infected adults in Indonesia

BACKGROUND

Suicidal behavior is a prevalent psychiatric emergency in HIV-infected adults. Detection of suicidal ideation is important in planning early psychiatric intervention and optimizing HIV/AIDS management. Characterization of suicidal ideation among HIV-infected adults is crucial; however, practically there is no data in Indonesia, the country with the second largest burden of HIV/AIDS epidemic in Asia. This study aims to identify suicidal ideation and analyze the associated psychopathology and determining factors among HIV-infected adults in Indonesia.

METHODS

An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among HIV-infected adults aged 18-65 years old receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). Measurement using Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) was performed to assess the existing psychopathology. Firth's penalized logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with suicidal ideation.

RESULTS

A total of 86 subjects were recruited. Most subjects were male (65.1%), median age was 35 years, and median latest CD4 count was 463 cells/μl. Lifetime suicidal ideation was identified in 20 subjects (23.3%). Mean SCL-90 T-score for depressive and anxiety symptoms were both significantly higher among subjects with suicidal ideation (M = 60.75, SD = 12.0, p = 0.000 and M = 57.9, SD = 2.8, p = 0.001, respectively) compared to those without. Bivariate analyses showed that lifetime suicidal ideation was associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms, non-marital status, CD4 count < 500 cells/μl, and efavirenz use. Multivariate analysis identified that a single-point increase in SCL-90 depression symptoms score (AOR 1.16, 95% CI 4.5-123.6, p = 0.000) and efavirenz use (AOR 5.00, 95% CI 1.02-24.6, p = 0.048) were significant independent factors related to suicidal ideation.

CONCLUSION

Suicidal ideation is commonly found among Indonesian HIV-infected adults on ART. Depressive symptoms and efavirenz use are independent factors related to the presence of suicidal ideation. Thus, early screening of psychopathology as well as substitution of efavirenz with other ART regiment are recommended to prevent suicide and improve HIV/AIDS management outcome.

Effects of cognitive behavioral therapy on people living with HIV and depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The aim of this review is to examine the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on people living with HIV (PLWH) and depression. A literature search from five electronic databases was conducted, and articles published until July 2017 were collected. The inclusion criteria included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of CBT that were conducted among PLWH with clinically relevant depression. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis 2 was used to obtain pooled results. Seven RCTs, with a total sample size of 388 participants, met the inclusion criteria. Compared with the control group, the CBT group had statistically significant, short-term improvements in depression (g = -0.486, 95% CI [-0.969 to -0.003], P = 0.048). A significant reduction in viral load was also observed at the long-term follow-up (g = -0.306, 95% CI [-0.573 to -0.040], P = 0.024), but no improvements were found in CD4. Results of this meta-analysis showed that CBT is effective in reducing depression symptoms in PLWH with comorbid depression for a short period of time. However, the findings of this review may not be generalized in the clinical field due to the small number of involved studies and the limited study sample. Thus, more robust and adequately powered studies are needed to further explore CBT interventions in PLWH with depression.

The Effect of Saffron on Depression among Recovered Consumers of Methamphetamine Living with HIV/AIDS

BACKGROUND

From one hand, depression is one of the symptoms that occur after abstinence from methamphetamine. On the other people living with HIV/AIDS are in isolation due to the nature of their illness and depression is one of the most common mental health problems they experience.

OBJECTIVES

This study was aimed at determining the effectiveness of saffron on reducing depression among recovered consumers of methamphetamine living with HIV/AIDS.

METHODS

The design of this study was semi-experimental with pre-test, post-test and control (placebo) groups. The statistical population consisted of all recovered consumers of methamphetamine living with HIV/AIDS who were referred to the Positive Club. Fifty-seven (57) recovered consumers of methamphetamine, living with HIV/AIDS, were selected by convenience sampling method. They were randomly assigned to an experimental (saffron) group and a control (placebo) group. The experimental group received 30 ml of saffron per day for 8 weeks, whereas the control (placebo) group received placebo the same way. BDI-II was used in this study as a measurement instrument. ANCOVA models were used for statistical inference.

RESULTS

The findings showed that saffron and its ingredients had been effective in reducing depression among this group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In fact, saffron with its active ingredients (Crusin and Saffranal) by serotonin and dopamine secretion in the brain, help in reducing depression among recovered consumers of methamphetamine living with HIV/AIDS.

A qualitative study examining the benefits and challenges of incorporating patient-reported outcome substance use and mental health questionnaires into clinical practice to improve outcomes on the HIV care continuum

Background

Inadequate identification and treatment of substance use (SU) and mental health (MH) disorders hinders retention in HIV care. The objective of this study was to elicit stakeholder input on integration of SU/MH screening using computer-assisted patient-reported outcomes (PROs) into clinical practice.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with HIV-positive patients who self-reported SU/MH symptoms on a computer-assisted PROs (n = 19) and HIV primary care providers (n = 11) recruited from an urban academic HIV clinic. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. We iteratively developed codes and organized key themes using editing style analysis.

Results

Two themes emerged: (1) Honest Disclosure: Some providers felt PROs might improve SU/MH disclosure; more were concerned that patients would not respond honestly if their provider saw the results. Patients were also divided, stating PROs could help overcome stigma but that it could be harder to disclose SU/MH to a computer versus a live person. (2) Added Value in the Clinical Encounter: Most providers felt PROs would fill a practice gap. Patients had concerns regarding confidentiality but indicated PROs would help providers take better care of them.

Conclusions

Both patients and providers indicated that PROs are potentially useful clinical tools to improve detection of SU/MH. However, patients and providers expressed conflicting viewpoints about disclosure of SU/MH using computerized PROs. Future studies implementing PROs screening interventions must assess concerns over confidentiality and honest disclosure of SU/MH to understand the effectiveness of PROs as a clinical tool. More research is also needed on patient-centered integration of the results of PROs in HIV care.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12913-018-3203-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Depressive Symptoms in HIV-Positive Individuals: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

The antidepressant effect of omega-3 fatty acids has been described in the non-HIV population. The effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on the mood status of HIV-positive patients has not been evaluated yet.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on depressive symptoms was evaluated in HIV-positive individuals.

METHOD

A total of 100 HIV-positive patients with Beck Depression Score ≥16, were assigned to receive either omega-3 fatty acids or placebo twice daily for 8 weeks. Depressive symptoms of each participant were evaluated at baseline (month 0) and at the end of months 1 and 2 of the study. Beck Depression Inventory Second Edition, depression subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire were used for assessment of depressive symptoms.

RESULTS

Reduction in mean ± SD of all depression scores during the study period was statistically significant within the omega-3 group and when compared with the placebo group (for both comparisons, P < 0.001). Also, the mean differences of all depression scores were decreased significantly during the intervals: months 0, 1, and 2 (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). Among the participants, 7 (7%) and 4 (4%) patients in the omega-3 and the placebo group, respectively, experienced mild gastrointestinal problems, but the incidence of adverse drug reactions related to the interventions was not statistically different between the groups (P = 0.09).

CONCLUSION

Omega-3 fatty acids improved depressive symptoms in HIV-positive individuals without any significant adverse reaction.

Prevalence of depressive symptoms in pregnant and postnatal HIV-positive women in Ukraine: a cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND

Perinatal depression among HIV-positive women has negative implications for HIV-related and other maternal and infant outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the burden and correlates of perinatal depression among HIV-positive women in Ukraine, a lower middle income country with one of the largest HIV-positive populations in Europe.

METHODS

Cross-sectional surveys nested within the Ukraine European Collaborative Study were conducted of HIV-positive women at delivery and between 1 and 12 months postpartum. Depressive symptoms in the previous month were assessed using a self-report screening tool. Other data collected included demographics, antiretroviral therapy (ART)-related self-efficacy, and perceptions of risks/benefits of interventions to prevent mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT). Characteristics of women with and without a positive depression screening test result were compared using Fisher's exact test and χ2 test for categorical variables.

RESULTS

A quarter (27% (49/180) antenatally and 25% (57/228) postnatally) of participants screened positive for depressive symptoms. Antenatal risk factors were living alone (58% (7/12) vs. 25% (42/167) p = 0.02), being somewhat/terribly bothered by ART side effects (40% (17/43) vs. 23% (30/129) not /only slightly bothered, p = 0.05) and having lower ART-related self-efficacy (43% (12/28) vs. 23% (25/110) with higher self-efficacy, p = 0.05). Postnatally, single mothers were more likely to screen positive (44% (20/45) vs. 21% (18/84) of cohabiting and 19% (19/99) of married women, p < 0.01) as were those unsure of the effectiveness of neonatal prophylaxis (40% (20/45) vs. 18% (28/154) sure of effectiveness, p < 0.01), those worried that neonatal prophylaxis could harm the baby (30% (44/146) vs. 14% (10/73) not worried p < 0.01) and those not confident to ask for help with taking ART (48% (11/23) vs. 27% (10/37) fairly confident and 15 % (4/26) confident that they could do this). Of women who reported wanting help for their depressive symptoms, 82% (37/45) postnatally but only 31% (12/39) antenatally were already accessing peer counselling, treatment adherence programmes, support groups or social services.

CONCLUSIONS

A quarter of women screened positive for depression. Results highlight the need for proactive strategies to identify depressive symptoms, and an unmet need for provision of mental health support in the perinatal period for HIV-positive women in Ukraine.

Psychiatric comorbidity in depressed HIV-infected individuals: common and clinically consequential

OBJECTIVE

To report on the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity and its association with illness severity in depressed HIV patients.

METHODS

As part of a multi-site randomized controlled trial of depression treatment for HIV patients, 304 participants meeting criteria for current Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) were assessed for other mood, anxiety and substance use disorders with the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview, a structured psychiatric diagnostic interview. We also assessed baseline adherence, risk, and health measures.

RESULTS

Complicated depressive illness was common. Only 18% of participants experienced MDD with no comorbid psychiatric diagnoses; 49% had comorbid dysthymia, 62% had ≥1 comorbid anxiety disorder, and 28% had a comorbid substance use disorder. Self-reported antiretroviral adherence did not differ by the presence of psychiatric comorbidity. However, psychiatric comorbidity was associated with worse physical health and functioning: compared to those with MDD alone, individuals with ≥1 comorbidity reported more HIV symptoms (5.1 vs. 4.1, P=.01), and worse mental health-related quality of life on the SF-12 (29 vs. 35, P<.01).

CONCLUSION

For HIV patients with MDD, chronic depression and psychiatric comorbidity are strikingly common, and this complexity is associated with greater HIV disease severity and worse quality of life. Appreciating this comorbidity can help clinicians better target those at risk of harder-to-treat HIV disease, and underscores the challenge of treating depression in this population.

HIV-1 Nef expression in microglia disrupts dopaminergic and immune functions with associated mania-like behaviors

BACKGROUND

Neuropsychiatric disorders during HIV/AIDS are common although the contribution of HIV-1 infection within the brain, and in particular individual HIV-1 proteins, to the development of these brain disorders is unknown. Herein, an in vivo transgenic mouse model was generated in which the HIV-1 Nef protein was expressed in microglia cells, permitting investigation of neurobehavioral phenotypes and associated cellular and molecular properties.

METHODS

Transgenic (Tg) mice that expressed full length HIV-1 nef under the control of the c-fms promoter and wildtype (Wt) littermates were investigated using different measures of neurobehavioral performance including locomotory, forced swim (FST), elevated plus maze (EPM) and T-maze tests. Host gene and transgene expression were assessed by RT-PCR, immunoblotting, enzymatic activity and immunohistochemistry. Biogenic amine levels were measured by HPLC with electrochemical detection.

RESULTS

Tg animals exhibited Nef expression in brain microglia and cultured macrophages. Tg males displayed hyperactive behaviors including augmented locomotor activity, decreased immobility in the FST and increased open-arm EPM exploration compared to Wt littermates (p<0.05). Tg animals showed increased CCL2 expression with concurrent IFN-α suppression in striatum compared with Wt littermates (p<0.05). Dopamine levels, MAO activity and the dopamine transporter (DAT) expression were reduced in the striatum of Tg animals (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

HIV-1 Nef expression in microglia induced CCL2 expression together with disrupting striatal dopaminergic transmission, resulting in hyperactive behaviors which are observed in mania and other psychiatric comorbidities among HIV-infected persons. These findings emphasize the selective effects of individual viral proteins in the brain and their participation in neuropathogenesis.

Disclosure and Experienced Social Support are not Related to Anxiety or Depression in a German HIV Patient Cohort

BACKGROUND

It is unclear to which extent the rate of disclosure of the diagnosis "HIV" to the social environment and the nature of experienced responses are correlated with the current mental health status of HIV-infected patients living in Germany.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty consecutive patients of two German HIV outpatient clinics were enrolled. Patients performed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) in its German version. Disclosure behaviour and the experienced responses after disclosing as perceived by the participants were assessed using a questionnaire. In addition, patients were asked to state whether they felt guilty for the infection on a 1-4 point Likert scale.

RESULTS

Pathological results on the anxiety scale were reached by 40% of male and 73% of female patients, and on the depression scale by 30% of male and 47% of female patients, thus significantly exceeding recently assessed values in the German general population, except for depression in males. None of the HADS scale results was interrelated either with the rate of disclosure or the experienced responses. 36% of patients reported to feel guilty for the infection, which was positively correlated with results from the HADS.

LIMITATION

The time since the single disclosure events was not assessed, and the subgroup of women was comparably small.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite substantial improvement in treatment, HIV-infected patients in Germany still suffer from an elevated level of anxiety and, in part, depression. However, mental health status was neither related with disclosure behaviour nor with experienced responses. We hypothesize that internal beliefs may play a more important role.

Patient activation and improved outcomes in HIV-infected patients

BACKGROUND

The Patient Activation Measure (PAM) assesses several important concepts in chronic care management, including self-efficacy for positive health behaviors. In HIV-infected populations, better self-efficacy for medication management is associated with improved adherence to antiretroviral medications (ARVs), which is critically important for controlling symptoms and slowing disease progression.

OBJECTIVE

To determine 1) characteristics associated with patient activation and 2) associations between patient activation and outcomes in HIV-infected patients.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey.

PARTICIPANTS

433 patients receiving care in four HIV clinics.

METHODS

An interviewer conducted face-to-face interviews with patients following their HIV clinic visit. Survey data were supplemented with medical record abstraction to obtain most recent CD4 counts, HIV viral load and antiretroviral medications.

MAIN MEASURES

Patient activation was measured using the 13-item PAM (possible range 0-100). Outcomes included CD4 cell count > 200 cells/mL(3), HIV-1 RNA < 400 copies/mL (viral suppression), and patient-reported adherence.

KEY RESULTS

Overall, patient activation was high (mean PAM = 72.3 [SD 16.5, range 34.7-100]). Activation was lower among those without vs. with a high school degree (68.0 vs. 74.0, p < .001), and greater depression (77.6 lowest, 70.2 middle, 68.1 highest tertile, p < .001). There was no association between patient activation and age, race, gender, problematic alcohol use, illicit drug use, or social status. In multivariable models, every 5-point increase in PAM was associated with greater odds of CD4 count > 200 cells/mL(3) (aOR 1.10 [95 % CI 1.01, 1.21]), adherence (aOR 1.18 [95 % CI 1.09, 1.29]) and viral suppression (aOR 1.08 [95 % CI 1.00, 1.17]). The association between PAM and viral suppression was mediated through adherence.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher patient activation was associated with more favorable HIV outcomes. Interventions to improve patient activation should be developed and tested for their ability to improve HIV outcomes.

Clinical implications and management of drug-drug interactions between antiretroviral agents and psychotropic medications

Medications used in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) often have drug-drug interactions which complicate treatment of psychiatric illnesses in HIV-infected patients. Protease inhibitors (PIs) and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) are the two classes of HIV medications most likely to be involved with interactions, with the majority occurring via the cytochrome P450 (CYP450) system. These interactions can result in either increased or decreased exposure to psychotropic and antiretroviral medications, often requiring dosage adjustments and increased monitoring. This article reviews some of the major drug interactions with antiretroviral agents.

In-home mental health treatment for individuals with HIV

Mental health problems are highly prevalent among individuals with HIV and are consistently associated with negative health outcomes. However, mental illness often remains untreated due to significant psychosocial and physical barriers to treatment participation. The Collaborative HIV/AIDS Mental Health Program (CHAMP) assessed the outcomes associated with providing 9 months of in-home mental health counseling for 40 individuals with HIV and a Major Axis I mental disorder. The evidence-based Illness Management and Recovery Model was adapted for use with HIV-positive individuals for the study using a community-based participatory research approach. Study participants were surveyed at baseline, 5 and 9 months to assess for changes in health outcomes. Thirty-five percent of study participants were female, 80% African American, 33% self-identified as MSM and the average participant age was 43. Forty percent of participants were on psychotropic medication at baseline. Participants had an average of 8 counseling visits (median 9). Statistically significant decreases in the global Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) score and a number of BSI symptoms dimensions including anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive, phobic anxiety and hostility were detected, indicating a reduction of psychiatric symptoms. Statistically significant improvement was also identified for the SF-12 mental health scale, adaptive coping, overall social support and emotional support. No differences in psychiatric outcomes were identified by gender, race/ethnicity, or sexual preference. Findings from the CHAMP Study suggest that the use of in-home mental health treatment may be beneficial in engaging and treating HIV-positive individuals with comorbid mental health disorders.

Assessing the effect of Measurement-Based Care depression treatment on HIV medication adherence and health outcomes: rationale and design of the SLAM DUNC Study

Depression affects 20-30% of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in the U.S. and predicts greater sexual risk behaviors, lower antiretroviral (ARV) medication adherence, and worse clinical outcomes. Yet little experimental evidence addresses the critical clinical question of whether depression treatment improves ARV adherence and clinical outcomes in PLWHA with depression. The Strategies to Link Antidepressant and Antiretroviral Management at Duke, UAB, and UNC (SLAM DUNC) Study is a randomized clinical effectiveness trial funded by the National Institute for Mental Health. The objective of SLAM DUNC is to test whether a depression treatment program integrated into routine HIV clinical care affects ARV adherence. PLWHA with depression (n=390) are randomized to enhanced usual care or a depression treatment model called Measurement-Based Care (MBC). MBC deploys a clinically supervised Depression Care Manager (DCM) to provide evidence-based antidepressant treatment recommendations to a non-psychiatric prescribing provider, guided by systematic and ongoing measures of depressive symptoms and side effects. MBC has limited time requirements and the DCM role can be effectively filled by a range of personnel given appropriate training and supervision, enhancing replicability. In SLAM DUNC, MBC is integrated into HIV care to support HIV providers in antidepressant prescription and management. The primary endpoint is ARV adherence measured by unannounced telephone-based pill counts at 6 months with follow-up to 12 months and secondary endpoints including viral load, health care utilization, and depressive severity. Important outcomes of this study will be evidence of the effectiveness of MBC in treating depression in PLWHA and improving HIV-related outcomes.

Changes in stress, substance use and medication beliefs are associated with changes in adherence to HIV antiretroviral therapy

Stress, substance use and medication beliefs are among the most frequently cited barriers to HIV treatment adherence. This study used longitudinal techniques to examine the temporal relationship between these barriers and adherence among clients attending treatment adherence support programs in New York State. A total of 4,155 interview pairs were analyzed across three interview transitions. Multinomial models were constructed with four-category change-based independent variables (e.g., low stress at both interviews, low stress at interview 1 and high stress at interview 2, high stress at interview 1 and low stress at interview 2, high stress at both interviews) that predicted a similarly constructed four-category adherence change variable. Clients who reported positive changes in stress, substance use, or medication beliefs were more likely to change from being nonadherent to being adherent, while clients who reported negative changes were more likely to change from being adherent to being nonadherent. To improve or maintain adherence over time, strategies should be used that facilitate positive changes-and prevent negative changes-in stress, substance use, and medication beliefs.

Female gender predicts lower access and adherence to antiretroviral therapy in a setting of free healthcare

Background

Barriers to HIV treatment among injection drug users (IDU) are a major public health concern. However, there remain few long-term studies investigating key demographic and behavioral factors - and gender differences in particular - that may pose barriers to antiretroviral therapy (ART), especially in settings with universal healthcare. We evaluated access and adherence to ART in a long-term cohort of HIV-positive IDU in a setting where medical care and antiretroviral therapy are provided free of charge through a universal healthcare system.

Methods

We evaluated baseline antiretroviral use and subsequent adherence to ART among a Canadian cohort of HIV-positive IDU. We used generalized estimating equation logistic regression to evaluate factors associated with 95% adherence to antiretroviral therapy estimated based on prescription refill compliance.

Results

Between May 1996 and April 2008, 545 IDU participants were followed for a median of 23.8 months (Inter-quartile range: 8.5 - 91.6), among whom 341 (63%) were male and 204 (37%) were female. Within the six-month period prior to the baseline interview, 133 (39%) men and 62 (30%) women were on ART (p = 0.042). After adjusting for clinical characteristics as well as drug use patterns measured longitudinally throughout follow-up, female gender was independently associated with a lower likelihood of being 95% adherent to ART (Odds Ratio [OR] = 0.70; 95% Confidence Interval: 0.53-0.93).

Conclusions

Despite universal access to free HIV treatment and medical care, female IDU were less likely to access and adhere to antiretroviral therapy, a finding that was independent of drug use and clinical characteristics. These data suggest that interventions to improve access to HIV treatment among IDU must be tailored to address unique barriers to antiretroviral therapy faced by female IDU.

Adherence in people living with HIV/AIDS, mental illness, and chemical dependency: a review of the literature

Adherence to antiretroviral medications is central to reducing morbidity and mortality among people living with HIV/AIDS. Relatively few studies published to date address HIV adherence among special populations. The purpose of this article is to review the existing literature on HIV antiretroviral adherence, with an emphasis on studies among the triply diagnosed population of people living with HIV/AIDS, mental illness, and chemical dependency. In order to reflect the most current information available, data from conference proceedings, federally funded studies in progress, and the academic literature are presented for consideration.

Update on mental health issues in patients with HIV infection

HIV infection remains a major world health problem more than 20 years after discovery of the virus. Mental disorders make individuals more vulnerable to behaviors that transmit HIV and interfere with HIV treatment adherence. The evidence supporting the need for optimal provision of mental health care in HIV clinics is mounting, along with evidence that these disorders can be treated successfully. Disorders of mental life include brain diseases (eg, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and dementia), personality disorders, addictions, and psychologic disruptions, which contribute to the spread of the virus through their influence on behavior. However, although evidence exists that successful treatment of co-occurring mental disorders leads to improved HIV outcomes, integrated mental health care in HIV clinics remains grossly suboptimal.

Secondary headaches in children and adolescents

A majority of the children presented for evaluation of headache complaints, will have one of the primary headache disorder such as tension-type or migraine. During the course of the evaluation, consideration must be given to the diverse collection of other medical and systemic disorders which may also cause headache in children and adolescents. The purpose of this article is to review the spectrum of secondary headaches. In majority of the instances, a thorough medical and headache history coupled with physical and neurologic examination will uncover clues to the presence of these other disorders. This will also guide clinical decision making regarding the need for further diagnostic testing, including neuroimaging, electrophysiological testing, or specific laboratory testing.

Effect of HIV infection on time to recovery from an acute manic episode

INTRODUCTION

Understanding factors affecting the time to recovery from acute mania is critical in the management of manic syndromes. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of HIV infection on time to recovery from acute mania.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study in which medical charts of individuals who were treated for acute mania were reviewed. Survival analysis with Cox regression models were used to compare time to recovery from an acute manic episode between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals and HIV-negative individuals.

RESULTS

Median survival time was one week for HIV-positive individuals and more than four weeks for HIV-negative individuals (χ(2) = 18.4, P value = 0.000). HIV infection was the only marginally significant independent predictor of survival probability on the acute admission ward (hazards ratio 2.87, P = 0.06).

CONCLUSION

Acute mania in HIV-infected persons responds faster to psychotropic drugs compared with that in HIV-negative persons.

Clinical presentation of bipolar mania in HIV-positive patients in Uganda

BACKGROUND

Secondary mania in HIV-positive individuals has been well documented; however, cases of bipolar mania in HIV infection occur, as well.

OBJECTIVE

This is the first controlled study of the demographic and clinical characteristics of bipolar mania and secondary mania in persons with HIV/AIDS in Uganda and Africa.

METHOD

Patients were consecutively recruited from the adult psychiatric wards of Makerere University (Uganda) teaching hospitals. Diagnosis of acute manic episode was based on DSM-IV criteria.

RESULTS

The HIV-positive patients with bipolar mania had more immune suppression and more cognitive impairment, suggesting that these patients may already have been cognitively and functionally impaired by their mental illness by the time they acquired HIV infection.

DISCUSSION

These findings may be used to help clinicians and policymakers recognize and design appropriate interventions for this vulnerable group of patients. Further studies to delineate the phenomenology of mania in patients with HIV infection/AIDS are warranted.

The impact of mental health and traumatic life experiences on antiretroviral treatment outcomes for people living with HIV/AIDS

Potent antiretroviral therapy (ART) has transformed HIV from a death sentence to a chronic illness. Accordingly, the goal of HIV care has shifted from delaying death to achieving optimal health outcomes through ART treatment. ART treatment success hinges on medication adherence. Extensive research has demonstrated that the primary barriers to ART adherence include mental illness, especially depression and substance abuse, as well as histories of traumatic experiences such as childhood sexual and physical abuse. These psychosocial factors are highly prevalent in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and predict poor ART adherence, increased sexual risk behaviours, ART treatment failure, HIV disease progression and higher mortality rates. The efficacy of standard mental health interventions, such as antidepressant treatment and psychotherapy, has been well-defined, and a small but growing body of research demonstrates the potential for such interventions to improve ART adherence and reduce sexual risk behaviours. Despite this evidence, mental disorders in PLWHA frequently go undiagnosed and untreated. Challenges to the provision of mental healthcare for PLWHA in HIV clinical settings include time and resource constraints, lack of expertise in psychiatric diagnosis and treatment, and lack of available mental health referral services. Future research should prioritize the evaluation of mental health interventions that are cost-effective and feasible for widespread integration into HIV clinical care; the impact of such interventions on ART adherence and clinical outcomes; and interventions to identify individuals with histories of traumatic experiences and to elucidate the mechanisms through which such histories pose barriers to effective HIV treatment.

Determination of the underlying cause of death in three multicenter international HIV clinical trials

PURPOSE

Describe processes and challenges for an Endpoint Review Committee (ERC) in determining and adjudicating underlying causes of death in HIV clinical trials.

METHOD

Three randomized HIV trials (two evaluating interleukin-2 and one treatment interruption) enrolled 11,593 persons from 36 countries during 1999-2008. Three ERC members independently reviewed each death report and supporting source documentation to assign underlying cause of death; differences of opinion were adjudicated.

RESULTS

Of 453 deaths reported through January 14, 2008, underlying causes were as follows: 10% AIDS-defining diseases, 21% non-AIDS malignancies, 9% cardiac diseases, 9% liver disease, 8% non-AIDS-defining infections, 5% suicides, 5% other traumatic events/accidents, 4% drug overdoses/acute intoxications, 11% other causes, and 18% unknown. Major reasons for unknown classification were inadequate clinical information or supporting documentation to determine cause of death. Half (51%) of deaths reviewed by the ERC required follow-up adjudication; consensus was eventually always reached.

CONCLUSION

ERCs can successfully provide blinded, independent, and systematic determinations of underlying cause of death in HIV clinical trials. Committees should include those familiar with AIDS and non-AIDS-defining diseases and have processes for adjudicating differences of opinion. Training for local investigators and procedure manuals should emphasize obtaining maximum possible documentation and follow-up information on all trial deaths.

Interrelation between psychiatric disorders and the prevention and treatment of HIV infection

Psychiatric disorders, particularly major depression, have a profound affect on the use of and adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) among patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Because some of the symptoms of HIV infection are similar to those of major depression, efforts to diagnose and treat major depression are further complicated. Moreover, major depression increases vulnerability to HIV infection by provoking high-risk behaviors, and it interferes with a patient's ability to comply with protocols for the prevention and treatment of HIV infection. HIV infection itself can disguise, help initiate, or exacerbate major depression. In this report, the interrelation between major depression and HIV infection is evaluated, the impact of this interrelation on adherence to HAART is described, and methods for effective treatment of psychiatric conditions in HIV-infected persons are discussed.

A review of barriers and facilitators of HIV treatment among injection drug users

Globally, injection drug use continues to account for a substantial proportion of HIV infections. There have not, however, been any evidence-based reviews of the barriers and facilitators of HIV treatment among injection drug users. For this review, published studies were extracted from nine academic databases, with no language or date specified in the search criteria. Existing evidence demonstrates that, although injection drug users often have worse outcomes from HIV treatment than non-injection drug users, major antiretroviral-associated survival gains still have been observed among this population. Inferior outcomes are explained by a range of barriers to antiretroviral access and adherence, which often stem from the negative influences of illicit drug policies, as well as issues within medical systems, including lack of physician education about substance abuse. Evidence demonstrates that several under-utilized interventions and novel antiretroviral delivery modalities have helped to greatly address these barriers in several settings, and there is sufficient evidence to support immediate scale-up of these programmes. These interventions include coupling antiretroviral therapy with opioid substitution therapies as well as directly administered antiretroviral therapy programmes. Of particular interest for future evaluation is the coupling of HIV treatment programmes within comprehensive services, which also provide low-threshold (harm reduction) HIV prevention programmes. Scale-up of evidence-based HIV treatment and prevention to injection drug users, however, will require increasing political will among both national policy-makers and international public health agencies.

Prevalence and comorbidity of psychiatric diagnoses based on reference standard in an HIV+ patient population

OBJECTIVE

To study the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity based on reference standard diagnostic criteria in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Psychiatric illness is common in patients with HIV and has been associated with negative health behaviors and poorer clinical outcomes. Among those persons with psychiatric illness, psychiatric comorbidity (multiple simultaneous diagnoses) is associated with increased psychiatric severity and higher HIV risk behaviors.

METHODS

A total of 152 consecutively presenting HIV+ patients at an academic medical center in the southeastern US completed a modified Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4(th) Edition) that assessed mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders in the past year and past month.

RESULTS

Fifty percent and 33% of patients had a past-year and past-month diagnosis, respectively. The most common diagnoses were mood disorders (32% past year/21% past month) followed by anxiety (21%/17%) and substance use disorders (22%/11%). Half of those with past-year disorders and 40% of those with past-month disorders met the criteria for multiple diagnoses. Of those with a mood disorder in the past month, 53% also had an anxiety or substance use disorder; of those with an anxiety disorder, 62% also had a mood or substance use disorder; and of those with a substance use disorder, 63% also had a mood or anxiety disorder. Psychiatric comorbidity was associated with younger age, White non-Hispanic race/ethnicity, and greater HIV symptomatology.

CONCLUSIONS

Comorbidity of mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders was the exception rather than the rule in this sample. Potential co-occurring disorders should be considered for HIV+ patients presenting with a psychiatric diagnosis.

The Need for Sociocultural Awareness to Maximize Treatment Acceptance and Adherence in Individuals Initiating HIV Therapy

Despite major advances in the long-term treatment of patients with HIV infection, there still exist sociocultural barriers to care. This article will focus on recognizing and understanding the cultural factors that affect treatment in patients starting antiretroviral therapy, most important the factors that can contribute to poor, as well as favorable, treatment adherence in diverse individuals. These factors include cultural and religious stigma; domestic violence; socioeconomic constraints, including literacy, living conditions, presence or absence of family, and social support networks; psychiatric disorders; and pregnancy. The authors also discuss ways in which clinicians can prepare patients for treatment initiation and improve their ongoing adherence by incorporating knowledge of these sociocultural differences into and modifying plans for patient care accordingly.

Medical causes of headache in children

Headache may be considered primary or secondary, and secondary headaches may be caused by intracranial disorders or medical/systemic disorders. In many cases, headache may be a presenting symptom of the medical disorder, and accurate diagnosis will lead to specific treatment. In other cases, the headache may be a known complication of the disorder, but the underlying disorder must be considered in management plans. Medical causes of headache are so diverse that uniform screening tests are not useful. History and examination must guide the differential diagnosis, and management plans must be individualized.

Improving health outcomes among individuals with HIV, mental illness, and substance use disorders in the Southeast

Providing behavioral treatment for mental health and substance use disorders among HIV-infected individuals is critical because these disorders have been associated with negative outcomes such as poorer medication adherence. This study examines the effectiveness of an integrated treatment model for HIV-infected individuals who have both substance use and mental disorders. Study participants (n = 141) were recruited through routine mental health and substance abuse screening at tertiary Infectious Disease clinics in North Carolina. The study participants received integrated mental health and substance abuse treatment for one year and were interviewed at three-month intervals. Using linear regression analyses, we detected statistically significant decreases in participants' psychiatric symptomatology, illicit substance use, alcohol use, and inpatient hospital days. Participants also reported fewer emergency room visits and were more likely to be receiving antiretroviral medications and adequate psychotropic medication regimens at follow-up. No changes in sexual risk, physical health, or medical adherence were detected after treatment participation. This integrated treatment model offers an option for treating HIV-infected individuals with mental health and substance use disorders that can be adapted for use in a variety of psychiatric and medical treatment settings.

Adherence to HIV treatment among IDUs and the role of opioid substitution treatment (OST)

In the era of highly effective anti-retroviral therapy (ART), data show a significant difference in treatment outcomes between injecting drug users (IDUs) and non-IDUs. Factors that may contribute to suboptimal treatment outcomes in IDUs include delayed access to ART, competing comorbid diseases, psychosocial barriers and poor long-term adherence to ART. This review describes and compares several studies on adherence to ART and its correlates in HIV-infected individuals in general, then IDUs and finally those IDUs on opioid substitution treatment (OST). It highlights how ongoing drug use or OST can modify the pattern of these correlates. The aim is to extend all the experience acquired from these studies in order to optimise both access to care and adherence in those countries where HIV infection is mainly driven by IDUs and where ART and OST are only starting to be scaled up. The role of OST in fostering access to care and adherence to ART together with the promising results achieved to date using modified directly observed therapy (DOT) programs for patients taking methadone, allow us to emphasize the efficacy of a comprehensive care model which integrates substance dependence treatment, psychiatric treatment, social services, and medical treatment. The review concludes by suggesting areas of future research targeted at improving the understanding of both the role of perceived toxicity and patient-provider relationship for patients on ART and OST.

Klinik, Diagnostik und Therapie HIV-induzierter neuropsychiatrischer Störungen

Since the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) was first recognized in 1981, more than 25 million individuals have died from complications of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in 1995 has resulted in a significantly decreased incidence rate of AIDS in the developed world. As HAART led to considerable improvements in survival for patients with HIV infection, HIV-neurotropically associated neuropsychiatric disorders have become an increasingly important challenge for clinical medicine. This article gives an overview of epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, and therapy of HIV-induced cognitive-motor impairments including HIV-associated dementia complex, organic mood disorders and psychosis.

Increased health care utilization and increased antiretroviral use in HIV-infected individuals with mental health disorders

OBJECTIVES

The aims of the study were to describe the prevalence and associations of mental health disorder (MHD) among a cohort of HIV-infected patients attending the Victorian HIV/AIDS Service between 1984 and 2000, and to examine whether antiretroviral therapy use or mortality was influenced by MHD (defined as a record of service provision by psychiatric services on the Victorian Psychiatric Case Register). It was hypothesized that HIV-positive individuals with MHD would have poorer treatment outcomes, reduced responses to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and increased mortality compared with those without MHD.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort of 2981 individuals (73% of the Victorian population diagnosed with HIV infection) captured on an HIV database which was electronically matched with the public Victorian Psychiatric Case Register (VPCR) (accounting for 95% of public system psychiatry service provision). The prevalence, dates and recorded specifics of mental health disorders at the time of the electronic match on 1 June 2000 are described. The association with recorded MHD, gender, age, AIDS illness, HIV exposure category, duration and type of antiviral therapy, treatment era (prior to 1986, post-1987 and pre-HAART, and post-HAART) on hospitalization and mortality at 1 September 2001 was assessed.

RESULTS

Five hundred and twenty-five individuals (17.6% of the Victorian HIV-positive population) were recorded with MHD, most frequently coded as attributable to substance dependence/abuse or affective disorder. MHD was diagnosed prior to HIV in 33% and, of those diagnosed after HIV, 93.8% were recorded more than 1 year after the HIV diagnosis. Schizophrenia was recorded in 6% of the population with MHD. Hospitalizations for both psychiatric and nonpsychiatric illness were more frequent in those with MHD (relative risk 5.4; 95% confidence interval 3.7, 8.2). The total number of antiretrovirals used (median 6.4 agents vs 5.5 agents) was greater in those with MHD. When adjusted for antiretroviral treatment era, HIV exposure category, CD4 cell count and antiretroviral therapy, survival was not affected by MHD.

CONCLUSIONS

MHD is frequent in this population with HIV infection and is associated with increased healthcare utilization but not with reduced survival.

Co-location of health care for adults with serious mental illness and HIV infection

This study describes persons with serious mental illness and comorbid HIV infection and examines the effect of co-location of mental health and HIV care on satisfaction, service utilization, and appropriateness of care. One hundred and eighteen subjects completed interviews and gave blood samples; medical records were abstracted. Most reported few barriers to care and satisfaction with mental health and HIV treatment. Co-location of mental health and HIV care did not influence satisfaction with care, utilization of services, or appropriateness of care. This report challenges the notion that persons with serious mental illnesses receive inadequate health care and that they have minimal capacity for illness management. These subjects may be benefiting from increased funding for, and attention to, persons with HIV infection.

Community outreach to patients with AIDS at the end of life in the inner city: reflections from the trenches

Indigenous community health outreach workers (CHWs), who serve as a bridge between underserved, difficult-to-reach minority populations and health professionals, can play a critical role in bringing palliative care to patients dying of AIDS and other illnesses in the inner city. Although the contribution of CHWs in the delivery of "curative" and preventive services has been well established, little attention has been given to CHWs in palliative care. Integrating the medical literature with experiences of a team providing HIV palliative care in the Bronx, a descriptive typology of critical stages and components in the work of CHWs in end-of-life care in the inner city is presented. A longitudinal case narrative, told from the perspective of the CHW, is used to demonstrate the richness and complexity of the CHW's role. The article concludes with a description of the experience of the CHW, straddling two worlds--the world of the inner city patient and the world of the health care providers--and explores the special characteristics of the individuals who can fill this vital role in palliative care.

Psychotropic medications and HIV

Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome have high rates of psychiatric illness. The effective management of these psychiatric conditions can improve a patient's quality of life and may improve antiretroviral adherence. Care providers for patients with HIV infection frequently encounter clinical situations in which psychotropic medications are needed or are being used. Those clinical situations require familiarity with the broad category of medications termed "psychotropic." That familiarity should include a basic understanding of indications, adverse effects, and drug interactions. In particular, it is very important to recognize the many potential interactions based on cytochrome P450 metabolism, which is common to many psychotropics, the protease inhibitors, and the nonnucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors. In a brief review of the use of psychotropic medications in patients with HIV infection, we discuss indications, adverse effects, and drug interactions for commonly used antidepressants, mood stabilizers, anxiolytics, antipsychotics, psychostimulants, and drugs of abuse.

Drug treatment of depression in HIV-positive patients : safety considerations

Safe and effective treatment of major depression, one of the most common comorbid conditions in individuals infected with HIV, significantly lowers morbidity and mortality from HIV disease. However, optimal treatment of both conditions is complicated by interactions between the disease processes as well as the pharmacological agents used to treat them. In patients with HIV it may be difficult to distinguish major depression from other physiological and emotional states that present with similar symptoms. Accurate diagnosis of major depression is thus complex and essential to preventing inappropriate exposure of patients to potentially harmful psychotropic medications. This review outlines important initial steps in making this diagnosis. All patients with HIV should be screened for depression by their medical providers and referred to a psychiatrist for full evaluation when necessary. The mainstay of treatment for major depression in patients with HIV disease is pharmacotherapy. Depressed patients with HIV respond to the same wide variety of antidepressant-class medications as depressed patients without HIV, including tricyclic antidepressants, paroxetine, fluoxetine and trazodone. Notably, new studies have also shown that some psychiatric medications can inhibit HIV replication. No particular antidepressant medication is superior for the treatment of depressed HIV-infected patients; however, the most important component of treatment of major depression in HIV-disease is patient adherence, which is highly influenced by antidepressant adverse effects. This review outlines adverse effects of antidepressant-class medications that are of particular concern in HIV-infected patients and describes pharmacological strategies for overcoming these potential barriers to medication adherence. This review also describes situations in which some adverse effects of antidepressant-class medications may be safely exploited to benefit depressed patients with HIV disease. Potential interactions between antidepressant-class medications and HIV medications, as well as pharmacological treatment strategies for treating the psychiatric adverse effects of HIV medications, are also discussed.

Development of structured support groups for HIV-positive women in South Africa

Women living with HIV in a stigmatising community need support to cope with their HIV status. In a process of action research, a structured support group programme was designed to meet the needs of women to cope with their diagnosis and interpersonal relationships. The emphasis was on identifying their needs and developing programme material to address those needs through group participation and interaction. The programme was pilot-tested at two sites located in two townships in Tshwane, South Africa. Feedback after each session made it possible to adjust the programme to the needs of the participants. In a formative evaluation, audio-taped sessions, process notes of facilitators, and experiences of the participants were used to identify therapeutic elements, the value of the groups and the problems in the implementation process. Women reported benefit from participation in the support groups. A 10-session structured programme to be used in support groups addressing the most important needs of HIV-positive women was developed.

Mental Health Differences Between Rural and Urban Men Living with HIV Infection in Various Age Groups

Despite the disproportionate increase in rural, Southern residents and older persons during the third era of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, no known study has examined whether older, rural men living with HIV infection face a double jeopardy and have poorer psychosocial profiles than other subgroups of men. We investigated whether area of residence (rural, urban), age (young, middle-age, old), and the interaction of residence and age would be related to mental health factors by using two measurement methods to categorize rural and urban residence (US Census Bureau classification and The Office of Rural Health Policy's, Rural Urban Commuting Area Codes [RUCAs]). We conducted 2-3 hour-long, face-to-face interviews with all but 43 patients who met the study criteria and kept their clinic appointments at three different types of healthcare facilities (i.e., VA, university clinic, public health department) over a 20-month period. The sample consisted of 226 men living in the southeastern US. Rural and urban men of various age groups did not differ in socioeconomic factors, travel distance to clinics, use of medications, satisfaction with care, types of severe stressors, and confidentiality concerns. Using two methods to categorize area of residence, we found that rural men as compared to urban men had similar levels of total stress, AIDS-related stress, social support, active coping and avoidance coping, but higher rates of risk for depression. Rural men had higher levels of non-AIDS-related stress only when the US Census Bureau's categorization was used, which highlights the importance of carefully selecting and describing methods to categorize rural versus urban residence.