Depression symptoms and treatment among HIV infected and uninfected veterans

AIDS Behav. 2010 Apr;14(2):272-9. doi: 10.1007/s10461-008-9428-7. Epub 2008 Jul 22.

Abstract

Depression is one of the most common comorbid conditions affecting persons with HIV. We compared depressive symptoms and depression treatment using data from the Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS), a prospective cohort of HIV-infected and uninfected subjects. We identified subjects with a Patient Health Questionnaire score of 10 or greater. Treatment was defined as prescription of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or mental health counseling. Overall, 16% of 4,480 subjects had depressive symptoms, and HIV-infected patients were more likely to have had depressive symptoms (OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.18, 1.62). Geographic site of care and having a mental health provider at the clinic was associated with treatment. In multivariable models restricted to 732 patients with depressive symptoms, receipt of depression treatment did not differ by HIV status (Adjusted OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 0.80, 1.54). Non-Hispanic whites were more likely to receive treatment (Adjusted OR = 2.09, 95% CI 1.04, 4.24). Primary care and HIV providers were equally unlikely to treat active depressive symptoms. Treatment variation by race, site, and availability of a mental health provider, suggests targets for intervention.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / administration & dosage
  • Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / therapeutic use
  • Cohort Studies
  • Counseling
  • Depression / diagnosis
  • Depression / drug therapy*
  • Depression / physiopathology
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors* / administration & dosage
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors* / therapeutic use
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States
  • Veterans*

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation
  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors