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Antidepressant
Treatment Improves Adherence to Therapy Among Depressed HIV Patients
Antiretroviral
regimens for HIV-infected patients require strict
adherence. Untreated depression
has been associated with medication non adherence. In this study,
investigators evaluate the effect of antidepressant
treatment (ADT) on antiretroviral adherence.
Data
were retrieved for HIV-infected patients seen at an urban health
care setting (1997-2001) from chart review and administrative and
pharmacy files. Antiretroviral adherence was determined for depressed
patients stratified by receipt of and adherence to ADT. Antiretroviral
adherence was compared before and after initiation of ADT.
Results
· Of
1713 HIV-infected patients, 57% were depressed; of those, 46% and
52% received ADT and antiretroviral treatment, respectively;
· Antiretroviral
adherence was lower among depressed patients not on ADT (vs. those
on ADT; P = 0.012);
· Adherence
to antiretroviral treatment was higher among patients adherent to
ADT (vs. those non adherent to antidepressant treatment;
· Antiretroviral
adherence improved over a 6-month period for adherent, non adherent,
and non prescribed ADT groups;
· The
mean pre- versus post-6-month change in antiretroviral adherence
was significantly greater for those prescribed antidepressants.
Conclusions
In
conclusion, the authors write, “Depression was common, and antiretroviral
adherence was higher for depressed patients prescribed and adherent
to ADT compared with those neither prescribed nor adherent to ADT.”
“Attention
to diagnosis and treatment of depressive disorders in this population
may improve antiretroviral adherence and ultimate survival.”
04/13/05
Reference
W H Lourdes Yun and others. Antidepressant Treatment Improves Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy
Among Depressed HIV-Infected Patients. Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes.
38(4):432-438, April 1, 2005.
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