Yale University

Depression symptoms and treatment among HIV infected and uninfected veterans.

TitleDepression symptoms and treatment among HIV infected and uninfected veterans.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2010
AuthorsSueoka, Kristen, Joseph L. Goulet, David A. Fiellin, David Rimland, Adeel A. Butt, Cynthia Gibert, Maria C. Rodriguez-Barradas, Kendall Bryant, Stephen Crystal, and Amy C. Justice
JournalAIDS and behavior
Volume14
Issue2
Pagination272-9
Date Published2010 Apr
ISSN1573-3254
KeywordsAdult, Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation, Cohort Studies, Counseling, Depression, HIV Infections, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Psychiatric Status Rating Scales, Questionnaires, Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors, United States, Veterans
AbstractDepression 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.
DOI10.1007/s10461-008-9428-7
Alternate JournalAIDS Behav

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