Antidepressant use linked to higher HIV medication adherence

Researchers have found that in men living with HIV who also suffer from depression and do not take antidepressants, their adherence to HIV treatment is on average four times lower.

Analysis also showed that people living with HIV and depression who take antidepressants have a higher quality of life - based on psychological, social and environmental health indicators.

The study, published in PLoS ONE magazine, was conducted amongst men who have sex with men (MSM) in Taiwan. 

Depression is a common condition, and unfortunately even more so for people living with HIV - often associated with health concerns and stigma.

The research team, led by Dr Yung-Feng Yen, chose to study the relationship between depression, antidepressant use, adherence to HIV treatment and quality of life among their MSM population - which accounts for 65% of all men living with HIV in Taiwan.

Data from 557 people living with HIV and taking HIV treatment was used for this study, the average age was 38 years. When assessing quality of life, the team considered four areas: physical capability, psychological wellbeing, social, and environmental health.

Results

• 14% of participants (78) were diagnosed with depression
• Those with depression were more likely to report non-compliance with their HIV treatment (22% vs 11% for other participants)
• Those with depression often had a lower income (26% vs 9%), were more likely to smoke (56% vs 40%), use recreational drugs (17% vs 6%) and to have (18% vs 10%)

However, among those suffering from depression, 55 people took antidepressants. After taking into account demographic characteristics, the researchers found that poor adherence to HIV treatment was linked to a lack of treatment for depression. Participants who were not taking antidepressants were four times more likely to have poor adherence, as well as lower rates of psychological, social and environmental health.

Talking about the results of their study, Dr Yung-Feng Yen said “To achieve UNAIDS’ HIV testing and treatment targets, our study suggests that it is imperative to screen for depressive symptoms in PLWHA and to provide antidepressant therapy for those with depression in order to improve their adherence to HIV treatment and their health related quality of life.”