Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026

Oral Combinational Antiretroviral Treatment in HIV-1 Infected Humanized Mice
Published on: October 6, 2022
Interrelation between psychiatric disorders and the prevention and treatment of HIV infection
Glenn Treisman1, Andrew Angelino
1AIDS Psychiatry Service, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA. glenn@jhmi.edu
Insights
Major depression significantly impacts highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) adherence in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Addressing psychiatric conditions is crucial for effective HIV management and treatment compliance.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Major depression complicates diagnosis and treatment in HIV-infected individuals due to overlapping symptoms.
- Depression increases HIV vulnerability through high-risk behaviors and hinders treatment adherence.
- HIV infection can mimic, trigger, or worsen depressive symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the complex interrelation between major depression and HIV infection.
- To describe the impact of this interrelation on adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).
- To discuss effective treatment strategies for psychiatric conditions in HIV-positive patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on depression and HIV.
- Analysis of the impact of psychiatric comorbidities on HAART adherence.
- Discussion of clinical management approaches for co-occurring conditions.
Main Results:
- A bidirectional relationship exists between major depression and HIV infection.
- Depression negatively affects HAART adherence and treatment outcomes.
- Effective management of depression is essential for improving HIV care.
Conclusions:
- Integrated care models are needed to address both psychiatric and infectious disease aspects.
- Timely diagnosis and treatment of depression are critical for HIV-infected patients.
- Addressing mental health improves overall health outcomes in the HIV population.
Abstract:
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.
Related Concept Videos
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
Cryptococcal Meningitis
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Retrovirus Life Cycles
Amebiasis

