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.

Related Concept Videos

Sexually Transmitted Infections01:26

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases transmitted primarily through unsafe sexual interactions. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause them and can result in severe health complications if untreated.ChlamydiaThe bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the disease Chlamydia, the most common STI in the United States. This peculiar pathogen requires human cells to reproduce, residing intracellularly. The initial infection often goes unnoticed because it typically does not...
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia01:29

Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia, a complex psychiatric disorder, has been historically misunderstood. Early psychological theories attributed its origins to childhood trauma and unresponsive parenting. However, contemporary research largely rejects these notions, favoring the vulnerability-stress hypothesis. This model proposes that individuals with a genetic predisposition to schizophrenia may develop the disorder following exposure to significant environmental stressors. Notably, studies on high-risk...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
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 Cycles01:10

Retrovirus Life Cycles

Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the retrovirus to...
Amebiasis01:28

Amebiasis

Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is responsible for intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis. Though a significant proportion of infections remain asymptomatic, approximately 50 million individuals annually are estimated to present with clinical disease, resulting in up to 100,000 deaths globally. The disease burden is disproportionately high in regions with lower socioeconomic status, such as parts of India, Africa, Mexico, and Latin America.Etiology and TransmissionThe infective...