Effects of Depression on HIV

Mujeeb A. Salawu MD¹, Adenike R. Sulaiman MD², Ibrahim L. Folorunsho MD³, Fola Ishola MD⁴, Obiamaka P. Okereke MD⁵, Adeyemi H. Alaga MD⁶, Adaeze B. Chukwuedozie-Echeazu MD⁷, Okelue E. Okobi MD^8*, Temitope O. Sobayo MD⁹, Emeka K. Okobi MD¹⁰, Mohammed Raaid O Musa MD¹¹, Abimbola Eunice Arisoyin MD¹², and Courage O. Ekejiuba (MBBCh)¹³

Abstract

Depression is a pressing issue in individuals living with HIV (PLWH), attracting the attention of epidemiologists and physicians. Approximately 39% of PLWH experience some level of depression associated with accelerated disease progression and poor health outcomes. Depression rates among PLWH range from 22% to 71%, yet it remains underdiagnosed in many cases. HIV infection has significant negative psychological effects due to its neurotropic nature, potentially leading to neuropathological changes in the brain’s grey matter and subsequent depression. Furthermore, depression is linked to increased healthcare utilization, decreased quality of life, and higher suicide rates in PLWH. It is also associated with poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), leading to immunological failure and increased HIV transmission risk. Therefore, effective management of depression is crucial for HIV patients. This literature review aimed to understand the impact of mental disorders, particularly depression, on HIV/AIDS. The methodology involved an extensive search of medical databases using specific keywords and inclusion criteria. The results revealed a disproportionately high level of depression in HIV patients, negatively affecting disease progression and quality of life. Biologically, HIV triggers inflammation and sickness behavior resembling depressive symptoms. Depression is associated with low CD4 cell counts, high viral loads, accelerated HIV-to-AIDS progression, and increased mortality risk. Consequently, integrating depression screening and psychological healthcare into regular HIV/AIDS care is essential to address the elevated prevalence rates of depression in PLWH and improve public health outcomes.

Keywords

regional general hospital; medicine; inventory; ABC-VEN; continuous review system

Cite This Article

Salawu, M. A. MD., Sulaiman, A. R. MD., Folorunsho, I. L. MD., Ishola, F. MD., Okereke, O. P. MD., Alaga, A. H. MD., Echeazu, A. B. C., MD., Okobi, O. E. MD., Sobayo, T. O. MD., Okobi, E. K. MD., Musa, M. R. O. MD., Arisoyin, A. E. MD., Ekejiuba, C. O. MBBCH. (2023). Effects of Depression on HIV. International Journal of Scientific Advances (IJSCIA), Volume 4| Issue 4: Jul-Aug 2023, Pages 592-596, URL: https://www.ijscia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Volume4-Issue4-Jul-Aug-No.476-592-596.pdf

Volume 4 | Issue 4: Jul-Aug 2023