Depression, Adherence, and HIV: Untangling the Web

The ability of antiretroviral therapy (ART) to suppress HIV viral replication and reduce transmission depends on nearly perfect adherence to medication regimens.¹ However, the average rate of adherence in the United States is about 70%, with about one in 10 patients missing at least one dose on any given day, a third within the past month. In addition, adherence declines over time.²

Depression and other mental health disorders are significant contributors to nonadherence, accounting for a nearly 80% higher rate as well a significant failure to access HIV care and treatment.³ Depression is also significantly more prevalent in an HIV population. A meta-analysis of 10 studies concluded that major depressive disorder was nearly twice as high in HIV-infected individuals as in those without the virus. Rates of diagnosed dysthymia were also nearly two-fold higher.⁴ Meanwhile, a national survey conducted  in the US identified a 12-month prevalence of depression of 36% compared to the 5-7% prevalence in the general population. ⁵

Just as depression is linked to worse outcomes in conditions such as cardiovascular disease, so, to, is untreated depression associated with increased morbidity and mortality in HIV-positive patients, even accounting for ART adherence.^6-11

However, “just because depression and adherence are associated doesn’t mean that treating the depression will improve the adherence,” said Francine Cournos MD, a professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University who treats HIV-infected patients. Instead, she notes, it is important to address both issues: the depression and the nonadherence.

Studies suggest this approach may be effective. A handful of small, randomized, controlled trials have found that using cognitive behavioral therapy to treat moderate to severe depression in HIV-positive patients while also addressing adherence issues can improve both. At least one study also found improved CD4 count over time for the intervention group.^12-14

Other studies suggest that treating just the depression may improve adherence. A chart review of 1,713 HIV-positive patients, 57% of whom were diagnosed with depression, found that those who were not receiving antidepressants were less likely to be adherent to ART (P=0.012), with adherence highest among those who were also adherent to antidepressant treatment.¹⁵

Another study, involving a cohort of 1,827 female and 3,246 male drug users, found that women with depression  receiving antidepressants and psychiatric therapy were 90% more likely to be adherent to ART treatment than those receiving neither. The improvement was far lower for men, however, at just a 26% improvement. Overall, psychiatric treatment alone was associated with a nearly 50% improved likelihood of adherence.¹⁶ 

Regardless of the effectiveness of antidepressant treatment on adherence, said Dr. Cournos, it is important that clinicians treat the depression to improve overall outcomes. A recently published study of a long-term follow up of 1,226 older adults diagnosed with depression (but not HIV) found that effective treatment significantly reduced mortality compared to those with depression who did not receive effective interventions.¹⁷

Treating depression also appears to improve immune response to ART, regardless of adherence. A community-based prospective cohort study of 158 homeless and marginally housed individuals with HIV and depression, which accounted for depression severity, found those receiving antidepressant treatment were twice as likely to achieve viral suppression and nearly four times as likely to begin ART treatment as those who did not receive antidepressants.^18,19

The authors hypothesized that biological pathways that link depression to poorer HIV outcomes, likely related to increased inflammation, as well as behavioral changes, may contribute to the improved physiological outcomes. Indeed, one study found lower levels of HIV-1 RNA in cerebrospinal fluid of 658 HIV-positive patients taking a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), even those who were not receiving ART.²⁰

Successful approaches for treating depression in HIV populations are similar to those for the general public, namely, antidepressant medication and cognitive behavioral therapy. However, numerous studies also highlight the benefits of other psychosocial interventions, including cognitive behavioral stress management, experiential group psychotherapy, and interpersonal psychotherapy. For certain high-risk populations, such as homeless adults with HIV, directly observed antidepressant therapy may increase effectiveness. ¹⁹

“We have to think beyond adherence in terms of why you would treat depression,” said Dr. Cournos. “Depression is more disabling than AIDS. Its impact in undermining functioning is quite profound and worthy of treatment in its own right.”


 
REFERENCES

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