Depression is one of the most common comorbid conditions affecting persons with HIV. We compared depressive symptoms and depression
treatment using data from the Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS), a prospective cohort of HIV-infected and uninfected subjects.
We identified subjects with a Patient Health Questionnaire score of 10 or greater. Treatment was defined as prescription of
a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or mental health counseling. Overall, 16% of 4,480 subjects had depressive
symptoms, and HIV-infected patients were more likely to have had depressive symptoms (OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.18, 1.62). Geographic
site of care and having a mental health provider at the clinic was associated with treatment. In multivariable models restricted
to 732 patients with depressive symptoms, receipt of depression treatment did not differ by HIV status (Adjusted OR = 1.11,
95% CI = 0.80, 1.54). Non-Hispanic whites were more likely to receive treatment (Adjusted OR = 2.09, 95% CI 1.04, 4.24). Primary
care and HIV providers were equally unlikely to treat active depressive symptoms. Treatment variation by race, site, and availability
of a mental health provider, suggests targets for intervention.
Keywords HIV-infection - Depression - Psychiatric status rating scales - Anti-depressive agents
The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the Department
of Veterans Affairs.