Prevalence, diagnosis, and pharmacological treatment of mood disorders in HIV disease

Human immunodeficiency virus seropositive (HIV+) individuals are at a heightened risk of developing mood disorders and related syndromes. Over the past several decades, increased rates of mood disorders, including depression and mania, have been reported among HIV+ individuals. Because alterations in mood may impact on quality of life and perhaps reduce adherence to antiretroviral treatment regimens that are critical for preventing disease progression, recognition and effective treatment of mood disorders is essential. There are accumulating data showing that antidepressants and mood stabilizers, as well as other novel agents, might benefit HIV+ individuals suffering from a concomitant mood disturbance. This review highlights the relevant studies that have examined prevalence rates of mood disorders in HIV+ individuals, characteristics of HIV disease that influence the diagnosis and psychopharmacologic treatment of mood disorders, including complex interactions with antiretroviral medications, as well as the available evidence regarding the efficacy of agents used to treat depression and mania in the context of HIV disease.