Hi Michael, I am a 45 year old male poz since 98. I am doing very well healthwise. For the last few weeks I had no appetite and lost weight. My doc gave me megace and androgel. It seems not to work well. I have absolutely no sexdrive (even with androgel)and try to avoid social contacts. I just feel like staying home all the time and I am not in the mood for anything. My boyfriend for 20 years is very active and feels I am getting boring. I work for myself and have just foccused on my work and thats it. Is it possible that this could be depression which I am not aware of? I don't feel I am depressed but the symptoms point in that direction. Shall I see a Therapist? Thanks Jack

Dear Jack,

From what you describe it certainly sounds like you are experiencing symptoms of depression. But in order to have your condition properly evaluated I think that you should consult a skilled psychopharmacologist who is also a therapist. If you are unable to afford, or your health insurance will not pay for therapy with an MD psychiatrist who can both do the talk therapy and prescribe medication, then find a skilled mental health professional who is an expert in working with gay men, people with HIV and depression for this crucial evaluation. But inquire if he or she believes in the value of antidepressants, and if he or she has a psychiatrist with whom they work closely that you can also be referred to for a medication evaluation. Please remember to be an active consumer in finding a therapist who is an expert in all three areas I mentioned above.

Best of luck.

Michael Shernoff, MSW