Mortality, CD4 Cell Count Decline, and Depressive Symptoms Among HIV-Seropositive Women

Researchers for the HIV Epidemiology Research Study studied 765 HIV-seropositive women to determine the association of depressive symptoms with HIV-related mortality and decline in CD4 cell counts. The women --a ll between the ages of 16 and 55 -- were from Baltimore, the Bronx, Detroit, and Providence, Rhode Island. The authors found that depressive symptoms among HIV-infected women are associated with disease progression, controlling for clinical, substance use, and sociodemographic characteristics. The findings, they note, reinforce the need for diagnosis and treatment of depression among HIV-positive women. The researchers conclude, "Further research is needed to determine if pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic treatments for depression can be effective to enhance not only the mental health of women with HIV, but also to enhance their physical health and impede disease progression."

Other CDC News for March 23, 2001

Mortality, CD4 Cell Count Decline, and Depressive Symptoms Among HIV-Seropositive Women U.S. Drug Buyers Unlikely to Seek Deep Discounts on AIDS Medicines Congress Looks to Step Up Fight Against AIDS and Other Diseases Overseas Advertisement TB Cases Increase Despite Cheap Medication: WHO	AIDS Panic in China Leads to Draconian Measures Health Tips: Physicians Should Screen for Chlamydia Disney: No Risk to Visitors From Employee With TB Tuberculosis Treatment Interruption -- Ivanovo Oblast, Russia Federation, 1999 and Evaluation of a Directly Observed Therapy Short Course Strategy for TB Disease -- Orel Oblast, Russia, Russian Federation, 1999-2000
World TB Day -- March 24, 2001