Hiv And Depression

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Depression and HIV

Treatment for Depression Depression can be treated with lifestyle changes, alternative therapies, and/or with medications. Many medications and therapies for depression can interfere with your HIV treatment. Your health care provider can help you select the therapy or combination of therapies most appropriate for you. Do not try to self-medicate with alcohol or illegal drugs as these can increase depression and create additional problems. ...

Ask the Experts

HIV & depression

Can depression be considered a symptom of HIV? I know that medications such as Sustiva can cause depression but what about the disease itself?...

Response from Ewald Horwath, M.D.

University of Miami School of Medicine

The prevalence of depression is higher among people with HIV/AIDS than in the general population. There are many reasons for this. One is that depression and substance abuse often occur together, and people with substance abuse have a higher risk of... Read more »

HIV Depression

I turned HIV postive at age 50. I am now 57 and depression keeps increasing - - - even though I have therapy and medication. Sometimes I want to stop my AIDS medication to end it.Is this natural?...

Response from Graeme Moyle, M.D.

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital

Any chronic illness, such as HIV, can be a drag on mental health. This can be made worse by social isolation, financial concerns and stigma attached to HIV. It's also worthwhile checking with your provider that your HIV meds are not... Read more »

Too good to be true?:SAMe and HIV depression, and the liver

NelsonThis SAMe supplement souds too good to be true. An antioxidant, liver cleanser that helps with depression and arthritis? Yeah, right! What do you think?Luis...

Response from Nelson Vergel, B.S.Ch.E., M.B.A.

Program for Wellness Restoration

Dear LuisI am convinced this supplement works for depression and fatigue. I have taken 400 mg twice a day for a few months and can definitely feel a difference the first day. I actually get reminded when I do not take it by decreased energy.... Read more »

HIV+, Depression, Cocaine

I have been HIV+ for five years. I have developed severe depression for about the same time. Anti-depressants do not seem to work, as I want them to. I have taken up cocaine and it not only does it give me energy but it makes me fully functional...

Response from Ewald Horwath, M.D.

University of Miami School of Medicine

Cocaine is not a treatment for depression. It is a temporary high, but its long term effects will make you worse. Repeated cocaine use can actually cause depression and other ill effects, such as strokes and heart attacks. I agree with your... Read more »

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HIV and depression

Posted by Anonymous, 4 Replies

Been asymptomatic for over 20 years , and living with fear as to when will I finally get sick. Defense mechanism of not disclosing has turned to a life of very limited amount of friends which has resulted in lonliness. I find myself crying for no... Read more »

I've had EVERY symptom related to HIV so depressed

Posted by Anonymous, 21 Replies

Hey guys,

I've had practically every symptom in the past year and I'm hoping to God that it's something else because i'm scared to death to get tested to find out that I'm HIV positive. I've had white tongue, swollen lymph nodes in my throat,... Read more »

Need advice about my HIV+ partner's depression

Posted by wjrmmjr, 4 Replies

My boyfriend is HIV+ and just tried to commit suicide by overdosing..he has been drinking and drugging. He is very depressed about his illness. I am very angry that he won't admit to his addiction and get help..but he says if I leave him he will... Read more »

HIV meds and Depression meds?

Posted by Anonymous, 3 Replies

Hello. I have known of my positive status for two years now. I was put on Epivir, Viread, and Sustiva in February of 2004. My labs are good, and I feel great, as my viral load is almost undetectable. This summer I have had some problems with... Read more »

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