How is depression treated in people who have HIV/AIDS?

Depression is diagnosed and treated by a health care provider. Treating depression can help you manage your HIV/AIDS and improve your overall health. Recovery from depression takes time but treatments are effective.

At present, the most common treatments for depression include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of psychotherapy, or talk therapy, that helps people change negative thinking styles and behaviors that may contribute to their depression
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), a type of antidepressant medication that includes citalopram (Celexa), sertraline (Zoloft), and fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), a type of antidepressant medication similar to SSRI that includes venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).

While currently available depression treatments are generally well tolerated and safe, to avoid dangerous drug interactions, people with HIV/AIDS and depression should talk with their health care provider about side effects, possible drug interactions, and other treatment options. For the latest information on medications, visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration websiteExternal Link: Please review our disclaimer.. Not everyone responds to treatment the same way. Medications can take several weeks to work, may need to be combined with ongoing talk therapy, or may need to be changed or adjusted to minimize side effects and achieve the best results.

Although HIV/AIDS cannot be cured at this time, medications and lifestyle changes can help keep people healthy. HIV/AIDS treatment relies on a person’s ability and willingness to take medications exactly as directed and to make difficult changes in habits.

More information about depression treatments can be found on the NIMH website. If you think you are depressed or know someone who is, don’t lose hope. Seek help for depression.

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