Depression as a Risk Factor for HIV Infection

Major depression is the most common psychiatric diagnosis in Human Immunodefiiency Virus (HIV). However a few studies have focused on clinical depression as a risk factor for HIV infection. There are evidences to show that individuals with depressive symptoms can be predisposed to diseases such as HIV infection. Literature point out that the negative inflence of depression as a risk factor for HIV can be explained because physical deterioration or depression can result in fatigue, physical impairment, and loss of motivation and self-confience to engage in food and income generating activity.  Other authors point out that this increased risk is thought to be due to high rates of substance use including injection drug use (IDU), risky sexual behavior, sexual victimization, and prostitution. It´s consensus that are needed social support for HIV-infected patients that includes treatment for depression and substance abuse. Screening of depression should also be conducted regularly to provide a full psychiatric profie to decrease the risk of depression and improve quality of life in this population