Comorbidities and depression in older adults with HIV

Abstract

The findings suggest the need for further longitudinal research to understand how high rates of depressive symptoms are related to comorbidities. Focussed clinical care that strives to prevent the collapse of the immune system must evolve into an effective treatment strategy for multimorbidities, where HIV is but one of many other chronic illnesses. If the management of depression continues to be a low priority, the older person with HIV may experience an avoidable reduction in life expectancy.

Social Care Networks and Older LGBT Adults: Challenges for the Future

“…On average, the number of health conditions among those without HIV was 2.4 as compared to 2.6 for the entire sample (i.e., including those with HIV). Among those who are HIV-positive, an average of 3.1 comorbid conditions is reported, nearly identical to the findings on HIV-positive adults over 50 in New York (Havlik et al, 2011). Approximately one out of six reported at least one PADL difficulty, whereas over one-third had at least one IADL challenge.…”

“…Isolation contributes to feelings of loneliness and depression, which, in turn, are related to poorer heath outcomes (Havlik et al, 2011). Moreover, isolation reduces the already frail support systems of these LGBT older adults because it mitigates against their ability to cultivate additional support resources as they grow older.…”

“…Poor mental health has been identified as an issue in LGBT populations (IOM, 2011) and is also linked to poorer health outcomes (Havlik et al, 2011). Fredriksen-Goldsen et al (2011) found that one-third of their participants met the clinical threshold for depression.…”

The Moderating Role of Sexual Identity in Group Teletherapy for Adults Aging with HIV

“…Terms & Conditions of access and use can be found at http:// www.tandfonline.com/page/terms-and-conditions 20% of older PLHIV report symptoms of anxiety, and one out of four older PLHIV think about taking their own lives. 2,3 Moreover, older PLHIV are five times more likely to experience depression than their HIV-negative peers. 4 Depression has many deleterious effects on persons aging with HIV.…”

“…Depressed older PLHIV are less likely to adhere to their HIV-specific and non-HIV-related medications (such as antidepressants and cholesterol reducing agents), are more frail, are less likely to be engaged and remain in HIV-related care, and have more comorbid health conditions. 5,6,7 High rates of psychiatric distress in older PLHIV are particularly troubling given that adults aging with HIV are less likely than their younger counterparts to seek treatment for their psychological disorders. 8 Unfortunately, there are currently very few (if any) age-contextualized mental health interventions for older PLHIV that promote clinically-meaningful and sustained reductions in psychiatric symptoms.…”