Feasibility of pharmacotherapy in HIV-related affective spectrum disorders: an open trial with fluvoxamine

Abstract

Among HIV patients treated for AIDS-related adjustment, major depressive disorders and other affective disorders, we assessed in an open study the feasibility of using a serotonergic antidepressant (fluvoxamine). Thirty-five seropositive patients with the above conditions (22 men and 13 women) were followed over a minimum period of four weeks. At the end of the treatment, a large number of patients (77%) showed marked improvement. "Nuclear" depressive and anxiety symptoms remitted, while the "somatic" ones seemed less sensitive to treatment. Treatment had to be terminated prematurely due to side effects in only two patients (6%).

Psychiatric disorders in African American men and women living with HIV/AIDS.

“…There is a growing body of evidence indicating higher levels of psychological distress and prevalence of psychiatric disorders in HIV-infected men and in persons living with AIDS (PWAs) compared with community controls (Atkinson & Grant, 1994; Kelly et al, 1998; Khouzam, Donnelly, & Ibrahim, 1998; Maj et al, 1994; Myers et al, 1997; Perkins et al, 1994; Perretta, Nisita, Zaccagnini, & Lorenzetti, 1996; Rabkin, 1996; Rabkin, Ferrando, Jacobsberg, & Fishman, 1997). The psychological and psychiatric sequelae of HIV and AIDS vary in type and severity, with mood, anxiety, and adjustment disorders most commonly seen.…”