The Contributing Factors to Depression among HIV/AIDS Population

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) have infected over 35.3 million people globally, and the numbers are continuously growing. People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH/A) were found to experience depressive symptoms at two times a greater rate than the general population. This project looks at the different variables that can contribute to depressive symptoms among this population. The literature found HIV related stigma, social support, social isolation, and gender were significant influencers on the experience of depressive symptomology for PLWH/A. Moreover, a review of different interventions looked at psychotherapy and/or the use of antidepressants as reliefs to reduce depressive symptoms. This review found both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and antidepressants were successful in reducing depressive symptomology for PLWH/A. The information reviewed will culminate with a discussion of implications for further work with this population