Published online Aug 12, 2015. doi: 10.5501/wjv.v4.i3.303
Peer-review started: March 2, 2015
First decision: May 14, 2015
Revised: May 25, 2015
Accepted: July 29, 2015
Article in press: August 3, 2015
Published online: August 12, 2015
Processing time: 165 Days and 16.9 Hours
AIM: To investigate the potential associations among major depression, quality of life, and suicidal behavior in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients.
METHODS: A detailed MEDLINE search was carried out to identify all articles and book chapters in English published from January 1995 to January 2015.
RESULTS: Based on the main findings, the prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) ranged from 14.0% to 27.2%. Furthermore, the prevalence of suicidal ideation varied from 13.6% to 31.0% whereas, attempted suicides were reported to range from 3.9% to 32.7%. Interestingly, various associated risk factors for both depression and suicide were identified in HIV patients. Finally, consistent associations were reported among MDD, suicidal ideation, and poor quality of life in individuals living with HIV.
CONCLUSION: Although additional studies are needed to elucidate this complex association, our results suggest the importance of early detection of both MDD and suicidality in patients living with HIV.
Core tip: Among patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) the prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD), suicidal ideation, and attempted suicides ranged from 14.0% to 27.2%, from 13.6% to 31.0%, and from 3.9% to 32.7%, respectively. Multiple risk factors for both depression and suicide were identified in HIV patients. Importantly, a consistent association has been reported between MDD, suicidal ideation, and poor quality of life in individuals living with HIV. The early detection and adequate treatment of depressive symptoms and suicidality should be considered fundamental tasks when managing HIV infected patients, particularly in those individuals who are severely medically ill.