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Numerous studies have shown that depression is an important barrier to optimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). In addition, depression has been linked to poor outcomes in HIV, including lower likelihood of virologic suppression and higher mortality rates. However, depression is challenging to treat, and not all patients will respond; selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants yield only a 50% to 60% response rate. Furthermore, we do not know whether effectively treating depression will lead to improvements in ART adherence or in HIV outcomes.
To address these questions, investigators retrospectively reviewed data from 3359 HIV-infected patients who started new antiretroviral regimens through one …