“HIV does not make people dangerous to know, so you can shake their hands and give them a hug : Heaven knows they need it.” Princess Diana

India is home to the largest population of patients with HIV/AIDS and the numbers are rising, fast. People with HIV/AIDS are now beginning to live longer with the use of new treatments. As with other serious illnesses such as cancer, heart disease or stroke, however, HIV often can be accompanied by depression. Treatment for depression helps people manage both diseases, thus enhancing survival and quality of life.
Despite the enormous advances in brain research in the past 20 years, depression often goes undiagnosed and untreated. Although as many as one in three persons with HIV may suffer from depression, the warning signs of depression are often misinterpreted.

People with HIV, their families and friends, and even their physicians may assume that depressive symptoms are an inevitable reaction to being diagnosed with HIV. But depression is a separate illness that can and should be treated, even when a person is undergoing treatment for HIV or AIDS.

The depression could be related to HIV, specific HIV-related disorders, or a side effect of medication. Whatever its origins, depression can accelerate HIV's progression to AIDS.

While there are many different treatments for depression, they must be carefully chosen by a trained professional based on the circumstances of the person and family. Prescription antidepressant medications are generally well-tolerated and safe for people with HIV. There are, however, possible interactions among some of the medications and side effects that require careful monitoring. Specific types of psychotherapy, or "talk" therapy, also can relieve depression.

There is emerging evidence that the treatment of depression can even improve immunity and lead to a reduction in viral counts.

People with HIV/AIDS who develop depression, as well as people in treatment for depression who subsequently contract HIV, should make sure to tell any physician they visit about the full range of medications they are taking.No matter how advanced the HIV, however, the person does not have to suffer from depression.

Other mental illnesses like Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorders and even Schizophrenia can develop in people with HIV. These are treated in a simiral manner.

HIV DEMENTIA

The HIV virus enters the brain quiet early in the course of the illness. In some people it can then lead to destruction of neurons and produce a picture similar to Alzheimer's Dementia. This is atleast partially reversible with the use of appropriate anti-retroviral medication.