title: Efficacy of paroxetine for the treatment of depression in the context of HIV infection.
abstract: Recent studies in the literature point out that HIV-infected subjects are affected by depression with a relatively high frequency. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of paroxetine for the treatment of depression in the context of HIV infection. 15 HIV-infected subjects (10 patients with a major depressive episode and 5 patients with an adjustment disorder with depressed mood, according to the DSM IV diagnostic criteria) were administered paroxetine at a daily dosage of 20 mg. Depressive symptomatology was monitored by means of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) at the time of enrollment and 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 6 weeks later; at the same times adverse effects were recorded. 14 patients completed the study, and all of these recovered from depression; HAM-D mean scores significantly improved from baseline to final assessment, both when all subjects were considered (ANOVA for repeated measurements: p < or = 0.0001) and when only patients with a major depressive episode were included in the statistical analysis (ANOVA for repeated measurements: p < 0.0001). No significant adverse effects were recorded. Because of its efficacy and good tolerability paroxetine seems to be suitable for the treatment of depression in the context of HIV infection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuropsychiatric Sciences, University of Milan Medical School, Italy.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Grassi
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Gambini
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Garghentini
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lazzarin
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Scarone
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017374:Paroxetine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
chemical_list: D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D017374:Paroxetine