title: S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-e) for the treatment of depression in people living with HIV/AIDS.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study reports on clinical data from an 8-week open-label study of 20 HIV-seropositive individuals, diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (DSM-IV), who were treated with SAM-e (S-Adenosylmethionine). SAM-e may be a treatment alternative for the management of depression in a population reluctant to add another "pill" or another set of related side effects to an already complex highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimen.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were used to assess depressive symptomatology from 1,2,4,6 and 8 weeks after initiation of treatment with SAM-e.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Data show a significant acute reduction in depressive symptomatology, as measured by both the HAM-D and the BDI instruments.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  SAM-e has a rapid effect evident as soon as week 1 (p < .001), with progressive decreases in depression symptom rating scores throughout the 8 week study.
authors.affiliation: ACRIA (AIDS Community Research Initiative of America), 230 West 38th St, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10018, USA. ashippy@acria.org
authors.forename: R Andrew
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Shippy
authors.forename: Douglas
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mendez
authors.forename: Kristina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: Irene
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Cergnul
authors.forename: Stephen E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Karpiak
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D000328:Adult; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012436:S-Adenosylmethionine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D012436:S-Adenosylmethionine