Treatment of depression in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection

Current research evidence suggests that tricyclic antidepressants and selec tive serotonin reuptake inhibitors are as effective in human immunodeficien cy virus-seropositive depressed patients as they are in depressed patients without physical illness. There is preliminary evidence that selective sero tonin reuptake inhibitors are better tolerated than tricyclic antidepressan ts. Psychostimulants may be useful in acquired immunedeficiency syndrome pa tients with depressed mood and lethargy. Interpersonal psychotherapy may be the most effective nonpharmacological approach in human immunodeficiency v irus-seropositive individuals with depressive symptoms. Curr Opin Psychiatr y 12:93-97. (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.