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The Differential Impact of PTSD and Depression on HIV Disease Markers and Adherence to HAART in People Living with HIV

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Despite high rates of comorbidity, research has typically focused on the independent impact of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression symptoms in people living with HIV (PLWH). The present study examined the independent and comorbid influence of PTSD and depression symptoms on medication adherence, CD4 cell counts, and viral load, over the course of 3 months in 57 PLWH (82% men, 54% Caucasian, 44% African American) recruited from a clinic or social service agency. Both PTSD and depressive symptoms predicted lower subsequent adherence. However, only depressive symptoms predicted lower CD4 counts and presence of a detectable viral load. Participants reporting symptoms consistent with diagnostic levels of comorbid PTSD and depression were less likely to adhere to HAART and were more likely to have a detectable viral load. These results highlight the influences of PTSD and depression on adherence and HIV disease markers, and underscore the importance of examining comorbid symptomatology in PLWH.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Preparation of this manuscript was supported, in part, by National Institutes of Mental Health grants R01 MH 62042 and R34 MH 071201 (DLD). Funding for this study was provided by a fellowship from the Farris Family Foundation (LB) and a grant from the Summa Health System-Kent State University Center for the Treatment and Study of Traumatic Stress (DLD, LB). We are grateful to the staff and clients of Violet's Cupboard and the CARE center at Summa Health System for assistance in this research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, USA

    Jessica M. Boarts, Eve M. Sledjeski & Douglas L. Delahanty

  2. RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California, USA

    Laura M. Bogart

  3. Department of Psychology in Psychiatry, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine (NEOUCOM), Rootstown, Ohio, USA

    Douglas L. Delahanty

  4. Department of Psychology, Kent State University, 144 Kent Hall, Kent, 44240, Ohio, USA

    Douglas L. Delahanty

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  1. Jessica M. Boarts
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  2. Eve M. Sledjeski
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  3. Laura M. Bogart
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  4. Douglas L. Delahanty
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Correspondence to Douglas L. Delahanty.

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Boarts, J.M., Sledjeski, E.M., Bogart, L.M. et al. The Differential Impact of PTSD and Depression on HIV Disease Markers and Adherence to HAART in People Living with HIV. AIDS Behav 10, 253–261 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-006-9069-7

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