The importance of identifying and treating depression in HIV infected,pregnant women: a review

Women make up approximately half of all HIV infections worldwide. A substantial number of women living with HIV in the United States are of childbearing age and many of these women will become pregnant each year. These women must navigate the complexities of two health concerns (HIV infection and pregnancy) and the complexities of two health care provision systems (obstetrics and infectious disease). The goal of HIV treatment during pregnancy is to optimize health of the mother and minimize risk of vertical transmission. To realize these goals, high levels of adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and periodic contact with medical professionals are required. Depression is not uncommon in pregnant women and has been identified as a robust predictor of non-adherence to ART and implicated in difficulty utilizing prenatal care. The purpose of the current article is to review evidence in support of diagnosis and treatment, when appropriate, of unipolar depression in HIV positive, pregnant women in developed nations. The article begins by defining the scope of the problem. Assessment and treatment options are discussed, followed by suggestions for future research.