Contents

• HIV and Mental Health
  
  
• HIV and Mood Disorders
  
  
• Personal Perspective: Growing Older with HIV
  
  
• Depression in Older Adults with HIV
  
  
• Personal Perspective: Understanding the Importance of my Life and Health
  
  
• Psychiatric and HIV Meds Interaction Table
  
  
• Personal Perspective: Depression after 15 years
  
  
• Women, HIV, and Depression
  
  
• Personal Perspective: Living Without Panic
  
  
• Managing a Triple Diagnosis
  
  
• ACRIA News - ACRIA Trials - Contributions - Masthead
  
  

In this issue, we examine the intersection of HIV disease and mental health problems. As a nurse who spent 15 years working in mental health and HIV/AIDS, understanding the mental health needs of persons living with HIV is of particular concern to me.

In her article, Dr. Judith Rabkin notes that depression is the most commonly reported psychiatric problem among people with HIV and that its incidence is higher among those living with HIV. Indeed, Dr. Stephen Karpiak notes that ACRIA's study of HIV in 1,000 NYC residents over 50 found that the number of people reporting symptoms of depression was 13 times higher than in the general population.

Recognizing that stigma is a major issue for those facing mental health problems, not to mention the stigma associated with being HIV positive, we also greatly appreciate those who have chosen to speak out and share their "Personal Perspectives" with our readers.