Depressive Symptoms Related to Biological Markers of Immune Functioning among Young People with HIV

Youth living with HIV (YLWH) are at risk for depression. The American Academy of Pediatrics and Health Resources and Services Administration recently released guidelines for Primary Care Providers and Infectious Disease Specialists to screen for depression as part of pediatric preventative healthcare. This study aimed to identify trends in depressive symptoms for YLWH in a specialty-care clinic and follow up clinical treatment procedures. Additionally, this study assessed the relationship between indicators of disease (e.g., viral load, CD4 count) and depressive symptoms. An archival review of a clinical database provided depression screening information for a sample of 115 YLWH between 11-25 years old.