Major Depressive Episodes and Apathy in HIV Infection

Dr. Rujvi Kamat conducted the first study to investigate the longitudinal relationship between apathy and depression in HIV infected individuals.  Approximately 30–50% of HIV+ individuals present with clinically elevated signs of apathy. In HIV-infected persons apathy is associated with poor medication adherence and health-related quality of life.  She found that new depressive episodes are a risk factor for increased risk of incident apathy in individuals who previously reported no apathetic tendencies.  HIV related injury to the central nervous system as shown by brain white matter abnormalities may be a possible cause.

To Cite:

Kamat R, Cattie JE, Marcotte TD, Woods SP, Franklin DR, Corkran SH, Ellis RJ, Grant I, Heaton RK.  (2015). Incident Major Depressive Episodes Increase The Severity And Risk of Apathy in HIV Infection. Journal of Affective Disorders, 175C, 475-480. PMID: 25679203. PMCID: PMC4386921.