Abstract
About 46,000 individuals younger than 25 years of age currently have a diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). During their lifetime, approximately one-third of patients with HIV may develop depression. While antidepressants have been studied in adults with HIV, no data exist to support the use of antidepressants in children and adolescents with HIV. We report a case series of seven pediatric patients with HIV who were prescribed antidepressants. Six of seven patients had mild to moderate improvements in depressive symptoms. None of our patients experienced any suicidal ideations, and adverse events were minor. No drug-drug interactions were reported, and no significant changes in CD4 counts, CD4 percentages, or viral loads occurred during antidepressant therapy. Placebo-controlled, randomized studies are needed to confirm our results in this patient population.