March 16, 2009

Older Age Linked to Less Depression

Older HIV-positive adults have richer and more satisfying social support and less depression than younger HIV-positive adults, according to a study published online March 11 in the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes.

Researchers have been concerned about the consequence of aging in people living with HIV. In particular, given increased reports of social isolation in older people in the general population—which can lead to depression—scientists and policymakers have worried that older HIV-positive individuals may be at greater risk of serious depression.

To examine the role of age and other factors on psychological well-being, Shahrzad Mavandadi, PhD, from the Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and her colleagues examined data collected during the HIV and Aging Study, which was conducted between 2004 and 2005 at a Philadelphia outpatient HIV clinic. Of the patients screened, 109 agreed to participate. All of the participants were HIV positive. The average age was 49. Roughly half were men, half were gay or bisexual, and the majority were black or Hispanic.

Mavandadi’s team had initially suspected that older adults would be more susceptible to social isolation and depression, but found exactly the opposite. The level of social interactions among the participants did not vary by age. However, older adults reported having more satisfying and supportive social relationships than younger adults. They were also less likely to report depressive symptoms on a standard depression screening.

The authors state that further research will be needed to explain which aspects of social support are most important in guarding against depression in people at various ages.

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