An instrumental variables evaluation of the effect of antidepressant use on employment among HIV-infected women using antiretroviral therapy in the United States: 1996-2004

Summary:

HIV medications extend the lives of people living with HIV, and allow them to continue to work. Many HIV-positive persons also suffer from depression, and may not be able to work. The question we ask is: Can people work more if they take both HIV and anti- depression medication? The logic is that drugs to combat depression help people with HIV in two ways. First, antidepressants improve how people feel mentally. Second, antidepressants also help people to take the HIV drugs correctly, and thus feel better physically. Those two effects combined will help HIV-positive persons in their employment activities. The study shows that for some patients, HIV medications by themselves may no be sufficient. Some will need antidepressants to be able to work. Efforts to screen, diagnose, and treat depression can help people with HIV have better physical and mental health, and also help them to be more productive.

Citation: 

Galarraga O, Salkever DS, Cook JA, and Gange SJ. An instrumental variables evaluation of the effect of antidepressant use on employment among HIV-infected women using antiretroviral therapy in the United States: 1996-2004. Health Econ 2010;19(2):173-188.