Study designs of evaluations included in the review
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that were double-blind were eligible for inclusion.
Specific interventions included in the review
Studies that used tricyclic antidepressants (TCA), selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or a novel non-TCA, non-SSRI antidepressant were eligible for inclusion. The included studies evaluated the effects of imipramine, paroxetine and fluoxetine, with treatment duration ranging from 6 to 16 weeks. The majority of the included studies were placebo-controlled and one study used psychotherapy as a control intervention. In some studies patients received concurrent psychotherapy.
Participants included in the review
Studies of HIV-positive individuals with depression were eligible for inclusion. The diagnosis of depression had to be made using standard diagnostic criteria as outlined by the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (3rd, revised 3rd, or 4th edition). In the included studies, the majority of the participants were male, with mean CD4 counts ranging from 280 to 455 (where reported) and mean baseline depression (as measured on the Hamilton Depression Scale) ranging from 15.1 to 24.3. The mean age ranged from 33 to 41 years and, where reported, the proportion of white participants ranged from 29 to 95%.
Outcomes assessed in the review
Studies that reported any outcomes of depressive symptoms were eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome was depression measured by the Hamilton Depression Scale.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
Two reviewers independently screened the studies for inclusion.