A Placebo-Controlled Randomized Trial of the Effects of Escitalopram on Depressive Symptoms and Immune Function in People With HIV.

ABSTRACT:

Background

This study was a randomized controlled trial investigating the effects of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and improvement in depressive symptoms on innate immunity and inflammation in people with HIV (PWH).

Methods

The mean 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) score at baseline was 19.1 for the sample (N = 108). Eligible participants were randomized to 10 weeks of double-blind therapy with either SSRI (escitalopram) or placebo. All participants concurrently received computer-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy (CCBT). Peripheral blood was obtained from each participant at baseline and at weeks 2, 4, and 10, and intracellular interferon gamma (IFN-γ) in natural killer (NK) cells, lytic units per 10⁷ NK cells (LUNKs)

SUBMITTER: Evans DL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12720043 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature