The Use of the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale to Assist in the Case Management of Patients Living With HIV/AIDS

Abstract

Depression is a common comorbidity in people with HIV/AIDS, frequently impacting disease status by direct effects on immune fuinction and adherence to antiretroviral treatment. For case managers, who are often the main contacts for patients, quick and simple identification of patients at high risk for depression can be both a challenge and a priority. These patients should be screened at the primary point of care and then referred to mental health providers for further evaluation or diagnosis. Here we report the experiences in three diverse case management settings using the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale for patient self-reporting of depression symptoms. The three clinics--Broward House in Wilton Manors, Florida; BIENESTAR Human Services in Los Angeles, California, and the West Midtown Medical Group in New York City--serve diverse racial and ethnic populations with substantial HIV infection rates in urban and rural communities. Benefits of using this validated tool include increased patient self-awareness and acceptance by mental health providers, thereby facilitating a final diagnosis that leads to improved implementation of treatment for depression. Case management settings provide a unique point of contact to unite clients with mental health care, especially in disease settings where depression or other mental health conditions are prevalent.