Bupropion For Reducing High-Risk Behaviors in Depressed Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM)

Phase 1

Completed

Brief Summary: The primary purpose of this study was to test the whether high-risk, HIV-seronegative persons with mild-to-moderate depression would be more likely to adopt protective behavior change when provided with pharmacotherapy for their depression than when treated with placebo. High-risk behaviors include using illegal drugs and participating in unprotected sexual intercourse. The specific pharmacotherapy used in this study was the anti-depressant, bupropion. The subject population consisted of HIV negative men who have sex with men (MSM) with mild-to-moderate depression.

Detailed Description: Depression in men is often masked by high-risk behaviors such as alcohol and drug abuse. Common symptoms among depressed men include feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, irritability, and anger. MSM are among those at highest for HIV acquisition due to high-risk behaviors, including unprotected sexual intercourse and drug abuse. Bupropion is an antidepressant medication commonly used to treat depression. The purpose of this study thus was whether bupropion could help MSM with mild-to-moderate depression reduce their high-risk behaviors.

Participants in this trial were randomly assigned to receive either bupropion or placebo for 6 months. Study visits lasting approximately 2 hours each occurred at Day 0, and at Months 4, 6, and 9; included in these visits were physical examination, testing for HIV and sexually transmitted disease (STD), depression screening, and an interview-administered questionnaire inquiring into sexual activity and drug use. Shorter study visits, lasting 15 - 30 minutes each occurred at Day 15, and Months 1, 2, 4, 5, and 7, and included depression screening and physical exam.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria

Available for at least 9 months, or the duration of the study
Willing to complete HIV testing and counseling
History of HIV testing and counseling
At high risk of HIV infection, indicated by more than one male sexual partner in the 3 months prior to study entry
Meets criteria for either (a) major depression or dysthymia within a mild-to-moderate level according to standard criteria DSM-IV, or (b) minor depression as defined by one or more of the following symptoms at any time and for any duration during the past 12 months: significant weight loss or gain, or significant decrease or increase in appetite; poor sleep pattern; noticeable irritability or slowness; fatigue or lack of energy; inappropriate feelings of worthlessness or guilt; inability to concentrate; indecisiveness; and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.

Exclusion Criteria

HIV infected
Sexual intercourse in the 3 months prior to study entry with only one partner, and in a monogamous relationship
Currently enrolled in another study involving repeated HIV testing and counseling
Receiving treatment for depression with antidepressant medication for any length of time within the year prior to study entry
Currently in psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, or any other form of talk therapy for any reason
Severe depression or at suicidal risk
No evidence or prior history of depression
Homicidal or other similar problem that, in the opinion of the investigator, may endanger study staff and participants
Currently taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Participants may be allowed to enroll 14 days after discontinuing use of a MAOI.
History of seizures
History or current symptoms of bipolar disorder

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Placebo	Placebo	Participants in this arm received placebo that looked identical to the active comparator medication.
Bupropion	Bupropion	Participants in this arm received bupropion.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
The Number of Sexual Partners in Unprotected Anal Intercourse Reported at 6 Months Minus the Number Reported at Enrollment.	Enrollment to Month 6	The self-reported number of partners in unprotected anal intercourse during the 3 months prior to interview as reported at the Month 6 visit minus reported at the enrollment visit.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Incidence of Sexually Transmitted Infections Between Study Entry and Month 6 (Measured by Questionnaire and Laboratory Testing)	Enrollment to Month 6	Number of participants with incident sexually transmitted disease between enrollment the Month 6 interview.
Change in the Frequency Per Month of Use of Recreational Drugs Between Enrollment and Month 6 Measured by Questionnaire.	Month 6 compared to Month 0 (enrollment)	Within-individual changes in the frequency of use of recreational drugs per month in the 3 months prior to interview reported at the Month 6 visit minus that reported at the enrollment visit.
Change in Beck Depression Inventory - II (BDI-II) Scores Between Enrollment and Month 6.	Month 6 compared to enrollment (Month 0)	The BDI-II is a self-administered, multiple-choice questionnaire inquiring into the presence and severity of symptoms associated with depression. BDI-II scores range from 0 to 63, with 10-19 interpreted as mild-to-moderate; 20-29 as moderate-to-severe, and ≥ 30 as severe depression. The study outcome measure was the BDI-II score at Month 6 minus the BDI score at enrollment

Locations (2): Bellevue Hospital Center
🇺🇸
New York, New York, United States
New York University School of Medicine
🇺🇸
New York, New York, United States