Work

HIV Diagnosis and Preexposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Prescription Among Commercially Insured Persons With Bipolar Disorder

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe and chronic mental illness characterized by periods of mania/ hypomania and depression. Both disease phases are associated with increased risk of acquiring HIV. Despite this, use of highly effective preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention among people with BD is poorly understood. We performed a retrospective cohort study using the Merative MarketScan Claims Database from 2010-2022 to identify people with BD. Additional clinical variables including outpatient encounters for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), use of long-acting injectable agents, psychiatric hospitalizations, and outpatient encounters with primary care providers (PCPs) and psychiatrists were included. =.03). PrEP use among commercially insured people with BD was critically low, with <1% prescribed PrEP. Even among those with multiple encounters for STIs, <4% were prescribed PrEP, despite this being an indication for prescription. Engagement of people with BD in the PrEP care continuum is essential for ending the HIV pandemic, and integration of PrEP prescription with psychiatric care may represent an efficient method for increasing PrEP use.

Source: The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry

DOI: 10.4088/jcp.25m15949

Authors: Samuel R. Bunting, Max J. Hyman, Aniruddha Hazra

Institutions: University of Chicago, University of Chicago Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute of Mental Health