The primary aim of this project is to examine the efficacy of prolonged exposure (PE) therapy at reducing HIV-related PTSD symptoms, increasing adherence to antiretroviral medication regimens, and increasing health-related quality of life (QOL) in HIV+ patients.
HIV+ patients will be randomized to receive either PE therapy (up to 18 possible sessions) or weekly symptom monitoring (described below) and will complete measures of PTSD, adherence, and QOL pre- and post-intervention and at 3- and 6-month follow-up assessments. Secondary analyses will examine the impact of the intervention on disorders commonly comorbid with PTSD (i.e., anxiety, mood, and substance abuse/dependence disorders).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
70
Participants will meet with a therapist twice a week for 5 weeks to complete the therapy. If the therapist and participant feel more sessions are needed, an additional 8 sessions will be provided.
Violet's Cupboard
Akron, Ohio, United States
AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland
Cleveland, Ohio, United States
PTSD symptoms
Time frame: pre- & post-intervention, 3-month post, & 6-month post
Adherence to HIV medications
Time frame: pre- & post-intervention, 3-month post, & 6-month post
Health-related Quality of Life
Time frame: pre- & post-intervention, 3-month post, & 6-month post
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