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Brown LL, Perkins JM, Shepherd BE, Ramasamy S, Wilkins M, Osman A, Turner M, Link T, Edgerton R, Suiter SV, Pettit AC. Piloting Safety and Stabilization: A Multi-component Trauma Intervention to Improve HIV Viral Suppression, Retention in Care, and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in a Southern United States HIV Service Organization. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:174-185. [PMID: 37751108 PMCID: PMC10868717 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04174-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
In this observational study, we assessed the extent to which a community-created pilot intervention, providing trauma-informed care for persons with HIV (PWH), affected HIV care retention and viral suppression among PWH attending an HIV Services Organization in the Southern US. PWH with trauma exposure and/or trauma symptoms (N = 166) were offered a screening and referral to treatment (SBIRT) session. Per self-selection, 30 opted-out, 29 received SBIRT-Only, 25 received SBIRT-only but reported receiving other behavioral health care elsewhere, and 82 participated in the Safety and Stabilization (S&S) Intervention. Estimates from multivariable logistic regression analyses indicated S&S Intervention participants had increased retention in HIV care (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 5.46, 95% CI 1.70-17.50) and viral suppression (aOR 17.74, 95% CI 1.83-172), compared to opt-out participants. Some evidence suggested that PTSD symptoms decreased for intervention participants. A randomized controlled trial is needed to confirm findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie Lauren Brown
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Meharry Medical College, 1005 Dr. DB Todd Jr. Blvd, Nashville, TN, 37203, USA.
- Infectious Disease Division, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Jessica M Perkins
- Human and Organizational Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Bryan E Shepherd
- Infectious Disease Division, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Shobana Ramasamy
- Infectious Disease Division, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Megan Wilkins
- Infectious Disease Clinic, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | - Megan Turner
- Infectious Disease Division, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Ryan Edgerton
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sarah V Suiter
- Human and Organizational Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - April C Pettit
- Infectious Disease Division, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
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McIntosh R, Hoogerwoerd H, Ahmad SS, Michel C, Dillon K, Kumar M, Ironson G. A 4-session written emotional disclosure intervention lowers 6-month sympathoadrenal urinary output in persons living with HIV. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 159:106403. [PMID: 37839156 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We previously reported that a brief guided written emotional disclosure (WED) intervention resulted in significant reductions in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomology in women, but not men, living with HIV. Levels of 24-hour urinary output of epinephrine (E) and norepinephrine (NE) are shown to be elevated in persons diagnosed with PTSD. The current study tested whether there was an effect for the 4-week WED intervention on 6-month change in urinary E and NE output amongst persons living with HIV. METHOD Fourteen women and 11 men living with HIV randomized to four 30-min expressive writing sessions of either trauma writing or daily events writing in the parent trial were included based upon collection of urine specimens at baseline, 1-, and 6-months after the intervention. Total volume (µg) and concentration (µg/ml) of urinary E and NE were derived from the specimens as study outcomes. RESULTS Four repeated measures analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) were performed to evaluate study outcomes using trauma- versus daily-writing as the between-subject factors and collection time point as the within-subject factor, controlling for age and sex. A group x time interaction was observed wherein the trauma writing treatment group showed a significantly greater decrease in total urinary output, F(2, 46) = 4.03, p = .03, and concentration, F(2, 46) = 4.74, p = .01 of epinepherine. Post-hoc analyses revealed the interaction effect for the total, F(2, 22) = 4.82, p = .03, and concentration, F(2, 22) = 7.57, p = .005, of urinary E output over 6-months was significant for women. Interactions were not observed in urinary NE output. CONCLUSIONS Significant reductions in the total output and concentration of urinary E were found up to 6-months following initiation of a 4-session guided written emotional disclosure intervention. Profiles of sympathoadrenal activity and response to expressive writing differ between men and women living with HIV. Futher research is need to characterize the putative pathways linking sympathoadrenal response to upstream neurobiological function and downstream inflammatory-immune status in women living with HIV and PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger McIntosh
- Department of Psychology, Health Division, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Brain Resilience Embodiment Affect and Translational Health (B.R.E.A.T.H.) Laboratory, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
| | - Hannah Hoogerwoerd
- Department of Psychology, Health Division, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Brain Resilience Embodiment Affect and Translational Health (B.R.E.A.T.H.) Laboratory, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Salman S Ahmad
- Department of Psychology, Health Division, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Cassandra Michel
- Brain Resilience Embodiment Affect and Translational Health (B.R.E.A.T.H.) Laboratory, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Dillon
- Department of Psychology, Health Division, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Brain Resilience Embodiment Affect and Translational Health (B.R.E.A.T.H.) Laboratory, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Mahendra Kumar
- Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Gail Ironson
- Department of Psychology, Health Division, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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3
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Verhagen RM, Carrico AW, Hylton EM, Stuetzle R, Ironson G. Exploring self-esteem during expressive writing about trauma predicts decreased depression in people with HIV. AIDS Care 2023; 35:1654-1660. [PMID: 37149898 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2023.2206098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Self-esteem is often negatively impacted by trauma. Low self-esteem has been related to significantly worse depression in people with HIV (PWH). This study explores whether the expression of words related to self-esteem during a 4-session augmented trauma writing intervention predicted post-traumatic stress, depressive symptoms, and health outcomes 6-months later. Ninety-five PWH completed four 30-minute augmented trauma writing sessions in the intervention arm of a randomized controlled trial. One augmented session was devoted to self-esteem. Two individuals coded trauma essays for number of self-esteem words. CD4+ and viral load data were collected, and the Davidson PTSD Scale and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale were administered at baseline, one-, and six-month follow-up. Greater total self-esteem words were related to lower depressive symptoms at 6-months, controlling for depressive symptoms at study entry, age, race, and education (t(80) = -2.235, ß = -0.239, SE = 0.283, p < 0.05, 95% CI [-1.195, -.069). Total self-esteem words were not predictive of PTSD, viral load, or CD4+ at 6-months. Exploring self-esteem when writing about and processing a traumatic event could be an important mechanism for decreasing depressive symptoms among PWH. Research is needed to test augmented expressive writing interventions that support efforts to bolster self-esteem in PWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Verhagen
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Adam W Carrico
- Department of Public Health, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Emily M Hylton
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Rick Stuetzle
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Gail Ironson
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
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4
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Raeder R, Clayton NS, Boeckle M. Narrative-based autobiographical memory interventions for PTSD: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1215225. [PMID: 37829075 PMCID: PMC10565228 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1215225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the efficacy of narrative-based interventions (NBIs) for individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Investigating the efficacy of NBIs should yield insight on autobiographical memory (AM) phenomena implicated in PTSD onset and recovery, leading to improved intervention protocols. Furthermore, by analyzing how NBIs influence maladaptive AM distortions, we hope to shed light on the theorized narrative architecture of AM more generally. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted according to PRISMA and Cochrane guidelines in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, and PubMed. Additional studies were then also identified from the reference lists of other relevant literature and considered for inclusion. Studies were then evaluated for adherence to the inclusion/exclusion criteria and assessed for risk of bias. Various meta-analyses were performed on included studies to understand how NBIs may or may not influence the overall effect size of treatment. Results The results of the meta-analysis of 35 studies, involving 2,596 participants, suggest that NBIs are a viable and effective treatment option for PTSD, yielding a statistically significant within-group effect size and decrease in PTSD symptomatology at both post-treatment [g = 1.73, 95% CI (1.23-2.22)] and 3-9 month follow-up assessments [g = 2.33, 95% CI (1.41-3.26)]. Furthermore, the difference in effect sizes between NBIs compared to active and waitlist controls was statistically significant, suggesting that NBIs are superior. Sub-analyses showed that NET provided a stronger effect size than FORNET, which may be due to the nature of the traumatic event itself and not the treatment protocol. While evidence of small study and publication bias was present, a weight-function model and trim-and-fill method suggested it was not influencing the overall results. Discussion This meta-analysis presents strong evidence supporting the use of NBIs in the treatment of PTSD. Clear similarities can be identified between NBIs included in this analysis that make them distinct from non-NBI interventions, which are reviewed in the discussion. Controlled comparisons between NBIs and non-NBIs would help to further understand AM mechanisms of action implicated in recovery and how various interventions facilitate them. Future research should also aim to elucidate the full range of AM impairment in individuals with PTSD to gain insight on how other memory capabilities, such as the ability to mentally simulate the future, are implicated in the pathogenesis of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Raeder
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola S. Clayton
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Markus Boeckle
- Scientific Working Group, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
- Department of Transitory Psychiatry, University Hospital Tulln, Tulln, Austria
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5
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Guo L. The delayed, durable effect of expressive writing on depression, anxiety and stress: A meta-analytic review of studies with long-term follow-ups. BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 62:272-297. [PMID: 36536513 DOI: 10.1111/bjc.12408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Expressive writing is a promising tool to heal the wounds with words. AIMS This meta-analysis evaluated the current state of efficacy of expressive writing on depression, anxiety and stress symptoms among healthy and subclinical samples. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-one experimental studies (N = 4012) with randomized controlled trials and follow-up assessments were analysed. RESULTS Results showed that expressive writing had an overall small but significant effect (Hedges' g = -0.12, 95% CI [-0.21, -0.04]) on reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Change score analyses suggested that the intervention effect emerged after a delay, as evidenced by assessments at follow-up periods. Moderator analyses indicated that the effect sizes varied as a function of one intervention feature: interval. Studies that implemented short intervals (1-3 days) between writing sessions yielded stronger effects (Gdiff = -0.18, p = .01) relative to studies that implemented medium intervals (4-7 days) or long intervals (>7 days). The effects of expressive writing remained consistent across other intervention features including focus, instruction, number of sessions, topic repetition and delivery mode. DISCUSSION Together, these findings provide evidence for the delayed, durable effect of expressive writing and underscore the importance of scheduling writing sessions at short intervals. CONCLUSION Implications for incorporating expressive writing into clinical practice and daily life are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Guo
- Languages, Literatures and Linguistics Department, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
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6
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Goldhammer H, Marc LG, Chavis NS, Psihopaidas D, Massaquoi M, Cahill S, Nortrup E, Dawson Rose C, Meyers J, Mayer KH, Cohen SM, Keuroghlian AS. Interventions for addressing trauma among people with HIV: a narrative review. AIDS Care 2021; 34:505-514. [PMID: 34612097 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2021.1984382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic experiences are disproportionately prevalent among people with HIV and adversely affect HIV-related health outcomes. As part of a national cooperative agreement funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration's HIV/AIDS Bureau, we searched the literature for interventions designed to address trauma among people with HIV in the U.S. Our search yielded 22 articles on 14 studies that fell into five intervention categories: expressive writing, prolonged exposure therapy, coping skills, cognitive-behavioral approaches integrated with other methods, and trauma-informed care. Thematic elements among the interventions included adaptating existing interventions for subpopulations with a high burden of trauma and HIV, such as transgender women and racial/ethnic minorities; addressing comorbid substance use disorders; and implementing organization-wide trauma-informed care approaches. Few studies measured the effect of the interventions on HIV-related health outcomes. To address the intersecting epidemics of HIV and trauma, it is critical to continue developing, piloting, and evaluating trauma interventions for people with HIV, with the goal of wide-scale replication of effective interventions in HIV settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Linda G Marc
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicole S Chavis
- HIV/AIDS Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration, Rockville, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Sean Cahill
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Bouve College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Carol Dawson Rose
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Janet Meyers
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kenneth H Mayer
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stacy M Cohen
- HIV/AIDS Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Alex S Keuroghlian
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Hollifield M, Hsiao AF, Carrick K, Gory Munoz A, Calloway T, Cocozza K, Smith B, Smith T, Jovanovic T, Norrholm S, Sokhadze E, Reist C. Acupuncture for combat post-traumatic stress disorder: trial development and methodological approach for a randomized controlled clinical trial. Trials 2021; 22:594. [PMID: 34488824 PMCID: PMC8419889 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05394-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant public health problem, affecting approximately 7% of the general population and 13–18% of the combat Veteran population. The first study using acupuncture for PTSD in a civilian population showed large pre- to post-treatment effects for an empirically developed verum protocol, which was equivalent to group cognitive behavior therapy and superior to a wait-list control. The primary objective of this study is to determine both clinical and biological effects of verum acupuncture for combat-related PTSD in treatment-seeking US Veterans. Methods This is a two-arm, parallel-group, prospective randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. The experimental condition is verum acupuncture and the placebo control is sham (minimal) acupuncture in 1-h sessions, twice a week for 12 weeks. Ninety subjects will provide adequate power and will be allocated to group by an adaptive randomization procedure. The primary outcome is change in PTSD symptom severity from pre- to post-treatment. The secondary biological outcome is change from pre- to post-treatment in psychophysiological response, startle by electromyographic (EMG) eyeblink. Assessments will be conducted at pre-, mid-, post-, and 1-month post-treatment, blind to group allocation. Intent-to-treat analyses will be conducted. Discussion The study results will be definitive because both clinical and biological outcomes will be assessed and correlated. Issues such as the number needed for recruitment and improvement, use of sham acupuncture, choice of biological measure, and future research need will be discussed. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02869646. Registered on 17 August 2016. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-021-05394-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hollifield
- Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center, 5109 E. 7th Street, Long Beach, CA, 90822, USA. .,The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, 2300 I Street NW, Washington, DC, 20052, USA.
| | - An-Fu Hsiao
- Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center, 5109 E. 7th Street, Long Beach, CA, 90822, USA.,University of California at Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Kala Carrick
- Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center, 5109 E. 7th Street, Long Beach, CA, 90822, USA
| | - Andrea Gory Munoz
- Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center, 5109 E. 7th Street, Long Beach, CA, 90822, USA
| | - Teresa Calloway
- Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center, 5109 E. 7th Street, Long Beach, CA, 90822, USA
| | - Karen Cocozza
- Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center, 5109 E. 7th Street, Long Beach, CA, 90822, USA
| | - Besa Smith
- UC Irvine Health Policy Research Institute, 100 Theory, Suite 110, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Tyler Smith
- UC Irvine Health Policy Research Institute, 100 Theory, Suite 110, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | | | - Seth Norrholm
- Analydata, 3835 Centraloma Drive, San Diego, CA, 92107, USA
| | - Estate Sokhadze
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 3901 Chrysler Service Drive, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Christopher Reist
- Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center, 5109 E. 7th Street, Long Beach, CA, 90822, USA.,University of South Carolina School of Medicine - Greenville, 701 Grove Rd, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA
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8
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Mendez NA, Mayo D, Safren SA. Interventions Addressing Depression and HIV-Related Outcomes in People with HIV. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2021; 18:377-390. [PMID: 34014446 PMCID: PMC8136266 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-021-00559-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW People with HIV (PWH) are more likely to experience depression than those without HIV. Depression is not only distressing and interfering in and of itself, but it is also consistently associated with non-adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART). Accordingly, research and clinical priorities require updated knowledge about interventions that address depression in PWH. RECENT FINDINGS Twenty efficacy trials and nine pilot studies since a 2009 review emerged in the literature review search. Of these, 11 and 6 respectively had a depression-related inclusion criterion. The intervention strategies included individual psychotherapy (n=6), group therapy (n=6), telehealth (n=3), and antidepressant medication (n=5). Generally, these interventions demonstrated acute efficacy for improving depression symptoms in PWH, with some also addressing ART non-adherence. However, not all studies collected follow-up data. Furthermore, trials that addressed depression but did not specifically address non-adherence did not also show adherence improvements. Existing interventions for depression have demonstrated efficacy in PWH, and these may have both positive mental and physical health outcomes. Future trials should measure and boost longer-term effects. It would be useful to incorporate adherence interventions into depression treatment to improve self-care behaviors and health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelle A. Mendez
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL USA
| | - Daniel Mayo
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL USA
| | - Steven A. Safren
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL USA
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9
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Gerger H, Werner CP, Gaab J, Cuijpers P. Comparative efficacy and acceptability of expressive writing treatments compared with psychotherapy, other writing treatments, and waiting list control for adult trauma survivors: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Psychol Med 2021; 52:1-13. [PMID: 33634766 PMCID: PMC9772920 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721000143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Expressive writing about a traumatic event is promising in treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in adult trauma survivors. To date, the comparative efficacy and acceptability of this approach is uncertain. Therefore, we aimed to examine the comparative efficacy and acceptability of expressive writing treatments. METHODS We included 44 RCTs with 7724 participants contributing 54 direct comparisons between expressive writing (EW), enhanced writing (i.e. including additional therapist contact or individualized writing assignments; EW+), PTSD psychotherapies (PT), neutral writing (NW), and waiting-list control (WL). RESULTS EW, EW+, PT, and NW were statistically significantly more efficacious than WL at the longest available follow-up, with SMDs (95% CI) of -0.78 (-1.10 to -0.46) for PT, -0.81 (-1.02 to -0.61) for EW+ , -0.43 (-0.65 to -0.21) for EW, and -0.37 (-0.61 to -0.14) for NW. We found small to moderate differences between the active treatments. At baseline mean PTSD severity was significantly lower in EW+ compared with WL. We found considerable heterogeneity and inconsistency and we found elevated risk of bias in at least one of the bias dimensions in all studies. When EW+-WL comparisons were excluded from the analyses EW+ was no longer superior compared with EW. CONCLUSIONS The summarized evidence confirms that writing treatments may contribute to improving PTSD symptoms in medium to long-term. Methodological issues in the available evidence hamper definite conclusions regarding the comparative efficacy and acceptability of writing treatments. Adequately sized comparative randomized controlled trials preferably including all four active treatment approaches, reporting long-term data, and including researchers with balanced preferences are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Gerger
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of General Practice, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Christoph Patrick Werner
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jens Gaab
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pim Cuijpers
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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10
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Zvolensky MJ, Garey L, Rogers AH, Schmidt NB, Vujanovic AA, Storch EA, Buckner JD, Paulus DJ, Alfano C, Smits JA, O'Cleirigh C. Psychological, addictive, and health behavior implications of the COVID-19 pandemic. Behav Res Ther 2020; 134:103715. [PMID: 32891956 PMCID: PMC7451060 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2020.103715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Zvolensky
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA,Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA,HEALTH Institute, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA,Corresponding author. Dept of Psychology, 3695 Cullen Blvd, Room 126, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
| | - Lorra Garey
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Andrew H. Rogers
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Eric A. Storch
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Julia D. Buckner
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | | | - Candice Alfano
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Conall O'Cleirigh
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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11
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Qian J, Zhou X, Sun X, Wu M, Sun S, Yu X. Effects of expressive writing intervention for women's PTSD, depression, anxiety and stress related to pregnancy: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Psychiatry Res 2020; 288:112933. [PMID: 32315889 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.112933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Expressive writing (EW) is a common psychological intervention that aims to improve the mental health of traumatized individuals. Pregnancy is considered an anxious or traumatic experience for some women, and any crisis in relation to pregnancy is closely associated with their psychological well-being. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety and stress are the most prominent emotional and psychological responses that may occur during the process. However, the effects of EW in mediating women's PTSD, depression, anxiety and stress related to pregnancy remain uncertain, and no qualified meta-analysis has assessed such effects. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of EW as a psychological intervention for women. Five databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, Web of Science and PsycINFO, were searched from inception to September 2019 for eligible studies. Finally, a total of 929 participants from 8 randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies were included. A pooled analysis demonstrated that EW was an efficient therapy for decreasing PTSD. However, the results showed that the EW intervention was not associated with the expected effects on anxiety and stress symptoms. The efficacy of EW for depression was inconclusive. More RCTs are necessary to verify the effectiveness of EW for depression. Studies concentrating on EW's effects on physical symptoms are necessary, and researchers should create an EW intervention group, neutral writing group and no writing group to examine the true effects of EW. Future research should examine whether longer, more frequent, and more targeted writing interventions would result in different conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialu Qian
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Xiaoli Zhou
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Xueshan Sun
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Mengwei Wu
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Shiwen Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Xiaoyan Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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12
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Ennis N, Cartagena G. Therapeutic writing as a tool to facilitate therapeutic process in the context of living with HIV: A case study examining partner loss. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 57:68-74. [PMID: 31647262 DOI: 10.1037/pst0000259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
For people with HIV/AIDS (PWHA), partner loss has unique factors that complicate the grieving process and can lead to prolonged bereavement. Empirical evidence has demonstrated the benefits of emotional disclosure through therapeutic writing on physical symptoms, immune responses, and psychological distress. Therapeutic writing is based on the assumption that writing about one's deepest thoughts and feelings allows cognitive, behavioral, and kinesthetic processing of stressful life events and/or traumas. The present case study explores the benefits and challenges of using expressive writing, in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy, to address partner loss and disenfranchised grief in the context of living with HIV. This article (a) reviews the literature on coping with loss and factors that can make PWHA more vulnerable to disenfranchised grief; (b) describes a former patient whose partner loss was complicated by lack of closure around the termination of his 6-year-long relationship, the death of that partner without the family informing him, and his anger surrounding his partner infecting him with HIV; and (c) discusses how the therapist created a comprehensive treatment plan using therapeutic writing to improve emotional processing. Results suggest that therapeutic writing assisted with symptom alleviation, improvement in psychological well-being, and increased overall quality of life. Although the loss of a partner is a common human experience, therapists need to be aware that PWHA may have additional or different care needs that can put them at risk of heightened or prolonged bereavement. Recommendations for using therapeutic writing are included. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Ennis
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine
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13
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Sileo KM, Kershaw TS, Callands TA. A syndemic of psychosocial and mental health problems in Liberia: Examining the link to transactional sex among young pregnant women. Glob Public Health 2019; 14:1442-1453. [PMID: 31010396 PMCID: PMC6938027 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2019.1607523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Transactional sex may be a driver of the rising HIV epidemic in Liberia, especially among young women. The goal of this study was to explore the independent and additive effects of psychosocial conditions on engagement in transactional sex among 191 pregnant women in Monrovia, Liberia. Between March and August 2016, women receiving prenatal services completed a cross-sectional structured questionnaire. These data were used to examine the independent and additive effects of exposure to trauma, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, and intimate partner violence on transactional sex. Overall, the results are in support of our hypothesis that these psychosocial conditions cluster together and are independently associated with transactional sex. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated an additive effect of the number of psychosocial conditions experienced on transactional sex. Women experiencing 2 psychosocial conditions had 5.96 greater odds of engaging in transactional sex compared to women reporting 0 conditions (AOR: 5.96, 95% CI: 2.22-15.99), and women experiencing 3 or 4 psychosocial conditions had 11.91 greater odds of engaging in transactional sex compared to women report 0 conditions (AOR: 11.91, 95% CI: 4.12-34.45). Our results demonstrate the need for comprehensive HIV prevention programming inclusive of mental health support and IPV prevention for Liberian women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn M. Sileo
- The Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Trace S. Kershaw
- The Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Tamora A. Callands
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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14
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Jemison D, Jackson S, Oni O, Cats-Baril D, Thomas-Smith S, Batchelder A, Rodriguez A, Dilworth SE, Metsch LR, Jones D, Feaster DJ, O’Cleirigh C, Ironson G, Carrico AW. Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Syndemics Intervention with HIV-Positive, Cocaine-Using Women. AIDS Behav 2019; 23:2467-2476. [PMID: 31407212 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02625-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
This pilot randomized controlled trial examined the feasibility and acceptability of a Syndemics intervention targeting the intersection of stimulant use, trauma, and difficulties with HIV disease management in cocaine-using women. All participants received contingency management (CM) for 3 months with financial incentives for stimulant abstinence during thrice-weekly urine screening and refilling antiretroviral medications monthly. Sixteen participants were randomized to complete four expressive writing (n = 9) or four neutral writing (n = 7) sessions delivered during the CM intervention period. Completion rates for writing sessions were high (15 of 16 women completed all four sessions) and engagement in CM urine screening was moderate with women randomized to expressive writing providing a median of 11 non-reactive urine samples for stimulants. There were non-significant trends for those randomized to expressive writing to provide more CM urine samples that were non-reactive for stimulants, report greater decreases in severity of cocaine use, and display reductions in log10 HIV viral load at 6 months. Although the Syndemics intervention was feasible and acceptable to many women, qualitative interviews with eligible participants who were not randomized identified structural and psychological barriers to engagement. Further clinical research is needed to test the efficacy of Syndemics interventions with HIV-positive, cocaine-using women.
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Pavlacic JM, Buchanan EM, Maxwell NP, Hopke TG, Schulenberg SE. A Meta-Analysis of Expressive Writing on Posttraumatic Stress, Posttraumatic Growth, and Quality of Life. REVIEW OF GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/1089268019831645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Expressive writing is beneficial for promoting both positive psychological and physical health outcomes. Unfortunately, inhibiting emotions is related to impairments in psychological and physical health. James Pennebaker and others have used expressive writing as an experimental manipulation to gauge its efficacy in treating a wide variety of physical and psychological outcomes. While many studies have been conducted that examine the efficacy of expressive writing across such outcomes, a considerable amount of these studies tend to neglect necessary considerations, such as different levels of symptomatology, power, and meaningfulness of respective effect sizes. Six previous meta-analyses have been conducted that examine expressive writing’s effect on psychological outcomes. However, these studies focus on the experimental versus control group effect size. Thus, our meta-analysis sought to examine the efficacy of an expressive writing task on only the experimental conditions in studies measuring posttraumatic stress, posttraumatic growth, and quality of life using random effects models. Results indicated a small overall effect size for posttraumatic stress and negligible to small effect sizes for posttraumatic growth and quality of life. However, those studies requiring a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) exhibited a medium to large effect size. Implications for future research design and interpretation of published research are discussed.
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16
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What soldiers can teach therapists who work with trauma: A qualitative examination of contemporary American war writing. ARTS IN PSYCHOTHERAPY 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aip.2018.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Lau C, Kendall CE, Burchell AN, Bayoumi AM, Loutfy M, Rourke SB, Antoniou T. Outcomes Among Persons with HIV Following a Mental Health Admission: A Population-Based Study. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2018; 34:590-597. [PMID: 29661003 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2017.0275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
To compare outcomes following psychiatric hospitalization between people with and without HIV. Population-based study of people with (n = 1,089) and without (n = 280,888) HIV who were hospitalized for psychiatric illness between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2014. Overall, 9 (0.8%) people with HIV died within 30 days of discharge, compared with 3,710 (1.3%) HIV-negative individuals. Following multivariable adjustment, there was no difference in the risk of readmission or emergency department (ED) visits for psychiatric illness in the 90 days following discharge. Conversely, people with HIV were at higher risk of ED visits for substance use disorders and less likely to receive psychiatry follow-up during this period. HIV is associated with ED use for substance use disorders and less psychiatry follow-up within 90 days of hospital discharge for psychiatric illness. Interventions facilitating continuity of care following discharge are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Lau
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Canada
| | - Claire E. Kendall
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- CT Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Bruyere Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ann N. Burchell
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ahmed M. Bayoumi
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mona Loutfy
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sean B. Rourke
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Tony Antoniou
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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18
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Dale SK, Pierre-Louis C, Bogart LM, O’Cleirigh C, Safren SA. Still I rise: The need for self-validation and self-care in the midst of adversities faced by Black women with HIV. CULTURAL DIVERSITY & ETHNIC MINORITY PSYCHOLOGY 2018; 24:15-25. [PMID: 28604021 PMCID: PMC5726949 DOI: 10.1037/cdp0000165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Psychosocial factors of trauma and abuse, racial discrimination, HIV stigma, and gender-related stressors (e.g., prioritizing others' needs) have been associated with antiretroviral treatment (ART) nonadherence and poor viral suppression among Black women living with HIV (BWLWH). To inform the development of an intervention addressing these psychosocial factors to improve ART adherence, the authors sought the insight of BWLWH. METHOD Qualitative semistructured interviews were conducted with 30 BWLWH to gather information on their experiences with trauma, racism, HIV stigma, gender-related stressors, ART adherence, and coping strategies, and their insights on the proposed intervention. Participants' interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded using thematic content analysis and grounded theory. RESULTS Participants shared (a) their experiences with trauma/abuse, racism, HIV-stigma, gender-related stress, and medication adherence; (b) coping strategies they use (e.g., social support, awareness [acknowledging systemic racism], assertiveness, selective disclosure of HIV status, and prioritizing the self); (c) how each of these adversities relate to their medication adherence and how they found ways to self-validate and practice self-primacy and self-care, including medication adherence in spite of adversities; and (d) enthusiasm for the proposed intervention. CONCLUSIONS Culturally adapted interventions are needed to improve the health of BWLWH by enhancing coping strategies for the multiple adversities they face and promoting self-validation, self-primacy, and self-care in spite of adversities. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Affiliation(s)
- Sannisha K. Dale
- Massachusetts General Hospital
- Harvard Medical School
- University of Miami, Department of Psychology
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19
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van Luenen S, Garnefski N, Spinhoven P, Spaan P, Dusseldorp E, Kraaij V. The Benefits of Psychosocial Interventions for Mental Health in People Living with HIV: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. AIDS Behav 2018; 22:9-42. [PMID: 28361453 PMCID: PMC5758656 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-017-1757-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
In this systematic review and meta-analysis we investigated the effectiveness of different psychosocial treatments for people living with HIV (PLWH) and mental health problems. Additionally, characteristics that may influence the effectiveness of a treatment (e.g., treatment duration) were studied. PubMed, PsycINFO and Embase were searched for randomized controlled trials on psychosocial interventions for PLWH. Depression, anxiety, quality of life, and psychological well-being were investigated as treatment outcome measures. Sixty-two studies were included in the meta-analysis. It was found that psychosocial interventions for PLWH had a small positive effect on mental health (ĝ = 0.19, 95% CI [0.13, 0.25]). Furthermore, there was evidence for publication bias. Six characteristics influenced the effectiveness of a treatment for depression. For example, larger effects were found for studies with psychologists as treatment providers. To conclude, this systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that psychosocial interventions have a beneficial effect for PLWH with mental health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanne van Luenen
- Section of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, 2300 RB, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Nadia Garnefski
- Section of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, 2300 RB, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Philip Spinhoven
- Section of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, 2300 RB, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Pascalle Spaan
- Section of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, 2300 RB, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Elise Dusseldorp
- Section of Methodology and Statistics, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Vivian Kraaij
- Section of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, 2300 RB, Leiden, The Netherlands
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20
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Pérez S, Peñate W, Bethencourt JM, Fumero A. Verbal Emotional Disclosure of Traumatic Experiences in Adolescents: The Role of Social Risk Factors. Front Psychol 2017; 8:372. [PMID: 28352242 PMCID: PMC5348519 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well-known that traumatic events and adverse life situations are very important in both physical and psychological health. Prevalence studies suggested that adolescents experience at least one potentially traumatic event before reaching age 18. The paradigm of research centered on expressive writing has evidenced the beneficial effects that the emotional disclosure of previous traumas produces on physical health and psychological adjustment. The aims of the study are threefold: determining the prevalence of adverse or traumatic events; examining the extent to which psychopathological symptoms developed in those exposed to traumatic events; and exploring an verbal emotional disclosure (VED) paradigm in which variations on time spent talking about traumatic experiences to others resulted in a reduction of the psychological impact of trauma in a sample of Spanish adolescents. 422 volunteer adolescents participated, 226 boys and 192 girls, from 10 to 19 years old, all of them living in Tenerife. The mean age was 14.8 years (SD = 1.83). All of them completed the instruments used to assess the psychological impact of traumatic experiences and VED. The main results indicated that 77% of the participants had suffered a traumatic situation. The participants who have been exposed to traumatic events scored significantly higher in measures of post-traumatic stress, disorder, intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors, anxiety and depression, compared to those without trauma. Furthermore, results show a decrease in symptomatology scores as a function of time spent disclosing emotional experiences to others, particularly when disclosure occurred several times. In conclusion, stressful events or traumatic experiences and their concomitant emotional effects are highly prevalent in adolescents, and repeated VED to others appears to ameliorate their impact. VED shows greater therapeutic benefits when adolescents narrate the experience on several occasions and in an extensive way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pérez
- Psicología Clínica, Psicobiología y Metodología, Universidad de La Laguna La Laguna, Spain
| | - Wenceslao Peñate
- Psicología Clínica, Psicobiología y Metodología, Universidad de La Laguna La Laguna, Spain
| | - Juan M Bethencourt
- Psicología Clínica, Psicobiología y Metodología, Universidad de La Laguna La Laguna, Spain
| | - Ascensión Fumero
- Psicología Clínica, Psicobiología y Metodología, Universidad de La Laguna La Laguna, Spain
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21
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Nyssen OP, Taylor SJC, Wong G, Steed E, Bourke L, Lord J, Ross CA, Hayman S, Field V, Higgins A, Greenhalgh T, Meads C. Does therapeutic writing help people with long-term conditions? Systematic review, realist synthesis and economic considerations. Health Technol Assess 2017; 20:vii-xxxvii, 1-367. [PMID: 27071807 DOI: 10.3310/hta20270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Writing therapy to improve physical or mental health can take many forms. The most researched model of therapeutic writing (TW) is unfacilitated, individual expressive writing (written emotional disclosure). Facilitated writing activities are less widely researched. DATA SOURCES Databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Linguistics and Language Behaviour Abstracts, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, were searched from inception to March 2013 (updated January 2015). REVIEW METHODS Four TW practitioners provided expert advice. Study procedures were conducted by one reviewer and checked by a second. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomised comparative studies were included. Quality was appraised using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Unfacilitated and facilitated TW studies were analysed separately under International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision chapter headings. Meta-analyses were performed where possible using RevMan version 5.2.6 (RevMan 2012, The Cochrane Collaboration, The Nordic Cochrane Centre, Copenhagen, Denmark). Costs were estimated from a UK NHS perspective and three cost-consequence case studies were prepared. Realist synthesis followed Realist and Meta-narrative Evidence Synthesis: Evolving Standards guidelines. OBJECTIVES To review the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of TW for people with long-term conditions (LTCs) compared with no writing, or other controls, reporting any relevant clinical outcomes. To conduct a realist synthesis to understand how TW might work, and for whom. RESULTS From 14,658 unique citations, 284 full-text papers were reviewed and 64 studies (59 RCTs) were included in the final effectiveness reviews. Five studies examined facilitated TW; these were extremely heterogeneous with unclear or high risk of bias but suggested that facilitated TW interventions may be beneficial in individual LTCs. Unfacilitated expressive writing was examined in 59 studies of variable or unreported quality. Overall, there was very little or no evidence of any benefit reported in the following conditions (number of studies): human immunodeficiency virus (six); breast cancer (eight); gynaecological and genitourinary cancers (five); mental health (five); asthma (four); psoriasis (three); and chronic pain (four). In inflammatory arthropathies (six) there was a reduction in disease severity [n = 191, standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.96 to -0.26] in the short term on meta-analysis of four studies. For all other LTCs there were either no data, or sparse data with no or inconsistent, evidence of benefit. Meta-analyses conducted across all of the LTCs provided no evidence that unfacilitated emotional writing had any effect on depression at short- (n = 1563, SMD -0.06, 95% CI -0.29 to 0.17, substantial heterogeneity) or long-term (n = 778, SMD -0.04 95% CI -0.18 to 0.10, little heterogeneity) follow-up, or on anxiety, physiological or biomarker-based outcomes. One study reported costs, no studies reported cost-effectiveness and 12 studies reported resource use; and meta-analysis suggested reduced medication use but no impact on health centre visits. Estimated costs of intervention were low, but there was insufficient evidence to judge cost-effectiveness. Realist synthesis findings suggested that facilitated TW is a complex intervention and group interaction contributes to the perception of benefit. It was unclear from the available data who might benefit most from facilitated TW. LIMITATION Difficulties with developing realist synthesis programme theory meant that mechanisms operating during TW remain obscure. CONCLUSIONS Overall, there is little evidence to support the therapeutic effectiveness or cost-effectiveness of unfacilitated expressive writing interventions in people with LTCs. Further research focused on facilitated TW in people with LTCs could be informative. STUDY REGISTRATION This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42012003343. FUNDING The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga P Nyssen
- Gastroenterology Unit, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Instituto de Investigación, Sanitaria Princesa (IP), and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
| | - Stephanie J C Taylor
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Geoff Wong
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Elizabeth Steed
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Liam Bourke
- Centre for Sport and Exercise Science, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
| | - Joanne Lord
- Southampton Health Technology Assessment Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Carol A Ross
- Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Penrith, UK
| | - Sheila Hayman
- Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture, London, UK
| | - Victoria Field
- Freelance experienced therapeutic writing practitioner, International Federation for Biblio/Poetry Therapy, Steamboat Springs, CO, USA
| | - Ailish Higgins
- Health Economics Research Group, Brunel University, London, UK
| | - Trisha Greenhalgh
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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McLean CP, Fitzgerald H. Treating Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Among People Living with HIV: a Critical Review of Intervention Trials. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2016; 18:83. [PMID: 27439305 PMCID: PMC5568823 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-016-0724-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence rate of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among people living with HIV (PLWH) is significantly higher than the rate among the general population. Moreover, PTS symptoms have been linked with numerous negative health-related outcomes in PLWH. While these findings suggest that studies evaluating the efficacy of treatments for PTS symptoms among PLWH are sorely needed, according to prior reviews, such studies are lacking. The purpose of the present systematic review was to provide an updated critical evaluation of treatment studies that targeted PTS among PLWH. Following PRIMSA guidelines, we searched PubMed and PsycINFO and identified eight articles (representing seven studies) evaluating the impact of various individual and group treatments on PTS symptoms. The limited evidence base to date precludes clinical recommendations for this population. Future studies should examine the efficacy of existing evidence-based treatments for PTSD among PLWH and then, if necessary, evaluate the impact of any treatment modifications for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen P. McLean
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety, 3535 Market St., Suite 600 North, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hayley Fitzgerald
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety, 3535 Market St., Suite 600 North, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Verhey R, Chibanda D, Brakarsh J, Seedat S. Psychological interventions for post-traumatic stress disorder in people living with HIV in Resource poor settings: a systematic review. Trop Med Int Health 2016; 21:1198-1208. [PMID: 27443803 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Post-traumatic stress disorder is pervasive in low- and middle-income countries. There is evidence to suggest that post-traumatic stress disorder is more common among people living with HIV than non-infected matched controls. We carried out a systematic review of interventions for adult post-traumatic stress disorder from resource poor settings with a focus on people living with HIV. METHODS We included all studies that investigated interventions for adult post-traumatic stress disorder from resource poor settings with a focus on interventions that were either randomised controlled trials or observational cohort studies carried out from 1980 to May 2015. RESULTS Of the 25 articles that were identified for full review, two independent reviewers identified seven studies that met our study inclusion criteria. All randomised controlled trials (RCT) (n = 6) used cognitive behavioural therapy-based interventions and focused on people living with HIV in resource poor settings. There was only one study focusing on the use of lay counsellors to address post-traumatic stress disorder but core competencies were not described. There were no intervention studies from Africa, only an observational cohort study from Rwanda. CONCLUSION Rigorously evaluated interventions for adult post-traumatic stress disorder in people living with HIV are rare. Most were undertaken in resource poor settings located in high-income countries. There is a need for research on the development and implementation of appropriate interventions for post-traumatic stress disorder in people living with HIV in low- and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Verhey
- Zimbabwe Aids Prevention Project, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe.
| | - Dixon Chibanda
- Zimbabwe Aids Prevention Project, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Soraya Seedat
- Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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The Daily Lives of People With HIV Infection: A Qualitative Study of the Control Group in an Expressive Writing Intervention. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care 2016; 27:608-22. [PMID: 27426408 DOI: 10.1016/j.jana.2016.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Emotional disclosure is an expressive writing technique used in psychotherapy to process traumatic and stressful life experiences. While emotional disclosure interventions frequently use control groups, there are few qualitative analyses of these control groups. Our study's purpose was to analyze the control essays written by HIV-infected informants about their daily activities in an augmented written emotional disclosure intervention. Latent and manifest qualitative content analyses revealed prevalent contextual themes within the data. The emergent themes were socioeconomic status (SES), self-care, religiosity/spirituality, and social support. Emotional disclosure control subjects contributed substantial findings in terms of SES, self-care, resiliency, religiosity/spirituality, and social support and altruism.
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25
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Kremer H, Lutz FPC, McIntosh RC, Dévieux JG, Ironson G. Interhemispheric Asymmetries and Theta Activity in the Rostral Anterior Cingulate Cortex as EEG Signature of HIV-Related Depression: Gender Matters. Clin EEG Neurosci 2016; 47:96-104. [PMID: 25568149 DOI: 10.1177/1550059414563306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Resting EEGs of 40 people living with HIV (PLWH) on long-term antiretroviral treatment were examined for z-scored deviations from a healthy control (normative database) to examine the main and interaction effects of depression and gender. Regions of interest were frontal (alpha) and central (all bands) for interhemispheric asymmetries in quantitative EEGs and theta in the rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) in low-resolution electromagnetic tomography (LORETA). Z-scored normed deviations of depressed PLWH, compared with nondepressed, showed right-dominant interhemispheric asymmetries in all regions. However, after adjusting for multiple testing, significance remained only central for theta, alpha, and beta. Reversed (left-dominant) frontal alpha asymmetry is a potential EEG marker of depression in the HIV negative population that was not reversed in depressive PLWH; however, corresponding with extant literature, gender had an effect on the size of frontal alpha asymmetry. The LORETA analysis revealed a trending interactional effect of depression and gender on theta activity in the rACC in Brodmann area 32. We found that compared to men, women had greater right-dominant frontal alpha-asymmetry and elevated theta activity in voxels of the rACC, which may indicate less likelihood of depression and a higher likelihood of response to antidepressants. In conclusion, subtle EEG deviations, such as right-dominant central theta, alpha, and beta asymmetries and theta activity in the rACC may mark HIV-related depressive symptoms and may predict the likelihood of response to antidepressants but gender effects need to be taken into account. Although this study introduced the use of LORETA to examine the neurophysiological correlates of negative affect in PLWH, further research is needed to assess the utility of this tool in diagnostics and treatment monitoring of depression in PLWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidemarie Kremer
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA Robert Stempel School of Public Health, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Franz P C Lutz
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Roger C McIntosh
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Jessy G Dévieux
- Robert Stempel School of Public Health, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Gail Ironson
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
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Targeting the SAVA (Substance Abuse, Violence, and AIDS) Syndemic Among Women and Girls: A Global Review of Epidemiology and Integrated Interventions. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2015; 69 Suppl 2:S118-27. [PMID: 25978478 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000000626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Multiple pathways link gender-based violence (GBV) to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections among women and girls who use or inject drugs. The aim of this article is to synthesize global literature that examines associations among the synergistic epidemics of substance abuse, violence, and HIV/AIDS, known as the SAVA syndemic. It also aims to identify a continuum of multilevel integrated interventions that target key SAVA syndemic mechanisms. METHODS We conducted a selective search strategy, prioritizing use of meta-analytic epidemiological and intervention studies that address different aspects of the SAVA syndemic among women and girls who use drugs worldwide from 2000 to 2015 using PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar. RESULTS Robust evidence from different countries suggests that GBV significantly increases the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections among women and girls who use drugs. Multiple structural, biological, and behavioral mechanisms link GBV and HIV among women and girls. Emerging research has identified a continuum of brief and extended multilevel GBV prevention and treatment interventions that may be integrated into a continuum of HIV prevention, testing, and treatment interventions to target key SAVA syndemic mechanisms among women and girls who use drugs. CONCLUSIONS There remain significant methodological and geographical gaps in epidemiological and intervention research on the SAVA syndemic, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This global review underscores the need to advance a continuum of multilevel integrated interventions that target salient mechanisms of the SAVA syndemic, especially for adolescent girls, young women, and transgender women who use drugs.
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Carrico AW, Nation A, Gómez W, Sundberg J, Dilworth SE, Johnson MO, Moskowitz JT, Rose CD. Pilot trial of an expressive writing intervention with HIV-positive methamphetamine-using men who have sex with men. PSYCHOLOGY OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS 2015; 29:277-82. [PMID: 25437153 PMCID: PMC5482007 DOI: 10.1037/adb0000031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Among men who have sex with men (MSM), the co-occurrence of trauma and stimulant use has negative implications for HIV/AIDS prevention. HIV-positive, methamphetamine-using MSM were recruited to pilot test a 7-session, multicomponent resilient affective processing (RAP) intervention that included expressive writing exercises targeting HIV-related traumatic stress. An open-phase pilot with 10 participants provided support for feasibility of intervention delivery such that 99% of the RAP sessions were completed in a 1-month period. Subsequently, 23 additional participants were enrolled in a pilot randomized controlled trial of the RAP intervention (n = 12) versus an attention-control condition that included writing exercises about neutral topics (n = 11). Acceptability was evidenced by participants randomized to RAP expressing significantly more negative emotions in their writing and reporting greater likelihood of recommending expressive writing exercises to a friend living with HIV. Over the 3-month follow-up period, attention-control participants reported significant decreases in HIV-related traumatic stress while RAP intervention participants reported no significant changes. Compared to attention-control participants, those in the RAP intervention reported significant reductions in the frequency of methamphetamine use immediately following the 1-month RAP intervention period. Thematic analyses of RAP expressive writing exercises revealed that multiple negative life events characterized by social stigma or loss contribute to the complex nature of HIV-related traumatic stress. Findings support the feasibility and acceptability of an exposure-based intervention targeting HIV-related traumatic stress. However, more intensive intervention approaches that simultaneously target trauma and stimulant use will likely be needed to optimize HIV/AIDS prevention efforts with this population. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam W. Carrico
- University of California, San Francisco School of Nursing
- University of California, San Francisco Center for AIDS Prevention Studies
| | - Austin Nation
- University of California, San Francisco School of Nursing
| | - Walter Gómez
- University of California, San Francisco School of Nursing
| | | | | | - Mallory O. Johnson
- University of California, San Francisco Center for AIDS Prevention Studies
| | - Judith T. Moskowitz
- University of California, San Francisco Osher Center for Integrative Medicine
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Audet CM, Wagner LJ, Wallston KA. Finding meaning in life while living with HIV: validation of a novel HIV meaningfulness scale among HIV-infected participants living in Tennessee. BMC Psychol 2015; 3:15. [PMID: 25945254 PMCID: PMC4419455 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-015-0070-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People living with HIV who maintain a positive outlook on their future may manage stress better than those who do not, leading to improved coping behaviors and better health outcomes. METHODS While studying 125 HIV+ adults participating in two clinical trials of expressive writing we assessed their HIV-specific meaningfulness of life with a short, unidimensional scale (the HIVMS). RESULTS The HIVMS had a strong Cronbach's alpha (0.80) and acceptable test-retest reliability (0.70). HIVMS scores were strongly correlated with measures of perceived control, optimism, and psychological well-being. Participants with lower HIVMS scores had higher probability of non-adherence to antiretroviral medication, suggesting a decreased ability to manage their illness successfully. Neither the control nor expressive writing intervention groups showed increased HIVMS scores. CONCLUSIONS Future research is necessary to determine the effect of HIV meaning on long-term health outcomes and to develop interventions that can significantly improve a person's perception of their meaning in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn M Audet
- Department of Health Policy, Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2525 West End Ave Suite 750, Nashville, TN 37203 USA
| | - Lois J Wagner
- Nursing and Allied Health, Regents Online Campus Collaborative, Tennessee Board of Regents, Memphis, USA
| | - Kenneth A Wallston
- School of Nursing, Vanderbilt University, 421 Godchaux Hall, Nashville, TN 37240 USA
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Improving mental health among people living with HIV: a review of intervention trials in low- and middle-income countries. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2015; 2:e19. [PMID: 26435843 PMCID: PMC4589870 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2015.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
People living with HIV (PLWH) experience greater psychological distress than the general population. Evidence from high-incomes countries suggests that psychological interventions for PLWH can improve mental health symptoms, quality of life, and HIV care engagement. However, little is known about the effectiveness of mental health interventions for PLWH in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), where the large majority of PLWH reside. This systematized review aims to synthesize findings from mental health intervention trials with PLWH in LMICs to inform the delivery of mental health services in these settings. A systematic search strategy was undertaken to identify peer-reviewed published papers of intervention trials addressing negative psychological states or disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety) among PLWH in LMIC settings. Search results were assessed against pre-established inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data from papers meeting criteria were extracted for synthesis. Twenty-six papers, published between 2000 and 2014, describing 22 unique interventions were identified. Trials were implemented in sub-Saharan Africa (n=13), Asia (n=7), and the Middle East (n=2), and addressed mental health using a variety of approaches, including cognitive-behavioral (n=18), family-level (n=2), and pharmacological (n=2) treatments. Four randomized controlled trials reported significant intervention effects in mental health outcomes, and eleven preliminary studies demonstrated promising findings. Among the limited mental health intervention trials with PLWH in LMICs, few demonstrated efficacy. Mental health interventions for PLWH in LMICs must be further developed and adapted for resource-limited settings to improve effectiveness.
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The syndemic illness of HIV and trauma: implications for a trauma-informed model of care. PSYCHOSOMATICS 2014; 56:107-18. [PMID: 25597836 DOI: 10.1016/j.psym.2014.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Revised: 10/06/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People living with HIV infection are disproportionately burdened by trauma and the resultant negative health consequences, making the combination of HIV infection and trauma a syndemic illness. Despite the high co-occurrence and negative influence on health, trauma and posttraumatic sequelae in people living with HIV infection often go unrecognized and untreated because of the current gaps in medical training and lack of practice guidelines. OBJECTIVE We set out to review the current literature on HIV infection and trauma and propose a trauma-informed model of care to target this syndemic illness. METHODS We searched PubMed, PsycINFO, and Cochrane review databases for articles that contained the following search terms: HIV AND either trauma (specifically violent trauma), PTSD, intimate partner violence (IPV), abuse, or trauma-informed care. Articles were limited to primary clinical research or metanalyses published in English. Articles were excluded if they referred to HIV-associated posttraumatic stress disorder or HIV-associated posttraumatic growth. RESULTS We confirm high, but variable, rates of trauma in people living with HIV infection demonstrated in multiple studies, ranging from 10%-90%. Trauma is associated with (1) increased HIV-risk behavior, contributing to transmission and acquisition of the virus; (2) negative internal and external mediators also associated with poor health and high-risk HIV behavior; (3) poor adherence to treatment; (4) poor HIV-related and other health outcomes; and (5) particularly vulnerable special populations. CONCLUSIONS Clinicians should consider using a model of trauma-informed care in the treatment of people living with HIV infection. Its adoption in different settings needs to be matched to available resources.
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O'Cleirigh C, Newcomb ME, Mayer KH, Skeer M, Traeger L, Safren SA. Moderate levels of depression predict sexual transmission risk in HIV-infected MSM: a longitudinal analysis of data from six sites involved in a "prevention for positives" study. AIDS Behav 2013; 17:1764-9. [PMID: 23605154 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-013-0462-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Depression is highly comorbid with HIV and may contribute to increased sexual transmission risk behavior (TRB) amongst HIV-infected MSM, the largest risk group for HIV in the U.S. However, examinations of this effect are inconsistent. The present longitudinal analyses of 746 HIV-infected MSM is from a multi-site "prevention for positives" study. A non-linear association between depression and TRB emerged. Moderate levels of depression (compared to either low or high levels) were associated with a more modest decline in the odds of sexual risk behavior over 12-month follow-up. Assessing depression in HIV primary care settings may help to identify those at risk and integrating the treatment of depression into secondary prevention and treatment initiatives may decrease the likelihood of sexual risk and help to contain the epidemic among MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conall O'Cleirigh
- Department of Psychiatry, Behavioral Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 1 Bowdoin Square, 7th Floor, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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