Cognitive–Behavioral Stress Management Interventions for Persons Living with HIV: A Review and Critique of the Literature

Abstract

Background-Psychological adjustment and coping are central to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) management. To improve HIV-infected patients' ability to cope with stress, a variety of stress management interventions have been designed and evaluated.

Effects of a cognitive behavioral self-help program and a computerized structured writing intervention on depressed mood for HIV-infected people: A pilot randomized controlled trial

“…The efficacy of group-based or individualized face to face CBI programs for people living with HIV have been shown by earlier studies [8][9][10][11][12]. The presents pilot study demonstrated that HIVpositive individuals who received a self-help program at their home address and worked on relaxation, cognitive change and life goals for 4 weeks, reported significantly fewer depressive symptoms after completion of the program, compared to people on a waiting list.…”

“…The majority of these interventions employ cognitive-behavioral intervention (CBI) techniques (see review studies: [8][9][10][11][12]). Several review studies have been performed, showing that all programs involved group-based or individualized face to face contact, and consisted of multiple sessions [8][9][10][11][12]. Overall, psychological interventions for HIV-infected persons significantly improve mental health and quality of life [8][9][10][11].…”

“…Several review studies have been performed, showing that all programs involved group-based or individualized face to face contact, and consisted of multiple sessions [8][9][10][11][12]. Overall, psychological interventions for HIV-infected persons significantly improve mental health and quality of life [8][9][10][11]. There is limited evidence suggesting intervention effects on CD4+ counts and viral load [10][11][12].…”

Home-Based Telepsychiatry and in-Home CBT for Management of Major Depression in HIV-Positive Adults 50 Years and Older: A Proof-of-Concept Study

“…Findings generally support the efficacy of psychotherapeutic interventions aimed at decreasing negative affect and increasing positive psychological resources among PLWH [46,47]; however, limitations like stringent inclusion criteria raise questions about the clinical utility or generalizability of such interventions [48]. Safren et al found that HIV-positive men and women who engaged in a 12-week CBT intervention period for adherence and depression reported reductions in depressive symptoms and greater adherence to electronically monitored anti-retroviral therapy (ART) compared to those who received a single session of intervention [49].…”

Stress management interventions for HIV-infected individuals: review of recent intervention approaches and directions for future research

“…This review provides a summary of key findings from the previous narrative review and meta-analyses that have examined the efficacy of stress management interventions for PLWHA. [26][27][28] Next, the existing reviews are updated by highlighting recent stress management interventions designed to reduce psychological distress and improve coping skills among PLWHA. Specifically, this review describes core components of recent intervention approaches, reviews intervention efficacy findings, and offers guidance for future research.…”