Emotional Disclosure in HIV

Efficacy of an Emotional Disclosure Intervention in HIV

The specific objective of this study are to examine whether or not a treatment aimed at emotional disclosure may have beneficial psychological, health and immune effects for HIV infected individuals. The goal of the current study is to test the efficacy of emotional disclosure through writing in patients with HIV infection. We will compare emotional disclosure through writing about traumatic experiences (experimental intervention) to a control intervention (writing about emotionally neutral topics). [Note that HIV RNA viral load, CD4 T cells, urinary cortisol, health related dysfunction, psychological distress, and medication adherence are the 6 primary outcome variables.

Inclusion Criteria

• 18-65 years of age inclusive
• At least 8 years of formal education
• Literate
• Fluent in English

All of the following three must apply:

• No active Category C HIV AIDS-defining symptoms
• CD4 T-lymphocyte count between 150-499
• Viral load >1000

Exclusion Criteria

• Less than 8 years formal education
• Illiterate or non-English speaking
• Active systemic diseases that would interfere with participation
• Current alcohol or substance dependence
• Planned change in HIV medication in the next 6 months, or recent change in past 2 months
• Introduction of antidepressant medication within 30 days of study start
• Current psychological counseling, cognitive behavior therapy, support group or other psychological therapy, or plans to start any of the above
• Diagnosis of PTSD or major depression
• Unable to attend at least 4 treatment sessions