Open Trial of Trauma-focused Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for People Living With HIV and PTSD

Pilot Feasibility Proposal to Adapt Trauma-focused Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (TFPP) for PLWH and PTSD

People living with HIV (PLWH) have a higher rate of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis than the general population. Comorbid PTSD is also associated with negative HIV-related health outcomes. Unfortunately, little outcome research has examined the usefulness of PTSD treatments for PTSD. This pilot study adapts for PLWH a non-exposure based psychotherapy for PTSD focused on reflecting on one's emotions and relationships and understanding and working through how trauma may have disrupted them. The study team is interested in better understanding the needs of PLWH with PTSD, learning whether PLWH with PTSD find this treatment acceptable and helpful, and beginning to understand the relationship between HIV-related health factors (e.g., inflammation and stress biology) and PTSD, and how these health factors may improve during treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of DSM-5 defined PTSD, per the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale & CAPS-5 total severity score greater than or equal to 25
• HIV diagnosis (by medical records or HIV testing)
• Stable psychiatric/psychotropic medication for >=2 months and ongoing during treatment

Exclusion Criteria:

• Psychosis
• Bipolar I
• Acute suicidality
• Current substance use disorder
• Organic mental syndrome or intellectual disability
• Unstable non-HIV medical conditions