A professionally moderated, psychoeducational, web-based support group for women living with HIV was found to improve post-traumatic growth and reduce depression and anxiety among active participants on the platform. A pilot study for the development of a trauma-informed social networking application for black women is underway.

Peer support networks for HIV and Trauma

Prolonged exposure (PE), a type of PTSD treatment that involves repeated imaginal exposures to the traumatic event to challenge avoidance, has shown efficacy in reducing post-traumatic stress symptoms, as well as negative cognitions and depressive symptoms.

Prolonged Exposure for HIV and Trauma

A cognitive behavioral therapy approach tailored for black women living with HIV to enhance coping with race- and HIV- related discrimination and gender roles was found to improve HIV treatment adherence and reduce trauma symptoms.

Tailored CBT approach

A group focused on teaching coping skills to women living with HIV with histories of childhood sexual abuse reduced traumatic stress and sexual-risk behavior in a clinical trial.

Trauma-focused group therapy for HIV

The goals of targeted psychosocial treatment for individuals living with HIV and trauma are reduced psychological distress and improved HIV treatment. Interventions being  implemented or piloted at this time include:

-Professionally moderated web-based peer support networks 

-Prolonged Exposure (PE) 

-Tailored Cognitive Behavioral Treatment (CBT) approaches 

-Trauma focused group psychotherapy 

Cleveland State University

When compared to the general population, people living with HIV infection are disproportionately exposed to trauma and the resultant negative health consequences, creating a syndemic relationship between them. Trauma in individuals with HIV is associated with increased HIV-risk behavior, poor treatment adherence, and both poor HIV and other health outcomes. 

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