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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2012 Jul;16(5):1327-40.
doi: 10.1007/s10461-011-0076-y.

The impact of prolonged exposure on PTSD symptoms and associated psychopathology in people living with HIV: a randomized test of concept

Maria L Pacella  1 , Aaron Armelie, Jessica Boarts, Glenn Wagner, Tracy Jones, Norah Feeny, Douglas L Delahanty
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

The impact of prolonged exposure on PTSD symptoms and associated psychopathology in people living with HIV: a randomized test of concept

Maria L Pacella et al. AIDS Behav. 2012 Jul.

Abstract

People living with HIV (PLWH) report elevated levels of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms (PTSS) and associated comorbidities. The present study tested the efficacy of prolonged exposure (PE) at reducing PTSS, depression, negative posttraumatic cognitions, and substance use in PLWH. Participants were randomly assigned to receive PE (n = 40) or to a weekly monitoring control group (n = 25). Assessments occurred at baseline, post-intervention and 3-months post-treatment. Following the 3-month assessment, controls were offered the intervention. All PE recipients (whether originally from the PE or control group) completed a 6-month assessment. Intent-to-treat mixed model repeated measures ANOVAs were conducted through 3-months post-treatment; within group analyses were conducted through 6-months. PE recipients reported fewer PTSS and negative posttraumatic cognitions and were more likely to achieve good end-state functioning; gains were maintained at 6-months. No between-group differences emerged for substance use. Overall, results support the efficacy of PE in PLWH.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow diagram of participant progress throughout the study.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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