Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to Help HIV Infected Adults With Depression to Adhere to Antiretroviral Therapy

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a type of medication treatment for HIV that impairs the
virus's ability to multiply. When used properly, it has been shown to be successful in
reducing HIV-related deaths. A high adherence rate to ART is required to adequately suppress
the virus, limit drug resistance, and reduce transmission. HIV infected people who are
depressed often experience increased difficulty with adhering to their ART regimen. This
study will compare the effectiveness of a cognitive behavioral intervention that targets
both depression and adherence versus usual care practices which may or may not include
mental health intervention with the goal of improving ART adherence among HIV infected
adults with depression who are experiencing difficulty with adhering to their medication
regimen.

This study will last 24 weeks. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive the
cognitive behavioral intervention or usual care. Study visits for all participants will
occur at baseline and Weeks 4, 8, 16, and 24. Those receiving the intervention will also
have visits at Weeks 1 and 2. Participants receiving the intervention will attend five
individual treatment sessions followed by one to three booster treatment sessions; these
sessions will coincide with the study visits.

Inclusion Criteria:

- reports significant depressive symptoms as indicated by score of 10 or greater on
PHQ-9

- Currently taking ART for HIV infection

- Less than 90% adherence rate to ART regimen

- Capable of walking and in stable health

- Speaks fluent English

Exclusion Criteria:

- Depression therapy is needed immediately

- Meets criteria for current drug dependency

- Current diagnosis of psychotic disorder or bipolar depression