Cognitive-Based Compassion Training (CBCT) for People Living With HIV (PLHIV)



Status:Recruiting
Conditions:HIV / AIDS, HIV / AIDS, HIV / AIDS
Therapuetic Areas:Immunology / Infectious Diseases
Healthy:No
Age Range:18 - Any
Updated:4/21/2016
Start Date:March 2016
End Date:July 2016
Contact:Mehul Tejani, MD
Email:mehul.navin.tejani@emory.edu

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The Efficacy of Cognitive-Based Compassion Training for Enhancing Immune Restoration and Psychological Adaptation in Individuals Living With HIV Disease

The purpose of the study is to examine the effects of cognitive-based compassion training
(CBCT), a meditative practice based on Buddhist teachings, on long term emotional well-being
and immune system improvement with people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV).

The proposed study will investigate the efficacy of cognitive-based compassion training
(CBCT), a contemplative technique based on the Tibetan Buddhist tradition of compassion
meditation, for enhancing immune restoration and psychological resilience in people living
with HIV-1 (PLHIV). Psychosocial stress has been associated with increased circulating
concentrations of key inflammatory biomarkers. The patients with HIV must cope with the
physical impact of HIV disease itself, the often complex treatment regimens and side effects
of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART), illness-associated psychological and
existential dilemmas, changes in social roles and lifestyle patterns relative to illness
progression, social stigma, and financial and material resource concerns. This study aims to
determine if engagement with CBCT is associated with reduced circulating concentrations of
stress-related inflammatory biomarkers, improves HIV-related clinical outcomes and decreases
stress in PLHIV.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Subjects living with HIV-1 infection who have been on continuous ART for a minimum of
12 months and:

- are followed longitudinally for their HIV healthcare at the Infectious Disease
Program

- meet criteria for immunological non-responsiveness as defined by adherence to
ART and cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) count <350 cells/μL despite complete
virologic suppression (> 2 plasma HIV viral load (pVL) below the limit of
detection including the most recent pVL prior to enrollment).

2. Ability to give informed consent.

3. Score at least 1 standard deviation above socioeconomic status (SES)-matched general
population norms on Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of psychosis

2. HIV-related neurocognitive decline

3. Substance abuse within the last year

4. Documented history of cirrhosis or a total bilirubin ≥ 2.0 mg/dL

5. Known or possible pregnancy or attempting to become pregnant

6. BMI below 17 or above 30

7. Age < 18

8. Bipolar disorder

9. Bleeding disorders such as thrombocytopenia or significant gastrointestinal bleeding
within the past year

10. Continuous ART for < 12 months
We found this trial at
1
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Atlanta, Georgia 30308
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Atlanta, GA
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