Can a Two-Session 'Acceptance' therapy keep HIV patients in treatment?

NCT ID NCT04201288

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested a short, two-session therapy called Acceptance-Based Behavior Therapy (ABBT) to help people newly diagnosed with HIV stay committed to their medical care. The therapy teaches coping skills to overcome barriers like fear of disclosure. Researchers tracked whether participants attended at least three medical visits in a year and achieved an undetectable viral load. The trial enrolled 38 adults and compared ABBT to standard HIV education.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Acceptance-Based Behavior Therapy (ABBT)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a simple, short-term behavioral tool to help people newly diagnosed with HIV stay engaged in medical care and improve their health outcomes.

What could go wrong

This is a very small, early-stage study with only 38 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The intervention is behavioral, not a medical treatment, and its impact on long-term viral suppression is uncertain.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

AIDS HIV infectious disease Medication Adherence Treatment Adherence and Compliance

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Brown University

    Providence, Rhode Island, 02912, United States