Can talk therapy ease the mental burden of HIV? new study tests two approaches

NCT ID NCT07652918

Ongoing Symptom relief Sponsor: Sadia Batool Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study compares two types of talk therapy—Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)—for HIV/AIDS patients experiencing psychological distress. 72 adults on antiretroviral therapy will receive 8 weekly sessions of either therapy or standard care. Researchers will measure changes in depression, anxiety, stress, stigma, wellbeing, social support, and medication adherence.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could show that brief talk therapies help HIV/AIDS patients manage distress, stigma, and improve wellbeing and medication adherence.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial with only 72 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The therapies are brief and may not produce lasting change.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

AIDS HIV infectious disease

As listed by the trial registrant

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

HIV (HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS) PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Sheikh Zayed Hospital Rahim Yar Khan

Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab Province, 64200, Pakistan

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