The prevalence rate of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among people living with HIV (PLWH) is significantly higher than the rate among the general population. Moreover, PTS symptoms have been linked with numerous negative health-related outcomes in PLWH. While these findings suggest that studies evaluating the efficacy of treatments for PTS symptoms among PLWH are sorely needed, according to prior reviews, such studies are lacking. The purpose of the present systematic review was to provide an updated critical evaluation of treatment studies that targeted PTS among PLWH. Following PRIMSA guidelines, we searched PubMed and PsycINFO and identified eight articles (representing seven studies) evaluating the impact of various individual and group treatments on PTS symptoms. The limited evidence base to date precludes clinical recommendations for this population. Future studies should examine the efficacy of existing evidence-based treatments for PTSD among PLWH and then, if necessary, evaluate the impact of any treatment modifications for this population.

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In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, federal, state, and local governments in the United States implemented restrictions on in-person gatherings and provided recommendations for minimum distance between individuals to minimize the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. These restrictions necessitated an unprecedented scaling up of telehealth services across the health care system, including in mental health and substance use disorder care. The learning curve for clinicians-many of whom had no prior experience with telehealth -has been steep. The rapid shift to remote services required adjusting to technical and clinical challenges as services were being provided. The lessons learned during this time have potential to continue to inform telehealth services, even after the acute need for social distancing has abated. In this article, we aim to share some of our lessons learned during this period from providing group-based cognitive-behavioral therapy. We discuss both technical and clinical challenges in conducting remote cognitive-behavioral groups via videoconferencing software, as well as successes and failures in adjusting to these challenges. Clinical Impact StatementThis article provides tangible technical and clinical recommendations for providing group-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) using videoconferencing during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Many experiential and didactic exercises can translate well, with modifications, to an online CBT group.

The results of this study will inform dissemination efforts in military, veteran, and civilian sectors. Further, identifying mechanisms of therapeutic change will answer important theoretical questions about how PE works, in order to refine and increase the efficacy and efficiency of PE to better meet the needs of individuals with PTSD. (PsycINFO Database Record