Cognitive Therapy in Patients Failing ART

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has been the greatest achievement to control the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the world. HAART has been shown to reduce virus replication to undetectable levels and to favor the recovery of immune function, avoiding the occurrence of opportunistic diseases. Although existing treatments have been shown to lower AIDS-related morbimortality and to increase patients' quality of life, the success of HAART requires high levels of adherence to the prescribed treatment regimen. Adherence to HAART has become the major challenge for global public policy managers and healthcare teams involved in the care of HIV/AIDS patients. Mental healthcare professionals should use structured and effective intervention as strategies to facilitate a better approach, increase patients' autonomy and achieve optimal adherence. Trial-Based Cognitive Therapy (TBCT) is a new, structured, and short-term version of cognitive behavior therapy developed by de Oliveira (2011). TBCT is an active approach that aims to change negative cognitions, especially dysfunctional core beliefs, that negatively influence patient's life in different domains. TBCT helps patients recognize situationally based thoughts, unhelpful beliefs and maladaptive behaviors that exacerbate emotional distress. This study aims to assess the efficacy of TBCT in helping the patients to identify thoughts, emotions, assumptions and behaviors associated with non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy, and to improve adherence to treatment.