Understanding how chronic stress affects brain and immune function in HIV positive individuals using stimulants

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This research aims to explore the impact of chronic stress on brain and immune system functioning, particularly in individuals who are HIV positive and use stimulants. Participants will undergo a baseline assessment, including psychosocial measures, biospecimen collection, and an MRI brain scan, before being randomized to receive an intervention called ARTEMIS or a waitlist control. The ARTEMIS intervention consists of five individual sessions delivered via Zoom over three months, alongside contingency management for antiretroviral therapy adherence. Follow-up assessments will evaluate changes in neural activity and immune responses as potential mediators of behavioral outcomes.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* 18-59 years old
* Weekly use of stimulants reported in the past month or a score of 4 or more on the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST)
* Confirmed HIV diagnosis
* Current receipt of daily oral antiretroviral therapy (ART) medication
* English fluency/literacy

Exclusion Criteria:

* Acute brain infection (e.g., neurosyphilis, toxoplasmosis)
* Acutely symptomatic bipolar I or psychotic disorder
* Prescription for immunomodulatory medications or other immunotherapy
* Any MRI contraindications
* If applicable, on antidepressant medication regimen for at least 2 months

Where it's running

• Wake Forest University School of Medicine
  Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Christina S Meade, PhD — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
• Study coordinator: Christina S Meade, PhD
• Email: cmeade@wakehealth.edu
• Phone: 336-716-0695

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.