Using EMDR therapy to help people living with HIV and trauma
Piloting Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in People Living with HIV and Trauma
This study tests if a special therapy called EMDR can help people living with HIV who have experienced trauma feel less emotional distress over eight weeks.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Vanderbilt University Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Nashville, Tennessee) |
| Trial ID | NCT06730867 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the feasibility and acceptability of a tailored Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy protocol for individuals living with HIV who have experienced trauma. It aims to address the high rates of psychiatric issues such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD among this population. Over eight weeks, 20 participants will undergo EMDR therapy to assess its effectiveness in reducing emotional distress linked to traumatic experiences. The study seeks to establish a definitive protocol for clinicians working with this demographic.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18 or older who have lived with HIV for over a year and have experienced any form of trauma.
Not a fit: Patients with current suicidal ideation, severe major depression, or those who have previously received EMDR therapy may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly improve mental health outcomes for individuals living with HIV who have experienced trauma.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been case studies on EMDR therapy for people living with HIV, this specific protocol is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Individuals that have lived with HIV for over a year. 2. Age 18 or older 3. Have experienced any type of trauma in their lifetime (for example: physical abuse, verbal abuse, physical neglect, emotional neglect, mental illness, substance addiction, imprisonment, witnessing or experiencing violence, natural disasters) Exclusion Criteria: 1. have current suicidal ideation 2. diagnosis with schizophrenia 3. have active psychosis 4. diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder 5. have current severe major depression 6. have previously received EMDR therapy.
Where this trial is running
Nashville, Tennessee
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, Tennessee, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Bethany Rhoten
- Email: bethany.rhoten@vanderbilt.edu
- Phone: 615-875-8849
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.