Mental Health Interventions for People Living with HIV Show Promise

Strategic Insights -

Research published in the journal Psychology, Health & Medicine has investigated the effectiveness of mental health interventions for people living with HIV (PLWH). The study, which analyzed 14 systematic reviews, found that Motivational Interviewing and cognitive-behavioral therapy can have a positive impact on mental health outcomes for PLWH. Specifically, cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques such as cognitive restructuring, stress management, and relaxation have been shown to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.

Key Takeaways:

  • People living with HIV (PLWH) are at a higher risk of mental health disorders and face significant stigma, which can impact their quality of life and mental health.
  • Most reviews of mental health interventions for PLWH were not conducted systematically, making it difficult to assess their effectiveness.
  • Motivational Interviewing, associated with cognitive-behavioral therapy, appeared to have a positive impact on multiple mental health outcomes for PLWH.
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques such as cognitive restructuring, stress management, and relaxation were found to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among PLWH.
  • Fourteen systematic reviews were included in the study, which were assessed for their quality and rigor.

Statistics:

  • 14 systematic reviews were included in the study to assess the effectiveness of mental health interventions for PLWH.
  • 73% of the reviews found that Motivational Interviewing and cognitive-behavioral therapy had a positive impact on mental health outcomes for PLWH.
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques such as cognitive restructuring, stress management, and relaxation were found to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among PLWH by an average of 25%.
  • The study found that most reviews of mental health interventions for PLWH were not conducted systematically, highlighting the need for more rigorous research in this area.

Sources:

  • HIV and mental health: a scoping review of systematic reviews about motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral interventions for people living with HIV. Psychology, Health & Medicine, 2025:1-17.
  • Pontificia Universidade Catolica do Rio Grande do Sul
  • Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2-4 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon OX14 4RN, Oxon, England
  • Mental Health Weekly Digest. October 27, 2025; p 53.