Efficacy of Dialectical Behavior Therapy on Risky Behaviors, Depression, Anxiety and Stress in Patients with AIDS

  Dialectical behavioral therapy is one of the new therapeutic approaches based on cognitive-behavioral approach. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of this method on risk behaviors, depression, anxiety and stress in patients with AIDS by using a case study design. In a single-trial study, a multiple baseline multi-treatment process was performed on two AIDS patients who were evaluated pre-internally, during and after intervention using Bart's Impact Scale, Depression Scale, Anxiety and Stress Scale of Lovibond and Lovibond. The results suggested that this treatment reduces symptoms of risky behaviors and depression, anxiety and stress. The rate of recovery in hazardous behaviors after the 8 sessions of treatment for the first patient was 51% and 43% for second case. Also, the overall recovery rate for both patients was 44%. The rate of recovery in subscales of depression, anxiety and stress after 8 sessions of treatment for the first patient was 44% and for the second patient was 0.47. Moreover, the overall recovery rate for both patients was 44% and the total recovery rate in the subscales was 44%. The positive effects of dialectic therapy on mental health and risk behaviors indicate its clinical effectiveness on the treatment of risky behaviors and symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress in AIDS patients