Behavioral Activation/Armodafinil to Treat Fatigue in HIV/AIDS

The investigators propose an integrated medication/behavioral intervention program to increase energy, activity level and goal attainment in a sample of people with HIV/AIDS whose presenting problem is clinically significant fatigue and unmet vocational goals. Based on a recently completed randomized controlled trial (RCT) of modafinil and ongoing RCT of armodafinil, the investigators found that many patients fail to achieve desired goals even though energy is restored by medication. To address this failure of goal attainment, the team will develop and pilot a behavioral intervention, originally based on Behavioral Activation Treatment for Depression of Lejuez et al. and modified by Dr. Daughters as "Behavioral Activation Program for Energy and Productivity, or 'BA-PEP'". The intervention will be conducted with patients who experience significant fatigue, and who want to work or get work-related training or education once their energy improves with armodafinil treatment. It is intended for eventual implementation in HIV clinics and community agencies with work development programs.

The intervention development includes both formative work and pilot studies. The formative work comprises in-depth patient interviews, focus groups with providers, a Project Advisory Board, and a separate Work Group. Their input will be used to modify their BA-PEP intervention to promote achievement of goals selected by each patient, once fatigue has been ameliorated with armodafinil, and to further adapt the attention control supportive counseling intervention.

With this input, the investigators will conduct an exploratory study using BA-PEP with 12 patients responsive to armodafinil. After further modifications, investigators will conduct a feasibility trial with 30 armodafinil-responsive patients randomized 2:1 to BA-PEP or an attention control, supportive counseling. The main behavioral outcome is employment or taking classes (measured by Goal Attainment Scaling methodology). Secondary outcomes are reduced avoidance/increased activation (measured by the Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale), and increased environmental interactions (measured by the EROS: Environmental Rewards Observation Scale). Finally, they will develop training and supervision manuals to guide implementation.

Inclusion criteria

• HIV+, ages 18-70
• Under the care of a medical provider
• Clinically significant fatigue
• Speaks English
• Able and willing to give informed consent
• Patient seeks either work or vocational training but is blocked from doing so by current fatigue

Exclusion criteria

• Primary care provider does not approve of study participation
• Medical rule-outs such as anemia, hypothyroidism, hypogonadism or other condition that may account for fatigue
• Abnormal EKG
• Untreated major depressive disorder; psychosis, bipolar disorder
• Current substance abuse/dependence
• Clinically significant suicidal ideation