The Intersection of Mental Health and Sexual and Gender Minority Identities for Older Adults Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus: A Narrative Review.

HIV is now a chronic illness, making it urgent to address social factors affecting health outcomes. A review of studies from the last decade on mental health interventions for sexual and gender minority older adults living with HIV found only two studies for inclusion. The review identifies several emerging intervention models tailored to this group: age-sensitive and culturally adapted therapies, mindfulness and meditation-based stress reduction, group therapy, digital mental health resources, and psilocybin-assisted group therapy. These approaches aim to meet the unique needs of this population.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The transition of HIV into a chronic illness has brought to the forefront the pressing need to address the complex web of social determinants of HIV outcomes. A structured literature search and narrative review of studies describing intervention strategies for mental health among sexual/gender minority (SGM) older adults living with HIV (OALWH) published in the last decade identified 2 studies for inclusion. This narrative review identifies age-sensitive and culturally adapted therapies, mindfulness and meditation-based stress reduction, group therapy, digital mental health resources, and psilocybin-assisted group therapy as emerging intervention models tailored to meet the unique needs of SGM OALWH.