Judith Rabkin, PhD

Since 1987 I have been engaged in HIV research, including both clinical trials to evaluate treatments for cponditions such as depression, hypogonadism and fatigue, and longitudinal cohort studies to evaluate rates of distress and coping with HIV progression.

In the past 10 years I also have worked with late stage ALS patients and caregivers in observational studies, also examining levels of distress and coping with illness. Our major current trial Is designed to promote return to work for HIV+ adults with significant fatigue that interferes with employment, and others without fatigue who have been unable to succeed on their own. Patients with fatigue are first treated with armodafinil, a wake-promoting medication. The study compares two forms of counselings, to determine which is more effective in promoting whatever vocational goals each patient identifies (work can be full time or part-time, paid or volunteer). We also are conducting a study of former ACT UP members (from the years 1987-1991) to assess the impact of activism on subsequent life course.