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Keane TM, Rauch SAM, Bryant RA. What I was thinking/what I would do differently: Clinical research. J Trauma Stress 2024; 37:724-730. [PMID: 39217576 DOI: 10.1002/jts.23084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
At the 2023 International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies annual meeting, a panel of three distinguished investigators and clinicians convened to reflect on their careers, their contributions to the field of traumatic stress disorders, and the lessons learned over the years. Dr. Terence M. Keane has guided the development and deployment of evidence-based care, shaping evaluation guidelines and best treatment practices for traumatic stress pathology. Dr. Sheila Rauch, a pioneer in the development of prolonged exposure therapy, has significantly contributed to the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other traumatic stress disorders. Dr. Richard Bryant has developed targeted psychological treatments for traumatic stress and prolonged grief, adapting to the diverse needs, mechanisms, and cultural contexts of patients. These individuals' collective experiences span from the establishment of the PTSD diagnosis to the current proliferation of scientific knowledge on its epidemiology, assessment, and treatment. Their unique yet overlapping contributions have provided invaluable guidelines for the next generation of clinicians and investigators. This panel discussion offers a retrospective look at their careers and a forward-looking perspective on the future of traumatic stress treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terence M Keane
- VA National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sheila A M Rauch
- Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Richard A Bryant
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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2
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Leehr EJ, Brede LS, Böhnlein J, Roesmann K, Gathmann B, Herrmann MJ, Junghöfer M, Schwarzmeier H, Seeger FR, Siminski N, Straube T, Klahn AL, Weber H, Schiele MA, Domschke K, Lueken U, Dannlowski U. Impact of NPSR1 gene variation on the neural correlates of phasic and sustained fear in spider phobia-an imaging genetics and independent replication approach. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2024; 19:nsae054. [PMID: 39167471 PMCID: PMC11412251 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsae054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The functional neuropeptide S receptor 1 (NPSR1) gene A/T variant (rs324981) is associated with fear processing. We investigated the impact of NPSR1 genotype on fear processing and on symptom reduction following treatment in individuals with spider phobia. A replication approach was applied [discovery sample: Münster (MS) nMS = 104; replication sample Würzburg (WZ) nWZ = 81]. Participants were genotyped for NPSR1 rs324981 [T-allele carriers (risk) versus AA homozygotes (no-risk)]. A sustained and phasic fear paradigm was applied during functional magnetic resonance imaging. A one-session virtual reality exposure treatment was conducted. Change of symptom severity from pre to post treatment and within session fear reduction were assessed. T-allele carriers in the discovery sample displayed lower anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) activation compared to AA homozygotes independent of condition. For sustained fear, this effect was replicated within a small cluster and medium effect size. No association with symptom reduction was found. Within-session fear reduction was negatively associated with ACC activation in T-allele carriers in the discovery sample. NPSR1 rs324981 genotype might be associated with fear processing in the ACC in spider phobia. Interpretation as potential risk-increasing function of the NPSR1 rs324981 T-allele via impaired top-down control of limbic structures remains speculative. Potential association with symptom reduction warrants further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth J Leehr
- Institute for Translational Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Leonie S Brede
- Institute for Translational Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Joscha Böhnlein
- Institute for Translational Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Kati Roesmann
- Institute for Clinical Psychology, University of Siegen, Siegen 57072, Germany
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University of Münster, Münster 48149, Germany
- Institute for Psychology, Unit for Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy in Childhood and Adolescence, University of Osnabrück 49076, Germany
| | - Bettina Gathmann
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Systems Neuroscience, University of Münster, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Martin J Herrmann
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital of Würzburg, Wurzburg 97080, Germany
| | - Markus Junghöfer
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University of Münster, Münster 48149, Germany
- Otto-Creutzfeld Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Münster, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Hanna Schwarzmeier
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital of Würzburg, Wurzburg 97080, Germany
| | - Fabian R Seeger
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital of Würzburg, Wurzburg 97080, Germany
- Department of General Psychiatry, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69115, Germany
| | - Niklas Siminski
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital of Würzburg, Wurzburg 97080, Germany
| | - Thomas Straube
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Systems Neuroscience, University of Münster, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Anna Luisa Klahn
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 41345, Sweden
| | - Heike Weber
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital of Würzburg, Wurzburg 97080, Germany
| | - Miriam A Schiele
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Katharina Domschke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Ulrike Lueken
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital of Würzburg, Wurzburg 97080, Germany
- Department of Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin 12489, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), partner site Berlin-Potsdam
| | - Udo Dannlowski
- Institute for Translational Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster 48149, Germany
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Cushing CA, Lau H, Kawato M, Craske MG, Taschereau-Dumouchel V. A double-blind trial of decoded neurofeedback intervention for specific phobias. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024. [PMID: 39221769 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.13726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
AIM A new closed-loop functional magnetic resonance imaging method called multivoxel neuroreinforcement has the potential to alleviate the subjective aversiveness of exposure-based interventions by directly inducing phobic representations in the brain, outside of conscious awareness. The current study seeks to test this method as an intervention for specific phobia. METHODS In a randomized, double-blind, controlled single-university trial, individuals diagnosed with at least two (one target, one control) animal subtype-specific phobias were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to receive one, three, or five sessions of multivoxel neuroreinforcement in which they were rewarded for implicit activation of a target animal representation. Amygdala response to phobic stimuli was assessed by study staff blind to target and control animal assignments. Pretreatment to posttreatment differences were analyzed with a two-way repeated-measures anova. RESULTS A total of 23 participants (69.6% female) were randomized to receive one (n = 8), three (n = 7), or five (n = 7) sessions of multivoxel neuroreinforcement. Eighteen (n = 6 each group) participants were analyzed for our primary outcome. After neuroreinforcement, we observed an interaction indicating a significant decrease in amygdala response for the target phobia but not the control phobia. No adverse events or dropouts were reported as a result of the intervention. CONCLUSION Results suggest that multivoxel neuroreinforcement can specifically reduce threat signatures in specific phobia. Consequently, this intervention may complement conventional psychotherapy approaches with a nondistressing experience for patients seeking treatment. This trial sets the stage for a larger randomized clinical trial to replicate these results and examine the effects on real-life exposure. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION The now-closed trial was prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with ID NCT03655262.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody A Cushing
- Department of Psychology, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Hakwan Lau
- RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Japan
| | - Mitsuo Kawato
- Brain Information Communication Research Laboratory Group, Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International, Kyoto, Japan
- XNef, Inc., Kyoto, Japan
| | | | - Vincent Taschereau-Dumouchel
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
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Bryant RA, Dawson KS, Azevedo S, Yadav S, Cahill C, Kenny L, Maccallum F, Tran J, Rawson N, Tockar J, Garber B, Keyan D. A pilot study of the role of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism in response to exercise-augmented exposure therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 167:107106. [PMID: 38943720 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is implicated in extinction learning, which is a primary mechanism of exposure therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Brief aerobic exercise has been shown to promote BDNF release and augment extinction learning. On the premise that the Val allele of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism facilitates greater release of BDNF, this study examined the extent to which the Val allele of the BDNF polymorphism predicted treatment response in PTSD patients who underwent exposure therapy combined with aerobic exercise or passive stretching. PTSD patients (N = 85) provided saliva samples in order to extract genomic DNA to identify Val/Val and Met carriers of the BDNF Val66Met genotype, and were assessed for PTSD severity prior to and following a 9-week course of exposure therapy combined with aerobic exercise or stretching. The sample comprised 52 Val/Val carriers and 33 Met carriers. Patients with the BDNF high-expression Val allele display greater reduction of PTSD symptoms at posttreatment than Met carriers. Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that greater PTSD reduction was specifically observed in Val/Val carriers who received exposure therapy in combination with the aerobic exercise. This finding accords with animal and human evidence that the BDNF Val allele promotes greater extinction learning, and that these individuals may benefit more from exercise-augmented extinction. Although preliminary, this result represents a possible avenue for augmented exposure therapy in patients with the BDNF Val allele.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Bryant
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Brain Dynamics Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Katie S Dawson
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Suzanna Azevedo
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Srishti Yadav
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Catherine Cahill
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lucy Kenny
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Fiona Maccallum
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jenny Tran
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Natasha Rawson
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Julia Tockar
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Benjamin Garber
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dharani Keyan
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Cushing CA, Lau H, Kawato M, Craske MG, Taschereau-Dumouchel V. A double-blind trial of decoded neurofeedback intervention for specific phobias. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2023.04.25.23289107. [PMID: 39132473 PMCID: PMC11312662 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.25.23289107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Aim A new closed-loop fMRI method called multi-voxel neuro-reinforcement has the potential to alleviate the subjective aversiveness of exposure-based interventions by directly inducing phobic representations in the brain, outside of conscious awareness. The current study seeks to test this method as an intervention for specific phobia. Methods In a randomized, double-blind, controlled single-university trial, individuals diagnosed with at least two (1 target, 1 control) animal subtype specific phobias were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to receive 1, 3, or 5 sessions of multi-voxel neuro-reinforcement in which they were rewarded for implicit activation of a target animal representation. Amygdala response to phobic stimuli was assessed by study staff blind to target and control animal assignments. Pre-treatment to post-treatment differences were analyzed with a 2-way repeated-measures ANOVA. Results A total of 23 participants (69.6% female) were randomized to receive 1 (n=8), 3 (n=7), or 5 (n=7) sessions of multi-voxel neuro-reinforcement. Eighteen (n=6 each group) participants were analyzed for our primary outcome. After neuro-reinforcement, we observed an interaction indicating a significant decrease in amygdala response for the target phobia but not the control phobia. No adverse events or dropouts were reported as a result of the intervention. Conclusion Results suggest multi-voxel neuro-reinforcement can specifically reduce threat signatures in specific phobia. Consequently, this intervention may complement conventional psychotherapy approaches with a non-distressing experience for patients seeking treatment. This trial sets the stage for a larger randomized clinical trial to replicate these results and examine the effects on real-life exposure. Clinical Trial Registration The now-closed trial was prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with ID NCT03655262.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hakwan Lau
- RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Mitsuo Kawato
- Brain Information Communication Research Laboratory Group, Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International, Kyoto, Japan
- XNef, Inc., Kyoto, Japan
| | | | - Vincent Taschereau-Dumouchel
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Epe-Jungeblodt F, Pauli P, Schwab F, Andreatta M. Trauma history and course of therapy in a naturalistic cognitive behavior therapy outpatient sample: An archive data study. J Clin Psychol 2024; 80:1937-1948. [PMID: 38747513 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for anxiety and depression disorders. Nonetheless, nearly 50% of all patients do not respond. Besides other factors, nonresponse may be linked to traumatic life events. This study aims to assess the relationship between trauma history, applied therapy interventions, and therapy outcomes. METHODS We analyzed data from 340 CBT outpatients diagnosed with a depression or anxiety disorder and possibly a trauma history treated under naturalistic conditions. Based on their therapy files, we collected information on trauma history, diagnoses, applied interventions, and severity of depression and anxiety symptoms at the start and end of therapy. The relationship between trauma, diagnoses, and intervention use and the development of depression and anxiety symptoms was analyzed using Linear Mixed Models. RESULTS Patients with a trauma history reported higher pre- and posttreatment symptom severity than those without trauma. No differences in applied interventions or decrease in symptom severity were found between patients with and without a trauma history. Specialized interventions were seldom applied. CONCLUSION Although no differences between patients with and without a trauma history were found in therapy response, patients with a trauma history maintained higher levels of symptom severity. These results indicate a need for more personalized interventions and evidence-based guidelines to personalize CBT for patients with a trauma history and high symptom severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Epe-Jungeblodt
- Department of Psychology, Biological Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Human Sciences, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU), Würzburg, Germany
| | - Paul Pauli
- Department of Psychology, Biological Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Human Sciences, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU), Würzburg, Germany
| | - Frank Schwab
- Department of Media Psychology, Institute Human-Computer-Media, Faculty of Human Sciences, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU), Würzburg, Germany
| | - Marta Andreatta
- Department of General Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Rosenberg BM, Barnes-Horowitz NM, Zbozinek TD, Craske MG. Reward processes in extinction learning and applications to exposure therapy. J Anxiety Disord 2024; 106:102911. [PMID: 39128178 PMCID: PMC11384290 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2024.102911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are common and highly distressing mental health conditions. Exposure therapy is a gold-standard treatment for anxiety disorders. Mechanisms of Pavlovian fear learning, and particularly fear extinction, are central to exposure therapy. A growing body of evidence suggests an important role of reward processes during Pavlovian fear extinction. Nonetheless, predominant models of exposure therapy do not currently incorporate reward processes. Herein, we present a theoretical model of reward processes in relation to Pavlovian mechanisms of exposure therapy, including a focus on dopaminergic prediction error signaling, coinciding positive emotional experiences (i.e., relief), and unexpected positive outcomes. We then highlight avenues for further research and discuss potential strategies to leverage reward processes to maximize exposure therapy response, such as pre-exposure interventions to increase reward sensitivity or post-exposure rehearsal (e.g., savoring, imaginal recounting strategies) to enhance retrieval and retention of learned associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin M Rosenberg
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Nora M Barnes-Horowitz
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Tomislav D Zbozinek
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michelle G Craske
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Matsumoto K, Hamatani S, Shiga K, Iiboshi K, Kasai M, Kimura Y, Yokota S, Watanabe K, Kubo Y, Nakamura M. Effectiveness of Unguided Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Subthreshold Social Anxiety Disorder in Adolescents and Young Adults: Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Pediatr Parent 2024; 7:e55786. [PMID: 39037759 DOI: 10.2196/55786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a common mental disorder in adolescents and young adults. Early intervention and support could help prevent the development of full-blown SAD. Considering that adolescents with social anxiety symptoms do not prefer face-to-face sessions due to their fear of communicating with therapists, internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) was implemented. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of complete self-help ICBT for subthreshold SAD in high school and college students with no history of mental disorders. METHODS A multicenter randomized controlled trial designed to demonstrate the objective was conducted from December 2022 to October 2023. Participants were students enrolled at 6 universities and 1 high school. The intervention was a complete self-help ICBT and consisted of 10 text-based sessions that taught cognitive behavioral therapy techniques for social anxiety in youths and young adults. The comparison was a no-treatment condition (control group), which was randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio by a computer program. A total of 2 psychological scales were used to assess the severity of social anxiety, and 1 psychological scale each was used to measure symptoms of depression, general anxiety, and quality of life. RESULTS In total, 77 students were enrolled as study participants. Through the randomization procedure, 38 participants were included in the intervention group, and 39 patients were included in the control group. Results from the analysis of covariance with depression as covariates showed that the participants in the intervention group had significantly reduced symptoms of social anxiety, depression, and general anxiety compared to the control group. The response rate was 61% (19/31) in the intervention group and 24% (9/38) in the control group: odds ratio (OR) 4.97 (95% CI 1.61-16.53; P=.003) in the Fisher exact test. The recovery rate was 68% (21/31) in the intervention group and 34% (13/38) in the control group: OR 3.95 (95% CI 1.32-12.56; P=.008). The OR for the remission ratio was 2.01 (95% CI 0.64-6.60; P=.20) and for the risk of worsening was 0.23 (95% CI 0.002-1.33; P=.10), but no significant difference was observed. CONCLUSIONS The results of this randomized controlled trial show that fully unguided ICBT improves subthreshold SAD in adolescents and young adults. Interpretation of the effectiveness in preventing SAD that meets the diagnostic criteria is limited by sample size and the follow-up period. Future studies should include more extended observations and larger sample sizes in high-risk populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION UMIN-CTR UMIN000050064; https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000057035.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki Matsumoto
- Division of Clinical Psychology, Kagoshima University Hospital, Research and Education Assembly Medical and Dental Sciences Area, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Sayo Hamatani
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychological Medicine, University of Fukui Hospital, Fukui, Japan
| | - Kiko Shiga
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Human Relations, Shigakukan University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Kiyoko Iiboshi
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Human Relations, Shigakukan University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Makiko Kasai
- Clinical Psychology Course, Naruto University of Education, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kimura
- Department of Welfare Psychology, Faculty of Welfare, Fukushima College, Fukushima, Japan
| | | | | | - Yoko Kubo
- Graduate School of Clinical Psychology, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Masayuki Nakamura
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
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Zhang SR, Wu DY, Luo R, Wu JL, Chen H, Li ZM, Zhuang JP, Hu NY, Li XW, Yang JM, Gao TM, Chen YH. A Prelimbic Cortex-Thalamus Circuit Bidirectionally Regulates Innate and Stress-Induced Anxiety-Like Behavior. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e2103232024. [PMID: 38886059 PMCID: PMC11255430 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2103-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Anxiety-related disorders respond to cognitive behavioral therapies, which involved the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Previous studies have suggested that subregions of the mPFC have different and even opposite roles in regulating innate anxiety. However, the specific causal targets of their descending projections in modulating innate anxiety and stress-induced anxiety have yet to be fully elucidated. Here, we found that among the various downstream pathways of the prelimbic cortex (PL), a subregion of the mPFC, PL-mediodorsal thalamic nucleus (MD) projection, and PL-ventral tegmental area (VTA) projection exhibited antagonistic effects on anxiety-like behavior, while the PL-MD projection but not PL-VTA projection was necessary for the animal to guide anxiety-related behavior. In addition, MD-projecting PL neurons bidirectionally regulated remote but not recent fear memory retrieval. Notably, restraint stress induced high-anxiety state accompanied by strengthening the excitatory inputs onto MD-projecting PL neurons, and inhibiting PL-MD pathway rescued the stress-induced anxiety. Our findings reveal that the activity of PL-MD pathway may be an essential factor to maintain certain level of anxiety, and stress increased the excitability of this pathway, leading to inappropriate emotional expression, and suggests that targeting specific PL circuits may aid the development of therapies for the treatment of stress-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Rong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Qingzhi Diseases, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ding-Yu Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Qingzhi Diseases, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Rong Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Qingzhi Diseases, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jian-Lin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Qingzhi Diseases, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Hao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Qingzhi Diseases, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Zi-Ming Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Qingzhi Diseases, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jia-Pai Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Qingzhi Diseases, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Neng-Yuan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Qingzhi Diseases, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xiao-Wen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Qingzhi Diseases, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jian-Ming Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Qingzhi Diseases, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Tian-Ming Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Qingzhi Diseases, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yi-Hua Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Qingzhi Diseases, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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10
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Ross SM. The Effects of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) on Anxiety. Holist Nurs Pract 2024:00004650-990000000-00018. [PMID: 39038004 DOI: 10.1097/hnp.0000000000000674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Maxine Ross
- Author Affiliation: Integrative Health Practitioner; served as the founding Director of Dept. of Complementary and Integrative Health, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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11
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Hendriks GJ, Janssen N, Robertson L, van Balkom AJ, van Zelst WH, Wolfe S, Oude Voshaar RC, Uphoff E. Cognitive behavioural therapy and third-wave approaches for anxiety and related disorders in older people. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2024; 7:CD007674. [PMID: 38973756 PMCID: PMC11229394 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd007674.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the most researched psychological therapy for anxiety disorders in adults, and known to be effective in this population. However, it remains unclear whether these results apply to older adults, as most studies include participants between 18 and 55 years of age. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date synthesis of the available evidence on CBT and third wave approaches for older adults with anxiety and related disorders. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CT, BT, CBT and third-wave CBT interventions) on severity of anxiety symptoms compared with minimal management (not providing therapy) for anxiety and related disorders in older adults, aged 55 years or over. To assess the effects of CBT and related therapies on severity of anxiety symptoms compared with other psychological therapies for anxiety and related disorders in older adults, aged 55 years or over. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Common Mental Disorders Controlled studies Register (CCMDCTR), CENTRAL, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase and Ovid PsycINFO to 21 July 2022. These searches were updated on 2 February 2024. We also searched the international studies registries, including Clinicalstudies.gov and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), to identify additional ongoing and unpublished studies. These sources were manually searched for studies up to 12 February 2024. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in older adults (≥ 55 years) with an anxiety disorder, or a related disorder, including obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), acute stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), that compared CBT to either minimal management or an active (non-CBT) psychological therapy. Eligible studies had to have an anxiety-related outcome. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Several authors independently screened all titles identified by the searches. All full texts were screened for eligibility according to our prespecified selection criteria. Data were extracted and the risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tool for RCTs. The certainty of evidence was evaluated using GRADE. Meta-analyses were performed for outcomes with quantitative data from more than one study. MAIN RESULTS We included 21 RCTs on 1234 older people allocated to either CBT or control conditions. Ten studies focused on generalised anxiety disorder; others mostly included a mix of clinical diagnoses. Nineteen studies focused on the comparison between CBT and minimal management. Key issues relating to risk of bias were lack of blinding of participants and personnel, and participants dropping out of studies, potentially due to treatment preference and allocation. CBT may result in a small-to-moderate reduction of anxiety post-treatment (SMD -0.51, 95% CI -0.66 to -0.36, low-certainty evidence). However, compared to this benefit with CBT immediately after treatment, at three to six months post-treatment, there was little to no difference between CBT and minimal management (SMD -0.29, 95% CI -0.59 to 0.01, low-certainty evidence). CBT may have little or no effect on clinical recovery/ improvement post-treatment compared to minimal management, but the evidence is very uncertain (RR 1.56, 95% CI 1.20 to 2.03, very low-certainty evidence). Results indicate that five people would need to receive treatment for one additional person to benefit (NNTB = 5). Compared to minimal management, CBT may result in a reduction of comorbid depression symptoms post-treatment (SMD -0.57, 95% CI -0.74 to -0.40, low-certainty evidence). There was no difference in dropout rates post-treatment, although the certainty of the evidence was low (RR 1.19, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.78). Two studies reported adverse events, both of which related to medication in the control groups (very low-certainty evidence, no quantitative estimate). Only two studies compared CBT to other psychological therapies, both of which only included participants with post-traumatic stress disorder. Low-certainty evidence showed no difference in anxiety severity post-treatment and at four to six months post-treatment, symptoms of depression post-treatment, and dropout rates post-treatment. Other outcomes and time points are reported in the results section of the manuscript. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS CBT may be more effective than minimal management in reducing anxiety and symptoms of worry and depression post-treatment in older adults with anxiety disorders. The evidence is less certain longer-term and for other outcomes including clinical recovery/improvement. There is not enough evidence to determine whether CBT is more effective than alternative psychological therapies for anxiety in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gert-Jan Hendriks
- "Overwaal" Centre of Expertise for Anxiety Disorders, OCD and PTSD, Institute for Integrated Mental Health Care "Pro Persona, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Noortje Janssen
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | | | - Anton J van Balkom
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Centre Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam Public Health Institute and GGZ inGeest, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Willeke H van Zelst
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Samantha Wolfe
- Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, Durham, UK
| | | | - Eleonora Uphoff
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
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12
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Westin F, Rozental A. Informing patients about possible negative effects of psychological treatment: A survey of Swedish clinical psychologists' attitudes and practices. Psychother Res 2024; 34:709-721. [PMID: 37757474 DOI: 10.1080/10503307.2023.2259064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study explored Swedish clinical psychologists' attitudes and practices of informing patients about possible negative effects of psychological treatment. METHOD An anonymous online survey with closed and open-ended questions was distributed via Facebook and two mailing lists. In total, 320 clinical psychologists (age M = 38.6, SD = 10.3; 76% women; 77.3% Cognitive Behavior Therapy) completed the survey. Responses were analyzed using χ2, binominal regression analysis, and thematic analysis. RESULTS No significant associations were identified between demographic variables selected a priori and informing patients about possible negative effects, i.e., years in practice, therapeutic orientation, age, and male gender. The thematic analysis resulted in several positive (e.g., creating realistic expectations of treatment and increasing resilience) and negative attitudes (e.g., causing excessive worry) of sharing patients with information about possible negative effects. It also revealed various factors that prevent an open discussion on the topic, despite being seen as important. CONCLUSION The need to offer patients information about possible negative effects should be included in ethical guidelines, codes of conduct, and taught during clinical training. Lack of knowledge, fear, lack of time, and patient characteristics however seem to prevent therapists from discussing the issue during the informed consent procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Westin
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Alexander Rozental
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Health, Education and Technology, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
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13
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Levy HC, Mullins J, Tolin DF. An investigation of the role of estradiol in fear reduction during a single session of exposure therapy. Cogn Behav Ther 2024; 53:364-376. [PMID: 38299480 DOI: 10.1080/16506073.2024.2313743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Research suggests that estradiol may moderate fear extinction. It is unclear whether these results generalize to exposure therapy. The aim of the current study was to determine whether estradiol moderates outcomes in exposure therapy among women with anxiety disorders. Participants were 35 women with a primary diagnosis of an anxiety disorder who participated in the study as part of routine care at an anxiety specialty clinic. Endogenous estradiol was assessed via saliva. They provided subjective distress ratings before (pre) and after (post) an exposure session, as well as after a brief delay (recall). Contrary to predictions, there were no significant differences in exposure outcomes between the high and low estradiol groups. However, among participants with primary obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), results were partially consistent with the hypotheses. Women with lower estradiol initially demonstrated more improvement in subjective distress from pre- to post-exposure, but after the delay, significantly greater distress (attenuated extinction recall). Results suggest that women with lower estradiol may respond less favorably to exposure therapy for OCD relative to women with higher estradiol. These findings await replication in larger samples with longer recall delays. Should replication occur, these results may inform the use of estradiol to augment exposure therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah C Levy
- Anxiety Disorders Center, Institute of Living, 200 Retreat Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106, USA
| | - Jessica Mullins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hartford Hospital, 80 Seymour Street, Hartford, CT 06106, USA
| | - David F Tolin
- Anxiety Disorders Center, Institute of Living, 200 Retreat Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106, USA
- Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street New, Haven, CT 06510, USA
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14
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Axelsson E, Santoft F, Särnholm J, Ljótsson B. Brief scales for the measurement of target variables and processes of change in cognitive behaviour therapy for major depression, panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. Behav Cogn Psychother 2024; 52:376-393. [PMID: 37986585 DOI: 10.1017/s1352465823000541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The measurement of process variables derived from cognitive behavioural theory can aid treatment development and support the clinician in following treatment progress. Self-report process measures are ideally brief, which reduces the burden on patients and facilitates the implementation of repeated measurements. AIMS To develop 13 brief versions (3-6 items) of existing cognitive behavioural process scales for three common mental disorders: major depression, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. METHOD Using data from a real-world teaching clinic offering internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy (n=370), we drafted brief process scales and then validated these scales in later cohorts (n=293). RESULTS In the validation data, change in the brief process scales significantly mediated change in the corresponding domain outcomes, with standardized coefficient point estimates in the range of -0.53 to -0.21. Correlations with the original process scales were substantial (r=.83-.96), internal consistency was mostly adequate (α=0.65-0.86), and change scores were moderate to large (|d|=0.51-1.18). For depression, the brief Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale-Activation subscale was especially promising. For panic disorder, the brief Agoraphobic Cognitions Questionnaire-Physical Consequences subscale was especially promising. For social anxiety disorder, the Social Cognitions Questionnaire, the Social Probability and Cost Questionnaire, and the Social Behavior Questionnaire-Avoidance and Impression Management subscales were all promising. CONCLUSIONS Several brief process scales showed promise as measures of treatment processes in cognitive behaviour therapy. There is a need for replication and further evaluation using experimental designs, in other clinical settings, and preferably in larger samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erland Axelsson
- Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Liljeholmen University Primary Health Care Center, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Academic Primary Health Care Center, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Santoft
- Center for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Josefin Särnholm
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Brjánn Ljótsson
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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15
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Deflorin HM, Söker MS, Bauer S, Moessner M. Evaluation of symptom network density as a predictor of treatment outcome of inpatient psychotherapy. Psychother Res 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38924474 DOI: 10.1080/10503307.2024.2365235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The network approach implies that the persistence of a mental disorder is rooted in a dense causal interconnection of symptoms. This study attempts to replicate and generalize previous findings in support of the assumption that higher density predicts poorer outcomes. The study examines the predictive value of network density at admission for recovery after inpatient treatment. METHOD N = 1375 adult patients with various forms of mental illness were classified as recovered (28%) versus not recovered (72%) after inpatient treatment. Recovery was defined as clinically significant improvement in impairment from admission to discharge. Networks of transdiagnostic symptoms at the time of admission were estimated. Network density, measured by global strength d, was compared between the recovered and not recovered groups using a permutation test. RESULTS Global strength at the time of admission tended to be higher in the No-Recovery group (d = 10.83) than the Recovery group (d = 7.53) but the association was not significant (p = .12). Similar results were found after controlling for group size and symptom severity. CONCLUSION The predictive value of network density for treatment outcomes remains unclear. There might be structural differences between the groups that the current measure of network density does not adequately represent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna M Deflorin
- Center for Psychotherapy Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mara S Söker
- Center for Psychotherapy Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Bauer
- Center for Psychotherapy Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), partner site Mannheim/Heidelberg/Ulm, Germany
- Institute of Psychology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Markus Moessner
- Center for Psychotherapy Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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16
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Bragesjö M, Fina B, Ivanova E, Ivanov VZ, Rück C. Study protocol for a single-blind, parallel-group, randomized, controlled superiority trial of intensive versus weekly delivered prolonged exposure for adults with post-traumatic stress disorder. Trials 2024; 25:381. [PMID: 38867309 PMCID: PMC11170791 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-08218-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prolonged exposure (PE) therapy is widely recognized as an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is often considered one of the primary options for addressing this condition. Nevertheless, a significant proportion of patients (30-51%) fail to demonstrate clinically significant symptom changes. One of the reasons is that a high proportion of patients drop out from treatment, which often lasts for a minimum of 3-4 months. Hence, there is an urgent need for PTSD treatments that can be delivered to decrease dropout rates. A more intensive PE treatment approach has been suggested to decrease dropout rates and in addition achieve faster recovery rates and has shown promising effects on reducing PTSD symptoms but needs to be tested against firsthand treatment. METHODS This single-blind, randomized controlled trial (N = 140) will compare an intensive delivery format of prolonged exposure (iPE) against standard weekly delivered sessions of PE. The primary outcome is change on the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5). Secondary outcomes include self-rated measures of symptoms of PTSD and complex PTSD, depression and quality of life, speed of recovery, cost effectiveness, dropout rates, and adverse events. DISCUSSION This study will be the first to compare iPE with first-line treatment in a psychiatric outpatient setting. One of the key strengths of this study lies in its implementation within a clinical setting and the broad eligibility criteria. Additionally, the utilization of gold-standard assessment measures ensures the accuracy and reliability of the outcomes. However, several potential challenges may arise during the study's execution. These challenges may include difficulties in participant recruitment, ensuring adequate participant retention, adherence to the treatment protocol, and maintaining therapist retention mostly due to recruitment taking place at one single clinic. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Clinicaltrials.gov NCT05934175. Registered on June 6, 2023. Open Science Framework (OSF) https://osf.io/7qsb3 . Registered on September 2, 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bragesjö
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Brooke Fina
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Division of Behavioral Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, USA
| | - Ekaterina Ivanova
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Volen Z Ivanov
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christian Rück
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
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17
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Burklund LJ, Davies CD, Niles A, Torre JB, Brown L, Vinograd M, Lieberman MD, Craske MG. Affect labeling: a promising new neuroscience-based approach to treating combat-related PTSD in veterans. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1270424. [PMID: 38911954 PMCID: PMC11192197 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1270424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction A significant portion of individuals exposed to combat-related trauma will develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a severe, debilitating disorder with adverse impacts on both mental and physical functioning. Current treatments are effective for many individuals, however, there is a need for new treatment approaches to improve outcomes in PTSD and address the many existing barriers to seeking or completing treatment. Methods In this open trial pilot study, we tested a novel, brief, computer-based intervention for PTSD utilizing "affect labeling" that was inspired by recent advances in neuroscience with U.S. veterans. Results As expected, pre-intervention clinical and fMRI neuroimaging data indicated that U.S. veterans with combat-related PTSD (N = 20) had significantly higher PTSD symptoms, depression symptoms, and amygdala reactivity to trauma cues than trauma-exposed healthy control veterans (N = 20). Veterans with PTSD who completed the affect labeling intervention (N = 13) evidenced reduced PTSD symptoms and these reductions were correlated with reductions in amygdala reactivity. Discussion Results from this initial proof-of-concept study are intriguing and suggest that affect labeling training offers significant potential as a novel, cost-effective, computer-based intervention for PTSD. Implications and next steps for further developing affect labeling interventions for PTSD are discussed. Clinical Trial Registration https://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier NCT05924399.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa J. Burklund
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- NeuroGen Technologies Inc., Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Carolyn D. Davies
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Andrea Niles
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jared B. Torre
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Lily Brown
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Meghan Vinograd
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Matthew D. Lieberman
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Michelle G. Craske
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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18
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Garland MM, Wilson R, Thompson WK, Stein MB, Paulus MP, Feinstein JS, Khalsa SS. A randomized controlled safety and feasibility trial of floatation-REST in anxious and depressed individuals. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0286899. [PMID: 38843272 PMCID: PMC11156321 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy via floatation (floatation-REST) is a behavioral intervention designed to attenuate exteroceptive sensory input to the nervous system. Prior studies in anxious and depressed individuals demonstrated that single sessions of floatation-REST are safe, well-tolerated, and associated with an acute anxiolytic and antidepressant effect that persists for over 48 hours. However, the feasibility of using floatation-REST as a repeated intervention in anxious and depressed populations has not been well-investigated. METHODS In this single-blind safety and feasibility trial, 75 individuals with anxiety and depression were randomized to complete six sessions of floatation-REST in different formats: pool-REST (weekly 1-hour float sessions), pool-REST preferred (float sessions with flexibility of duration and frequency), or an active comparator (chair-REST; weekly 1-hour sessions in a Zero Gravity chair). Feasibility (primary outcome) was assessed via an 80% rate of adherence to the assigned intervention; tolerability via study dropout and duration/frequency of REST utilization; and safety via incidence of adverse events and ratings about the effects of REST. RESULTS Of 1,715 individuals initially screened, 75 participants were ultimately randomized. Six-session adherence was 85% for pool-REST (mean, M = 5.1 sessions; standard deviation, SD = 1.8), 89% for pool-REST preferred (M = 5.3 sessions; SD = 1.6), and 74% for chair-REST (M = 4.4 sessions; SD = 2.5). Dropout rates at the end of the intervention did not differ significantly between the treatment conditions. Mean session durations were 53.0 minutes (SD = 12.3) for pool-REST, 75.4 minutes (SD = 29.4) for pool-REST preferred, and 58.4 minutes (SD = 4.3) for chair-REST. There were no serious adverse events associated with any intervention. Positive experiences were endorsed more commonly than negative ones and were also rated at higher levels of intensity. CONCLUSIONS Six sessions of floatation-REST appear feasible, well-tolerated, and safe in anxious and depressed individuals. Floatation-REST induces positively-valenced experiences with few negative effects. Larger randomized controlled trials evaluating markers of clinical efficacy are warranted. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION IDENTIFIER NCT03899090.
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Affiliation(s)
- McKenna M. Garland
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States of America
- Kendall College of Arts and Sciences, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Raminta Wilson
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Wesley K. Thompson
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Murray B. Stein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Psychiatry Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Martin P. Paulus
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States of America
- Oxley College of Health Sciences, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Justin S. Feinstein
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States of America
- Oxley College of Health Sciences, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States of America
- Float Research Collective, Kihei, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Sahib S. Khalsa
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States of America
- Oxley College of Health Sciences, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States of America
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Morrison AS, Goldin PR, Gross JJ. Fear of negative and positive evaluation as mediators and moderators of treatment outcome in social anxiety disorder. J Anxiety Disord 2024; 104:102874. [PMID: 38754336 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2024.102874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Elevated fear of negative evaluation (FNE) and fear of positive evaluation (FPE) are thought to play key roles in the maintenance of social anxiety disorder (SAD). Although efficacious therapies exist for SAD, the potential mediating and moderating effects of FNE and FPE on social anxiety treatment outcome have not been examined. METHODS This sample comprised a secondary analysis of 210 individuals who participated in one of three randomized controlled trials for the treatment of SAD. Participants were randomized to: individual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), group CBT, community mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), group MBSR, or they were randomized to waitlist and offered treatment after waitlist. Assessments were completed pre- and post-treatment/waitlist and, for the treatment groups, at three-month follow-up. RESULTS CBT and MBSR led to greater reductions in FNE and FPE than waitlist, with CBT more efficacious in reducing FPE than MBSR. For both CBT (vs. waitlist) and MBSR (vs. waitlist), there were significant indirect effects on post-treatment social anxiety through both FNE and FPE, and the indirect effect through FPE was greater for CBT than MBSR. However, in the fully longitudinal model testing mediation, CBT and MBSR were not differentially mediated by FPE. Baseline FNE and FPE each moderated CBT treatment outcome compared to waitlist - higher baseline FNE and FPE were associated with higher baseline social anxiety and greater reductions in social anxiety during CBT. DISCUSSION FNE and FPE contributed in sometimes similar and sometimes distinct ways to the mediation and moderation of psychosocial approaches for treating SAD. This supports the importance of distinguishing between fears of negative and positive evaluation in the assessment and treatment of SAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda S Morrison
- Department of Psychology, California State University, East Bay, Hayward, CA 94542, USA.
| | - Philippe R Goldin
- UC Davis Medical Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - James J Gross
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
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Rief W, Asmundson GJG, Bryant RA, Clark DM, Ehlers A, Holmes EA, McNally RJ, Neufeld CB, Wilhelm S, Jaroszewski AC, Berg M, Haberkamp A, Hofmann SG. The future of psychological treatments: The Marburg Declaration. Clin Psychol Rev 2024; 110:102417. [PMID: 38688158 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2024.102417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Although psychological treatments are broadly recognized as evidence-based interventions for various mental disorders, challenges remain. For example, a substantial proportion of patients receiving such treatments do not fully recover, and many obstacles hinder the dissemination, implementation, and training of psychological treatments. These problems require those in our field to rethink some of our basic models of mental disorders and their treatments, and question how research and practice in clinical psychology should progress. To answer these questions, a group of experts of clinical psychology convened at a Think-Tank in Marburg, Germany, in August 2022 to review the evidence and analyze barriers for current and future developments. After this event, an overview of the current state-of-the-art was drafted and suggestions for improvements and specific recommendations for research and practice were integrated. Recommendations arising from our meeting cover further improving psychological interventions through translational approaches, improving clinical research methodology, bridging the gap between more nomothetic (group-oriented) studies and idiographic (person-centered) decisions, using network approaches in addition to selecting single mechanisms to embrace the complexity of clinical reality, making use of scalable digital options for assessments and interventions, improving the training and education of future psychotherapists, and accepting the societal responsibilities that clinical psychology has in improving national and global health care. The objective of the Marburg Declaration is to stimulate a significant change regarding our understanding of mental disorders and their treatments, with the aim to trigger a new era of evidence-based psychological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winfried Rief
- Philipps-University of Marburg, Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy Group, Marburg, Germany.
| | | | - Richard A Bryant
- University of New South Wales, School of Psychology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David M Clark
- University of Oxford, Department of Experimental Psychology, Oxford, UK
| | - Anke Ehlers
- University of Oxford, Department of Experimental Psychology, Oxford, UK
| | - Emily A Holmes
- Uppsala University, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala, Sweden; Karolinska Institutet, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Solna, Sweden
| | | | - Carmem B Neufeld
- University of São Paulo, Department of Psychology, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Sabine Wilhelm
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard School of Medicine, Boston, USA
| | - Adam C Jaroszewski
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard School of Medicine, Boston, USA
| | - Max Berg
- Philipps-University of Marburg, Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy Group, Marburg, Germany
| | - Anke Haberkamp
- Philipps-University of Marburg, Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy Group, Marburg, Germany
| | - Stefan G Hofmann
- Philipps-University of Marburg, Department of Psychology, Translational Clinical Psychology Group, Marburg, Germany
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21
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Cuijpers P, Miguel C, Ciharova M, Harrer M, Basic D, Cristea IA, de Ponti N, Driessen E, Hamblen J, Larsen SE, Matbouriahi M, Papola D, Pauley D, Plessen CY, Pfund RA, Setkowski K, Schnurr PP, van Ballegooijen W, Wang Y, Riper H, van Straten A, Sijbrandij M, Furukawa TA, Karyotaki E. Absolute and relative outcomes of psychotherapies for eight mental disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. World Psychiatry 2024; 23:267-275. [PMID: 38727072 PMCID: PMC11083862 DOI: 10.1002/wps.21203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Psychotherapies are first-line treatments for most mental disorders, but their absolute outcomes (i.e., response and remission rates) are not well studied, despite the relevance of such information for health care users, providers and policy makers. We aimed to examine absolute and relative outcomes of psychotherapies across eight mental disorders: major depressive disorder (MDD), social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), specific phobia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and borderline personality disorder (BPD). We used a series of living systematic reviews included in the Metapsy initiative (www.metapsy.org), with a common strategy for literature search, inclusion of studies and extraction of data, and a common format for the analyses. Literature search was conducted in major bibliographical databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, and the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials) up to January 1, 2023. We included randomized controlled trials comparing psychotherapies for any of the eight mental disorders, established by a diagnostic interview, with a control group (waitlist, care-as-usual, or pill placebo). We conducted random-effects model pairwise meta-analyses. The main outcome was the absolute rate of response (at least 50% symptom reduction between baseline and post-test) in the treatment and control conditions. Secondary outcomes included the relative risk (RR) of response, and the number needed to treat (NNT). Random-effects meta-analyses of the included 441 trials (33,881 patients) indicated modest response rates for psychotherapies: 0.42 (95% CI: 0.39-0.45) for MDD; 0.38 (95% CI: 0.33-0.43) for PTSD; 0.38 (95% CI: 0.30-0.47) for OCD; 0.38 (95% CI: 0.33-0.43) for panic disorder; 0.36 (95% CI: 0.30-0.42) for GAD; 0.32 (95% CI: 0.29-0.37) for social anxiety disorder; 0.32 (95% CI: 0.23-0.42) for specific phobia; and 0.24 (95% CI: 0.15-0.36) for BPD. Most sensitivity analyses broadly supported these findings. The RRs were significant for all disorders, except BPD. Our conclusion is that most psychotherapies for the eight mental disorders are effective compared with control conditions, but absolute response rates are modest. More effective treatments and interventions for those not responding to a first-line treatment are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pim Cuijpers
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- International Institute for Psychotherapy, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Clara Miguel
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marketa Ciharova
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mathias Harrer
- Psychology & Digital Mental Health Care, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Djordje Basic
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ioana A Cristea
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Nino de Ponti
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen Driessen
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Depression Expertise Center, Pro Persona Mental Health Care, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jessica Hamblen
- National Center for PTSD, White River Junction, VT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Sadie E Larsen
- National Center for PTSD, White River Junction, VT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Minoo Matbouriahi
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Davide Papola
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Darin Pauley
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Constantin Y Plessen
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin; Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rory A Pfund
- Tennessee Institute for Gambling Education & Research, Department of Psychology, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Kim Setkowski
- Research Department, 113 Suicide Prevention, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pedagogical and Educational Sciences, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Paula P Schnurr
- National Center for PTSD, White River Junction, VT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Wouter van Ballegooijen
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yingying Wang
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Heleen Riper
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annemieke van Straten
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marit Sijbrandij
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Toshi A Furukawa
- Department of Health Promotion and Human Behavior, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine and School of Public Health, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Eirini Karyotaki
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Delamain H, Buckman JEJ, O'Driscoll C, Suh JW, Stott J, Singh S, Naqvi SA, Leibowitz J, Pilling S, Saunders R. Predicting post-treatment symptom severity for adults receiving psychological therapy in routine care for generalised anxiety disorder: a machine learning approach. Psychiatry Res 2024; 336:115910. [PMID: 38608539 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Approximately half of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) patients do not recover from first-line treatments, and no validated prediction models exist to inform individuals or clinicians of potential treatment benefits. This study aimed to develop and validate an accurate and explainable prediction model of post-treatment GAD symptom severity. Data from adults receiving treatment for GAD in eight Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services (n=15,859) were separated into training, validation and holdout datasets. Thirteen machine learning algorithms were compared using 10-fold cross-validation, against two simple clinically relevant comparison models. The best-performing model was tested on the holdout dataset and model-specific explainability measures identified the most important predictors. A Bayesian Additive Regression Trees model out-performed all comparison models (MSE=16.54 [95 % CI=15.58; 17.51]; MAE=3.19; R²=0.33, including a single predictor linear regression model: MSE=20.70 [95 % CI=19.58; 21.82]; MAE=3.94; R²=0.14). The five most important predictors were: PHQ-9 anhedonia, GAD-7 annoyance/irritability, restlessness and fear items, then the referral-assessment waiting time. The best-performing model accurately predicted post-treatment GAD symptom severity using only pre-treatment data, outperforming comparison models that approximated clinical judgement and remaining within the GAD-7 error of measurement and minimal clinically important differences. This model could inform treatment decision-making and provide desired information to clinicians and patients receiving treatment for GAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Delamain
- CORE Data Lab, Centre for Outcomes Research and Effectiveness (CORE), Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, UCL, London, United Kingdom.
| | - J E J Buckman
- CORE Data Lab, Centre for Outcomes Research and Effectiveness (CORE), Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, UCL, London, United Kingdom; iCope - Camden and Islington Psychological Therapies Services, Camden & Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - C O'Driscoll
- CORE Data Lab, Centre for Outcomes Research and Effectiveness (CORE), Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | - J W Suh
- CORE Data Lab, Centre for Outcomes Research and Effectiveness (CORE), Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | - J Stott
- ADAPT Lab, Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | - S Singh
- Waltham Forest Talking Therapies, North East London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - S A Naqvi
- Barking and Dagenham and Havering IAPT Services, North East London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - J Leibowitz
- iCope - Camden and Islington Psychological Therapies Services, Camden & Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - S Pilling
- CORE Data Lab, Centre for Outcomes Research and Effectiveness (CORE), Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, UCL, London, United Kingdom; Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - R Saunders
- CORE Data Lab, Centre for Outcomes Research and Effectiveness (CORE), Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, UCL, London, United Kingdom
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23
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Leichsenring F, Steinert C, Luyten P, Heim N. Originalbeiträge (Originals). Network meta-analysis: science or alchemy? –What works best in generalized anxiety disorder? ZEITSCHRIFT FUR PSYCHOSOMATISCHE MEDIZIN UND PSYCHOTHERAPIE 2024; 70:106-111. [PMID: 39012191 DOI: 10.13109/zptm.2024.70.2.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Recently Papola et al. (2023) published a network meta-analysis (NMA) on psychotherapy of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and concluded that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) should be considered the first-line treatment for GAD. However, there are several concerns with regard to the procedures and the conclusions of this NMA and of NMA in general. We show that these concerns question the conclusions by Papola et al. Furthermore, we place concerns about thisNMAin a broader context and question whether existing evidence is consistent with the notion that one form of psychotherapy can be regarded as the gold standard for mental disorders and for all patients and therapists.
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24
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Qiu J, Gu W, Zhang Y, Wang L, Shen J. Alterations of the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation induced by repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with antidepressants treatment for major depressive disorder. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2024; 340:111792. [PMID: 38484532 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2024.111792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
We investigated the neuroimaging changes and clinical efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with antidepressants in major depressive disorder (MDD) patients. We scanned 35 patients with MDD and 27 healthy controls (HC) with resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) before and after treatment. We analyzed amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) and the correlation with clinical variables. The rate of significant efficacy after treatment was higher in the combination treatment group than in the antidepressant group, although not statistically significant. At baseline, ALFF increased in the left middle temporal, brain stem, and left cerebellum and decreased in the right anterior cingulate (ACC), right orbital frontal cortex (OFC), and right caudate. ALFF increased in the left fusiform and decreased in the right lingual gyrus, left middle occipital gyrus, and left superior occipital gyrus after antidepressants. ALFF increased in the right ACC, right OFC, and right rectus after combination treatment. ALFF changes in the right ACC/OFC were negatively correlated with HAMD changes. After treatment, abnormal activity in some brain regions normalized, but these regions differed between the two treatment groups. rTMS combined with antidepressants therapy may improve MDD symptoms by improving neuronal activity levels in the right ACC and right OFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Qiu
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China; Department of Radiology, Soochow University Affiliated Guangji Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Weiguo Gu
- Department of Radiology, Soochow University Affiliated Guangji Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Soochow University Affiliated Guangji Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Radiology, Soochow University Affiliated Guangji Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Junkang Shen
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Imaging Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
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25
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Bertie LA, Arendt K, Coleman JRI, Cooper P, Creswell C, Eley TC, Hartman C, Heiervang ER, In-Albon T, Krause K, Lester KJ, Marin CE, Nauta M, Rapee RM, Schneider S, Schniering C, Silverman WK, Thastum M, Thirlwall K, Waite P, Wergeland GJ, Hudson JL. Patterns of sub-optimal change following CBT for childhood anxiety. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024. [PMID: 38817012 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.14009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children and adolescents demonstrate diverse patterns of symptom change and disorder remission following cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for anxiety disorders. To better understand children who respond sub-optimally to CBT, this study investigated youths (N = 1,483) who continued to meet criteria for one or more clinical anxiety diagnosis immediately following treatment or at any point during the 12 months following treatment. METHODS Data were collected from 10 clinical sites with assessments at pre-and post-treatment and at least once more at 3, 6 or 12-month follow-up. Participants were assigned to one of three groups based on diagnostic status for youths who: (a) retained an anxiety diagnosis from post to end point (minimal responders); (b) remitted anxiety diagnoses at post but relapsed by end point (relapsed responders); and (c) retained a diagnosis at post but remitted to be diagnosis free at end point (delayed responders). Growth curve models assessed patterns of change over time for the three groups and examined predictors associated with these patterns including demographic, clinical and parental factors, as well as treatment factors. RESULTS Higher primary disorder severity, being older, having a greater number of anxiety disorders, having social anxiety disorder, as well as higher maternal psychopathology differentiated the minimal responders from the delayed and relapsed responders at the baseline. Results from the growth curve models showed that severity of the primary disorder and treatment modality differentiated patterns of linear change only. Higher severity was associated with significantly less improvement over time for the minimal and relapsed response groups, as was receiving group CBT, when compared to the delayed response group. CONCLUSIONS Sub-optimal response patterns can be partially differentiated using variables assessed at pre-treatment. Increased understanding of different patterns of change following treatment may provide direction for clinical decision-making and for tailoring treatments to specific groups of clinically anxious youth. Future research may benefit from assessing progress during treatment to detect emerging response patterns earlier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizel-Antoinette Bertie
- School of Psychology, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kristian Arendt
- Department of Psychology, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jonathan R I Coleman
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, & King's College London, London, UK
| | - Peter Cooper
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Cathy Creswell
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Thalia C Eley
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, & King's College London, London, UK
| | - Catharina Hartman
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Einar R Heiervang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Tina In-Albon
- Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | - Karen Krause
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Ruhr-Universtät Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Carla E Marin
- Yale University, Child Study Center, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Maaike Nauta
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald M Rapee
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Silvia Schneider
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Ruhr-Universtät Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Carolyn Schniering
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Mikael Thastum
- Department of Psychology, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Kerstin Thirlwall
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Polly Waite
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Gro Janne Wergeland
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jennifer L Hudson
- School of Psychology, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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26
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Müller-Bardorff M, Schulz A, Paersch C, Recher D, Schlup B, Seifritz E, Kolassa IT, Kowatsch T, Fisher A, Galatzer-Levy I, Kleim B. Optimizing Outcomes in Psychotherapy for Anxiety Disorders Using Smartphone-Based and Passive Sensing Features: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2024; 13:e42547. [PMID: 38743473 PMCID: PMC11134235 DOI: 10.2196/42547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychotherapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), currently have the strongest evidence of durable symptom changes for most psychological disorders, such as anxiety disorders. Nevertheless, only about half of individuals treated with CBT benefit from it. Predictive algorithms, including digital assessments and passive sensing features, could better identify patients who would benefit from CBT, and thus, improve treatment choices. OBJECTIVE This study aims to establish predictive features that forecast responses to transdiagnostic CBT in anxiety disorders and to investigate key mechanisms underlying treatment responses. METHODS This study is a 2-armed randomized controlled clinical trial. We include patients with anxiety disorders who are randomized to either a transdiagnostic CBT group or a waitlist (referred to as WAIT). We index key features to predict responses prior to starting treatment using subjective self-report questionnaires, experimental tasks, biological samples, ecological momentary assessments, activity tracking, and smartphone-based passive sensing to derive a multimodal feature set for predictive modeling. Additional assessments take place weekly at mid- and posttreatment and at 6- and 12-month follow-ups to index anxiety and depression symptom severity. We aim to include 150 patients, randomized to CBT versus WAIT at a 3:1 ratio. The data set will be subject to full feature and important features selected by minimal redundancy and maximal relevance feature selection and then fed into machine leaning models, including eXtreme gradient boosting, pattern recognition network, and k-nearest neighbors to forecast treatment response. The performance of the developed models will be evaluated. In addition to predictive modeling, we will test specific mechanistic hypotheses (eg, association between self-efficacy, daily symptoms obtained using ecological momentary assessments, and treatment response) to elucidate mechanisms underlying treatment response. RESULTS The trial is now completed. It was approved by the Cantonal Ethics Committee, Zurich. The results will be disseminated through publications in scientific peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations. CONCLUSIONS The aim of this trial is to improve current CBT treatment by precise forecasting of treatment response and by understanding and potentially augmenting underpinning mechanisms and personalizing treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03945617; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/results/NCT03945617. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/42547.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Müller-Bardorff
- Experimental Psychopathology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ava Schulz
- Experimental Psychopathology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christina Paersch
- Experimental Psychopathology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dominique Recher
- Experimental Psychopathology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Schlup
- Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Tobias Kowatsch
- Institute for Implementation Science in Health Care, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- School of Medicine, University of St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
- Centre for Digital Health Interventions, Department of Management, Technology, and Economics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Aaron Fisher
- Department of Psychology, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | | | - Birgit Kleim
- Experimental Psychopathology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Csigó K, Münnich Á, Molnár J. The importance of examining early maladaptive schemas in the diagnosis and treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1360127. [PMID: 38800063 PMCID: PMC11116796 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1360127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The aim of the study was twofolded: to identify the early maladaptive schemas characteristic of obsessive-compulsive disorder in a Hungarian sample and, to examine the presence and severity of comorbid anxiety and depressive symptoms in the light of early maladaptive schemas. Methods 112 participants (58 men and 54 women) diagnosed with OCD were involved in the study. The questionnaire package consisted of the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) and the Schema Questionnaire (SQ). Results We identified five early maladaptive schemas with a direct effect on the manifestation of obsessive-compulsive symptoms: Mistrust-Abuse, Inferiority/Shame, Dependence/Incompetence, Insufficient Self-Control/Self-Discipline and Entitlement/Grandiosity (reversed effect). Based on the severity of the early maladaptive schemas, three significantly different groups could be identified in our sample: patients with mild, moderate and high schema-values. Among the groups significant differences can be found in the appearance and severity of compulsive symptoms, as well as in the presence of anxiety and depressive symptoms. But contrary to our expectations, not the severity, but the numberof the early maladaptive schemas showed a stronger correlation with the symptom variables. An additional result of our study derives from canonical correlation, addressing the relationship among early maladaptive schemas, OCD symptoms, anxiety and depressive symptoms from a new perspective. The results highlight that OCD is only one and not the most serious consequence of personality damage, indicated by early maladaptive schemas. Discussion The results of our study suggest that obsessive-compulsive disorder can be divided into several subgroups, which can be separated in terms of symptom severity, comorbid psychiatric symptoms and personality impairment patterns. The relationship between OCD symptom severity and personality impairment seems to be not directly proportional. Our results strengthen the new dimensional view of OCD, which can determine the selection of the appropriate therapeutic treatment method beyond the diagnostic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katalin Csigó
- Institute of Psychology, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Budapest, Hungary
- Psychotherapy Center, Nyírő Gyula National Institute of Psychiatry and Addictions, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ákos Münnich
- Department of Behavioural Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Judit Molnár
- Department of Behavioural Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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Domschke K, Ströhle A, Zwanzger P. [Treatment resistance in anxiety disorders-Definition and treatment options]. DER NERVENARZT 2024; 95:407-415. [PMID: 38436664 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-024-01627-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Treatment resistance in anxiety disorders represents a clinical challenge, contributes to the chronicity of the diseases as well as sequential comorbidities, and is associated with a significant individual and socioeconomic burden. This narrative review presents the operational definition of treatment resistance in anxiety disorders according to international consensus criteria (< 50% reduction in the Hamilton Anxiety Scale, HAM‑A, score or < 50% reduction in the Beck Anxiety Inventory, BAI, score or a clinical global impression-improvement, CGI‑I, score > 2). At least two unsuccessful guideline-based treatment attempts with pharmacological monotherapy or at least one unsuccessful treatment attempt with adequately delivered cognitive behavioral therapy are required. Pharmacotherapeutically, after excluding pseudo-resistance, switching the medication within one class or to another class and augmentation strategies with other antidepressants (mirtazapine, agomelatine), antipsychotics (quetiapine) or anticonvulsants (valproate) are recommended. Psychotherapeutically, third-wave therapies, psychodynamic therapy, systemic therapy and physical exercise can be considered for therapy resistance. In cases of no response to psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy, the respective other form of therapy or a combination of both should be offered. Compounds targeting the glutamatergic and endocannabinoid systems as well as neuropeptides are being tested as potential innovative pharmaceuticals for treatment-resistant anxiety disorders. There is an urgent need for further research to identify predictive markers and mechanisms as well as to develop innovative pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions for treatment-resistant anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Domschke
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Hauptstr. 5, 79104, Freiburg, Deutschland.
- Deutsches Zentrum für Psychische Gesundheit (DZPG), Standort Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland.
| | - Andreas Ströhle
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Peter Zwanzger
- Fachbereich Psychosomatische Medizin, Kompetenzschwerpunkt Angst, kbo-Inn-Salzach-Klinikum, Wasserburg am Inn, Deutschland
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Polak M, Tanzer NK. Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioural Treatments for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Clin Psychol Psychother 2024; 31:e2989. [PMID: 38769929 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common mental health condition characterized by distressing, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours (compulsions) aimed at reducing anxiety. Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (ICBT) has emerged as an effective treatment modality for various mental health disorders. This meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy of guided self-help ICBT (GSH ICBT) and unguided self-help ICBT (SH ICBT) against active and passive control conditions in adults with OCD. A comprehensive systematic literature search yielded 12 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comprising 15 comparison arms (N = 1416) that met the inclusion criteria. Results indicate that GSH ICBT significantly reduced OCD symptomatology posttreatment compared to active controls (g = 0.378, k = 9), with no significant effects maintained at follow-up (g = 0.153, k = 4). GSH ICBT was also found to be as effective as active CBT interventions in reducing comorbid anxiety and depression symptoms posttreatment (g = 0.278, k = 6) and at follow-up (g = 0.124, k = 4). However, improvements in quality of life were not significant posttreatment (g = 0.115, k = 4) nor at follow-up (g = 0.179, k = 3). Combined GSH and SH ICBT demonstrated large effects on reducing OCD symptoms (g = 0.754, k = 6), medium effects on comorbid symptoms (g = 0.547, k = 6) and small effects on quality of life (g = 0.227, k = 2) when compared to inactive controls. No significant differences were found between GSH and SH ICBT in all measured outcomes posttreatment (OCD: g = 0.098, k = 3; AD: g = 0.070, k = 3; QoL: g = -0.030, k = 1) and at follow-up (OCD: g = 0.265, k = 2; AD: g = 0.084, k = 2; QoL: g = 0.00, k = 1). Sample size was identified as a significant moderator of treatment effects. This paper further explores clinical significance, treatment adherence, therapist time investment and moderator influences of the ICBT. The limitations of the study and recommendations for future research are thoroughly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Polak
- Department of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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Redburn J, Hayes B. Facilitators and barriers to "Positive Outcomes" from cognitive-behavioral therapy, according to young people: A thematic synthesis. J Clin Psychol 2024; 80:968-1002. [PMID: 38328892 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This qualitative review sought to explore how young people (YP) conceptualize positive outcomes from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and what YP perceive to be the facilitators and barriers to positive outcomes. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted in June 2021 using six online databases. Studies were included if qualitative data were collected from participants who were aged up to 25, had internalizing mental health difficulties, and had received in-person CBT from trained practitioners. RESULTS Nineteen studies were included. The Gough Weight of Evidence framework was used to assess methodological and topical quality and relevance. A thematic synthesis identified 34 conceptualizations of positive outcomes, 57 facilitators, and 49 barriers. Descriptive and analytical themes were identified. In line with the review's pragmatic perspective, the latter were worded as practice recommendations: acknowledge YP's perspectives on outcomes, teach tangible CBT techniques, balance autonomy and support, frame CBT as "upskilling," explore nuanced barriers to engagement, and consider the power of group dynamics. CONCLUSIONS This review established the range of YP's views about positive outcomes from CBT, as well as facilitators and barriers to achieving these. Findings should prompt CBT practitioners to reflect and consider how their practice might be shaped through reports from YP as experts by experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Redburn
- Clinical Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ben Hayes
- Clinical Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
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31
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Meinke C, Lueken U, Walter H, Hilbert K. Predicting treatment outcome based on resting-state functional connectivity in internalizing mental disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 160:105640. [PMID: 38548002 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Predicting treatment outcome in internalizing mental disorders prior to treatment initiation is pivotal for precision mental healthcare. In this regard, resting-state functional connectivity (rs-FC) and machine learning have often shown promising prediction accuracies. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates these studies, considering their risk of bias through the Prediction Model Study Risk of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST). We examined the predictive performance of features derived from rs-FC, identified features with the highest predictive value, and assessed the employed machine learning pipelines. We searched the electronic databases Scopus, PubMed and PsycINFO on the 12th of December 2022, which resulted in 13 included studies. The mean balanced accuracy for predicting treatment outcome was 77% (95% CI: [72%- 83%]). rs-FC of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex had high predictive value in most studies. However, a high risk of bias was identified in all studies, compromising interpretability. Methodological recommendations are provided based on a comprehensive exploration of the studies' machine learning pipelines, and potential fruitful developments are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Meinke
- Department of Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany.
| | - Ulrike Lueken
- Department of Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany; German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), partner site Berlin/Potsdam, Germany.
| | - Henrik Walter
- Charité Universtätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of FU Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Department of Psychiatrie and Psychotherapy, CCM, Germany.
| | - Kevin Hilbert
- Department of Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany; Department of Psychology, Health and Medical University Erfurt, Germany.
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Wang Y, Olsson S, Lipp OV, Ney LJ. Renewal in human fear conditioning: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 159:105606. [PMID: 38431150 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Renewal is a 'return of fear' manipulation in human fear conditioning to investigate learning processes underlying anxiety and trauma. Even though renewal paradigms are widely used, no study has compared the strength of different renewal paradigms. We conduct a systematic review (N = 80) and meta-analysis (N = 23) of human fear conditioning studies assessing renewal. Our analysis shows that the classic ABA design is the most effective paradigm, compared to ABC and ABBA designs. We present evidence that conducting extinction in multiple contexts and increasing the similarity between acquisition and extinction contexts reduce renewal. Furthermore, we show that additional cues can be used as safety and 'protection from extinction' cues. The review shows that alcohol weakens the extinction process and that older adults appear less sensitive to context changes and thus show less renewal. The large variability in approaches to study renewal in humans suggests that standardisation of fear conditioning procedures across laboratories would be of great benefit to the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wang
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Australia.
| | - Sarah Olsson
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Australia
| | - Ottmar V Lipp
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Australia
| | - Luke J Ney
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Australia
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Guzick AG, Tendler A, Brown LA, Onyeka OC, Storch EA. Linguistic and affective characteristics of script-driven imagery for adults with posttraumatic stress order: Associations with clinical outcomes during deep transcranial magnetic stimulation. J Trauma Stress 2024; 37:291-306. [PMID: 38291162 DOI: 10.1002/jts.23010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Brief exposure to traumatic memories using script-driven imagery (SDI) has been proposed as a promising treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study investigated the effect of SDI plus active versus sham deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial for adults with PTSD (N = 134). Linguistic features of scripts and self-reported distress during a 12-session deep TMS treatment protocol were examined as they related to (a) baseline PTSD symptom severity, (b) trauma characteristics, and (c) treatment outcomes. Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) software was used to analyze the following linguistic features of SDIs: negative emotion, authenticity, and cognitive processing. More use of negative emotion words was associated with less severe self-reported and clinician-rated baseline PTSD symptom severity, r = -.18, p = .038. LIWC features did not differ based on index trauma type, range: F(3, 125) = 0.29-0.49, ps = .688-.831. Between-session reductions in self-reported distress across SDI trials predicted PTSD symptom improvement across both conditions at 5-week, B = -15.68, p = .010, and 9-week endpoints, B = -16.38, p = .011. Initial self-reported distress and linguistic features were not associated with treatment outcomes. The findings suggest that individuals with PTSD who experience between-session habituation to SDI-related distress are likely to experience a corresponding improvement in PTSD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew G Guzick
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Aron Tendler
- BrainsWay Ltd., Jerusalem, Israel
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Lily A Brown
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ogechi C Onyeka
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Eric A Storch
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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Kiers IL, de Haan HA. Short-term, manualized schema-focused group therapy for patients with CBT-resistant disorders within primary care: a pilot study with a naturalistic pre-treatment and post-treatment design. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1349329. [PMID: 38596334 PMCID: PMC11002181 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1349329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a short-term, manualized schema therapy group for 77 patients with CBT-resistant mood and/or anxiety and/or personality disorders (PDs) in primary care. The primary focus was on the effects of this treatment on Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMS), schema modes, and psychological well-being. These aspects were assessed pre-and post-treatment treatment using the Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ), the Schema Mode Inventory version 1.1 (SMI), and the Symptom Questionnaire-48 (SQ-48). The treatment consisted of 16 sessions, incorporating cognitive, behavioral, and experiential techniques. EMS significantly decreased from pre-treatment to post-treatment, as along with maladaptive schema modes. Adaptive modes increased, as did psychological wellbeing. There were no significant differences between the DSM-5 classifications regarding changes in the aforementioned measures, except for the maladaptive modes, where the value of the corrected within-subject effect indicated a significant interaction. Post hoc comparisons were therefore conducted which showed that patients with a mood disorder experienced more positive changes in maladaptive modes compared to patients with anxiety disorders and PDs (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between those with PDs and those with Anxiety Disorders. Our findings provide preliminary evidence that short-term, manualized schema therapy might be an effective treatment for patients with CBT-resistant mood and/or anxiety and/or PDs in primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hein A. de Haan
- Tactus Addiction Treatment, Enschede, Netherlands
- Forensic Psychiatry Department de Boog, Ggnet Mental Health Institute, Warnsveld, Netherlands
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Hoffman SN, Rassaby MM, Stein MB, Taylor CT. Positive and negative affect change following psychotherapeutic treatment for anxiety-related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord 2024; 349:358-369. [PMID: 38211753 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.01.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anxiety-related disorders feature elevated negative affect (NA), and in some cases, diminished positive affect (PA). It remains unclear how well extant psychotherapies for anxiety-related disorders improve PA versus NA. METHODS We systematically searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, PsychInfo, and Web of Science databases. Records included studies involving (1) patients with a principal or co-principal diagnosis of at least one anxiety-related disorder (i.e., generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic, agoraphobia, health anxiety, specific phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or posttraumatic stress disorder), and (2) pre- and post-treatment PA and NA scores or a change index between pre- and post-treatment PA and NA scores. Effect sizes were calculated for meta-analyses. RESULTS Fourteen studies with 1001 adults with an anxiety-related disorder were included. Psychotherapeutic interventions included cognitive behavioral, present-centered, and imagery-based approaches. Treatments reduced NA (g = -0.90; 95%CI [-1.19, -0.61]) to a greater extent than they improved PA (g = 0.27; 95%CI [0.05, 0.59]), Z = -5.26, p < .001. The limited number of studies available precluded analyses of the relationship between changes in affect and symptoms. LIMITATIONS Results should be considered with caution given the small number and heterogeneity of included studies. CONCLUSIONS Current psychotherapeutic interventions for anxiety-related disorders may not improve PA and NA to comparable levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha N Hoffman
- San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, 6363 Alvarado Court, Suite 103, San Diego, CA 92120, USA.
| | - Madeleine M Rassaby
- San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, 6363 Alvarado Court, Suite 103, San Diego, CA 92120, USA.
| | - Murray B Stein
- University of California San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, 9452 Medical Center Drive, 4E-226, La Jolla, CA 921037, USA.
| | - Charles T Taylor
- University of California San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, 9452 Medical Center Drive, 4E-226, La Jolla, CA 921037, USA.
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Leehr EJ, Seeger FR, Böhnlein J, Gathmann B, Straube T, Roesmann K, Junghöfer M, Schwarzmeier H, Siminski N, Herrmann MJ, Langhammer T, Goltermann J, Grotegerd D, Meinert S, Winter NR, Dannlowski U, Lueken U. Association between resting-state connectivity patterns in the defensive system network and treatment response in spider phobia-a replication approach. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:137. [PMID: 38453896 PMCID: PMC10920691 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02799-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Although highly effective on average, exposure-based treatments do not work equally well for all patients with anxiety disorders. The identification of pre-treatment response-predicting patient characteristics may enable patient stratification. Preliminary research highlights the relevance of inhibitory fronto-limbic networks as such. We aimed to identify pre-treatment neural signatures differing between exposure treatment responders and non-responders in spider phobia and to validate results through rigorous replication. Data of a bi-centric intervention study comprised clinical phenotyping and pre-treatment resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) data of n = 79 patients with spider phobia (discovery sample) and n = 69 patients (replication sample). RsFC data analyses were accomplished using the Matlab-based CONN-toolbox with harmonized analyses protocols at both sites. Treatment response was defined by a reduction of >30% symptom severity from pre- to post-treatment (Spider Phobia Questionnaire Score, primary outcome). Secondary outcome was defined by a reduction of >50% in a Behavioral Avoidance Test (BAT). Mean within-session fear reduction functioned as a process measure for exposure. Compared to non-responders and pre-treatment, results in the discovery sample seemed to indicate that responders exhibited stronger negative connectivity between frontal and limbic structures and were characterized by heightened connectivity between the amygdala and ventral visual pathway regions. Patients exhibiting high within-session fear reduction showed stronger excitatory connectivity within the prefrontal cortex than patients with low within-session fear reduction. Whereas these results could be replicated by another team using the same data (cross-team replication), cross-site replication of the discovery sample findings in the independent replication sample was unsuccessful. Results seem to support negative fronto-limbic connectivity as promising ingredient to enhance response rates in specific phobia but lack sufficient replication. Further research is needed to obtain a valid basis for clinical decision-making and the development of individually tailored treatment options. Notably, future studies should regularly include replication approaches in their protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth J Leehr
- Institute for Translational Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
| | - Fabian R Seeger
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, Center for Mental Health, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of General Psychiatry, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Joscha Böhnlein
- Institute for Translational Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Bettina Gathmann
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Systems Neuroscience, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Thomas Straube
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Systems Neuroscience, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Otto-Creutzfeld Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Kati Roesmann
- Otto-Creutzfeld Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Institute of Psychology, Unit of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy in Childhood and Adolescence, University of Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Markus Junghöfer
- Otto-Creutzfeld Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Hanna Schwarzmeier
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, Center for Mental Health, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Niklas Siminski
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, Center for Mental Health, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Martin J Herrmann
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, Center for Mental Health, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Till Langhammer
- Department of Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Janik Goltermann
- Institute for Translational Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Dominik Grotegerd
- Institute for Translational Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Susanne Meinert
- Institute for Translational Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Nils R Winter
- Institute for Translational Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Udo Dannlowski
- Institute for Translational Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Ulrike Lueken
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, Center for Mental Health, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), partner site Berlin/Potsdam, Berlin, Germany
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Noda S, Shirotsuki K, Nakao M. Low-intensity mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral therapy for social anxiety: a pilot randomized controlled trial. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:190. [PMID: 38454396 PMCID: PMC10921717 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05651-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) effectively improves the clinical symptoms of social anxiety disorder. However, there are non-responders who cannot decrease their cost/probability bias significantly; hence, their social anxiety symptoms remain unaddressed. Mindfulness training and cognitive-behavioral approaches promote a reduction in cost/probability bias and social anxiety symptoms. This study examines the effectiveness of a four-session program of mindfulness and CBT (M-CBT) in a non-clinical sample of individuals with high social anxiety. METHODS Participants were 50 Japanese undergraduate students (37 women and 13 men) randomly allocated to an intervention group (n = 27) and a control group (n = 23). The intervention group underwent a four-session M-CBT program, while the control group did not receive any treatment. RESULTS A group × time analysis of covariances showed significant interactions in the negative cognition generated when paying attention to others in probability bias, fear of negative evaluation by others, dispositional mindfulness, depressive symptoms, and subjective happiness. M-CBT also produced significant pre-post improvements in the above outcomes with moderate to high effect sizes (ds = .51-1.55). Conversely, there were no interactions in social anxiety symptoms and self-focused attention. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that M-CBT was effective for the negative cognition generated when paying attention to others in probability bias, fear of negative evaluation by others, dispositional mindfulness, depressive symptoms, and subjective happiness. The combination of mindfulness training with cognitive restructuring is proposed as potentially helpful for individuals with probability bias, leading to negative cognition from paying attention to others. TRIAL REGISTRATION University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN CTR) UMIN000036763. Registered May 16, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shota Noda
- Department of Psychology, Translational Clinical Psychology, Philipps University Marburg, Schulstraße 12, Marburg, 35032, Germany.
- Research Institute of Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Musashino University, 3-3-3 Ariake, Koutou-Ku, Tokyo, 135-8181, Japan.
| | - Kentaro Shirotsuki
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Musashino University, 3-3-3 Ariake, Koutou-Ku, Tokyo, 135-8181, Japan
| | - Mutsuhiro Nakao
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, School of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, 4-3, Kozunomori, Narita-Shi, Chiba, 286-8686, Japan
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Boehme S, Herrmann MJ, Mühlberger A. Good moments to stimulate the brain - A randomized controlled double-blinded study on anodal transcranial direct current stimulation of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex on two different time points in a two-day fear conditioning paradigm. Behav Brain Res 2024; 460:114804. [PMID: 38103872 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
It is assumed that extinction learning is a suitable model for understanding the mechanisms underlying exposure therapy. Furthermore, there is evidence that non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) can elevate extinction learning by enhancing frontal brain activity and therefore NIBS can augment symptom reduction during exposure therapy in phobias. But, the underlying processes are still not well established. Open questions arise from NIBS time points and electrode placement, among others. Therefore, we investigated in a 2-day fear conditioning experiment, whether anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) modulates either fear memory consolidation or dampened fear reaction during fear extinction. Sixty-six healthy participants were randomly assigned either to a group that received tDCS after fear acquisition (and before fear memory consolidation), to a group that received tDCS directly before fear extinction, or to a control group that never received active stimulation (sham). Differential skin conductance response (SCR) to CS+ vs. CS- was significantly decreased in both tDCS-groups compared to sham group. Our region of interest, the vmPFC, was stimulated best focally with a lateral anode position and a cathode on the contralateral side. But this comes along with a slightly lateral stimulation of vmPFC depending on whether anode is placed left or right. To avoid unintended effects of stimulated sides the two electrode montages (anode left or right) were mirror-inverted which led to differential effects in SCR and electrocortical (mainly late positive potential [LPP]) data in our exploratory analyses. Results indicated that tDCS-timing is relevant for fear reactions via disturbed fear memory consolidation as well as fear expression, and this depends on whether vmPFC is stimulated with either left- or right-sided anode electrode montage. Electrocortical data can shed more light on the underlying neural correlates and exaggerated LPP seems to be associated with disturbed fear memory consolidation and dampened SCR to CS+ vs. CS-, but solely in the right anode electrode montage. Further open questions addressing where and when to stimulate the prefrontal brain in the course of augmenting fear extinction are raised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Boehme
- Department of Psychology, Chair for Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Chemnitz, Wilhelm-Raabe-Straße 43, D-09120 Chemnitz, Germany; Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Martin J Herrmann
- Center of Mental Health, Dept. of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Margarete-Hoeppel-Platz 1, D-97080 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Mühlberger
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
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Bragesjö M, Ivanov VZ, Andersson E, Rück C. Exploring the feasibility and acceptance of huddinge online prolonged exposure therapy (HOPE) for severe and complex PTSD. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2024; 15:2320607. [PMID: 38436944 PMCID: PMC10913705 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2024.2320607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy such as prolonged exposure is considered firsthand choice for treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but is seldom available in regular care. Digital therapy is proposed to bridge this gap, but its effectiveness for severe and complex PTSD is uncertain. The primary objective of the current study was to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of digital therapist-guided prolonged exposure (Huddinge Online Prolonged Exposure; HOPE).Method: Thirty participants with moderate to severe PTSD, with the majority self-reporting complex PTSD symptoms, received HOPE over a ten-week period. Eighty percent of participants had been diagnosed with other psychiatric comorbidity by a mental health professional. Primary outcome was the feasibility and acceptability of treatment. Participants were repeatedly assessed using clinician- and self-rated outcome measures at baseline, during the treatment period, post-treatment, and at 1-month and 6-month follow-ups to estimate preliminary treatment effects. The Clinician Administered PTSD Scale version 5 (CAPS-5), administered by independent assessors, evaluated PTSD symptom severity.Results: HOPE proved feasible and effective, delivering evidence-based treatment content in a psychiatric outpatient setting with reduced therapist time. The treatment was well-tolerated, with no severe adverse events and a 17% dropout rate. Sixty-four percent completed the exposure-based portion of the treatment, and overall satisfaction measured by the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire was moderate. Furthermore, significant reductions in PTSD symptoms as assessed with the CAPS-5 (Cohen's d = 1.30 [95% CI -1.79 to -0.82]) at the primary endpoint 1 month which were sustained at the 6-month follow up.Conclusion: Altogether, this study indicate feasibility of treating severe and complex PTSD through a digital PE intervention, thereby building upon and extending previous research findings. Large-scale controlled trials are needed to further validate the specific effect and long-term benefits of HOPE.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05560854.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bragesjö
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet, & Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Volen Z. Ivanov
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet, & Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erik Andersson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Psychology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christian Rück
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet, & Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm, Sweden
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Hulsman AM, van de Pavert I, Roelofs K, Klumpers F. Tackling Costly Fearful Avoidance Using Pavlovian Counterconditioning. Behav Ther 2024; 55:361-375. [PMID: 38418046 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2023.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Avoidance behavior constitutes a major transdiagnostic symptom that exacerbates anxiety. It hampers fear extinction and predicts poor therapy-outcome. Pavlovian counterconditioning with a reward could alleviate avoidance better than traditional extinction by reducing negative valence of the feared situation. However, previous studies are scarce and did not consider that pathological avoidance is often costly and typically evolves from an approach-avoidance conflict. Therefore, we used an approach-avoidance conflict paradigm to model effects of counterconditioning on costly avoidance (i.e., avoidance that leads to missing out on rewards). Results from our preregistered Bayesian Mixed Model analyses in 51 healthy participants (43 females) indicated that counterconditioning was more effective in reducing negative valuation and decreasing costly avoidance than traditional extinction. This study supports application of a simple counterconditioning technique, shows that its efficacy transfers to more complex avoidance situations, and suggests treatment may benefit from increasing reward drive in combination with extinction to overcome avoidance. Application in a clinical sample is a necessary next step to assess clinical utility of counterconditioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anneloes M Hulsman
- Donders Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging, Radboud University; Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University
| | - Iris van de Pavert
- Donders Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging, Radboud University; Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University; KU Leuven
| | - Karin Roelofs
- Donders Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging, Radboud University; Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University
| | - Floris Klumpers
- Donders Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging, Radboud University; Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University.
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McDonald MA, Meckes SJ, Shires J, Berryhill ME, Lancaster CL. Augmenting Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Social and Intergroup Anxiety With Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation. J ECT 2024; 40:51-60. [PMID: 38009966 PMCID: PMC10920400 DOI: 10.1097/yct.0000000000000967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Exposure therapy is a cornerstone of social anxiety treatment, yet not all patients respond. Symptoms in certain social situations, including intergroup (ie, out-group) contexts, may be particularly resistant to treatment. Exposure therapy outcomes may be improved by stimulating neural areas associated with safety learning, such as the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). The mPFC also plays an important role in identifying others as similar to oneself. We hypothesized that targeting the mPFC during exposure therapy would reduce intergroup anxiety and social anxiety. METHODS Participants (N = 31) with the public speaking subtype of social anxiety received active (anodal) or sham transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) targeting the mPFC during exposure therapy. Exposure therapy consisted of giving speeches to audiences in virtual reality. To target intergroup anxiety, half of the public speaking exposure trials were conducted with out-group audiences, defined in this study as audiences of a different ethnicity. RESULTS Contrary to hypotheses, tDCS did not facilitate symptom reduction. Some evidence even suggested that tDCS temporarily increased in-group favoritism, although these effects dissipated at 1-month follow-up. In addition, collapsing across all participants, we found reductions across time for public speaking anxiety and intergroup anxiety. CONCLUSIONS The data provide evidence that standard exposure therapy techniques for social anxiety can be adapted to target intergroup anxiety. Transcranial direct current stimulation targeting the mPFC may boost safety signaling, but only in contexts previously conditioned to signal safety, such as an in-group context.
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van Veen SC, Zbozinek TD, van Dis EAM, Engelhard IM, Craske MG. Positive mood induction does not reduce return of fear: A virtual reality exposure study for public speaking anxiety. Behav Res Ther 2024; 174:104490. [PMID: 38354451 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2024.104490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Previous laboratory work has shown that induction of positive mood prior to fear extinction decreases the negative valence of the conditional stimulus (CS) and reduces reinstatement of fear. Before translating these insights to clinical practice, it is important to test this strategy in anxious individuals. Students with a high fear of public speaking (N = 62) were randomized to either a positive mood induction, a negative mood induction, or no induction control group. All participants performed two weekly sessions of virtual reality exposure and a 1-week follow-up test including a spontaneous recovery test and reinstatement test after a social rejection (unconditional stimulus). We used self-reported fear measures and skin conductance responses. We expected that the positive group, compared to the other groups, would evaluate the CS (i.e., speaking in front of an audience) as less negative following exposure and would show less spontaneous recovery and reinstatement of fear following a social rejection. Although mood was successfully manipulated, there were no group differences in CS valence following exposure. In all conditions, VR exposure successfully reduced public speaking fear, and these effects were stable at follow-up. In contrast with expectations, the positive group showed more spontaneous recovery of CS negative valence than the negative group. To conclude, we found no evidence that positive mood induction prior to exposure optimizes exposure effects for anxious individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tomislav D Zbozinek
- Division of Humanities and Social Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Eva A M van Dis
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - Iris M Engelhard
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, the Netherlands.
| | - Michelle G Craske
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Donohue HE, Modini M, Abbott MJ. Psychological interventions for pre-event and post-event rumination in social anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Anxiety Disord 2024; 102:102823. [PMID: 38142483 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2023.102823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Pre-event and post-event rumination have been consistently identified by cognitive models as important maintaining factors in Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effectiveness of psychological treatment in reducing pre-event and post-event rumination in adults with social anxiety. A comprehensive literature search identified 26 eligible studies, with 1524 total participants. Psychological treatments demonstrated large significant within-group effect sizes (from pre- to post-treatment) in reducing pre-event rumination (g = 0.86) and post-event rumination (g = 0.83). Subgroups analysed showed CBT to have large significant effect sizes in reducing pre-event rumination (g = 0.97) and post-event rumination (g = 0.85). Interventions that specifically addressed rumination were found to be significantly more effective in reducing pre-event rumination than those that did not (p = .006). Both individual and group treatment formats were equally effective in reducing pre-event rumination and post-event rumination. Meta-regressions revealed that pre-event rumination treatment effects were significantly larger in individuals with higher baseline social anxiety, meanwhile post-event rumination treatment effects were larger for those with higher baseline depression. Overall findings show that pre-event and post-event rumination are effectively reduced through psychological treatment, and clinical implications for the enhancement of evidence-based treatment protocols are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew Modini
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Australia; Concord Centre for Mental Health, Sydney Local Health District, Australia
| | - Maree J Abbott
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Australia.
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Hui H, Hong A, Gao J, Yu J, Wang Z. Efficacy of tDCS to enhance virtual reality exposure therapy response in acrophobia: A randomized controlled trial. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 171:52-59. [PMID: 38244333 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
[BACKGROUND]: Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) has been recognized as an effective treatment for specific phobias and has the potential to overcome the limitations of traditional exposure therapy. The pursuit of non-invasive brain stimulation provides a practical means of augmenting VRET. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive neuromodulation technique, stimulates the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), with the potential to enhance the effects of exposure therapy. Therefore, we conducted a randomized controlled trial to examine whether tDCS enhanced the effects of VRET in acrophobia. [METHOD]: This study recruited 64 college students with significant fear of height (based on the Acrophobia Questionnaire, AQ). Finally, 61 participants were randomly allocated to the tDCS active-stimulated group (n = 30) or the sham-stimulated group (n = 31). After stimulation, VRET was conducted, and clinical indices were recorded. The AQ was used as the first primary outcome, and Subjective Units of Distress (SUDS) and the Heights Interpretation Questionnaire (HIQ) were used as secondary outcomes. [RESULT]: There was a significant reduction in psychometric and behavioral anxiety measurements from pre to post treatment as indicated by main effects for the factor time (AQ-Anxiety: F (2.60) = 139.55, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.83; AQ-Avoidance: F (2.60) = 53.73, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.69; HIQ: F (2.60) = 128.12, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.81; STAI-Y-S: F (2.60) = 15.44, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.34; BAI: F (2.60) = 73.81, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.71). Compared with the sham-stimulated group, the reduction of AQ-Anxiety and SUDS in the first exposure trial (F (2,60) = 8.56, p = 0.001, η2 = 0.23; t = 2.34, p = 0.024, d = 0.61) was significantly faster in the active group. At follow-up, there was also a further reduction in AQ anxiety and avoidance (Anxiety: M = 56.51 ± 27.19; main effect time F (1,60) = 25.16, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.35; Avoidance: M = 12.57 ± 7.97; main effect time F (1,60) = 31.40, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.45) without interaction time*group (Anxiety: F (1.60) = 0.12, p = 0.740, η2 = 0.00; Avoidance: F (1.60) = 0.64, p = 0.430, η2 = 0.02). [CONCLUSION]: Results could be explained tDCS could accelerate the effects of VRET on acrophobia by stimulating mPFC, indicating that tDCS may be used as an enhancement technique for exposure therapy for specific phobias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Hui
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ang Hong
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Gao
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiejing Yu
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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Hyde J, Farrell LJ, Waters AM. Extinction of negative conditioned stimulus valence in human fear conditioning. Behav Res Ther 2024; 174:104477. [PMID: 38281443 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2024.104477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Fear conditioning is a common experimental paradigm for modelling the development, and exposure-based treatment, of anxiety disorders. Measures of fear such as threat-expectancy, physiological arousal, and fear ratings typically extinguish, however feared stimuli may still be evaluated negatively (i.e. retain negative valence). This systematic review provides the first investigation of the relationship between fear conditioning methodology and extinction of negative stimulus valence. Principal findings were that type of CS (conditioned stimulus) and the CS-US pairing (i.e. specific combination of CS and unconditioned stimulus) predicted extinction outcome. Extinction of absolute negative CS valence was always achieved with shape CSs; often achieved with low fear-relevant animals as CSs, and less frequently achieved with faces as CSs - particularly neutral faces paired with a shock US. Modified extinction procedures typically achieved the same outcome as standard extinction procedures, except for partially-reinforced extinction, which was less effective than standard extinction, and positive imagery training, which was more effective than standard extinction. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the influence of fear conditioning methodology on extinction of absolute negative CS valence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamiah Hyde
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Australia.
| | - Lara J Farrell
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Australia
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Wilhelm M, Moessner M, Jost S, Okon E, Malinowski V, Schinke K, Sommerfeld S, Bauer S. Development of decision rules for an adaptive aftercare intervention based on individual symptom courses for agoraphobia patients. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3056. [PMID: 38321070 PMCID: PMC10847472 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52803-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
As other mental illnesses, agoraphobia is associated with a significant risk for relapse after the end of treatment. Personalized and adaptive approaches appear promising to improve maintenance treatment and aftercare as they acknowledge patients' varying individual needs with respect to intensity of care over time. Currently, there is a deficit of knowledge about the detailed symptom course after discharge from acute treatment, which is a prerequisite for the empirical development of rules to decide if and when aftercare should be intensified. Therefore, this study aimed firstly at the investigation of the naturalistic symptom course of agoraphobia after discharge from initial treatment and secondly at the development and evaluation of a data-driven algorithm for a digital adaptive aftercare intervention. A total of 56 agoraphobia patients were recruited in 3 hospitals. Following discharge, participants completed a weekly online monitoring assessment for three months. While symptom severity remained stable at the group level, individual courses were highly heterogeneous. Approximately two-thirds of the patients (70%) reported considerable symptoms at some time, indicating a need for medium or high-intense therapeutic support. Simulating the application of the algorithm to the data set resulted in an early (86% before week six) and relatively even allocation of patients to three groups (need for no, medium, and high-intense support respectively). Overall, findings confirm the need for adaptive aftercare strategies in agoraphobia. Digital, adaptive approaches may provide immediate support to patients who experience symptom deterioration and thus promise to contribute to an optimized allocation of therapeutic resources and overall improvement of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Wilhelm
- Center for Psychotherapy Research, Heidelberg University Hospital, Bergheimer Straße 54, 69115, Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), partner site Mannheim/Heidelberg/Ulm, Germany
| | - Markus Moessner
- Center for Psychotherapy Research, Heidelberg University Hospital, Bergheimer Straße 54, 69115, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Silke Jost
- Median Zentrum für Verhaltensmedizin Bad Pyrmont, Median West GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Eberhard Okon
- Median Zentrum für Verhaltensmedizin Bad Pyrmont, Median West GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Volker Malinowski
- Median Zentrum für Verhaltensmedizin Bad Pyrmont, Median West GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katharina Schinke
- Median Parkklinik Bad Rothenfelde, Median Parkklinik Bad Rothenfelde GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Stephanie Bauer
- Center for Psychotherapy Research, Heidelberg University Hospital, Bergheimer Straße 54, 69115, Heidelberg, Germany.
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), partner site Mannheim/Heidelberg/Ulm, Germany.
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Domschke K, Seuling PD, Schiele MA, Bandelow B, Batelaan NM, Bokma WA, Branchi I, Broich K, Burkauskas J, Davies SJC, Dell'Osso B, Fagan H, Fineberg NA, Furukawa TA, Hofmann SG, Hood S, Huneke NTM, Latas M, Lidbetter N, Masdrakis V, McAllister-Williams RH, Nardi AE, Pallanti S, Penninx BWJH, Perna G, Pilling S, Pini S, Reif A, Seedat S, Simons G, Srivastava S, Steibliene V, Stein DJ, Stein MB, van Ameringen M, van Balkom AJLM, van der Wee N, Zwanzger P, Baldwin DS. The definition of treatment resistance in anxiety disorders: a Delphi method-based consensus guideline. World Psychiatry 2024; 23:113-123. [PMID: 38214637 PMCID: PMC10785995 DOI: 10.1002/wps.21177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are very prevalent and often persistent mental disorders, with a considerable rate of treatment resistance which requires regulatory clinical trials of innovative therapeutic interventions. However, an explicit definition of treatment-resistant anxiety disorders (TR-AD) informing such trials is currently lacking. We used a Delphi method-based consensus approach to provide internationally agreed, consistent and clinically useful operational criteria for TR-AD in adults. Following a summary of the current state of knowledge based on international guidelines and an available systematic review, a survey of free-text responses to a 29-item questionnaire on relevant aspects of TR-AD, and an online consensus meeting, a panel of 36 multidisciplinary international experts and stakeholders voted anonymously on written statements in three survey rounds. Consensus was defined as ≥75% of the panel agreeing with a statement. The panel agreed on a set of 14 recommendations for the definition of TR-AD, providing detailed operational criteria for resistance to pharmacological and/or psychotherapeutic treatment, as well as a potential staging model. The panel also evaluated further aspects regarding epidemiological subgroups, comorbidities and biographical factors, the terminology of TR-AD vs. "difficult-to-treat" anxiety disorders, preferences and attitudes of persons with these disorders, and future research directions. This Delphi method-based consensus on operational criteria for TR-AD is expected to serve as a systematic, consistent and practical clinical guideline to aid in designing future mechanistic studies and facilitate clinical trials for regulatory purposes. This effort could ultimately lead to the development of more effective evidence-based stepped-care treatment algorithms for patients with anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Domschke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Patrik D Seuling
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Miriam A Schiele
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Borwin Bandelow
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Neeltje M Batelaan
- Department of Psychiatry and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wicher A Bokma
- Department of Psychiatry and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Igor Branchi
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Karl Broich
- Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices, Bonn, Germany
| | - Julius Burkauskas
- Laboratory of Behavioral Medicine, Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Palanga, Lithuania
| | - Simon J C Davies
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Bernardo Dell'Osso
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Mental Health and Addictions, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - Harry Fagan
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Naomi A Fineberg
- University of Hertfordshire & Hertfordshire Partnership, University NHS Foundation Trust, Hatfield, UK
| | - Toshi A Furukawa
- Department of Health Promotion and Human Behavior, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine/School of Public Health, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Stefan G Hofmann
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Sean Hood
- Division of Psychiatry, Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Nathan T M Huneke
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Milan Latas
- Clinic for Psychiatry, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
- Belgrade University School of Medicine, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Vasilios Masdrakis
- First Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - R Hamish McAllister-Williams
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, UK
| | - Antonio E Nardi
- Panic & Respiration Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry, Medical School, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Stefano Pallanti
- Institute of Neuroscience, Florence, Italy
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brenda W J H Penninx
- Department of Psychiatry and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Giampaolo Perna
- Department of Biological Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Steve Pilling
- Centre for Outcomes Research and Effectiveness, Research Department of Clinical, Educational & Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Stefano Pini
- University of Pisa School of Medicine, Pisa, Italy
| | - Andreas Reif
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Soraya Seedat
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gemma Simons
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Solent NHS Trust, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Vesta Steibliene
- Neuroscience Institute and Clinic of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Dan J Stein
- South African Medical Research Council Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Murray B Stein
- Department of Psychiatry and School of Public Health, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Michael van Ameringen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Anton J L M van Balkom
- Department of Psychiatry and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nic van der Wee
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Zwanzger
- Clinical Center for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Kbo-Inn-Salzach Hospital, Wasserburg am Inn, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwigs-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - David S Baldwin
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
- South African Medical Research Council Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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48
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Shafierizi S, Basirat Z, Nasiri-Amiri F, Kheirkhah F, Geraili Z, Pasha H, Faramarzi M. Predictors of nonresponse to treatment and low adherence to internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy in depressed/anxious women facing the couple's fertility problems: a secondary analysis of a randomized control trial. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:39. [PMID: 38200435 PMCID: PMC10782627 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05484-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study aimed to examine the predictors of treatment nonresponse and low adherence to Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy and face-to-face therapy for treating depression and anxiety in women facing the couple's fertility problems. METHODS This is a secondary analysis based on a previous randomized controlled trial including 152 depressed/anxious women facing the couple's fertility problems. The study defines low adherence as receiving less than 4 sessions (out of 8 sessions). Nonresponse to treatment refers to a < 50% reduction in the anxiety and depression total scores. RESULTS A high level of anxiety/depression score before psychotherapy increases the risk of nonresponse to both Internet-based and face-to-face psychotherapies by 1.4 to 2 times in women facing the couple's fertility problems after the treatment and in the 6-month follow-up. However, 4 factors, including diagnosis of mixed anxiety and depression, low education level, long marriage duration, and infertility caused by mixed female/male factors, reduced the risk of nonresponse to psychotherapies. CONCLUSION Women facing the couple's fertility problems with high depression and anxiety scores are at risk of poor prognosis in response to psychotherapy. Psychologists and healthcare providers of infertility centers should pay more attention to the timely identification and referral of depressed/anxious patients to psychologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiva Shafierizi
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Zahra Basirat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Nasiri-Amiri
- Department of Midwifery, Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Farzan Kheirkhah
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Zahra Geraili
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Hajar Pasha
- Department of Midwifery, Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mahbobeh Faramarzi
- Department of General Courses, Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
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49
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Sartori SB, Keil TMV, Kummer KK, Murphy CP, Gunduz-Cinar O, Kress M, Ebner K, Holmes A, Singewald N. Fear extinction rescuing effects of dopamine and L-DOPA in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:11. [PMID: 38191458 PMCID: PMC10774374 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02708-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC; rodent infralimbic cortex (IL)), is posited to be an important locus of fear extinction-facilitating effects of the dopamine (DA) bio-precursor, L-DOPA, but this hypothesis remains to be formally tested. Here, in a model of impaired fear extinction (the 129S1/SvImJ inbred mouse strain; S1), we monitored extracellular DA dynamics via in vivo microdialysis in IL during fear extinction and following L-DOPA administration. Systemic L-DOPA caused sustained elevation of extracellular DA levels in IL and increased neuronal activation in a subpopulation of IL neurons. Systemic L-DOPA enabled extinction learning and promoted extinction retention at one but not ten days after training. Conversely, direct microinfusion of DA into IL produced long-term fear extinction (an effect that was insensitive to ɑ-/ß-adrenoreceptor antagonism). However, intra-IL delivery of a D1-like or D2 receptor agonist did not facilitate extinction. Using ex vivo multi-electrode array IL neuronal recordings, along with ex vivo quantification of immediate early genes and DA receptor signalling markers in mPFC, we found evidence of reduced DA-evoked mPFC network responses in S1 as compared with extinction-competent C57BL/6J mice that were partially driven by D1 receptor activation. Together, our data demonstrate that locally increasing DA in IL is sufficient to produce lasting rescue of impaired extinction. The finding that systemic L-DOPA increased IL DA levels, but had only transient effects on extinction, suggests L-DOPA failed to reach a threshold level of IL DA or produced opposing behavioural effects in other brain regions. Collectively, our findings provide further insight into the neural basis of the extinction-promoting effects of DA and L-DOPA in a clinically relevant animal model, with possible implications for therapeutically targeting the DA system in anxiety and trauma-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone B Sartori
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Thomas M V Keil
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Kai K Kummer
- Institute of Physiology, Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Conor P Murphy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ozge Gunduz-Cinar
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, NIH/NIAAA, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Michaela Kress
- Institute of Physiology, Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Karl Ebner
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andrew Holmes
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, NIH/NIAAA, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Nicolas Singewald
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
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50
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Heinig I, Weiß M, Hamm AO, Hein G, Hollandt M, Hoyer J, Kanske P, Richter J, Wittchen HU, Pittig A. Exposure traced in daily life: improvements in ecologically assessed social and physical activity following exposure-based psychotherapy for anxiety disorders. J Anxiety Disord 2024; 101:102792. [PMID: 37989038 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2023.102792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although exposure-based cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders has frequently been proven effective, only few studies examined whether it improves everyday behavioral outcomes such as social and physical activity. METHODS 126 participants (85 patients with panic disorder, agoraphobia, social anxiety disorder, or specific phobias, and 41 controls without mental disorders) completed smartphone-based ambulatory ratings (activities, social interactions, mood, physical symptoms) and motion sensor-based indices of physical activity (steps, time spent moving, metabolic activity) at baseline, during, and after exposure-based treatment. RESULTS Prior to treatment, patients showed reduced mood and physical activity relative to healthy controls. Over the course of therapy, mood ratings, interactions with strangers and indices of physical activity improved, while reported physical symptoms decreased. Overall results did not differ between patients with primary panic disorder/agoraphobia and social anxiety disorder. Higher depression scores at baseline were associated with larger changes in reported symptoms and mood ratings, but smaller changes in physical activity CONCLUSIONS: Exposure-based treatment initiates increased physical activity, more frequent interaction with strangers, and improvements in everyday mood. The current approach provides objective and fine-graded process and outcome measures that may help to further improve treatments and possibly reduce relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingmar Heinig
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Martin Weiß
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Alfons O Hamm
- Department of Biological and Clinical Psychology/Psychotherapy, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Grit Hein
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Maike Hollandt
- Department of Biological and Clinical Psychology/Psychotherapy, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Jürgen Hoyer
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Philipp Kanske
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jan Richter
- Department of Biological and Clinical Psychology/Psychotherapy, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany; Department of Experimental Psychopathology University of Hildesheim, Hildesheim, Germany
| | - Hans-Ulrich Wittchen
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Andre Pittig
- Translational Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Goettingen, Germany
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