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Grove AB, Sheerin CM, Wallace RE, Green BA, Minnich AH, Kurtz ED. The effect of a reduction in irrational beliefs on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety symptoms in a group treatment for post-9/11 Veterans. MILITARY PSYCHOLOGY 2024; 36:567-577. [PMID: 37486709 PMCID: PMC11407390 DOI: 10.1080/08995605.2023.2236924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Previous research has indicated that a Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)-Informed Group focused on changing irrational beliefs to address comorbid depression and anxiety (as well as anger and guilt) in a combat Veteran population diagnosed with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) demonstrated significant reductions in depression and PTSD symptoms at posttreatment. However, mechanisms of change associated with improvement have not been evaluated. REBT theory suggests that a decline in irrational beliefs predicts a decrease in PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms. This study aimed to test this tenet of REBT theory in a naturalistic treatment setting. Participants (N = 86) were post-9/11 combat Veterans, engaged in the REBT-Informed Group between October 2016 and February 2020. Results of hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that a reduction in irrational beliefs predicted notable decreases in PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms controlling for several covariates. This study extends previous research demonstrating the success of the REBT-Informed Group with combat Veterans and gives support to REBT theory regarding the effect of a decline in irrational beliefs. Future directions include replication of findings with Veterans who experienced military sexual trauma (MST), pre-9/11 Veterans, those at other military or Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers, and civilians to determine generalizability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen B Grove
- Department of Mental Health, Central Virginia VA Health Care System, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Christina M Sheerin
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Rachel E Wallace
- Department of Mental Health, Central Virginia VA Health Care System, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Brooke A Green
- Department of Mental Health, Central Virginia VA Health Care System, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Angela H Minnich
- Department of Mental Health, Central Virginia VA Health Care System, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Erin D Kurtz
- Department of Mental Health, Central Virginia VA Health Care System, Richmond, Virginia
- Department of Mental Health, VA St. Louis Health Care System, St. Louis, Missouri
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2
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Pedro LMR, de Oliveira MF, Pereira MD, da Fonseca AD, Canavarro MC. Factors Associated with Prospective Acceptability and Preferences for Unified Transdiagnostic Cognitive-Behavioral Treatments and Group Therapy in the Portuguese General Population. ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY IN MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH 2024:10.1007/s10488-024-01391-1. [PMID: 38839662 DOI: 10.1007/s10488-024-01391-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Group transdiagnostic cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) offers a promising solution for limited mental health access in Portugal. Understanding barriers to patient adherence is crucial for successful implementation. This study aimed to characterize the prospective acceptability and preferences for unified transdiagnostic CBT and group therapy in the Portuguese general population and explore their correlates. A sample of 243 participants (18-88 years old), recruited online, completed an online survey collecting information on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, acceptability of transdiagnostic CBT treatments, specifically of Unified Protocol (UP), acceptability of group therapy, therapeutic format preferences, beliefs about group therapy and help-seeking attitudes. Most participants were receptive to and perceived as useful both unified transdiagnostic CBT and group therapy. Overall, participants presented significantly more favorable attitudes than unfavorable attitudes toward unified transdiagnostic CBT and group therapy (p < .001). Multivariate analyses revealed that (1) favorable attitudes toward transdiagnostic treatments were negatively associated with being employed and positively associated with living in an urban area, and higher efficacy scores; (2) unfavorable attitudes toward transdiagnostic treatments were positively associated with being married/cohabitating and negatively associated with vulnerability scores; (3) being female, living in an urban area, and higher efficacy and myth scores emerged as positive predictors of favorable attitudes toward group therapy; and (4) efficacy and vulnerability scores and help-seeking propensity emerged as negative predictors of unfavorable attitudes toward group therapy. These findings highlight the importance of delineating strategies to increase knowledge and acceptance of unified transdiagnostic CBT and group therapy in the Portuguese population, addressing specific individual characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Maria Rodrigues Pedro
- Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Rua do Colégio Novo, Coimbra, 3000-115, Portugal.
| | | | - Marco Daniel Pereira
- Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Rua do Colégio Novo, Coimbra, 3000-115, Portugal
| | - Ana Dias da Fonseca
- Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Rua do Colégio Novo, Coimbra, 3000-115, Portugal
| | - Maria Cristina Canavarro
- Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Rua do Colégio Novo, Coimbra, 3000-115, Portugal
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3
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Gros DF, Pavlacic JM, Argyriou E, Acierno R, Hernandez-Tejada MA. Differential relations between breathing retraining, in vivo exposure, and imaginal exposure homework completion and treatment outcomes in veterans receiving prolonged exposure for PTSD. J Clin Psychol 2024; 80:1259-1270. [PMID: 38367254 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23662] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Limited research exists that outlines the predictive relevance of the treatment components of prolonged exposure (PE) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on PTSD and depression symptom outcomes. The goal of the present study was to investigate relations between participant completion of breathing retraining, in vivo exposure, and imaginal exposure exercises and symptom outcomes. METHODS A total of 58 participants completed a trial of PE as part of a larger trial on peer involvement and treatment adherence. Diagnostic and self-report measures were completed throughout treatment. Participants also recorded weekly completion of breathing retraining, in vivo exposure, and imaginal exposure exercises. Pearson correlations and hierarchical regression analyses were used to investigate relations between average weekly treatment component completion and treatment outcomes, controlling for relevant variables. RESULTS Although breathing retraining and in vivo exposures were associated with PTSD outcomes in the correlational findings, use of breathing retraining, in vivo exposures, and imaginal exposures were not reliably associated with PTSD symptom outcomes when controlling for other variables in the regression analysis. However, when investigating changes in comorbid symptoms of depression, greater use of breathing retraining was associated with decreased symptoms of depression at posttreatment. CONCLUSIONS Present findings demonstrate the differential relations between participation in various PE treatment components and posttreatment symptom outcomes. The importance of breathing retraining in addressing comorbid depressive symptoms is discussed, with emphasis on potentially increasing relaxation and positive activities more broadly to encourage further treatment benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel F Gros
- Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson VA Healthcare System, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
- Department of Psychology & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Pavlacic
- Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson VA Healthcare System, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
- Department of Psychology & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Evangelia Argyriou
- Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson VA Healthcare System, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
- Department of Psychology & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Ron Acierno
- Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson VA Healthcare System, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
- Louis A. Faillace, MD Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Melba A Hernandez-Tejada
- Louis A. Faillace, MD Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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4
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Kline AC, Harlé KM, Panza KE, Nichter B, Lyons R, Pitts M, Haller M, Allard CB, Capone C, Norman SB. Changes in guilt cognitions mediate the effect of trauma-informed guilt reduction therapy on PTSD and depression outcomes. J Clin Psychol 2024; 80:1147-1160. [PMID: 38340354 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23659] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Trauma-informed guilt reduction therapy (TrIGR), a six-session cognitive behavioral therapy targeting trauma-related guilt and distress, reduces guilt and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, yet little is known regarding how and why TrIGR may be effective. METHOD This study examined treatment-related changes in avoidant coping and trauma-related guilt cognitions as possible mediators of treatment effects on PTSD and depression outcomes at 3- and 6-month follow-up. Data were from a randomized controlled trial for treatment of trauma-related guilt comparing TrIGR and supportive care therapy among 145 post-9/11 US veterans (Mage = 39.2 [8.1], 93.8% male). RESULTS At pretreatment, most (86%) met PTSD criteria. Intent to treat analyses using parallel mediation models indicated changes in guilt cognitions, but not avoidant coping, mediated the effect of TrIGR on reducing PTSD severity at 3-month (a × b = -0.15, p < 0.01, 95% CI: [-0.24 to -0.06], p = 0.001) and 6-month (a × b = -0.17, 95% CI: [-0.26 to -0.07], p = 0.001) follow-up. Similarly, changes in guilt cognitions, but not avoidant coping, mediated the effect of TrIGR on reducing depression severity at 3-month (a × b = -0.10, 95% CI: [-0.18 to -0.02], p = 0.02) and 6-month (a × b = -0.11, 95% CI: [-0.20 to -0.03], p = 0.01) follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Compared to guilt cognitions, changes in avoidant coping were less integral to downstream PTSD and depression symptom reduction. Guilt cognition change may be a salient active ingredient of PTSD and depression treatment for those with trauma-related guilt and a key therapy element to which providers should be attuned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander C Kline
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Katia M Harlé
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Kaitlyn E Panza
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | | - Robert Lyons
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Michelle Pitts
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Moira Haller
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Carolyn B Allard
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
- California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Christy Capone
- Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Sonya B Norman
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, San Diego, California, USA
- National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, White River Junction, Vermont, USA
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5
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Schaeuffele C, Meine LE, Schulz A, Weber MC, Moser A, Paersch C, Recher D, Boettcher J, Renneberg B, Flückiger C, Kleim B. A systematic review and meta-analysis of transdiagnostic cognitive behavioural therapies for emotional disorders. Nat Hum Behav 2024; 8:493-509. [PMID: 38228727 PMCID: PMC10963275 DOI: 10.1038/s41562-023-01787-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Transdiagnostic cognitive behavioural psychotherapy (TD-CBT) may facilitate the treatment of emotional disorders. Here we investigate short- and long-term efficacy of TD-CBT for emotional disorders in individual, group and internet-based settings in randomized controlled trials (PROSPERO CRD42019141512). Two independent reviewers screened results from PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, medRxiv and OSF Preprints published between January 2000 and June 2023, selected studies for inclusion, extracted data and evaluated risk of bias (Cochrane risk-of-bias tool 2.0). Absolute efficacy from pre- to posttreatment and relative efficacy between TD-CBT and control treatments were investigated with random-effects models. Of 56 identified studies, 53 (6,705 participants) were included in the meta-analysis. TD-CBT had larger effects on depression (g = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.57-0.92, P < 0.001) and anxiety (g = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.56-0.97, P < 0.001) than did controls. Across treatment formats, TD-CBT was superior to waitlist and treatment-as-usual. TD-CBT showed comparable effects to disorder-specific CBT and was superior to other active treatments for depression but not for anxiety. Different treatment formats showed comparable effects. TD-CBT was superior to controls at 3, 6 and 12 months but not at 24 months follow-up. Studies were heterogeneous in design and methodological quality. This review and meta-analysis strengthens the evidence for TD-CBT as an efficacious treatment for emotional disorders in different settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Schaeuffele
- Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Laura E Meine
- Experimental Psychopathology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Ava Schulz
- Experimental Psychopathology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maxi C Weber
- Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Angela Moser
- Experimental Psychopathology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christina Paersch
- Experimental Psychopathology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Dominique Recher
- Experimental Psychopathology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Johanna Boettcher
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Psychologische Hochschule Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Babette Renneberg
- Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Birgit Kleim
- Experimental Psychopathology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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6
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Ebrahimi R, Dennis PA, Shroyer ALW, Tseng CH, Alvarez CA, Beckham JC, Sumner JA. Pathways Linking Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder to Incident Ischemic Heart Disease in Women: Call to Action. JACC. ADVANCES 2024; 3:100744. [PMID: 38939802 PMCID: PMC11198334 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2023.100744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Background Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with increased rates of incident ischemic heart disease (IHD) in women. Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine mechanisms of the PTSD-IHD association in women. Methods In this retrospective longitudinal cohort study, data were obtained from electronic health records of all U.S. women veterans who were enrolled in Veterans Health Administration care from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2017. Propensity score matching was used to match women with PTSD to women without PTSD on age, number of prior Veterans Health Administration visits, and presence of various traditional and nontraditional cardiovascular risk factors at index visit. Cox regression was used to model time until incident IHD diagnosis (ie, coronary artery disease, angina, or myocardial infarction) as a function of PTSD and potential mediating risk factors. Diagnoses of IHD, PTSD, and risk factors were defined by International Classification of Diseases-9th or -10th Revision, and/or Current Procedural Terminology codes. Results PTSD was associated with elevated rates of developing each risk factor. Traditional risk factors (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, diabetes) accounted for 24.2% of the PTSD-IHD association, psychiatric risk factors (eg, depression, anxiety, substance use disorders) accounted for 33.8% of the association, and all 13 risk factors accounted for 48.5% of the association. Conclusions Traditional IHD risk factors explained a quarter of the PTSD-IHD association in women veterans, and over half of the risk of IHD associated with PTSD remained unexplained even when adjusting for a wide range of risk factors. To be actionable, factors underlying the remaining PTSD-IHD association warrant timely investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramin Ebrahimi
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Paul A. Dennis
- Veterans Affairs Durham Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Annie Laurie W. Shroyer
- Department of Surgery, Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, USA
- Department of Surgery, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Chi-Hong Tseng
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Carlos A. Alvarez
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, School of Pharmacy, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Veterans Affairs North Texas Health Care System, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Jean C. Beckham
- Veterans Affairs Durham Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jennifer A. Sumner
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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7
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Gros DF, Pavlacic JM, Wray JM, Szafranski DD. Investigating Relations Between the Symptoms of Panic, Agoraphobia, and Suicidal Ideation: The Significance of Comorbid Depressive Symptoms in Veterans with Panic Disorder. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT 2023; 45:1154-1162. [PMID: 38585157 PMCID: PMC10996580 DOI: 10.1007/s10862-023-10082-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Although panic disorder has been frequently associated with increased suicidal ideation and behaviors, there are multiple explanations for this association in the literature. For example, some research has demonstrated panic disorder symptoms to mediate agoraphobia and suicidal ideation, while other researchers have hypothesized that comorbid depression symptoms contribute to suicidal ideation across anxiety disorders. Of note, none of these studies were completed in veterans, a population at higher risk for suicide relative to civilian samples. The present study investigated relations between the symptoms of panic, agoraphobia, depression, and suicidal ideation in 58 veterans diagnosed with panic disorder via correlations, hierarchical regression, and exploratory path analyses. Multiple models were investigated based on prior research. The final path model demonstrated that symptoms of panic disorder predicted agoraphobia symptoms, with agoraphobia predicting symptoms of depression. Symptoms of depression, then, predicted suicidal ideation. Discussion of the findings related to comorbid depressive symptoms highlight considerations for the assessment and treatment practices for panic disorder, with a particular focus on veterans receiving care within Veterans Affairs Healthcare System.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel F. Gros
- Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson VA Healthcare System, 109 Bee Street, 29401 Charleston, SC, USA
- Department of Psychology & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Jeffrey M. Pavlacic
- Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson VA Healthcare System, 109 Bee Street, 29401 Charleston, SC, USA
- Department of Psychology & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Jennifer M. Wray
- Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson VA Healthcare System, 109 Bee Street, 29401 Charleston, SC, USA
- Department of Psychology & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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8
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Pavlacic JM, Witcraft SM, Allan NP, Gros DF. Anxiety sensitivity and social support in veterans with emotional disorders. J Clin Psychol 2023; 79:2337-2350. [PMID: 37310172 PMCID: PMC10527913 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23554] [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: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE An understanding of the incremental value of social support in predicting psychopathology above transdiagnostic risk factors could speak to the benefit of leveraging social factors into existing, evidence-based interventions in veterans with emotional disorders. This cross-sectional study aimed to expand our understanding of associations between domains of anxiety sensitivity and facets of psychopathology in veterans with emotional disorders. We also determined whether social support predicted psychopathology above anxiety sensitivity domains and combat exposure and explored these relationships with a path model. METHODS One hundred and fifty-six treatment-seeking veterans with emotional disorders completed diagnostic interviews and assessments of demographics, social support, symptom measures (e.g., PTSD, depression, anxiety, and stress), and transdiagnostic risk factors (i.e., anxiety sensitivity). After data screening, 150 were included in regressions. RESULTS Using regression analyses with cross-sectional data, cognitive anxiety sensitivity concerns predicted PTSD and depression above combat exposure. Cognitive and physical concerns predicted anxiety, and cognitive and social concerns predicted stress. Above combat exposure and anxiety sensitivity, social support predicted PTSD and depression. CONCLUSION Focusing on social support in tandem with transdiagnostic mechanisms in clinical samples is critical. These findings inform transdiagnostic interventions and recommendations related to incorporation of assessment of transdiagnostic factors in clinical contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M. Pavlacic
- Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson, VA Healthcare System, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
- Department of Psychology & Behavioral, Sciences, Medical University of South, Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Sara M. Witcraft
- College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Nicholas P. Allan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral, Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- VA Center of Excellence for Suicide, Prevention, VA Finger Lakes Healthcare, System, Canandaigua, New York, USA
| | - Daniel F. Gros
- Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson, VA Healthcare System, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
- Department of Psychology & Behavioral, Sciences, Medical University of South, Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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9
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Gros DF, Saulnier KG, Allan NP. Exploring trajectories in transdiagnostic behavior therapy. J Trauma Stress 2023; 36:668-681. [PMID: 37549108 PMCID: PMC10530591 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22963] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Transdiagnostic treatments have been designed to target common processes for clusters of disorders. One such treatment, transdiagnostic behavior therapy (TBT), targets avoidance across emotional disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depressive disorders, and anxiety disorders, and has demonstrated efficacy in randomized controlled trials. The current study was designed to examine whether distinct treatment trajectories would emerge in a sample of 112 veterans receiving TBT and whether diagnostic comorbidity, baseline levels of several transdiagnostic risk factors, or treatment engagement influence trajectory membership. Growth mixture modeling revealed three distinct trajectories across depression, ds = 0.55-1.09; PTSD ds = -0.07-1.43; and panic disorder symptoms, ds = -0.13-1.09. Notably, for PTSD and panic disorder symptoms, separate classes for responders and nonresponders emerged among participants with high baseline symptom levels. Findings for the risk factors suggested that PTSD and panic nonresponders evidenced significantly higher behavioral avoidance at baseline and reduced engagement in treatment procedures and homework completion compared to responders. Together, the findings provide additional support for the use of TBT in the treatment of emotional disorders, including PTSD. Potential adaptations are discussed for patients with significantly elevated behavioral avoidance to improve treatment engagement and related outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel F. Gros
- Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson VA Healthcare System, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Kevin G. Saulnier
- VA Serious Mental Illness Treatment Resource and Evaluation Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Nicholas P. Allan
- VA Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, VA Finger Lakes Healthcare System, 400 Fort Hill Avenue, Canandaigua, New York, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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10
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Carter SE, Sumner JA. Introduction to the Special Section on the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies 38th Annual Meeting: Trauma as a transdiagnostic risk factor across the lifespan. J Trauma Stress 2023; 36:659-661. [PMID: 37527057 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22962] [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: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
This article serves as an introduction to the special section in the Journal of Traumatic Stress related to the 38th annual meeting of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, held in Atlanta, Georgia (USA) in November 2022. The theme of this meeting, "Trauma as a Transdiagnostic Risk Factor Across the Lifespan," provided an opportunity to recognize the far-reaching impact of trauma and how traumatic experiences can become embedded into the mind, body, and societal spirit. This introductory article outlines the importance of harnessing multiple perspectives to address these wide-ranging sequelae of trauma and provides an overview of the series of contributions to the special section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sierra E Carter
- Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jennifer A Sumner
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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11
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Patrick ME, Terry-McElrath YM, Peterson SJ, Birditt KS. Age- and Sex-Varying Associations Between Depressive Symptoms and Substance Use from Modal Ages 35 to 55 in a National Sample of U.S. Adults. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2023; 24:852-862. [PMID: 36680652 PMCID: PMC9862220 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-023-01491-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
It is important to examine normative age-related change in substance use risk factors across the lifespan, with research focusing on middle adulthood particularly needed. The current study examined time-varying associations between depressive symptoms and alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana use from modal ages 35 to 55 in a national sample of US adults, overall and by sex. Data were obtained from 11,147 individuals in the longitudinal Monitoring the Future study. Participants were in 12th grade (modal age 18) in 1976-1982 and (for the data reported in this study) were surveyed again at modal ages 35 (in 1993-1999), 40, 45, 50, and 55 (in 2013-2019). Weighted time-varying effect modeling was used to examine age-related change in associations among depressive symptoms, any and heavy use of cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana. Across midlife, greater depressive symptoms were associated with decreased odds of any alcohol use during the 40 s and 50 s, but with increased odds of binge drinking from ages 35-40, and-at most ages-any and pack + cigarette use and any and frequent marijuana use. The association between depressive symptoms and substance use was generally similar for men and women. Results highlight the increased risk for binge drinking, smoking, and marijuana with higher levels of depressive symptoms and underscore the importance of screening and interventions for depressive symptoms and substance use in midlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Patrick
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, 426 Thompson St., PO Box 1248, Ann Arbor, MI, 48106-1248, USA.
| | - Yvonne M Terry-McElrath
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, 426 Thompson St., PO Box 1248, Ann Arbor, MI, 48106-1248, USA
| | - Sarah J Peterson
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, 426 Thompson St., PO Box 1248, Ann Arbor, MI, 48106-1248, USA
| | - Kira S Birditt
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, 426 Thompson St., PO Box 1248, Ann Arbor, MI, 48106-1248, USA
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12
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Gros DF, Allan NP, Koscinski B, Keller S, Acierno R. Influence of comorbid social anxiety disorder in PTSD treatment outcomes for Prolonged Exposure in female military sexual trauma survivors with PTSD. J Clin Psychol 2023; 79:1039-1050. [PMID: 36399326 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common psychiatric disorder that frequently presents alongside other comorbid diagnoses. Although several evidence-based psychotherapies have been well-studied for PTSD, limited research has focused on the influence of diagnostic comorbidity on their outcomes. The present study sought to investigate the influence of comorbid social anxiety disorder on treatment outcomes in patients with PTSD. METHODS One hundred and twelve treatment-seeking female veteran participants with PTSD completed baseline assessments and received 12-15 sessions of Prolonged Exposure. Symptom measures were completed biweekly as well as at immediate posttreatment, 3-month, and 6-month follow-ups. RESULTS Thirty (26.8%) participants seeking PTSD treatment also met diagnostic criteria for social anxiety disorder. Multilevel modeling was used to examine effects of social anxiety disorder diagnosis on post-intervention symptoms and revealed significantly worse outcomes for symptoms of PTSD and depression in participants with comorbid PTSD and social anxiety disorder. CONCLUSION Consistent with previous studies of co-occurring PTSD and depression, present findings suggest that comorbid diagnoses may adversely affect disorder-specific treatment outcomes. As such, the presence of diagnostic comorbidity may merit further consideration and potential adaptions to the traditional, disorder-specific assessment and treatment practices for PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel F Gros
- Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson VA Healthcare System, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Nicholas P Allan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,VA Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, VA Finger Lakes Healthcare System Canandaigua, New York, USA
| | | | - Stephanie Keller
- Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson VA Healthcare System, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Ron Acierno
- Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson VA Healthcare System, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.,Louis Faillace Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, USA
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R Ennis C, M Raines A, A Aldea M, O Shapiro M, M Crowe C, Franklin CL. Addressing Barriers in Access to Mental Health Care Within the Veterans Health Administration: Evidence-Based Psychotherapies for Anxiety and Related Disorders. ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY IN MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH 2023; 50:173-176. [PMID: 36422749 DOI: 10.1007/s10488-022-01241-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea R Ennis
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, New Orleans, LA 70119, USA.
- South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), New Orleans, LA 70119, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
| | - Amanda M Raines
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, New Orleans, LA 70119, USA
- South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), New Orleans, LA 70119, USA
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Mirela A Aldea
- Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, Saint Petersburg, FL 33744, USA
| | - Mary O Shapiro
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, New Orleans, LA 70119, USA
- South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), New Orleans, LA 70119, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Chris M Crowe
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Washington DC, USA
| | - C Laurel Franklin
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, New Orleans, LA 70119, USA
- South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), New Orleans, LA 70119, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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Raines AM, Chambliss JL, Norr AM, Sanders N, Smith S, Walton JL, True G, Franklin CL, Schmidt NB. Acceptability, feasibility, and utility of a safety aid reduction treatment in underserved veterans: a pilot investigation. Cogn Behav Ther 2023; 52:1-17. [PMID: 36562141 PMCID: PMC10482000 DOI: 10.1080/16506073.2022.2130819] [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: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Access to mental health services, particularly for veterans residing in underserved communities, remain scarce. One approach to addressing availability barriers is through the use of group-based transdiagnostic or unified treatment protocols. One such protocol, Safety Aid Reduction Treatment (START), previously termed False Safety Behavior Elimination Treatment (FSET), has received increasing empirical support. However, prior research has only examined this treatment among civilians with a primary anxiety diagnosis. Thus, the purpose of the current study was to replicate and extend prior research by examining the acceptability, feasibility, and utility of START among veterans, particularly those living in underserved communities, and across a wider array of diagnoses. Veterans (n = 22) were assessed prior to, immediately after, and one month following the 8-week treatment. The majority of veterans found START useful and acceptable. Additionally, recruitment and retention rates suggest that the treatment was feasible. Notably, results revealed reductions in overall anxiety, depression, and safety aid usage, which were maintained throughout the brief follow-up period. These findings add to a growing body of literature highlighting the utility of transdiagnostic approaches in the amelioration of various anxiety and related disorders. Limitations include the small sample size and uncontrolled design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M. Raines
- South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), New Orleans, LA 70119, USA
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System (SLVHCS), New Orleans, LA 70119, USA
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Jessica L. Chambliss
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System (SLVHCS), New Orleans, LA 70119, USA
| | - Aaron M. Norr
- Northwest Network Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Natalie Sanders
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System (SLVHCS), New Orleans, LA 70119, USA
| | - Shawn Smith
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System (SLVHCS), New Orleans, LA 70119, USA
| | - Jessica L. Walton
- South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), New Orleans, LA 70119, USA
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System (SLVHCS), New Orleans, LA 70119, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Gala True
- South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), New Orleans, LA 70119, USA
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System (SLVHCS), New Orleans, LA 70119, USA
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - C. Laurel Franklin
- South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), New Orleans, LA 70119, USA
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System (SLVHCS), New Orleans, LA 70119, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Norman B. Schmidt
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
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15
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Milanak ME, Witcraft SM, Park JY, Hassell K, McMahon T, Wilkerson AK. A Transdiagnostic group therapy for sleep and anxiety among adults with substance use disorders: Protocol and pilot investigation. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1160001. [PMID: 37065898 PMCID: PMC10090550 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1160001] [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: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs) is challenging with high rates of treatment dropout and relapse, particularly among individuals with comorbid psychiatric conditions. Anxiety and insomnia are prevalent among those with SUD and exacerbate poor treatment outcomes. Interventions that concurrently target anxiety and insomnia during the early stages of SUD treatment are lacking. To this end, we investigated the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness in a single-arm pilot trial of an empirically informed group transdiagnostic intervention, Transdiagnostic SUD Therapy, to concurrently reduce anxiety and improve sleep among adults receiving treatment for SUD. Specifically, we hypothesized that participants would evidence declines in anxiety and insomnia and improvements in sleep health, a holistic, multidimensional pattern of sleep-wakefulness that promotes wellbeing. A secondary aim was to describe the protocol for Transdiagnostic SUD Therapy and how it may be implemented into a real-world addiction treatment setting. Method Participants were 163 adults (Mage = 43.23; 95.1% White; 39.93% female) participating in an intensive outpatient program for SUD who attended at least three of four Transdiagnostic SUD Therapy sessions. Participants had diverse SUDs (58.3% alcohol use disorder, 19.0% opioid use disorder) and nearly a third of the sample met criteria for two SUDs and comorbid mental health diagnoses (28.9% anxiety disorder, 24.6% major depressive disorder). Results As anticipated, anxiety and insomnia reduced significantly across the 4-week intervention period from clinical to subclinical severity, and sleep health significantly improved (ps < 0.001). These statistically significant improvements following Transdiagnostic SUD Therapy demonstrated medium to large effects (ds > 0.5). Conclusion Transdiagnostic SUD Therapy is designed to be flexibly administered in "real-world" clinical settings and, preliminarily, appears to be effective in improving emotional and behavioral factors that increase risk for return to substance use and poor SUD treatment outcomes. Additional work is needed to replicate these findings, determine the feasibility of widespread uptake of Transdiagnostic SUD Therapy, and examine whether the treatment effects translate to improvement in substance use outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa E. Milanak
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Sara M. Witcraft
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Jie Young Park
- Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine–Carolinas, Spartanburg, SC, United States
| | | | - Tierney McMahon
- Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - Allison K. Wilkerson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- *Correspondence: Allison K. Wilkerson,
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Coyne AE, Gros DF. Comorbidity as a moderator of the differential efficacy of transdiagnostic behavior therapy and behavioral activation for affective disorders. Psychother Res 2022; 32:886-897. [PMID: 34996343 PMCID: PMC10028601 DOI: 10.1080/10503307.2021.2022236] [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: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Transdiagnostic psychotherapies have been proposed as an effective means for addressing the needs of patients with multiple, comorbid disorders. Yet, it remains unknown whether transdiagnostic approaches empirically outperform disorder-specific psychotherapies for patients with comorbid disorders. Thus, this study tested whether comorbidity moderated the efficacy of transdiagnostic behavior therapy (TBT) and behavioral activation (BA) for patients with various affective disorders. METHODS Data derived from a randomized controlled trial in which 93 treatment-seeking veterans received 12 sessions of TBT (n = 46) or BA (n = 47). Baseline comorbidity was assessed with a diagnostic interview. Patients rated their symptoms and functioning throughout treatment, and therapists recorded premature treatment discontinuation. RESULTS Multilevel models revealed significant interactive effects on changes in symptoms and functioning, but not on the posttreatment levels of these outcomes; whereas patients with more comorbidity experienced greater reductions in distress and symptom interference in TBT compared to BA, those with one disorder had better outcomes in BA. Similarly, whereas patients with more comorbidity were less likely to prematurely discontinue TBT compared to BA, those with one disorder were less likely to prematurely discontinue BA. CONCLUSIONS The results lend empirical support to previously untested hypotheses for potential benefits of transdiagnostic psychotherapies.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01947647.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice E Coyne
- Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Daniel F Gros
- Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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17
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Gros DF, Coyne AE. A comparison of transdiagnostic behavior therapy (TBT) and behavioral activation treatment for depression (BATD) in veterans with major depressive disorder. J Clin Psychol 2022; 78:1009-1019. [PMID: 34935138 PMCID: PMC10034572 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23298] [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: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although frequently discussed within the scope of transdiagnostic psychotherapy protocols, limited data are available on their efficacy in patients with a principal diagnosis of major depressive disorder. The present study attempted to address that gap in the literature through a randomized clinical trial comparing transdiagnostic behavior therapy (TBT) to behavioral activation treatment for depression (BATD). METHODS Forty veterans with principal major depressive disorder were randomized into either 12 sessions of individual TBT or BATD, with symptom measures collected at baseline and posttreatment. Process variables for treatment engagement and completion also were recorded. RESULTS Participants reported similar symptom improvements in depression, stress, anhedonia, and impairment across both treatments. Clinician-rated treatment improvements favored TBT. Participants in TBT also attended more appointments, canceled or missed fewer appointments, and completed the protocol at a higher rate than participants that received BATD. CONCLUSIONS The present findings support TBT as an efficacious treatment for principal major depressive disorder, with potentially superior coverage of comorbid anxiety symptomatology and improved treatment adherence and completion compared to BATD. Pending replication in larger samples, TBT and other similar transdiagnostic psychotherapies should be considered for implementation across the anxiety and depressive disorders to simplify dissemination efforts for evidence-based psychotherapies and potentially improve coverage of comorbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel F Gros
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Alice E Coyne
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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18
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Carlucci L, Saggino A, Balsamo M. On the efficacy of the unified protocol for transdiagnostic treatment of emotional disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Psychol Rev 2021; 87:101999. [PMID: 34098412 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2021.101999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
In recent years a large array of treatment protocols conceptualized as transdiagnostic have been developed with clinical and practical advantages compared to traditional single-disorder protocols. Within this panorama, the Transdiagnostic Unified Protocol (UP) of Emotional Disorders was developed aimed at treating the negative affective processes underlying several diagnostic categories, and accounting for the covariance of different emotional disorders. The UP has been found to efficiently target the roots of these disorders leading to a reduction in symptoms of co-occurring disorders. However, several questions have marginally addressed in the previous studies, and some UP features still remain unexplored. The present meta-analysis aims at evaluating whether the UP results to significant changes in anxiety and depression symptoms severity in children, adolescents, and adults. 19 RCTs and 13 uncontrolled pre-post trials comprising 2183 patients/clients met inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. Large to moderate combined overall effect size for both depression plus anxiety were detected in the uncontrolled pre-post studies (g = 0.756) and in RTCs studies (g = 0.452), respectively. Large effect size at pre-treatment to 3-6-month follow-up was observed for combined depression plus anxiety (g = 1.113). Subgroup analysis suggested that UP treatment does not differ across the anxiety and depression self-report measures. Moreover, UP intervention outperformed both passive and active control conditions to treat negative affective syndromes. Meta-regression confirmed the moderate effects of therapist level of experience, the sample characteristics, and the UP-protocol adaptations. The findings indicate that the manualized UP treatment has potential to contribute to improving mental health outcomes, particularly of anxiety and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Carlucci
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy.
| | - Aristide Saggino
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Michela Balsamo
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy
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19
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Abstract
AbstractTransdiagnostic treatments span a heterogeneous group of interventions that target a wider range of disorders and can be applied to treat several disorders simultaneously. Several meta-analyses have highlighted the evidence base of these novel therapies. However, these meta-analyses adopt different definitions of transdiagnostic treatments, and the growing field of transdiagnostic therapies has become increasingly difficult to grasp. The current narrative review proposes a distinction of “one size fits all” unified and “my size fits me” individualized approaches within transdiagnostic therapies. Unified treatments are applied as “broadband” interventions to a range of disorders without tailoring to the individual, while individualized treatments are tailored to the specific problem presentation of the individual, e.g., by selecting modules within modular treatments. The underlying theoretical foundation and relevant empirical evidence for these different transdiagnostic approaches are examined. Advantages and limitations of the transdiagnostic treatments as well as future developments are discussed.
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20
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Gros DF, Merrifield C, Hewitt J, Elcock A, Rowa K, McCabe RE. Preliminary Findings for Group Transdiagnostic Behavior Therapy for Affective Disorders Among Youths. Am J Psychother 2020; 74:36-39. [PMID: 32842762 DOI: 10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.20200003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The literature on transdiagnostic psychotherapy among youths is limited. Group transdiagnostic behavior therapy (TBT) has been shown to be effective for adults with affective disorders and may contain beneficial features for youths (e.g., behavioral focus, group format, ease of dissemination, and diversity of targeted diagnoses). This study aimed to investigate group TBT among youths in Canada to determine its feasibility and efficacy. METHODS Twenty participants (ages 16-19) diagnosed as having a principal anxiety disorder completed 12 sessions of group TBT. Symptoms of anxiety, depression, and transdiagnostic impairment were assessed pre- and posttreatment. RESULTS Participants demonstrated significant improvements on measures of anxiety (general, cognitive, and somatic) and stress, with moderate effect sizes. Findings for symptoms of depression and transdiagnostic impairment were unreliable, with small effect sizes. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide preliminary support for the use of group TBT among youths with anxiety disorders. Future research should incorporate comparison groups and larger samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel F Gros
- Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Gros); Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic (Merrifield, Hewitt, Elcock, Rowa, McCabe), and Mood Disorders Outpatient Clinic (Merrifield), St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton (Merrifield, Hewitt, Rowa, McCabe)
| | - Colleen Merrifield
- Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Gros); Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic (Merrifield, Hewitt, Elcock, Rowa, McCabe), and Mood Disorders Outpatient Clinic (Merrifield), St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton (Merrifield, Hewitt, Rowa, McCabe)
| | - Jennifer Hewitt
- Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Gros); Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic (Merrifield, Hewitt, Elcock, Rowa, McCabe), and Mood Disorders Outpatient Clinic (Merrifield), St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton (Merrifield, Hewitt, Rowa, McCabe)
| | - Ashleigh Elcock
- Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Gros); Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic (Merrifield, Hewitt, Elcock, Rowa, McCabe), and Mood Disorders Outpatient Clinic (Merrifield), St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton (Merrifield, Hewitt, Rowa, McCabe)
| | - Karen Rowa
- Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Gros); Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic (Merrifield, Hewitt, Elcock, Rowa, McCabe), and Mood Disorders Outpatient Clinic (Merrifield), St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton (Merrifield, Hewitt, Rowa, McCabe)
| | - Randi E McCabe
- Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Gros); Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic (Merrifield, Hewitt, Elcock, Rowa, McCabe), and Mood Disorders Outpatient Clinic (Merrifield), St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton (Merrifield, Hewitt, Rowa, McCabe)
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Korte KJ, Schmidt NB. Transdiagnostic preventative intervention for subclinical anxiety: Development and initial validation. J Psychiatr Res 2020; 126:34-42. [PMID: 32416385 PMCID: PMC7366324 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Risk factors associated with the development of anxiety disorders have been identified; however, the development of preventive interventions targeting these risk factors is in the nascent stage. To date, preventive interventions have tended to target specific anxiety disorder symptoms (e.g., panic attacks). Although these interventions are effective at reducing risk for the targeted disorder (e.g., panic disorder), the focus of the intervention is narrow, thereby limiting the dissemination of these interventions. One approach that may broaden the scope of our prevention efforts is the development of a transdiagnostic intervention. Currently, transdiagnostic interventions have only been used in those with diagnosed conditions (e.g., anxiety disorders); however, it stands to reason that a transdiagnostic approach may also be helpful for those at-risk for developing anxiety disorders. The present study reported on the development and use of a brief preventative intervention for those with subclinical anxiety (i.e., worry, social anxiety). Participants were randomized into either a transdiagnostic preventative intervention, focused on reduction of safety aids, or a health focused control group. Participants consisted of sixty-nine individuals with subclinical levels of anxiety. Results revealed significant between group differences in the reduction of social anxiety, worry, and levels of impairment with the active intervention group relative to the control group. Further, change in safety aid utilization was a significant mediator in the association between intervention group and social anxiety and worry at Week 1; however, it was not a significant mediator at Month 1. Implications of these results and avenues for future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina J. Korte
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA,Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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22
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Kennedy SM, Halliday E, Ehrenreich-May J. Trajectories of Change and Intermediate Indicators of Non-Response to Transdiagnostic Treatment for Children and Adolescents. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY 2020; 50:904-918. [DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2020.1716363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Gros DF, Shapiro MO, Allan NP. Efficacy of transdiagnostic behavior therapy on transdiagnostic avoidance in veterans with emotional disorders. J Clin Psychol 2020; 76:31-39. [PMID: 31621905 PMCID: PMC10029096 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.22874] [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] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To date, transdiagnostic treatments have primarily investigated treatment outcomes of general psychiatric symptomatology, rather than the specific transdiagnostic symptoms implicated in their protocols. The present study sought to address this significant gap in the literature by investigating the effect of transdiagnostic behavior therapy (TBT) on transdiagnostic avoidance. METHOD Forty-four veterans diagnosed with various emotional disorders initiated TBT, and completed diagnostic and self-report measures at pre- and posttreatment. RESULTS Participants demonstrated reliable treatment improvements in measures of situational, thought, and positive emotional avoidance, with moderate-to-large effect sizes, and in measures of physical/interoceptive avoidance with small-to-medium effect sizes. CONCLUSIONS The findings support the hypothesized effect of TBT in self-report measures of four types of transdiagnostic avoidance in participants diagnosed with various emotional disorders. These findings contribute to the growing literature on the potential benefits of the transdiagnostic approaches to address symptomatology across diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel F. Gros
- Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Mary Oglesby Shapiro
- Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
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Harris KR, Norton PJ. Transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral therapy for the treatment of emotional disorders: A preliminary open trial. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2019; 65:101487. [PMID: 31132511 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2019.101487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy of a transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral therapy (tCBT) protocol for the treatment of emotional disorders with individuals that have a principal or comorbid depressive diagnosis. METHODS Treatment-seeking adults meeting diagnostic criteria for a depressive disorder were enrolled in a 12-week tCBT open trial aimed at addressing the underlying core pathology of emotional disorders. Clinician severity ratings (CSRs) regarding principal and comorbid diagnoses, and overall severity as well as clinical global impression-severity (CGI-S) ratings were assessed at pre- and post-treatment and 4-month follow-up. Clinician's provided a clinical global impression-improvement (CGI-I) rating post-treatment and at 4-month follow-up. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were measured at pre-treatment and session-by-session using self-report measures (BDI-II and ADDQ). RESULTS Repeated measure ANOVAs indicated a reduction in principal diagnosis severity, overall severity, and CGI-S with large effects observed post-treatment (Cohen's ds = 1.29-1.92) and at 4-month follow-up (Cohen's ds = 0.77-1.04). Mixed-effect regression modelling demonstrated a decrease in depressive and anxiety symptoms over the course of treatment. CGI-I ratings identified 63.64% participants as treatment responders both post-treatment and at 4-month follow-up. LIMITATIONS The uncontrolled nature of the trial and small sample size are the main limitations to generalizability of the findings. CONCLUSIONS The findings, although preliminary, provide additional evidence for the utilization of tCBT in the effective treatment of emotional disorders. Further research into the implementation of the tCBT for emotional disorders protocol through a randomized controlled trial involving groups of participants with a range of emotional disorder diagnoses is warranted.
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A randomized controlled trial comparing Transdiagnostic Behavior Therapy (TBT) and behavioral activation in veterans with affective disorders. Psychiatry Res 2019; 281:112541. [PMID: 31514043 PMCID: PMC10061230 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2019.112541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
This randomized controlled trial (RCT) compared the efficacy of Transdiagnostic Behavior Therapy (TBT) to Behavioral Activation Treatment for Depression (BATD) in veterans diagnosed with affective disorders. TBT is a transdiagnostic psychotherapy designed to address depressive, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Preliminary findings have been promising; however, no RCT has been completed to date. 105 treatment-seeking veterans were recruited and completed diagnostic and self-report measures, and then randomized into TBT or BATD treatment conditions for 12 weekly psychotherapy sessions. Assessment measures were re-administered at immediate post-treatment and 6-month follow-up. Of the 93 participants initiating treatment, 50 participants completed the full treatment protocol (TBT n = 29; BATD n = 21). No differences were observed in treatment completion across groups. Participants demonstrated significant treatment improvements across all assessments, including measures of depression, anxiety (general, cognitive, and somatic), stress, PTSD symptoms, and transdiagnostic impairment. Group differences with small effect sizes were observed in most of the studied measures, favoring TBT compared to BATD. Together, the findings support the growing literature on the efficacy of transdiagnostic psychotherapies, compared to disorder-specific treatments (DSTs). Related to the outcome findings, the benefits for transdiagnostic protocols in terms of symptom coverage, dissemination, and access were discussed.
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López CM, Lancaster CL, Wilkerson A, Gros DF, Ruggiero KJ, Acierno R. Residual Insomnia and Nightmares Postintervention Symptom Reduction Among Veterans Receiving Treatment for Comorbid PTSD and Depressive Symptoms. Behav Ther 2019; 50:910-923. [PMID: 31422847 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2019.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
While evidence-based interventions can help the substantial number of veterans diagnosed with comorbid PTSD and depression, an emerging literature has identified sleep disturbances as predictors of treatment nonresponse. More specifically, predicting effects of residual insomnia and nightmares on postintervention PTSD and depressive symptoms among veterans with comorbid PTSD and depression has remained unclear. The present study used data from a clinical trial of Behavioral Activation and Therapeutic Exposure (BA-TE), a combined approach to address comorbid PTSD and depression, administered to veterans (N = 232) to evaluate whether residual insomnia and nightmare symptoms remained after treatment completion and, if so, whether these residual insomnia and nightmare symptoms were associated with higher levels of comorbid PTSD and depression at the end of treatment. Participants (ages 21 to 77 years old; 47.0% Black; 61.6% married) completed demographic questions, symptom assessments, and engagement-related surveys. Hierarchical multiple linear regression models demonstrated that residual insomnia was a significant predictor of PTSD and depression symptom reduction above and beyond the influence of demographic and engagement factors (e.g., therapy satisfaction). Consistent with previous research, greater residual insomnia symptoms were predictive of smaller treatment gains. Findings illustrate the potential significance of insomnia during the course of transdiagnostic treatment (e.g., PTSD and depression), leading to several important clinical assessment and treatment implications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cynthia L Lancaster
- Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center; Medical University of South Carolina
| | | | - Daniel F Gros
- Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center; Medical University of South Carolina
| | | | - Ron Acierno
- College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina; Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center
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Abstract
This study supports the efficacy of transdiagnostic behavior therapy across various affective disorders, including depression and PTSD. These findings suggest a possible reduction in the number of treatment protocols providers need to learn in order to treat patients with affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel F Gros
- Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina, and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
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Berking M, Eichler E, Luhmann M, Diedrich A, Hiller W, Rief W. Affect regulation training reduces symptom severity in depression - A randomized controlled trial. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0220436. [PMID: 31465443 PMCID: PMC6715183 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0220436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Deficits in general emotion regulation skills have been shown to be associated with various mental disorders. Thus, general affect-regulation training has been proposed as promising transdiagnostic approach to the treatment of psychopathology. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a general affect-regulation as a stand-alone, group-based treatment for depression. For this purpose, we randomly assigned 218 individuals who met criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD) to the Affect Regulation Training (ART), to a waitlist control condition (WLC), or to a condition controlling for common factors (CFC). The primary outcome was the course of depressive symptom severity as assessed with the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and the Beck Depression Inventory. Multi-level analyses indicated that participation in ART was associated with a greater reduction of depressive symptom severity than was participation in WLC (d = 0.56), whereas the slight superiority of ART over CFC (d = 0.25) was not statistically significant. Mediation analyses indicated that changes in emotion regulation skills mediated the differences between ART/CFC and WLC. Thus, the findings provide evidence for enhancing emotion regulation skills as a common mechanism of change in psychological treatments for depression. The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01330485) and was supported by grants from the German Research Association (DFG; BE 4510/3-1; HI 456/6-2). Future research should compare the (cost-) efficacy of ART with that of disorder-specific interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eva Eichler
- University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Sakiris N, Berle D. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the Unified Protocol as a transdiagnostic emotion regulation based intervention. Clin Psychol Rev 2019; 72:101751. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2019.101751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Fusar‐Poli P, Solmi M, Brondino N, Davies C, Chae C, Politi P, Borgwardt S, Lawrie SM, Parnas J, McGuire P. Transdiagnostic psychiatry: a systematic review. World Psychiatry 2019; 18:192-207. [PMID: 31059629 PMCID: PMC6502428 DOI: 10.1002/wps.20631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The usefulness of current psychiatric classification, which is based on ICD/DSM categorical diagnoses, remains questionable. A promising alternative has been put forward as the "transdiagnostic" approach. This is expected to cut across existing categorical diagnoses and go beyond them, to improve the way we classify and treat mental disorders. This systematic review explores whether self-defining transdiagnostic research meets such high expectations. A multi-step Web of Science literature search was performed according to an a priori protocol, to identify all studies that used the word "transdiagnostic" in their title, up to May 5, 2018. Empirical variables which indexed core characteristics were extracted, complemented by a bibliometric and conceptual analysis. A total of 111 studies were included. Most studies were investigating interventions, followed by cognition and psychological processes, and neuroscientific topics. Their samples ranged from 15 to 91,199 (median 148) participants, with a mean age from 10 to more than 60 (median 33) years. There were several methodological inconsistencies relating to the definition of the gold standard (DSM/ICD diagnoses), of the outcome measures and of the transdiagnostic approach. The quality of the studies was generally low and only a few findings were externally replicated. The majority of studies tested transdiagnostic features cutting across different diagnoses, and only a few tested new classification systems beyond the existing diagnoses. About one fifth of the studies were not transdiagnostic at all, because they investigated symptoms and not disorders, a single disorder, or because there was no diagnostic information. The bibliometric analysis revealed that transdiagnostic research largely restricted its focus to anxiety and depressive disorders. The conceptual analysis showed that transdiagnostic research is grounded more on rediscoveries than on true innovations, and that it is affected by some conceptual biases. To date, transdiagnostic approaches have not delivered a credible paradigm shift that can impact classification and clinical care. Practical "TRANSD"iagnostic recommendations are proposed here to guide future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Fusar‐Poli
- Early Psychosis: Interventions and Clinical‐detection (EPIC) Lab, Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK,OASIS Service, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK,Department of Brain and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of PaviaPaviaItaly
| | - Marco Solmi
- Early Psychosis: Interventions and Clinical‐detection (EPIC) Lab, Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK,Neuroscience Department, Psychiatry UnitUniversity of PaduaPaduaItaly
| | - Natascia Brondino
- Department of Brain and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of PaviaPaviaItaly
| | - Cathy Davies
- Early Psychosis: Interventions and Clinical‐detection (EPIC) Lab, Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Chungil Chae
- Applied Cognitive Science Lab, Department of Information Science and TechnologyPennsylvania State University, University ParkPAUSA
| | - Pierluigi Politi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of PaviaPaviaItaly
| | | | | | - Josef Parnas
- Center for Subjectivity ResearchUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Philip McGuire
- OASIS Service, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK,Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK,National Institute for Health Research Maudsley Biomedical Research CentreSouth London and Maudsley NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
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Does trauma-focused exposure therapy exacerbate symptoms among patients with comorbid PTSD and substance use disorders? Behav Cogn Psychother 2019; 48:38-53. [PMID: 31010449 DOI: 10.1017/s1352465819000304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although exposure-based therapy is a well-established, effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), some practitioners report reluctance to implement it due to concerns that it may exacerbate symptoms of PTSD and commonly comorbid disorders, such as substance use disorders (SUD). AIM This study compared the exacerbation of psychological symptoms among participants with comorbid PTSD and SUD who received either SUD treatment alone or SUD treatment integrated with exposure therapy for PTSD. METHOD Participants (N = 71) were treatment-seeking, military Veterans with comorbid PTSD and SUD who were randomized to 12 individual sessions of either (1) an integrated, exposure-based treatment (Concurrent Treatment of PTSD and Substance Use Disorders using Prolonged Exposure; COPE); or (2) a non-exposure-based, SUD-only treatment (Relapse Prevention; RP). We examined between-group differences in the frequency of statistically reliable exacerbations of PTSD, SUD and depression symptoms experienced during treatment. RESULTS At each of the 12 sessions, symptom exacerbation was minimal and generally equally likely in either treatment group. However, an analysis of treatment completers suggests that RP participants experienced slightly more exacerbations of PTSD symptoms during the course of treatment. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to investigate symptom exacerbation throughout trauma-focused exposure therapy for individuals with comorbid PTSD and SUD. Results add to a growing literature which suggests that trauma-focused, exposure-based therapy does not increase the risk of symptom exacerbation relative to non-exposure-based therapy.
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Gros DF, Oglesby ME. A New Transdiagnostic Psychotherapy for Veterans With Affective Disorders: Transdiagnostic Behavior Therapy (TBT). Psychiatry 2018; 82:83-84. [PMID: 30339092 PMCID: PMC10577588 DOI: 10.1080/00332747.2018.1520021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Black M, Hitchcock C, Bevan A, O Leary C, Clarke J, Elliott R, Watson P, LaFortune L, Rae S, Gilbody S, Kuyken W, Johnston D, Newby JM, Dalgleish T. The HARMONIC trial: study protocol for a randomised controlled feasibility trial of Shaping Healthy Minds-a modular transdiagnostic intervention for mood, stressor-related and anxiety disorders in adults. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e024546. [PMID: 30082367 PMCID: PMC6078277 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-024546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Anxiety, mood and trauma-related disorders are common, affecting up to 20% of adults. Many of these individuals will experience symptoms of more than one disorder as diagnostically defined. However, most psychological treatments focus on individual disorders and are less effective for those who experience comorbid disorders. The Healthy and Resilient Mind Programme: Building Blocks for Mental Wellbeing (HARMONIC) trial introduces a novel transdiagnostic intervention (Shaping Healthy Minds (SHM)), which synthesises several evidence-based treatment techniques to address the gap in effective interventions for people with complex and comorbid difficulties. This early phase trial aims to estimate the efficacy and feasibility of the transdiagnostic intervention in preparation for a later-phase randomised controlled trial, and to explore mechanisms of change. METHODS/ANALYSIS We outline a patient-level two-arm randomised controlled trial (HARMONIC) that compares SHM to treatment-as-usual for individuals aged >18 years (n=50) with comorbid mood, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive or trauma/stressor disorders diagnoses, recruited from outpatient psychological services within the UK National Health Service (NHS). The co-primary outcomes will be 3-month follow-up scores on self-report measures of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and disability and functional impairment. Secondary outcomes include changes in symptoms linked to individual disorders. We will assess the feasibility and acceptability of SHM, the utility of proposed outcome measures, and refine the treatment manuals in preparation for a later-phase trial. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This trial protocol has been approved by the Health Research Authority of the NHS of the UK (East of England, Reference: 16/EE/0095). We anticipate that trial findings will inform future revisions of clinical guidelines for numerous forms of mood, anxiety and stressor-related disorders. Findings will be disseminated broadly via peer-reviewed empirical journal articles, conference presentations, clinical workshops and a trial website. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT03143634; Pre-results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Black
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, National Health Service, Fulbourn, UK
| | - Caitlin Hitchcock
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, National Health Service, Fulbourn, UK
| | - Anna Bevan
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Cliodhna O Leary
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, National Health Service, Fulbourn, UK
| | - James Clarke
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, National Health Service, Fulbourn, UK
| | - Rachel Elliott
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, National Health Service, Fulbourn, UK
| | - Peter Watson
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Louise LaFortune
- Cambridge Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sarah Rae
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, National Health Service, Fulbourn, UK
| | - Simon Gilbody
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Willem Kuyken
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - David Johnston
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, National Health Service, Fulbourn, UK
| | - Jill M Newby
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tim Dalgleish
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, National Health Service, Fulbourn, UK
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Paulus DJ, Gallagher MW, Bartlett BA, Tran J, Vujanovic AA. The unique and interactive effects of anxiety sensitivity and emotion dysregulation in relation to posttraumatic stress, depressive, and anxiety symptoms among trauma-exposed firefighters. Compr Psychiatry 2018; 84:54-61. [PMID: 29694933 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2018.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Firefighters are chronically exposed to traumatic events. Relatedly, past work has documented high rates of psychiatric problems, such as posttraumatic stress symptoms and depression, among firefighters. Less is known regarding anxiety symptoms among firefighters. Moreover, little work has examined risk/maintenance factors related to these symptoms among firefighters. Doing so may be important to developing interventions tailored to trauma-exposed firefighters. The current study examined symptoms of posttraumatic stress, depression, panic disorder, and social anxiety among trauma-exposed firefighters. PROCEDURE Using structural equation modeling, the main and interactive effects of anxiety sensitivity and emotion dysregulation were examined in relation to these symptom outcomes. Participants included 787 male urban firefighters reporting at least one past traumatic event. RESULTS There was a statistically significant main effect of anxiety sensitivity on each outcome. Emotion dysregulation exerted a statistically significant main effect on posttraumatic stress, depression, and social anxiety symptoms. Interactive effects of anxiety sensitivity and emotion dysregulation did not reach statistical significance but examination of effect sizes suggests that interactive effects may be present for posttraumatic stress symptoms (R2 = 0.011), depression (R2 = 0.008), and panic (R2 = 0.016) such that emotion dysregulation is more strongly related to outcomes when anxiety sensitivity levels are relatively lower. All effects were evident after controlling for trauma severity and history of armed forces service. CONCLUSION Overall, results suggest that anxiety sensitivity and emotion dysregulation represent unique risk/maintenance factors related to a broad range of emotional symptoms among trauma-exposed firefighters. These findings replicate patterns found among the general population and extend the findings to potentially vulnerable firefighters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Paulus
- University of Houston, Department of Psychology, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Matthew W Gallagher
- University of Houston, Department of Psychology, Houston, TX, USA; Texas Institute of Measurement Evaluation and Statistics (TIMES), Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Jana Tran
- Houston Fire Department, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anka A Vujanovic
- University of Houston, Department of Psychology, Houston, TX, USA.
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Price M, Pallito S, Legrand AC. Heterogeneity in the Strength of the Relation Between Social Support and Post-Trauma Psychopathology. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT 2018; 40:334-343. [PMID: 30270969 PMCID: PMC6159937 DOI: 10.1007/s10862-017-9629-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Potentially traumatic events (PTEs) increase risk for psychopathology, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Social support (SS) is associated with reduced symptoms for each disorder. Each disorder, however, is highly heterogeneous such that they are comprised of clusters of different symptoms. It is unclear if SS is associated with all clusters equally. The current study examined the relation between SS and the symptom clusters of each disorder. Participants completed a battery of self-report assessments for PTSD, MDD, GAD, and SS. All participants experienced a Criterion A traumatic event. Although SS was significantly associated with all symptom clusters, the strength of relations varied. The relation between SS and MDD-affective was significantly stronger than its association with all other factors. The relations between SS and GAD, MDD-somatic, PTSD-AAR, and PTSD-NACM did not significantly differ. These relations were stronger than the relations between SS and the remaining PTSD factors. There was no significant difference in the relations between SS and PTSD-intrusions or PTSD-avoidance. These results suggest that SS is more closely aligned to specific aspects of post-trauma psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Price
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, 2 Colchester Avenue, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Sarah Pallito
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, 2 Colchester Avenue, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Alison C Legrand
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, 2 Colchester Avenue, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
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A Naturalistic Comparison of Group Transdiagnostic Behaviour Therapy (TBT) and Disorder-Specific Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Groups for the Affective Disorders. Behav Cogn Psychother 2018; 47:39-51. [PMID: 29807553 DOI: 10.1017/s1352465818000309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transdiagnostic psychotherapies are designed to apply the same underlying treatment principles across a set of psychiatric disorders, without significant tailoring to specific diagnoses. Several transdiagnostic psychotherapy protocols have been developed recently, each of which has its own strengths and weaknesses. One promising treatment is Transdiagnostic Behaviour Therapy (TBT), in that it is one of the few transdiagnostic treatments to date shown to be effective in patients with depressive and anxiety disorders. However, TBT has only been investigated via individual psychotherapy. AIMS The present study investigated the effectiveness of a group protocol for TBT, compared with disorder-specific group psychotherapies, in a naturalistic setting. METHOD 109 participants with various diagnoses of affective disorders completed either group TBT (n = 37) or a disorder-specific group psychotherapy (n = 72). Measures included assessments of psychiatric symptomatology and transdiagnostic impairment at baseline and post-treatment. RESULTS Overall, participants in the TBT group demonstrated significant improvements across all measures. When compared with disorder-specific groups, no statistical differences were observed between groups across symptoms; however, participants in the TBT group demonstrated roughly twice the treatment effect sizes in transdiagnostic impairment compared with participants in the disorder-specific groups. In addition, when participants from the most well-represented diagnosis and disorder-specific treatment (social anxiety disorder) were investigated separately, participants in the TBT group demonstrated significantly larger improvements in comorbid depressive symptoms than participants in the disorder-specific treatment. CONCLUSIONS Pending replication and additional comparison studies, group TBT may provide an effective group treatment option for patients with affective disorders.
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Brown WJ, Dewey D, Bunnell BE, Boyd SJ, Wilkerson AK, Mitchell MA, Bruce SE. A Critical Review of Negative Affect and the Application of CBT for PTSD. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2018; 19:176-194. [PMID: 27301345 DOI: 10.1177/1524838016650188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Forms of cognitive and behavioral therapies (CBTs), including prolonged exposure and cognitive processing therapy, have been empirically validated as efficacious treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, the assumption that PTSD develops from dysregulated fear circuitry possesses limitations that detract from the potential efficacy of CBT approaches. An analysis of these limitations may provide insight into improvements to the CBT approach to PTSD, beginning with an examination of negative affect as an essential component to the conceptualization of PTSD and a barrier to the implementation of CBT for PTSD. As such, the literature regarding the impact of negative affect on aspects of cognition (i.e., attention, processing, memory, and emotion regulation) necessary for the successful application of CBT was systematically reviewed. Several literature databases were explored (e.g., PsychINFO and PubMed), resulting in 25 articles that met criteria for inclusion. Results of the review indicated that high negative affect generally disrupts cognitive processes, resulting in a narrowed focus on stimuli of a negative valence, increased rumination of negative autobiographical memories, inflexible preservation of initial information, difficulty considering counterfactuals, reliance on emotional reasoning, and misinterpretation of neutral or ambiguous events as negative, among others. With the aim to improve treatment efficacy of CBT for PTSD, suggestions to incorporate negative affect into research and clinical contexts are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilson J Brown
- 1 Center for the Treatment and Study of Traumatic Stress, Summa Health System, Akron, OH, USA
| | - Daniel Dewey
- 2 Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- 3 Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Brian E Bunnell
- 2 Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- 3 Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Stephen J Boyd
- 4 Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | - Melissa A Mitchell
- 1 Center for the Treatment and Study of Traumatic Stress, Summa Health System, Akron, OH, USA
| | - Steven E Bruce
- 5 Center for Trauma Recovery, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Ben Barnes J, Hayes AM, Contractor AA, Nash WP, Litz BT. The structure of co-occurring PTSD and depression symptoms in a cohort of Marines pre- and post-deployment. Psychiatry Res 2018; 259:442-449. [PMID: 29131993 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.10.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Revised: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder are the most frequently co-occurring problems following potentially traumatic events. It is unclear whether these comorbidities represent two correlated but distinct disorders or a common post-event response. We sought to inform this question by examining the distinctiveness of PTSD and depression symptoms at four cross-sectional time points, using data from a parent prospective longitudinal study of 858 Marines evaluated before deployment and approximately 1, 5, and 8 months after returning from the Afghanistan war. We conducted a series of cross-sectional confirmatory factor analyses of PTSD and depression symptoms at each time point, using the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist IV and the Beck Depression Inventory II. Analyses indicated that across all four assessments, self-reported symptoms on the measures were best explained by distinct but correlated subclusters of symptoms within each measure. This structure was supported by the data both before and after deployment, even with increases in average PTSD symptoms after deployment. These findings suggest that despite shared method variance and some symptom overlap, self-reports of PTSD and depression symptoms across a stressful combat deployment show distinct symptom subclusters rather than a general common trauma reaction in this sample of Marines.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Ben Barnes
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Wolf Hall 108, 105 The Green, Newark, DE 19716, United States.
| | - Adele M Hayes
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Wolf Hall 108, 105 The Green, Newark, DE 19716, United States
| | - Ateka A Contractor
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, United States
| | - William P Nash
- Headquarters, United States Marine Corps, Arlington, VA, United States
| | - Brett T Litz
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiology Research and Information Center, Boston, MA, United States; Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
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Abstract
Transdiagnostic cognitive-behavioral (CBT) therapy is a modified form of CBT designed to be applicable with patients across the range of anxiety and related emotional disorders. Based on emerging genetic, neurologic, developmental, cognitive, and behavioral science, transdiagnostic CBT may alleviate barriers to dissemination and accessibility by providing a single treatment approach across diagnoses. Data from clinical trials and metaanalyses suggest treatment efficacy that is comparable with traditional CBT approaches, with possibly superior efficacy among patients with multiple comorbid anxiety and emotional diagnoses. Limitations in the evidence base and remaining areas for future research are discussed.
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40
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The influence of traumatic brain injury on treatment outcomes of Concurrent Treatment for PTSD and Substance Use Disorders Using Prolonged Exposure (COPE) in veterans. Compr Psychiatry 2017; 78:48-53. [PMID: 28803041 PMCID: PMC5600865 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2017.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The co-occurrence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorders (SUD), and traumatic brain injury (TBI) in veterans of Operations Enduring/Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn has received much attention in the literature. Although hypotheses have been presented and disseminated that TBI history will negatively influence treatment response, little data exist to support these claims. The present study investigates the influence of TBI history on response to COPE (Concurrent Treatment of PTSD and SUD Using Prolonged Exposure), a 12-session, integrated psychotherapy designed to address co-occurring PTSD and SUD. METHOD Participants were 51 veterans with current PTSD and SUD enrolled in a clinical trial examining COPE. Assessments of PTSD symptoms, substance use, and depression were collected at baseline and each treatment session. A TBI measure was used to dichotomize veterans into groups with and without a history of TBI (ns=30 and 21, respectively). RESULTS Participants with and without TBI history demonstrated significant improvements in PTSD and depression symptoms during the course of treatment. However, participants with TBI history experienced less improvement relative to participants without TBI history. CONCLUSIONS The present findings suggest that, although patients with a TBI history respond to treatment, their response to treatment was less so than that observed in patients without a TBI history. As such, identification, symptom monitoring, and treatment practices may require alteration and further special consideration in individuals with PTSD, SUD and TBI.
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41
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Norton PJ, Paulus DJ. Transdiagnostic models of anxiety disorder: Theoretical and empirical underpinnings. Clin Psychol Rev 2017; 56:122-137. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2017.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2016] [Revised: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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42
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Vujanovic AA, Schnurr PP. Editorial overview: Advances in science and practice in traumatic stress. Curr Opin Psychol 2017; 14:iv-viii. [PMID: 28813328 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2017.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
This issue provides an expansive overview of the field of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The featured articles highlight novel, creative, and innovative topics and methodologies, consolidate recent scientific advances, and delineate future directions. The content spans various topics in the field of traumatic stress, including assessment, biopsychosocial correlates, clinical considerations, including comorbidity, anger, self-directed violence, and dissociative manifestations, evidence-based interventions, and innovative delivery formats that maximize dissemination and implementation. The issue's overarching goal is to stimulate creative, multidisciplinary, methodologically rigorous, and theoretically grounded research to advance knowledge and practice in PTSD and related conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anka A Vujanovic
- Trauma and Stress Studies Center, University of Houston, Department of Psychology, 3695 Cullen Boulevard, 126 Heyne Building, Houston, TX 77204, USA.
| | - Paula P Schnurr
- National Center for PTSD, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, VA Medical Center (116D), 215 North Main St, White River Junction, VT 05009, USA.
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43
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Norton
- Monash University, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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44
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Gros DF, Szafranski DD, Shead SD. A real world dissemination and implementation of Transdiagnostic Behavior Therapy (TBT) for veterans with affective disorders. J Anxiety Disord 2017; 46:72-77. [PMID: 27158076 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2016.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Revised: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Dissemination and implementation of evidence-based psychotherapies is challenging in real world clinical settings. Transdiagnostic Behavior Therapy (TBT) for affective disorders was developed with dissemination and implementation in clinical settings in mind. The present study investigated a voluntary local dissemination and implementation effort, involving 28 providers participating in a four-hour training on TBT. Providers completed immediate (n=22) and six-month follow-up (n=12) training assessments and were encouraged to collect data on their TBT patients (delivery fidelity was not investigated). Findings demonstrated that providers endorsed learning of and interest in using TBT after the training. At six-months, 50% of providers reported using TBT with their patients and their perceived effectiveness of TBT to be very good to excellent. Submitted patient outcome data evidenced medium to large effect sizes. Together, these findings provide preliminary support for the effectiveness of a real world dissemination and implementation of TBT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel F Gros
- Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States.
| | - Derek D Szafranski
- Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Sarah D Shead
- Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC, United States
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45
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Meidlinger PC, Hope DA. The new transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral treatments: Commentary for clinicians and clinical researchers. J Anxiety Disord 2017; 46:101-109. [PMID: 27856069 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2016.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Revised: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Recognition of the limitations of the current categorical diagnostic system and increased understanding of commonalities across clinical problems associated with negative emotion, including anxiety and depression, has led to the development of transdiagnostic psychological interventions. This new approach holds promise in shifting our emphasis from diagnostic categories to treating core construct that cut across disorders. This paper identifies some of the similarities and differences across various cognitive-behavioral transdiagnostic protocols and key challenges in assessment and case conceptualization for clinicians wishing to use this approach. Some key needs in the research literature that would be particularly helpful to clinicians are also identified.
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46
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Gallagher MW. Transdiagnostic mechanisms of change and cognitive-behavioral treatments for PTSD. Curr Opin Psychol 2016; 14:90-95. [PMID: 28813326 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2016.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Revised: 12/18/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This paper reviews the current status of transdiagnostic mechanisms of change targeted in cognitive-behavioral interventions, with a focus on mechanisms that are also relevant to emotional disorders that frequently co-occur with PTSD. First, an overview of the rationale for and key features of identifying mechanisms of change is presented, with a discussion of why it is crucial to examine mechanisms that are relevant across diagnostic boundaries. A review of the current evidence for five promising transdiagnostic mechanisms (hope, neuroticism, emotion regulation, cognitive reappraisal, and anxiety sensitivity) is then provided. Finally, the implications of the increasing evidence of transdiagnostic mechanisms of change are discussed in relation to recently developed transdiagnostic treatment protocols that provide an alternative treatment approach for PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W Gallagher
- Department of Psychology & Texas Institute for Measurement, Evaluation, and Statistics, University of Houston, 4849 Calhoun Rd., Rm 373, Houston, TX 77204-6022, USA.
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47
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Allan NP, Gros DF, Myers US, Korte KJ, Acierno R. Predictors and Outcomes of Growth Mixture Modeled Trajectories Across an Exposure-Based PTSD Intervention With Veterans. J Clin Psychol 2016; 73:1048-1063. [PMID: 27880002 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.22408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Revised: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Exposure-based psychotherapies for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are effective for many, but not all patients. It is important to determine for whom these treatments work and to examine predictors of success. METHOD An 8-week modified prolonged exposure (PE) treatment, including components of behavioral activation and reducing the number of imaginal exposure sessions, was administered to a sample of 231 Veterans (mean age = 45.7 years, standard deviation = 14.89). Growth mixture modeling was used to model PTSD symptom trajectories across the 8-week intervention and a postintervention appointment. Further, baseline demographics, social support, clinician-rated PTSD symptoms, anxiety, and depression were examined as predictors of trajectories. RESULTS Three classes emerged, labeled responders (n = 35), nonresponders (n = 190), and immediate responders (n = 6). The only significant baseline difference between responders and nonresponders was higher anxiety symptoms in the nonresponders. At follow-up time points, there were higher levels of clinician-rated PTSD, anxiety, and depression symptoms and lower social support in the nonresponders compared to the responders. CONCLUSION Findings suggest that modifying standard PE treatments by reducing imaginal exposure sessions while adding behavioral activation may not be advisable for most Veterans with PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas P Allan
- Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center.,Medical University of South Carolina
| | - Daniel F Gros
- Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center.,Medical University of South Carolina
| | - Ursula S Myers
- Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center.,Medical University of South Carolina
| | - Kristina J Korte
- Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center.,Medical University of South Carolina
| | - Ron Acierno
- Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center.,Medical University of South Carolina
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48
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Norton PJ, Paulus DJ. Toward a Unified Treatment for Emotional Disorders: Update on the Science and Practice. Behav Ther 2016; 47:854-868. [PMID: 27993337 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2015.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Revised: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Mental health professionals have long been concerned with describing and proscribing a structure around the myriad variations of psychological and emotional distress that are deemed to be disordered. This has frequently been characterized as a conflict between so-called "lumpers" and "splitters"-those who advocate broad categorizations based on overarching commonalities versus those who endeavor toward a highly refined structure emphasizing unique characteristics. Many would argue that with the era of the modern Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III to DSM-5), a splitting ideology has been dominant despite re-emerging concerns that some groups of diagnoses, particularly disorders of anxiety and other emotions, may be more similar than different. As a result of such concerns, transdiagnostic or unified models of psychopathology have burgeoned. In this review, we describe the work of Barlow, Allen, and Choate (2004), whose invited paper "Toward a Unified Treatment for Emotional Disorders" reignited transdiagnostic perspectives of emotional disorders. We provide an update on the scientific models and evidence-based treatments that have followed in the wake of this 2004 publication, including key areas for future study in the advancement of transdiagnostic and unified treatment of emotional disorders.
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49
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Gros DF, Allan NP, Szafranski DD. Movement towards transdiagnostic psychotherapeutic practices for the affective disorders. EVIDENCE-BASED MENTAL HEALTH 2016; 19:e10-2. [PMID: 27356982 PMCID: PMC10699452 DOI: 10.1136/eb-2015-102286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Revised: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) practices were first developed in the 1960s. Over the decades, refinements and alternative symptom foci resulted in the development of several CBT protocols/manuals for each of the many disorders, especially in the affective disorders. Although shown to be effective in highly trained providers, the proliferation of CBT protocols also has shown to demonstrate challenges in dissemination and implementation efforts due to the sheer number of CBT protocols and their related training requirements (eg, 6 months per protocol) and their related cost (eg, over US$2000 each; lost days/hours at work). To address these concerns, newer transdiagnostic CBT protocols have been developed to reduce the number of disorder-specific CBT protocols needed to treat patients with affective disorders. Transdiagnostic treatments are based on the notion that various disorder-specific CBT protocols contain important but overlapping treatment components that can be distilled into a single treatment and therefore address the symptoms and comorbidities across all of the disorders at once. 3 examples of transdiagnostic treatments include group CBT of anxiety, unified protocol for transdiagnostic treatment for emotional disorders and transdiagnostic behaviour therapy. Each transdiagnostic protocol is designed for a different set of disorders, contains a varied amount of CBT treatment components and is tested in different types of samples. However, together, these 3 transdiagnostic psychotherapies represent the future of CBT practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel F Gros
- Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina, USA;
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Nicholas P Allan
- Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina, USA;
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Derek D Szafranski
- Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina, USA;
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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50
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Goodson JT, Haeffel GJ, Raush DA, Hershenberg R. The Safety Behavior Assessment Form: Development and Validation. J Clin Psychol 2016; 72:1099-111. [PMID: 27228035 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.22325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2015] [Revised: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop and validate an easy to administer measure of safety behaviors called the Safety Behavior Assessment Form (SBAF). METHOD We provide reliability and validity evidence from four studies. The first study used a cross-sectional design with a sample consisting of both clinical (U.S. military Veterans; n = 42) and nonclinical participants (undergraduates; n = 198). Study 2 used a cross-sectional design with a sample of U.S. military Veterans (n = 215). Study 3 used a pre-post treatment design with a sample of U.S. military Veterans (n = 42). Study 4 used a 2-time-point longitudinal design with a sample of undergraduates (n = 77). RESULTS The SBAF demonstrated strong levels of internal consistency and test-retest reliability in all four studies. The SBAF also demonstrated predictive and discriminant validity. In Study 3, the SBAF predicted anxious, but not depressive, treatment outcomes in a sample of Veterans. In Study 4, the SBAF predicted prospective changes in anxiety over a 2-week interval in a sample of undergraduates even after controlling for a competing measure of safety behaviors. CONCLUSION Results of these four studies indicate that the SBAF is a reliable and valid measure of safety behaviors that can be used in both clinical and nonclinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason T Goodson
- Philadelphia VA Medical Center. .,University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry.
| | | | - David A Raush
- Philadelphia VA Medical Center.,University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry.,Private Practice, Stratford, New Jersey
| | - Rachel Hershenberg
- Philadelphia VA Medical Center.,University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry
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