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Kuzyk E, Mekawi Y, Michopoulos V, Powers A. Identifying latent profiles of emotion dysregulation in a sample of primarily Black women with trauma exposure. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 156:291-298. [PMID: 36283132 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emotion dysregulation (ED) is a heterogenous, multi-dimensional transdiagnostic risk factor relevant to the development and maintenance of both internalizing and externalizing psychopathology, especially for those who have experienced trauma. The goals of the current study were to use person-centered analyses to identify distinct profiles of individuals characterized by unique patterns of ED dimensions, and to examine differences in internalizing and externalizing symptoms in a community sample. METHODS Participants (n = 783, 97% Black, 93% women) were recruited from an urban safety net hospital with high rates of trauma exposure. Latent profile analysis was used to uncover unique patterns of ED and multinomial logistic regression to evaluate the conditional distribution of our correlates across profiles. RESULTS The best-fitting model uncovered four classes: Low ED (42%), Low Awareness/Clarity (34%), Low Impulse Control (17%), and High ED (6%). All classes differed in terms of internalizing symptoms (anxiety sensitivity, depression, PTSD), with classes characterized by higher ED reporting more severe symptoms. For externalizing symptoms (food addiction behaviors, alcohol and drug abuse, aggressive behavior), the Low ED class reported fewer symptoms than all other profiles, while Low Awareness/Clarity, Low Impulse Control, and High ED did not differ from each other. CONCLUSIONS Patterns of emotion dysregulation ought to be assessed and considered as treatment targets for those experiencing both internalizing and externalizing psychopathology symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Kuzyk
- Department of Psychiatry and Brain Science, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Yara Mekawi
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Vasiliki Michopoulos
- Department of Psychiatry and Brain Science, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA; Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Abigail Powers
- Department of Psychiatry and Brain Science, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Social-Ecological Measurement of Daily Life: How Relationally Focused Ambulatory Assessment can Advance Clinical Intervention Science. REVIEW OF GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/10892680221142802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Individuals’ daily behaviors and social interactions play a central role in the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders. Despite this, observational ambulatory assessment methods—research methods that allow for direct and passive assessment of individuals’ momentary activities and interactions—have a remarkably scant history in the clinical science field. Prior discussions of ambulatory assessment methods in clinical science have focused on subjective methods (e.g., ecological momentary assessment) and physiological methods (e.g., wearable heart rate monitoring). Comparatively less attention has been dedicated to ambulatory assessment methods that collect objective, relational data about individuals’ social behaviors and their interactions with their momentary environmental contexts. Drawing on extant social-ecological measurement frameworks, this article first provides a conceptual and psychometric rationale for the integration of daily relational data into clinical science research. Next, the nascent research applying such methods to clinical science is reviewed, and priorities for further research organized by the NIH Stage Model for Clinical Science Research are recommended. These data can provide unique information about the social contexts of diverse patient populations; identify social-ecological targets for transdiagnostic, precision, and culturally responsive interventions; and contribute novel data about the effectiveness of established interventions at creating behavioral and relational change.
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Paredes-Mealla M, Martínez-Borba V, Miragall M, García-Palacios A, Baños RM, Suso-Ribera C. Is there evidence that emotional reasoning processing underlies emotional disorders in adults? A systematic review. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-17. [PMID: 36406838 PMCID: PMC9644006 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03884-4] [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: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of emotional disorders has increased in recent times. Emotional Reasoning (ER), which is a transdiagnostic process, occurs when feelings, rather than objective evidence, are used as a source of information to make judgements about the valence of a situation. Differences in ER may explain the existence and maintenance of emotional disorders. The objective is to systematically review the role of ER in the occurrence and severity of emotional disorders. Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched through: PubMed, PsycInfo, Scopus and The Cochrane Library. Search terms were "Emotional Reasoning", "ex-consequentia reasoning", "Affect-as-information"; and "emotional disorders", "anxiety", "depression", "depressive". Nine articles were included. An association was demonstrated between ER and a greater degree of anxious symptomatological severity. In depressive symptomatology, no significant differences were found. One study reported the effect of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy on ER bias, finding no changes after the intervention. Finally, another study evaluated the efficacy of computerised experiential training in reducing ER bias, showing significant differences. There are few studies on ER and its evolution in research has not been uniform over time. Encouragingly, though, research to date suggests that ER is a transdiagnostic process involved in several anxiety disorders. More investigation is needed to dilucidate whether ER also underlies the onset and maintenance of depressive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Macarena Paredes-Mealla
- Department of Basic and Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Jaume I University, Avda. Vicent Sos Baynat s/n, 12071 Castellon de la Plana, Spain
| | - Verónica Martínez-Borba
- Department of Basic and Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Jaume I University, Avda. Vicent Sos Baynat s/n, 12071 Castellon de la Plana, Spain
| | - Marta Miragall
- Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Azucena García-Palacios
- Department of Basic and Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Jaume I University, Avda. Vicent Sos Baynat s/n, 12071 Castellon de la Plana, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Mª Baños
- Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Polibienestar, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carlos Suso-Ribera
- Department of Basic and Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Jaume I University, Avda. Vicent Sos Baynat s/n, 12071 Castellon de la Plana, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Sauer-Zavala S, Southward MW, Stumpp NE, Semcho SA, Hood CO, Garlock A, Urs A. A SMART approach to personalized care: preliminary data on how to select and sequence skills in transdiagnostic CBT. Cogn Behav Ther 2022; 51:435-455. [PMID: 35475947 PMCID: PMC9749849 DOI: 10.1080/16506073.2022.2053571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Given that over 20 million adults each year do not receive care for their mental health difficulties, it is imperative to improve system-level capacity issues by increasing treatment efficiency. The present study aimed to collect feasibility/acceptability data on two strategies for increasing the efficiency of cognitive behavioral therapy: (1) personalized skill sequences and (2) personalized skill selections. Participants (N = 70) with anxiety and depressive disorders were enrolled in a pilot sequential multiple assignment randomized trial (SMART). Patients were randomly assigned to receive skill modules from the Unified Protocol in one of three sequencing conditions: standard, sequences that prioritized patients' relative strengths, and sequences that prioritized relative deficits. Participants also underwent a second-stage randomization to either receive 6 sessions or 12 sessions of treatment. Participants were generally satisfied with the treatment they received, though significant differences favored the Capitalization and Full duration conditions. There were no differences in trajectories of improvement as a function of sequencing condition. There were also no differences in end-of-study outcomes between brief personalized treatment and full standard treatment. Thus, it may be feasible to deliver CBT for personalized durations, though this may not substantially impact trajectories of change in anxiety or depressive symptoms.
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Holmes KL, Mueller CW. Higher treatment focus diffusion in Multisystemic Therapy is associated with less functional improvement over the course of treatment. ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY IN MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH 2022; 49:973-985. [PMID: 35920953 DOI: 10.1007/s10488-022-01211-4] [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: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Treatment focus diffusion (TFD), dividing focus across multiple concerns during treatment, is common in public mental health care and differs from the more narrowly focused empirically supported treatments for youth reported in the literature. The present study examined whether and to what extent TFD is associated with youth functional improvement over the course of therapy. METHOD This study utilized multi-level modeling techniques to analyze 12 consecutive years of standardized routine clinical service data from youth receiving treatment in one of two intensive in-home service settings: (a) Multisystemic Therapy (MST; n = 776 youths, 99 therapists), an implemented evidence-based treatment based on ecological theories of behavior in which therapists work with the multiple systems a youth interacts with (school, community, family), and (b) a standards-based service (n = 1854 youth, 413 therapists). Both service settings operate in the context of a publicly funded mental health care system which serves youth and families who are typically from underserved and low-income backgrounds. Majority of youth in this sample identified as multi-ethnic and male, and they, on average, were approximately 13 years old with three co-occurring diagnoses. RESULTS A significant TFD by service format interaction on youth functional improvement (alone and in the overall model) and follow up simple effects indicated that higher TFD was associated with significantly poorer outcomes in MST. The parameter estimate for TFD on functional improvement in the standards-based service format was in the same direction, but not statistically significant. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that maintaining a narrower treatment focus might be beneficial to clients, particularly in implemented evidence-based treatments. Likewise, TFD could be a helpful case monitoring tool for clinicians, supervisors, and systems leaders when reviewing intensive-in-home cases.
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Zemestani M, Davoudi F, Farhadi A, Gallagher MW. A preliminary examination of unified protocol for transdiagnostic treatment of emotional disorders in patients with panic disorder: a single-case experimental design in Iran. ANXIETY, STRESS, AND COPING 2022; 35:701-718. [PMID: 34632890 DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2021.1990269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The majority of patients suffering from anxiety disorders in low- and middle-income countries do not receive evidence-based treatments. The Unified Protocol (UP) for the Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders is an evidence-based cognitive-behavioral intervention designed to treat the range of emotional disorders. DESIGN AND METHODS Using a single-case experimental design five patients with panic disorder were assigned to a 3-week baselines assessment phase followed by eight sessions of UP treatment and 4-week follow-up phases. Multiple outcome measures of panic severity, anxiety sensitivity, affectivity, and overall anxiety severity and impairment were administered weekly during the baseline, intervention, and follow-up phases. RESULTS At post treatment, all participants showed significant reductions in outcome measures, with changes functionally related to treatment and most improvements maintained at 4-week follow-up. CONCLUSION Findings provide preliminary cross-cultural support for UP and add to the growing body of literature showing UP can be useful for patients with anxiety disorders in low- and middle-income countries with non-Western cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Zemestani
- Department of Psychology, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Davoudi
- Department of Psychology, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Ali Farhadi
- Department of Social Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Matthew W Gallagher
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Texas Institute for Measurement, Evaluation, and Statistics, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
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Weinzimmer SA, Goetz AR, Guzick AG, Hana LM, Cepeda SL, Schneider SC, Kennedy SM, Amos Nwankwo GN, Christian CC, Shaw AM, Salloum A, Shah AA, Goodman WK, Ehrenreich-May J, Storch EA. Primary Outcomes for Adults Receiving the Unified Protocol after Hurricane Harvey in an Integrated Healthcare Setting. Community Ment Health J 2022; 58:1522-1534. [PMID: 35377090 PMCID: PMC9962349 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-022-00967-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders (UP) has demonstrated efficacy for treating anxiety and depression. However, there are limited effectiveness data when conducted in real-world settings with diverse populations, including those with trauma. We evaluated treatment outcomes in a naturalistic, community setting among 279 adults who received UP following Hurricane Harvey. We examined change in overall clinical severity, depression and anxiety symptoms, functional impairment, and baseline outcome predictors (i.e., demographic characteristics, impact from Hurricane Harvey, co-occurrence of depression and anxiety symptoms). Global clinical severity, depression and anxiety symptoms, and functional impairment decreased by end-of-treatment. Participants experienced global symptom improvement to a lesser degree than demonstrated in efficacy trials. Participants who experienced greater storm impact reported larger reductions in anxiety symptoms than those less impacted by Harvey. Further studies evaluating the effectiveness of the UP post-disaster and with diverse samples are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saira A Weinzimmer
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, 1977 Butler Blvd., Suite E4.400, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Amy R Goetz
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, 1977 Butler Blvd., Suite E4.400, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Andrew G Guzick
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, 1977 Butler Blvd., Suite E4.400, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Lynn M Hana
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, 1977 Butler Blvd., Suite E4.400, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Sandra L Cepeda
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, 1977 Butler Blvd., Suite E4.400, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, P.O. Box 248185, Coral Gables, FL, 33124, USA
| | - Sophie C Schneider
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, 1977 Butler Blvd., Suite E4.400, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Sarah M Kennedy
- School of Medicine, University of Colorado, 1635 Aurora Ct, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Gifty N Amos Nwankwo
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, 1977 Butler Blvd., Suite E4.400, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Catherine C Christian
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, 1977 Butler Blvd., Suite E4.400, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ashley M Shaw
- Center for Children and Families, Florida International University, 11200 Southwest 8th Street, AHC1 140, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Alison Salloum
- College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, University of South Florida, 13301 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Asim A Shah
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, 1977 Butler Blvd., Suite E4.400, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Wayne K Goodman
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, 1977 Butler Blvd., Suite E4.400, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jill Ehrenreich-May
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, P.O. Box 248185, Coral Gables, FL, 33124, USA
| | - Eric A Storch
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, 1977 Butler Blvd., Suite E4.400, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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The Effects of Virtual Reality in Targeting Transdiagnostic Factors for Mental Health: A Systematic Review of the Literature. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11216463. [PMID: 36362705 PMCID: PMC9656930 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11216463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Virtual reality (VR) was found to be effective in the treatment of several specific psychopathologies. However, the effects of VR-based interventions beyond the disorder-specific approach and their ability to improve transdiagnostic factors of mental disorders are unknown. This PRISMA systematic review was conducted using databases PubMed and PsycINFO, searching articles published between 2010 and September 2022. Keywords “emotion regulation”, “cognitive reappraisal”, “avoidance”, “impulsivity”, “aggression”, and “disinhibition” were combined with “virtual reality” to retrieve studies showing the effects of VR-based interventions on these transdiagnostic factors. 29 experimental studies and seven case-studies were selected. A total of 23 considered avoidance, eight dealt with emotion regulation, three concerned aggression, two addressed impulsivity, two dealt with cognitive reappraisal, and none examined disinhibition. Most of the studies included anxiety disorder patients (n = 15), especially with specific phobias (n = 8) and social anxiety disorder (n = 4). VR managed to improve all transdiagnostic factors, with results often maintained at follow-ups (n = 21 studies; range: 1–12 months) and similar to traditional interventions (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy). Exploring the transdiagnostic potential of VR may help to reduce costs and improve applicability in clinical psychology. While results were promising, further studies are needed for aggression, impulsivity and cognitive reappraisal, especially including follow-ups, comparisons with first-line treatments, and understudied clinical populations.
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Meyer EC, Coe E, Pennington ML, Cammarata C, Kimbrel NA, Ostiguy W, Leto F, Gulliver SB. The Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders Delivered to Firefighters via Videoconferencing: Pilot Outcomes Highlighting Improvements in Alcohol Use Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms. COGNITIVE AND BEHAVIORAL PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpra.2022.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Colmenero-Navarrete L, García-Sancho E, Salguero JM. Relationship Between Emotion Regulation and Suicide Ideation and Attempt in Adults and Adolescents: A Systematic Review. Arch Suicide Res 2022; 26:1702-1735. [PMID: 34821201 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2021.1999872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Suicide is one of the main causes of death in adults and adolescents, so research focused on identifying risk factors for suicidal behavior is needed. In recent years, emotion regulation, mainly the presence of difficulties regulating one's own negative emotions, has been associated with negative mental health outcomes. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to systematically review the available evidence on the association between emotion regulation and suicide (ideation and attempt) in both adults and adolescents. METHOD A systematic search of scientific articles published in English and Spanish was carried out through the databases PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. RESULTS We identified 76 eligible studies, of which 70 reported that people with difficulties in emotion regulation reported higher levels of suicide ideation and more suicide attempts. The results were consistent in adolescents and adults, in clinical and general population samples, and when studies assessed both emotion regulation processes and strategies. However, few studies were longitudinal and most of them were with women. CONCLUSIONS We discuss the theoretical implications of the results, suggesting that actual psychological models might benefit from considering individual differences in ER in understanding why people engage in suicide behavior. Clinical implications are also discussed.HIGHLIGHTSDifficulties regulating one's emotions is associated with suicide behavior (SI and SA).Consistent results at all the ages and in the clinical and general population.Individual differences in ER could help researchers to understand suicide.
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Osma J, Martínez-García L, Prado-Abril J, Peris-Baquero Ó, González-Pérez A. Developing a smartphone App based on the Unified Protocol for the transdiagnostic treatment of emotional disorders: A qualitative analysis of users and professionals' perspectives. Internet Interv 2022; 30:100577. [PMID: 36213084 PMCID: PMC9535424 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2022.100577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Emotional Disorders have become the most prevalent mental disorders in the world. In relation to their high prevalence, mental health care from public health services faces major challenges. Consequently, finding solutions to deliver cost-effective evidence-based treatments has become a main goal of today's clinical psychology. Smartphone apps for mental health have emerged as a potential tool to deal with it. However, despite their effectiveness and advantages, several studies suggest the need to involve patients and professionals in the design of these apps from the first stage of the development process. Thus, this study aimed to identify, from both a group of users and professionals, the needs, opinions, expectations and design aspects of a future smartphone app based in the Unified Protocol (UP), that will allow to develop the subsequent technical work of the app engineers. Two focus groups were conducted, one with 7 professionals and the other with 9 users, both groups familiar with the UP. A thematic content analysis based in grounded theory was performed in order to define emergent categories of analysis derived from the interview data. The results revealed 8 common topics in both focus groups and 5 specific key topics were identified in the professionals' focus group. Of the total proposals, 93 % of the professionals' and 78 % of the users' are implemented in the preliminary version of the app.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Osma
- University of Zaragoza, Department of Psicology and Sociology, Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, C/Atarazanas, 4, 44003 Teruel, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Aragon, Biomedic Research Center of Aragon (CIBA), Av. San Juan Bosco, 13, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Corresponding author at: Universidad de Zaragoza, Departamento de Psicología y Sociología, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y Humanas, C/Atarazanas, 4, 44003 Teruel, Spain.
| | - Laura Martínez-García
- University of Zaragoza, Department of Psicology and Sociology, Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, C/Atarazanas, 4, 44003 Teruel, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Aragon, Biomedic Research Center of Aragon (CIBA), Av. San Juan Bosco, 13, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Javier Prado-Abril
- Health Research Institute of Aragon, Biomedic Research Center of Aragon (CIBA), Av. San Juan Bosco, 13, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Miguel Servet University Hospital, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Óscar Peris-Baquero
- University of Zaragoza, Department of Psicology and Sociology, Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, C/Atarazanas, 4, 44003 Teruel, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Aragon, Biomedic Research Center of Aragon (CIBA), Av. San Juan Bosco, 13, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Alberto González-Pérez
- Institute of New Imaging Technologies, Universitat Jaume I, Av. Vicente Sos Baynat s/n, 12071 Castellón, Spain
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Maggio ID, Romola M, Lacava E, Maressa R, Bruno F. Dealing with COVID-19 stressful events, stress and anxiety: the mediating role of emotion regulation strategies in Italian women. HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY REPORT 2022; 11:70-80. [PMID: 38084343 PMCID: PMC10679912 DOI: 10.5114/hpr/152331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aims to better understand the causal relationship between COVID-19 stressful events, perceived stress, emotion regulation strategies and anxiety symptoms in Italian women. Specifically, we assumed that: (i) different COVID-19 stressful events can directly or indirectly influence the manifestation of anxiety symptoms; (ii) perceived stress and emotion regulation strategies can mediate the relationship between COVID-19 stressful events and anxiety symptoms. PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE An online survey was distributed during the Italian mandatory lockdown - between 18th and 28th April 2020 - across the national territory. The final sample was composed of 1132 women living in different Italian regions (North 63.30%, Centre 14.20%, South 18.50%, Islands 4.00%) with a mean age of 40.19 years, ranging from 19 to 83 years (SD = 12.87). Participants filled out the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) X1/R, Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ-10), five dichotomous questions assessing the COVID-19 stressful events and a demographic form. Pearson correlation analyses were performed to examine whether associations between factors conformed to the prerequisites for path analysis. Path analysis was conducted to test the model. RESULTS "Having contracted the flu during the COVID-19 pandemic" and "having a family member infected by COVID-19" have a direct effect on the level of perceived stress and an indirect effect on the manifestation of anxiety symptoms. Finally, we found that emotion regulation strategies mediate the relationship between perceived stress and state anxiety symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Our results allow one to select the stressful events to which, in the pandemic era, it is necessary to pay particular attention in a clinical setting and suggest the implementation of psychological interventions that make emotion regulation an essential direct target of treatment in chronic stress-related pathology such as anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Di Maggio
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Michela Romola
- Academy of Cognitive Behavioral Sciences of Calabria (ASCoC), Lamezia Terme, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Lacava
- Academy of Cognitive Behavioral Sciences of Calabria (ASCoC), Lamezia Terme, Italy
| | - Raffaella Maressa
- Academy of Cognitive Behavioral Sciences of Calabria (ASCoC), Lamezia Terme, Italy
| | - Francesco Bruno
- Academy of Cognitive Behavioral Sciences of Calabria (ASCoC), Lamezia Terme, Italy
- Regional Neurogenetic Centre (CRN), Department of Primary Care, ASP Catanzaro, Lamezia Terme, Italy
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Newman MG, Basterfield C, Erickson TM, Caulley E, Przeworski A, Llera SJ. Psychotherapeutic treatments for generalized anxiety disorder: cognitive and behavioral therapies, enhancement strategies, and emerging efforts. Expert Rev Neurother 2022; 22:751-770. [PMID: 36107159 PMCID: PMC9754763 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2022.2125800] [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: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is common and disabling. Different versions of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) have been tested, but no treatment works for everyone. Therefore, researchers have attempted approaches to enhance CBT. AREAS COVERED The current narrative review examines meta-analyses and individual trials of CBT-based treatments for GAD. We focus on CBT and its cognitive and behavioral components as well as efforts to enhance CBT and its dissemination and generalizability. Enhancement efforts included interpersonal and emotional processing therapy, mindfulness-based CBT, emotion regulation therapy, intolerance of uncertainty therapy, the unified protocol, metacognitive therapy, motivational interviewing, and contrast avoidance targeted treatment. Emerging strategies to enhance dissemination have focused on technologically based treatments. Attempts at generalizability have included examination of efficacy within diverse racial and ethnic groups. EXPERT OPINION We conclude that CBT is efficacious, and a number of enhancement efforts have shown some promise in improving upon CBT in single trials. However, more research is needed, particularly efforts to determine which enhancements work best for which individuals and what are the mechanisms of change. Furthermore, few technological interventions have been compared to active treatments. Finally, much more attention needs to be paid to ethnic and racial diversity in randomized controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle G Newman
- Department of Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, Park, PA, USA
| | | | - Thane M Erickson
- Department of Psychology, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Evan Caulley
- Department of Psychology, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Amy Przeworski
- Department of Psychology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Sandra J Llera
- Department of Psychology, Towson University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Peláez T, López-Carrillero R, Ferrer-Quintero M, Ochoa S, Osma J. Application of the unified protocol for the transdiagnostic treatment of comorbid emotional disorders in patients with ultra-high risk of developing psychosis: A randomized trial study protocol. Front Psychol 2022; 13:976661. [PMID: 36118431 PMCID: PMC9477005 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.976661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is delivered in most of the early intervention services for psychosis in different countries around the world. This approach has been demonstrated to be effective in decreasing or at least delaying the onset of psychosis. However, none of them directly affect the comorbidity of these types of patients that is often the main cause of distress and dysfunctionality. The Unified Protocol for the Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders (UP) is a psychological intervention that combines cognitive-behavioral and third-generation techniques that address emotional dysregulation as an underlying mechanism that these disorders have in common. The application of this intervention could improve the comorbid emotional symptoms of these patients. Materials and methods The study is a randomized controlled trial in which one group receives immediate UP plus standard intervention and the other is placed on a waiting list to receive UP 7 months later, in addition to standard care in one of our early psychosis programs. The sample will be 42 patients with UHR for psychosis with comorbid emotional symptoms. The assessment is performed at baseline, at the end of treatment, and at 3-months’ follow-up, and includes: general psychopathology, anxiety and depression, positive and negative emotions, emotional dysregulation, personality, functionality, quality of life, cognitive distortions, insight, and satisfaction with the UP intervention. Discussion This will be the first study of the efficacy, acceptability, and viability of the UP in a sample of young adults with UHR. The results of this study may have clinical implications, contributing to improving the model of care for young people who consult for underlying psychotic, anxiety, and/or depressive symptoms that can lead to high distress and dysfunctionality. Clinical trial registration [https://clinicaltrials.gov/], identifier [NCT04929938].
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Affiliation(s)
- Trinidad Peláez
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
- Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM) Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Trinidad Peláez,
| | - Raquel López-Carrillero
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
- Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM) Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Ferrer-Quintero
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
- Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM) Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Susana Ochoa
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
- Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM) Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Osma
- Departamento de Psicología y Sociología, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
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Timulak L, Richards D, Bhandal-Griffin L, Healy P, Azevedo J, Connon G, Martin E, Kearney A, O'Kelly C, Enrique A, Eilert N, O'Brien S, Harty S, González-Robles A, Eustis EH, Barlow DH, Farchione TJ. Effectiveness of the internet-based Unified Protocol transdiagnostic intervention for the treatment of depression, anxiety and related disorders in a primary care setting: a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2022; 23:721. [PMID: 36045387 PMCID: PMC9429701 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06551-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Research has shown that internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) can be a very promising solution to increase access to and the dissemination of evidence-based treatments to all of the population in need. However, iCBT is still underutilized in clinical contexts, such as primary care. In order to achieve the effective implementation of these protocols, more studies in ecological settings are needed. The Unified Protocol (UP) is a transdiagnostic CBT protocol for the treatment of emotional disorders, which includes depression, anxiety and related disorders, that has shown its efficacy across different contexts and populations. An internet-based UP (iUP) programme has recently been developed as an emerging internet-based treatment for emotional disorders. However, the internet-delivered version of the UP (iUP) has not yet been examined empirically. The current project seeks to analyse the effectiveness of the iUP as a treatment for depression, anxiety and related emotional disorders in a primary care public health setting. Methods The current study will employ a parallel-group, randomized controlled trial design. Participants will be randomly assigned to (a) the internet-based Unified Protocol (iUP), or (b) enhanced waiting list control (eWLC). Randomization will follow a 2:1 allocation ratio, with sample size calculations suggesting a required sample of 120 (iUP=80; eWLC=40). The Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.) will be used for assessing potential participants. The Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Scale (OASIS) and the Overall Depression Severity and Impairment Scale (ODSIS) as well as other standardized questionnaires will be used for assessments at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks from baseline and for the iUP condition during the follow-up. Discussion Combining the advantages of a transdiagnostic treatment with an online delivery format may have the potential to significantly lower the burden of emotional disorders in public health primary care setting. Anxiety and depression, often comorbid, are the most prevalent psychological disorders in primary care. Because the iUP allows for the treatment of different disorders and comorbidity, this treatment could represent an adequate choice for patients that demand mental health care in a primary care setting. Trial registration ISRCTN18056450 10.1186/ISRCTN18056450.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Derek Richards
- Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,SilverCloud Science, SilverCloud Health, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Angel Enrique
- Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,SilverCloud Science, SilverCloud Health, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | - Siobhan Harty
- SilverCloud Science, SilverCloud Health, Dublin, Ireland
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Jones P, Drummond P. The construction of a new Clinical Quality of Life Scale (CLINQOL). BMC Psychol 2022; 10:210. [PMID: 36042523 PMCID: PMC9429599 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-022-00912-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Whilst the variables in quality of life and well-being can be separated into objective and subjective domains, there remains a dearth of multiple utility instruments that assess their impact upon quality of life. To address this, ten domains were identified in a preliminary exploratory literature search, and an exploratory review generated enough facets to represent each domain, with items developed to form a composite scale. A principal components analysis run on data collected from 210 participants produced seven factors: relationships, work, money, health, leisure, and life management, with the remaining four domains subsuming into a seventh composite subjective factor (mental state). Final items were collated into the new Clinical Quality of Life Scale (CLINQOL) and were tested against the Assessment of Quality of Life Instrument, the Personal Wellbeing Index-Adult, Positive and Negative Affect Scale, the Satisfaction with Life scale, and the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale. The CLINQOL demonstrated suitable reliability, with items within each category forming internally consistent subscales. The full scale score demonstrated satisfactory test-retest reliability and concurrent validity, correlating with all measures. Findings suggest that the CLINQOL captures critical clinical factors, and may be an acceptable instrument to assess quality of life and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Jones
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education (SHEE), Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia.
| | - Peter Drummond
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education (SHEE), Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
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Yan K, Yusufi MH, Nazari N. Application of unified protocol as a transdiagnostic treatment for emotional disorders during COVID-19: An internet-delivered randomized controlled trial. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:8599-8614. [PMID: 36157826 PMCID: PMC9453349 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i24.8599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been an emotionally challenging time, especially for young adults. It is associated with a substantial increase in the prevalence of mental health problems, negative symptoms, and stressful experiences that compromise well-being. In low-income countries, internet-delivered psychological services could have a remarkable impact on the population's mental health, given the lack of mental health professionals. AIM To investigate the efficacy of internet-delivered cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT)-transdiagnostic intervention for adults with emotional disorders. METHODS In this internet-delivered randomized controlled trial, 102 students with an emotional disorder (mean age = 28.20 years, standard deviation = 5.07) were randomly allocated to receive unified protocol (UP) (n = 51) or treatment as the usual intervention. Following a semi-structured clinical interview, participants completed an online survey including the Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Scale, Overall Depression Severity and Impairment Scale, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and Emotional Style Questionnaire. RESULTS The participants showed a high degree of adherence. In total, 78% (n = 40) of the experimental group participants completed the UP treatment. Considering the intention to treat procedure, the results of the analysis of covariance indicated that participants who received UP showed statistically significant changes in depression symptoms [Cohen's d = -1.50 with 95% confidence interval (CI): -1.90 to -1.10], anxiety (Cohen's d = -1.06 with 95%CI: -1.48 to -0.65), difficulties with emotion regulation (Cohen's d = -0.33 with 95%CI: -0.7 to -0.06), positive affect (Cohen's d = 1.27 with 95%CI: 0.85 to 1.68), negative affect (Cohen's d= -1.04 with 95%CI: -1.46 to -0.63), and healthy emotionality (Cohen's d = 0.53 with 95%CI: 0.09 to 0.13) compared with the control group. CONCLUSION This study's findings highlight the potential value of transdiagnostic internet-delivered programs for young adults with an emotional disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic, and expand the research examining emotional well-being improvements resulting from CBT-transdiagnostic interventions. The findings suggest that UP, which generally concentrates on reducing negative effects, can increase positive effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kou Yan
- School of Humanities and Education, Xi'an Eurasia University, Xi'an 710065, Shaanxi Province, China
| | | | - Nabi Nazari
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Human Sciences, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Lorestan, Iran
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Resilience to early family risk moderates stress-affect associations: A 14-day ecological momentary assessment study. J Affect Disord 2022; 311:134-142. [PMID: 35597463 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.05.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Resilience in children with early family life adversity is linked with successful adulthood psychological outcomes. However, whether resilience influences daily emotional responses to stress remains unclear. This study examined whether resilience capacity in the context of early family risks predicts better daily stress and affect outcomes during a stressful transition. METHODS International and interstate undergraduates (N = 98; aged 18-25 years) were grouped as Resilient (high family risk, high resilience), Vulnerable (high family risk, low resilience), or Control (low family risk, average anxiety and depression). Daily negative (NA) and positive affect (PA), perceived stress, and stressors were assessed 4-times daily across 14 consecutive days (4333 total surveys; 73.7% completion rate). Affect reactivity was operationalized as the NA and PA slopes on perceived stress from each survey. RESULTS The Resilient group did not differ from the Control group on all outcomes. The Vulnerable group reported significantly higher number of stressors, perceived stress levels, NA, and NA reactivity than the Resilient and Control groups (all p < .001); as well as significantly lower PA (p = .024) and PA reactivity (p = .003) than the Control group. LIMITATIONS Our findings are not generalizable to other populations and cannot determine causality. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that resilience capacity is protective against the effects of early family risks on a daily basis. However, significant findings were limited to emotional distress outcomes and not supported for PA, suggesting resilience capacity may attenuate emotional distress but not positive emotions in response to stress in emerging adults with family risk.
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Smith IS, Wallace R, Wellecke C, Bind MA, Weihs KL, Bei B, Wiley JF. Assessing an Internet-Delivered, Emotion-Focused Intervention Compared With a Healthy Lifestyle Active Control Intervention in Improving Mental Health in Cancer Survivors: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e36658. [PMID: 35896021 PMCID: PMC9377468 DOI: 10.2196/36658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer survivors are vulnerable to experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression and may benefit from accessible interventions focused on improving emotion regulation. CanCope Mind (CM) was developed as an internet-delivered intervention adapted from the Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders to improve emotion regulation and support the mental health of cancer survivors. OBJECTIVE This protocol aims to provide an outline of the CanCope Study, a trial comparing the efficacy of a Unified Protocol-adapted internet-delivered intervention (CM) designed for cancer survivors compared with an active control condition-an internet-delivered healthy lifestyle intervention, CanCope Lifestyle (CL). The primary aim is to assess and compare the efficacy of both interventions in improving emotion regulation, anxiety and depressive symptoms, and quality of life. The secondary aims involve assessing the mechanisms of the CM intervention. METHODS This trial is a 2-arm randomized controlled trial that allocates cancer survivors to either CM or CL. Both interventions comprise 4 web-based modules and are expected to take participants at least 8 weeks to complete. Participants' mental and physical health will be assessed via self-reported surveys at baseline (T0), between each module (T1, T2, and T3), immediately after the intervention (T4), and at 3-month follow-up (T5). The study aims to recruit 110 participants who have completed T4. RESULTS The CanCope study began recruitment in September 2020. A total of 224 participants have been randomized to the CM (n=110, 49.1%) and CL (n=114, 50.9%) groups. CONCLUSIONS This is one of the first trials to develop and investigate the efficacy of a web-based intervention for cancer survivors that specifically targets emotion regulation. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian Clinical Trials ACTRN12620000943943; https://tinyurl.com/b3z9cjsp. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/36658.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle S Smith
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rebecca Wallace
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Cornelia Wellecke
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Marie-Abèle Bind
- Biostatistics Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Karen L Weihs
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Bei Bei
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Joshua F Wiley
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
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Schaeuffele C, Homeyer S, Perea L, Scharf L, Schulz A, Knaevelsrud C, Renneberg B, Boettcher J. The unified protocol as an internet-based intervention for emotional disorders: Randomized controlled trial. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270178. [PMID: 35816479 PMCID: PMC9273095 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The Unified Protocol (UP) as a transdiagnostic intervention has primarily been applied in the treatment of anxiety disorders and in face-to-face-settings. The current study investigated the efficacy of a 10-week Internet-based adaptation of the UP for anxiety, depressive, and somatic symptom disorders. The trial was registered under DRKS00014820 at the German Clinical Trial Registry, DRKS. Participants (n = 129) were randomized to treatment or waitlist control. Significant treatment effects were found for symptom distress, satisfaction with life, positive/negative affect and markers of anxiety, depression, and somatic symptom burden (within-group Hedges’ g = 0.32–1.38 and between-group g = 0.20–1.11). Treatment gains were maintained at 1- and 6-month-follow-up. Subgroup analyses showed comparable effects in participants with anxiety and depressive disorders. 26.6% dropped out of treatment and 35.38% did not provide post-treatment assessments. The results strengthen the application of the UP as an Internet-based treatment for alleviating symptom distress across emotional disorders. More research on the applicability for single disorders is needed and avenues to improve adherence and attrition rates should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Schaeuffele
- Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Sophie Homeyer
- Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Luis Perea
- Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lisa Scharf
- Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ava Schulz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Babette Renneberg
- Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johanna Boettcher
- Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Psychologische Hochschule Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Watkins LE, Patton SC, Drexler K, A. M. Rauch S, Rothbaum BO. Clinical Effectiveness of an Intensive Outpatient Program for Integrated Treatment of Comorbid Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders. COGNITIVE AND BEHAVIORAL PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpra.2022.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Barrio-Martínez S, González-Blanch C, Priede A, Muñoz-Navarro R, Medrano LA, Moriana JA, Carpallo-González M, Ventura L, Ruiz-Rodríguez P, Cano-Vindel A. Emotion Regulation as a Moderator of Outcomes of Transdiagnostic Group Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Emotional Disorders. Behav Ther 2022; 53:628-641. [PMID: 35697427 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2022.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the potential moderating effect of baseline emotion regulation skills-cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression-on the relationship between treatment allocation and treatment outcomes in primary care patients with emotional symptoms. A total of 631 participants completed scales to evaluate emotion regulation, anxiety, depression, functioning, and quality of life (QOL). The moderation analysis was carried out using the SPSS PROCESS macro, version 3.5. Expressive suppression was a significant moderator in the relationship between treatment allocation and treatment outcomes in terms of symptoms of anxiety (b = -0.530, p = .026), depression (b = -0.812, p = .004), and QOL (b = 0.156, p = .048). Cognitive reappraisal acted as a moderator only in terms of QOL (b = 0.217, p = .028). The findings of this study show that participants with higher scores of expressive suppression benefited more from the addition of transdiagnostic cognitive-behavioral therapy to treatment as usual (TAU) in terms of anxiety and depressive symptoms, and QOL. Individuals with higher levels of cognitive reappraisal obtained a greater benefit in terms of QOL from the addition of psychological treatment to TAU. These results underscore the relevant role that emotion regulation skills play in the outcomes of psychological therapy for emotional symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amador Priede
- Valdecilla Biomedical Research Institute, Hospital de Laredo
| | | | | | - Juan Antonio Moriana
- Universidad de Córdoba and Maimónides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba
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Strengths, challenges, and opportunities associated with process-based and multi-dimensional CBS research: A commentary on. JOURNAL OF CONTEXTUAL BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcbs.2022.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Neural correlates of emotional reactivity predict response to cognitive-behavioral therapy in obsessive-compulsive disorder. J Affect Disord 2022; 308:398-406. [PMID: 35427712 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Examining predictive biomarkers to identify individuals who will likely benefit from a specific treatment is important for the development of targeted interventions. The late positive potential (LPP) is a neural marker of attention and elaborated stimulus processing, and increased LPP responses to negative stimuli are characteristic of pathological anxiety. The present study investigated whether LPP reactivity would prospectively predict response to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), the first-line treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). METHODS To this end, the LPP in response to negative as compared to neutral pictures was examined in 45 patients with OCD, who underwent CBT in a naturalistic outpatient setting. LPP amplitudes were used as predictors of symptom reduction after CBT. RESULTS We found that higher LPP amplitudes to negative relative to neutral stimuli were predictive of lower self-reported OCD symptoms after completion of CBT, controlling for pre-treatment symptoms. Further, LPP reactivity was negatively correlated with self-reported habitual use of suppression in everyday life. LIMITATIONS Some participants had already begun treatment at the time of study participation. Overall, results need further replication in larger samples and standardized therapy settings. CONCLUSIONS The current findings suggest that patients with increased emotional reactivity benefit more from CBT, possibly through less avoidance of anxiety-provoking stimuli during exposure with response prevention, a crucial component in CBT for OCD. Although its clinical utility still needs to be evaluated further, the LPP constitutes a promising candidate as a prognostic marker for CBT response in OCD.
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MacKinnon AL, Simpson KM, Salisbury MR, Bobula J, Penner-Goeke L, Berard L, Rioux C, Giesbrecht GF, Giuliano R, Lebel C, Protudjer JLP, Reynolds K, Sauer-Zavala S, Soderstrom M, Tomfohr-Madsen LM, Roos LE. Building Emotional Awareness and Mental Health (BEAM): A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of an App-Based Program for Mothers of Toddlers. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:880972. [PMID: 35815022 PMCID: PMC9263095 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.880972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Families have faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to increased maternal mental health problems and barriers to accessing care. Innovative programs are needed to support both maternal mental health and parenting, and to buffer the long-term impacts of stress on young children. Using a patient-oriented approach, our research team aimed to co-develop and pilot test an App-based psychoeducation and social-connection platform: Building Emotional Awareness and Mental Health (BEAM). Methods The co-development process involved a parent advisory board from conceptualization and design, through to direct participation in the program delivery. The BEAM program includes weekly videos and activities based on Unified Protocol therapy modules and emotion-focused parenting strategies, a weekly telehealth group review session, and access to a private online forum for support from other mothers and clinical coaches. A parallel randomized control trial was conducted across two provinces in Canada. Mothers of preschool children (aged 18-36 months old), with moderate-to-severe depression (Patient Health Questionaire-9 ≥ 10), were recruited online and randomized to either the 10-week BEAM intervention or treatment as usual (TAU) control group. Online surveys (ensuring researcher blinding) included questions about feasibility and acceptability of the program and pre/post self-report measures of mental health, parenting, positive coping and child behavior outcomes. The primary outcome measures were symptoms of depression and parenting stress. Data were analyzed using mixed models and an intention-to-treat approach. Results 65 participants were randomized, by an online allocation tool, to the BEAM (n = 33) and TAU (n = 32) groups. Engagement was relatively high at the beginning of the program, with 78.8% starting the BEAM App and 70.6% attending ≥1 telehealth session. Most respondents felt socially supported, satisfied with the App, and found it easy to use. Pre-post results indicated interaction effects with greater reductions in overall mental health problems, and specifically anxiety and sleep symptoms, among BEAM vs. control participants. There were also time effects with reductions in depression symptoms across both groups. No significant treatment effects emerged for the other mental health symptoms, parenting problems, positive coping, or child behavior outcomes. Descriptive data are included to highlight possible areas of promise for future large efficacy trials. Technological difficulties and other challenges that may have led to attrition and impacted outcomes are discussed. There were no adverse events related to study participation. Conclusions The BEAM program has promise as a novel, feasible and acceptable intervention for improving mental health among mothers of young children. Clinical Trial Registration [www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT04772677].
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna L. MacKinnon
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Kaeley M. Simpson
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | | | - Janelle Bobula
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Lara Penner-Goeke
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Lindsay Berard
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Charlie Rioux
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | | | - Ryan Giuliano
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Catherine Lebel
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Kristin Reynolds
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Leslie E. Roos
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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Long-term cost-effectiveness of group unified protocol in the Spanish public mental health system. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03365-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The limited material and human resources available in the Spanish public mental health system, combined with the high prevalence of emotional disorders nowadays, makes it necessary to search for and implement other more cost-effective formats. The versatility of the Unified Protocol (UP) for the transdiagnostic treatment of emotional disorders allows its application in group format, which could be a cost-effective solution for the system. The aim of the present study is to investigate the cost-effectiveness of the UP applied in group format in specialized care units compared to the Treatment as usual (TAU) in the Spanish public mental health system over a 15-month time period. The sample of this study consisted of 188 patients, diagnosed with an emotional disorder, randomized to the UP condition in group format or to the TAU condition in individual format. The findings of this study have shown the same beneficial results for the participants with symptoms of anxiety and depression in both conditions and greater improvements in quality of life in the UP condition. Regarding cost-effectiveness results, at the 15-month follow-up, participants in the UP condition received a greater number of sessions, with a lower total economic cost compared to the TAU condition. Finally, reductions in the number of participants using antidepressants and a reduction in medication burden were found in the UP condition over time. The results of this study show that UP applied in a group format can be a cost-effectiveness solution for the Spanish public mental health system. Trial registration number: NCT03064477 (March 10, 2017).
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77
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Seon Q, Mady N, Yang M, Karia M, Lashley M, Sescu C, Lalonde M, Puskas S, Outerbridge J, Parent-Racine E, Pagiatakis C, Gomez-Cardona L, Yiang D, Bouchard S, Linnaranta O. A Virtual Reality-Assisted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (VR-CBT) for and with Inuit in Quebec - a protocol for a proof-of-concept randomized controlled trial (Preprint). JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 12:e40236. [DOI: 10.2196/40236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
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Ju R, Chiu W, Zang Y, Hofmann SG, Liu X. Effectiveness and mechanism of a 4-week online self-help mindfulness intervention among individuals with emotional distress during COVID-19 in China. BMC Psychol 2022; 10:149. [PMID: 35698165 PMCID: PMC9190451 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-022-00831-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many people suffered from emotional distress especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to alleviate emotional distress, more accessible psychological intervention programs, such as online intervention programs, are needed. The study aimed to investigate the efficacy and the potential mechanism of a 4-week, online, self-help mindfulness-based intervention to manage emotional distress during the COVID-19 pandemic between February 3 and May 20, 2020. Methods A total of 302 individuals with high emotional distress completed a self-help mindfulness course, which lasted 30–60 min per day for 28 consecutive days. Participants who registered in the program later were included in the analyses as the control group (n = 315). Levels of mindfulness, perceived stress, emotional distress, anxiety and depression were assessed at baseline(T1), week 1(T2), week 2(T3), week 3(T4) and week 4(T5). Results Significant Group by Time interaction effects were found on mindfulness, perceived stress, emotional distress, anxiety and depression (p < 0.001). Compared to the control group, the intervention group had a greater increase in changes of all outcome variables (p < 0.001). Random intercept cross-lagged analyses showed that compared with control group, mindfulness at T2 and T4 negatively predicted stress at T3 and T5, and mindfulness at T2 and T4 negatively predicted depression at T3 and T5 while depression at T3 predicted mindfulness at T4 in the mindfulness group. Conclusions The results suggest that a 4-week self-help online mindfulness intervention improved mindfulness and reduced stress, emotional distress, anxiety and depression symptoms. Compared to the control group, changes in mindfulness preceded changes in stress, and mindfulness and depression reciprocally influenced each other during the intervention. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2000034539. Registered 9 July 2020—Retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=55721&htm=4. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40359-022-00831-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruilin Ju
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, Peking University, No. 5 Yiheyuan Road Haidian District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wingsze Chiu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, Peking University, No. 5 Yiheyuan Road Haidian District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinyin Zang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, Peking University, No. 5 Yiheyuan Road Haidian District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Stefan G Hofmann
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany.,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, 900 Commonwealth Avenue, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Xinghua Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, Peking University, No. 5 Yiheyuan Road Haidian District, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
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79
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Kerr KL, Ratliff EL, Cohen ZP, Fuller S, Cosgrove KT, DeVille DC, Misaki M, Morris AS, Bodurka J. Real-Time Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Dyadic Neurofeedback for Emotion Regulation: A Proof-of-Concept Study. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:910951. [PMID: 35721350 PMCID: PMC9204632 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.910951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Real-time fMRI (rt-fMRI) neurofeedback can be used to non-invasively modulate brain activity and has shown initial effectiveness in symptom reduction for psychiatric disorders. Neurofeedback paradigms often target the neurocircuitry underlying emotion regulation, as difficulties with emotion regulation are common across many psychiatric conditions. Adolescence is a key period for the development of emotion regulation, with the parent-adolescent relationship providing an important context for learning how to modulate one's emotions. Here, we present evidence for a novel extension of rt-fMRI neurofeedback wherein a second person (the parent) views neurofeedback from the focal participant (adolescent) and attempts to regulate the other person's brain activity. In this proof-of-concept study, mother-adolescent dyads (n = 6; all female) participated in a dyadic neurofeedback protocol, during which they communicated via active noise-canceling microphones and headphones. During the scan, adolescents described current emotionally upsetting situations in their lives, and their mothers responded while viewing neurofeedback from the adolescent's right anterior insular cortex (aIC)-a key hub for emotion-related processing. The mother was instructed to supportively respond to her daughter's negative emotions and attempt to downregulate the aIC activity. Mean right aIC activation during each run was calculated for each adolescent participant, and results revealed a downward trend across the session (β = -0.17, SE β = 0.19, Cohen's f 2 = 0.03). Results of this proof-of-concept study support further research using dyadic neurofeedback to target emotion-related processing. Future applications may include therapist-client dyads and continued research with parents and children. Clinical Trial Registration [www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT03929263].
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara L. Kerr
- Department of Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
- Oklahoma State University Biomedical Imaging Center, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Erin L. Ratliff
- Oklahoma State University Biomedical Imaging Center, Tulsa, OK, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Center for Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Zsofia P. Cohen
- Department of Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
- Oklahoma State University Biomedical Imaging Center, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Stormie Fuller
- Department of Behavioral Pediatrics, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Kelly T. Cosgrove
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, United States
- Department of Psychology, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Danielle C. DeVille
- Department of Psychology, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Masaya Misaki
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Amanda Sheffield Morris
- Department of Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
- Oklahoma State University Biomedical Imaging Center, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Jerzy Bodurka
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, United States
- Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States
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Christensen AB, Rejaye Gryesten J, Kokholm J, Vislie K, Reinholt N, Dichmann K, Poulsen S, Arnfred S. The unified protocol: patient and therapist perspectives on the utility of the group manual. CLIN PSYCHOL-UK 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/13284207.2022.2061340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Bryde Christensen
- Research Unit for Psychotherapy & Psychopathology, Mental Health Service West, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jasmin Rejaye Gryesten
- Research Unit for Psychotherapy & Psychopathology, Mental Health Service West, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Julie Kokholm
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kitty Vislie
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nina Reinholt
- Research Unit for Psychotherapy & Psychopathology, Mental Health Service West, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kirstine Dichmann
- Research Unit for Psychotherapy & Psychopathology, Mental Health Service West, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stig Poulsen
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sidse Arnfred
- Research Unit for Psychotherapy & Psychopathology, Mental Health Service West, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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81
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Qanbari Alaee E, Saed O, Khakpoor S, Ahmadi R, Ali Mohammadi M, Yoosefi Afrashteh M, Morovati Z. The efficacy of transdiagnostic cognitive behavioural therapy on reducing negative affect, anxiety sensitivity and improving perceived control in children with emotional disorders - a randomized controlled trial. RESEARCH IN PSYCHOTHERAPY: PSYCHOPATHOLOGY, PROCESS AND OUTCOME 2022; 25. [PMID: 35532025 PMCID: PMC9153761 DOI: 10.4081/ripppo.2022.588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
In response to the high rate of comorbidity among different types of emotional disorders in children, Transdiagnostic Unified Protocol of Emotional disorder in children (UP-C) was developed to address common underlying mechanisms in the development and maintenance of emotional disorders using empirically supported cognitive and behavioural strategies. Although, studies supported the effectiveness of this protocol in the treatment of wide range of emotional disorders, further studies are needed to examine its effect on transdiagnostic factors. The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of the UP-C on negative affect, anxiety sensitivity and perceived control in children with emotional disorders. During this randomized controlled trial, 34 children aged 7 to 13 with emotional disorders were randomly assigned to treatment (n=18) and control (n=16) groups. The treatment group and their parents received 15 sessions of UP-C. Negative Affect Schedule for Children (PANASNA- C), Children’s Anxiety Sensitivity Index (CASI), Anxiety Control Questionnaire-Children (ACQ-C) were carried out in all phases (pre-treatment, post-treatment, 3 and 8 months follow- up). The results showed that following UP-C, negative affect (hedges’g=2.01) and anxiety sensitivity (hedges’g=1.05) were significantly reduced, and perceived control (hedges’g= –2.36) was significantly improved. The results remained relatively constant during the follow-ups. Findings provide evidence that the UP-C has significant effect on negative affect, anxiety sensitivity and perceived control as roots of emotional disorders.
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82
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Ferreres-Galán V, Navarro-Haro MV, Peris-Baquero Ó, Guillén-Marín S, de Luna-Hermoso J, Osma J. Assessment of Acceptability and Initial Effectiveness of a Unified Protocol Prevention Program to Train Emotional Regulation Skills in Female Nursing Professionals during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:5715. [PMID: 35565110 PMCID: PMC9101624 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Healthcare professionals, especially women, have shown increases in anxious-depressive symptoms as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of a Unified Protocol (UP) prevention program to provide emotional regulation skills to cope with stressful situations. The sample consisted of 27 nursing professionals (100% women; mean age: 45.67; SD = 7.71) working in a Spanish public hospital during COVID-19, who were randomized to an immediate treatment group (ITG, n = 13) or to a delayed treatment group (DTG, n = 14, which served as the waiting list control group and received the program 5 weeks after the ITG had received it). The program consisted of five-weekly, two-hour, UP-based group sessions. Variables related to emotional symptomatology, emotional regulation, personality, burnout, and perceived quality of life were evaluated at the following time points: pre- and post-intervention and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups. Statistically significant between-group differences showed lower emotional exhaustion and personal accomplishment in favor of the ITG after the intervention. Regarding the effect over time for all participants who received the UP (n = 27), statistically significant reductions were observed in neuroticism, personal accomplishment, and subjective distress caused by traumatic events (-0.23 ≤ d ≤ -0.73). A statistically significant interaction "Time*Condition" was found in anxiety, with increases in the DTG. Participants showed high satisfaction with the UP. These findings show good acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of the UP to reduce the emotional impact of the pandemic in female nursing workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanesa Ferreres-Galán
- Mental Health Unit of the Hospital Comarcal of Vinaròs, 12500 Vinaròs, Spain; (V.F.-G.); (J.d.L.-H.)
- Health Research Institute of Aragón, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (Ó.P.-B.); (J.O.)
| | - María Vicenta Navarro-Haro
- Health Research Institute of Aragón, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (Ó.P.-B.); (J.O.)
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, 44003 Teruel, Spain;
| | - Óscar Peris-Baquero
- Health Research Institute of Aragón, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (Ó.P.-B.); (J.O.)
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, 44003 Teruel, Spain;
| | - Silvia Guillén-Marín
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, 44003 Teruel, Spain;
| | - Jordi de Luna-Hermoso
- Mental Health Unit of the Hospital Comarcal of Vinaròs, 12500 Vinaròs, Spain; (V.F.-G.); (J.d.L.-H.)
| | - Jorge Osma
- Health Research Institute of Aragón, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (Ó.P.-B.); (J.O.)
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, 44003 Teruel, Spain;
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83
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The importance of idiographic and functionally analytic strategies in the unified protocol for transdiagnostic treatment of emotional disorders. JOURNAL OF CONTEXTUAL BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcbs.2022.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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84
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Moore R, Gillanders D, Stuart S. The Impact of Group Emotion Regulation Interventions on Emotion Regulation Ability: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11092519. [PMID: 35566645 PMCID: PMC9105582 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11092519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Emotional regulation (ER) as a concept is not clearly defined, and there is a lack of clarity about how individuals can improve their ability to regulate emotions. Nevertheless, there is increasing evidence of the importance of ER as a transdiagnostic treatment target across mental health problems. This review examines the impact of ER group interventions on ER ability compared with no intervention, other comparable group interventions, or control conditions. A systematic review was conducted, in which 15 studies were included. Although types of ER intervention were mixed, the interventions had a considerable overlap in skills taught and how ER was measured. In all but one study, the ER intervention improved ER ability. ER interventions were superior to waitlist or treatment as usual, but there was limited evidence to suggest they were superior to other active treatments. Data from some studies suggest that improved ER was sustained at follow-up. Across the studies, there was generally poor linking of theory to practice, which hampers understanding of how interventions were constructed and why different skills were included. Although the results need to be interpreted with caution due to issues with methodological quality with the included papers, there is promising evidence that ER group interventions significantly improve ER ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah Moore
- NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow Psychological Trauma Service, Festival Business Centre, 150 Brand Street, Glasgow G51 1DH, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - David Gillanders
- School of Health in Social Science, Elsie Inglis Quad, Teviot Place, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, UK;
| | - Simon Stuart
- NHS Lanarkshire, Hunter Health Centre, Andrew Street, East Kilbride G74 1AD, UK;
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85
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Prevention of Depression and Anxiety in Subclinical Adolescents: Effects of a Transdiagnostic Internet-Delivered CBT Program. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095365. [PMID: 35564759 PMCID: PMC9101842 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Anxiety and depressive symptoms are common problems in adolescence that could be addressed by means of preventive interventions. Even though transdiagnostic cognitive behavior therapy (T-CBT) is potentially an ideal strategy to deal with anxiety and depression, it has rarely been used for preventive purposes. In addition, so far, no study has used internet-delivered T-CBT to prevent anxiety and depression in adolescents. This study aimed to examine the utility of AMTE, an internet-delivered T-CBT program, for the indicated prevention of anxiety and depression in adolescents. AMTE was applied to 30 adolescents (56.7% females, age range = 12–18 years, Mage = 14.00, SDage = 1.89) who showed subclinical symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. Participants were assessed at pre- and post-treatment and follow-up (3 months). We found that after the program, the symptoms of self-reported anxiety and depression, clinician-rated symptom severity, and self-reported and parent-reported severity of the main problems had significantly improved. In addition, there were significant improvements in anxiety sensitivity and emotional avoidance. Finally, we found high feasibility and acceptability of the program. AMTE is feasible and potentially effective for the indicated prevention of anxiety and depression as well as of clinical transdiagnostic factors, in adolescents.
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86
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Muñoz-Navarro R, Medrano LA, Limonero JT, González-Blanch C, Moriana JA, Ruiz-Rodríguez P, Cano-Vindel A. The mediating role of emotion regulation in transdiagnostic cognitive behavioural therapy for emotional disorders in primary care: Secondary analyses of the PsicAP randomized controlled trial. J Affect Disord 2022; 303:206-215. [PMID: 34998804 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emotional disorders are highly prevalent in primary care. Transdiagnostic cognitive behavior therapy (TD-CBT) is a promising treatment of emotional disorders. In this study, we evaluated several emotion regulation strategies as potential mediators of treatment outcomes in a clinical sample of primary care. METHODS A total of 1061 primary care patients were included in a randomized clinical trial comparing treatment-as-usual (TAU) to TD-CBT+TAU. Of these, 631 (TAU=316; TD-CBT+TAU=315) completed the full treatment and all pre- and post-treatment scales to assess symptoms (anxiety, depression, somatization), emotion regulation strategies (worry, rumination, negative metacognition, suppression, cognitive reappraisal), overall functioning, and quality of life (QoL). RESULTS Treatment and direct effects showed that TD-CBT+TAU was superior to TAU alone. On the multivariate mediation analysis of indirect effects, three maladaptive strategies (worry, rumination and negative metacognition) had significant effects on all emotional symptoms. Suppression was also significant for depression. Rumination and negative metacognition were significant mediators of functioning, while only negative metacognition was significant for QoL. Reappraisal had no effect on any outcome. LIMITATIONS We focused mainly on maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies and only studied one behavioural strategy (suppression) and one adaptive strategy (reappraisal). CONCLUSIONS Targeting certain maladaptive emotion regulation strategies (worry, rumination, suppression, negative metacognition) as mediators for treatment with TD-CBT could reduce emotional symptoms and improve well-being. Negative metacognition was the most transdiagnostic strategy, whereas an adaptive strategy such as reappraisal was not a mediator. Thus, maladaptive emotion regulation strategies are key mediators in transdiagnostic therapy for emotional disorders in primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Muñoz-Navarro
- Department of Personality, Assessment and Psychological Treatments Faculty of Psychology. University of Valencia, Av. Blasco Ibáñez, 10. 46010. Valencia, Spain.
| | - Leonardo Adrián Medrano
- Department of Psychology, Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra, Autopista Duarte Km 1 1/2, Santiago De Los Caballeros 51000, Dominican Republic.
| | - Joaquín T Limonero
- Department of Basic Psychology, University Autonoma of Barcelona, Plaça Cívica, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - César González-Blanch
- Mental Health Centre, University Hospital "Marqués de Valdecilla"- IDIVAL. Av. Valdecilla, 25, 39008 Santander, Cantabria, Spain.
| | - Juan A Moriana
- Department of Psychology, University of Córdoba/ Maimónides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba-IMIBIC/Reina Sofía University Hospital. Av. Menéndez Pidal, s/n, 14004 Córdoba, Spain.
| | - Paloma Ruiz-Rodríguez
- Castilla La Nueva Primary Care Centre, Health Service of Madrid. Calle Teruel, 4, 28941 Fuenlabrada, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Antonio Cano-Vindel
- Department of Experimental Psychology. Faculty of Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Campus de Somosaguas, s/n, 28223 Madrid, Spain.
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Fernández-Rodríguez C, Coto-Lesmes R, Martínez-Loredo V, González-Fernández S, Cuesta M. Is Activation the Active Ingredient of Transdiagnostic Therapies? A Randomized Clinical Trial of Behavioral Activation, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Transdiagnostic Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Emotional Disorders. Behav Modif 2022; 47:3-45. [DOI: 10.1177/01454455221083309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Studying the usefulness of contextual and cognitive transdiagnostic therapies calls for an analysis of both their differential efficacy and their specificity when acting on the transdiagnostic conditions on which they focus. This controlled trial compares the post-treatment and 3- and 6-month follow-up effects of Behavioral Activation (BA), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive-Behavioral Transdiagnostic Therapy (TD-CBT) on emotional symptomatology, and analyses the role played by Experiential Avoidance, Cognitive Fusion, Activation and Emotion Regulation in the clinical change. One hundred twenty-eight patients who fulfilled diagnostic criteria for anxiety and/or depression (intention-to-treat sample) were randomly assigned to three experimental group-treatment conditions (BA, n = 34; ACT, n = 27; TD-CBT n = 33) and one control group (WL, n = 34). Ninety-nine (77.34%) completed the treatment (per-protocol sample). In the post-treatment, all therapies reduced anxiety and depression symptomatology. In the follow-ups, the reduction in emotional symptomatology was greater in the condition which produced greater and more prolonged effects on Activation. Activation appears to be the principal condition in modifying all the transdiagnostic patterns and BA was the most efficacious and specific treatment. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04117464. Raw data are available online http://dx.doi.org/10.17632/krj3w2hfsj.1 .
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88
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Astle DE, Holmes J, Kievit R, Gathercole SE. Annual Research Review: The transdiagnostic revolution in neurodevelopmental disorders. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2022; 63:397-417. [PMID: 34296774 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Practitioners frequently use diagnostic criteria to identify children with neurodevelopmental disorders and to guide intervention decisions. These criteria also provide the organising framework for much of the research focussing on these disorders. Study design, recruitment, analysis and theory are largely built on the assumption that diagnostic criteria reflect an underlying reality. However, there is growing concern that this assumption may not be a valid and that an alternative transdiagnostic approach may better serve our understanding of this large heterogeneous population of young people. This review draws on important developments over the past decade that have set the stage for much-needed breakthroughs in understanding neurodevelopmental disorders. We evaluate contemporary approaches to study design and recruitment, review the use of data-driven methods to characterise cognition, behaviour and neurobiology, and consider what alternative transdiagnostic models could mean for children and families. This review concludes that an overreliance on ill-fitting diagnostic criteria is impeding progress towards identifying the barriers that children encounter, understanding underpinning mechanisms and finding the best route to supporting them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duncan E Astle
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Joni Holmes
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Rogier Kievit
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Susan E Gathercole
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Ferrandez S, Soubelet A, Vankenhove L. Positive interventions for stress-related difficulties: A systematic review of randomized and non-randomized trials. Stress Health 2022; 38:210-221. [PMID: 34453863 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The effectiveness of positive psychology interventions in the treatment of stress-related difficulties have not been well established. To estimate the effectiveness of positive psychology interventions on the reduction of stress-related symptoms, a systematic review using PubMed, Scopus, Wiley, Psychinfo, Cochrane and Sage databases with no limitation of date of publication was conducted. We identified additional studies by searching positive psychology reviews and academic books. Only studies trying positive interventions that included measures of anxiety, stress, or posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms were reviewed. We extracted data using predefined data fields and study quality was assessed with the National Institutes of Health study quality assessment tools. Twenty-nine records were included in this study: 23 controlled trials and six pre-post studies. Every study showed significant improvement in at least one dimension. Several studies reported improvements in well-being as well. This review shows promising results of positive psychology interventions as a treatment for stress-related difficulties. However, important methodological biases and strong heterogeneity among the studies highlight the need for replication and better validation of positive psychology interventions.
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90
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Delaquis CP, Joyce KM, Zalewski M, Katz LY, Sulymka J, Agostinho T, Roos LE. Dialectical behaviour therapy skills training groups for common mental health disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord 2022; 300:305-313. [PMID: 34965396 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.12.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chantal P Delaquis
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Kayla M Joyce
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Maureen Zalewski
- Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Oregon, United States
| | - Laurence Y Katz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Julia Sulymka
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Tayla Agostinho
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Leslie E Roos
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada; Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
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91
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Guetta RE, Cassiello-Robbins C, Trumbull J, Anand D, Rosenthal MZ. Examining emotional functioning in misophonia: The role of affective instability and difficulties with emotion regulation. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263230. [PMID: 35148347 PMCID: PMC8836307 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Misophonia is a newly described condition characterized by sensory and emotional reactivity (e.g., anxiety, anger, disgust) to repetitive, pattern-based sounds (e.g., throat clearing, chewing, slurping). Individuals with misophonia report significant functional impairment and interpersonal distress. Growing research indicates ineffective coping and emotional functioning broadly (e.g., affective lability, difficulties with emotion regulation) are central to the clinical presentation and severity of misophonia. Preliminary evidence suggests an association between negative emotionality and deficits in emotion regulation in misophonia. Still, little is known about (a) the relationships among specific components of emotional functioning (e.g., emotion regulation, affective lability) with misophonia, and (b) which component(s) of misophonia (e.g., noise frequency, emotional and behavioral responses, impairment) are associated with emotional functioning. Further, despite evidence that mood and anxiety disorders co-occur with misophonia, investigation thus far has not controlled for depression and anxiety symptoms. Examination of these relationships will help inform treatment development for misophonia. The present study begins to disambiguate the relationships among affective lability, difficulties with emotion regulation, and components of misophonia. A sample of 297 participants completed questionnaires assessing misophonia, emotional functioning, depression, anxiety, and COVID-19 impact. Findings indicated that misophonia severity was positively associated with each of these constructs with small to medium effect sizes. When controlling for depression, anxiety, and COVID-19 impact, results from this preliminary study suggest that (a) difficulties with emotion regulation may be correlated with misophonia severity, and (b) misophonic responses, not number of triggers or perceived severity, are associated with difficulties with emotion regulation. Overall, these findings begin to suggest that emotion regulation is important to our understanding the risk factors and treatment targets for misophonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E. Guetta
- Center for Misophonia and Emotion Regulation, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States of America
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Clair Cassiello-Robbins
- Center for Misophonia and Emotion Regulation, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Jacqueline Trumbull
- Center for Misophonia and Emotion Regulation, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States of America
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Deepika Anand
- Center for Misophonia and Emotion Regulation, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - M. Zachary Rosenthal
- Center for Misophonia and Emotion Regulation, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States of America
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
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92
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Reinholt N, Hvenegaard M, Christensen AB, Eskildsen A, Hjorthøj C, Poulsen S, Arendt MB, Rosenberg NK, Gryesten JR, Aharoni RN, Alrø AJ, Christensen CW, Arnfred SM. Transdiagnostic versus Diagnosis-Specific Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety Disorders and Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial. PSYCHOTHERAPY AND PSYCHOSOMATICS 2022; 91:36-49. [PMID: 34111874 DOI: 10.1159/000516380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders (UP) delivered in a group format could facilitate the implementation of evidence-based psychological treatments. OBJECTIVE This study compared the efficacy of group UP and diagnosis-specific cognitive behavioral therapy (dCBT) for anxiety and depression in outpatient mental health services. METHODS In this pragmatic, multi-center, single-blinded, non-inferiority, randomized controlled trial (RCT), we assigned 291 patients with major depressive disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or agoraphobia to 14 weekly sessions in mixed-diagnosis UP or single-diagnosis dCBT groups. The primary test was non-inferiority, using a priori criteria, on the World Health Organisation 5 Well-Being Index (WHO-5) at the end of the treatment. Secondary outcomes were functioning and symptoms. We assessed outcomes at baseline, end-of-treatment, and at a 6-month follow-up. A modified per-protocol analysis was performed. RESULTS At end-of-treatment, WHO-5 mean scores for patients in UP (n = 148) were non-inferior to those of patients in dCBT (n = 143; mean difference -2.94; 95% CI -8.10 to 2.21). Results were inconclusive for the WHO-5 at the 6-month follow-up. Results for secondary outcomes were non-inferior at end-of-treatment and the 6-month follow-up. Client satisfaction and rates of attrition, response, remission, and deterioration were similar across conditions. CONCLUSIONS This RCT demonstrated non-inferior acute-phase outcomes of group-delivered UP compared with dCBT for major depressive disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and agoraphobia in outpatient mental health services. The long-term effects of UP on well-being need further investigation. If study findings are replicated, UP should be considered a viable alternative to dCBT for common anxiety disorders and depression in outpatient mental health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Reinholt
- Research Unit for Psychotherapy and Psychopathology, Mental Health Service West, Copenhagen University Hospital, Psychiatry Region Zealand, Slagelse, Denmark.,Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten Hvenegaard
- Competency Center for Rehabilitation and Recovery, Mental Health Center Ballerup, Ballerup, Denmark
| | - Anne Bryde Christensen
- Research Unit for Psychotherapy and Psychopathology, Mental Health Service West, Copenhagen University Hospital, Psychiatry Region Zealand, Slagelse, Denmark
| | - Anita Eskildsen
- Department of Affective Disorders, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Carsten Hjorthøj
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health, CORE, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Public Health, Section of Epidemiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stig Poulsen
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Berg Arendt
- Department of Affective Disorders, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Jasmin Rejaye Gryesten
- Research Unit for Psychotherapy and Psychopathology, Mental Health Service West, Copenhagen University Hospital, Psychiatry Region Zealand, Slagelse, Denmark
| | - Ruth Nielsen Aharoni
- Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anja Johnsen Alrø
- Department of Affective Disorders, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Sidse Marie Arnfred
- Research Unit for Psychotherapy and Psychopathology, Mental Health Service West, Copenhagen University Hospital, Psychiatry Region Zealand, Slagelse, Denmark.,Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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93
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Mothers at-risk for postpartum depression: Mental health and emotion regulation throughout the postpartum period. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02435-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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94
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Cassioli E, Rossi E, D'Anna G, Martelli M, Hazzard VM, Crosby RD, Wonderlich SA, Ricca V, Castellini G. A 1-year follow-up study of the longitudinal interplay between emotion dysregulation and childhood trauma in the treatment of anorexia nervosa. Int J Eat Disord 2022; 55:98-107. [PMID: 34862809 PMCID: PMC8787461 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study aimed to investigate the complex relationship between eating disorder (ED) specific psychopathology, emotion dysregulation, and their longitudinal variations in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) treated with a multidisciplinary approach including enhanced cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT-E), and to provide an integrated model which includes childhood trauma as a predictor of worse treatment outcomes. METHOD In total, 120 female patients with AN were evaluated at admission (T0), and 105 were re-evaluated after 1 year (T1) of treatment. At T0, patients underwent a clinical assessment and filled the Symptom Checklist 90-Revised (SCL90-R), the Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). SCL-90-R, EDE-Q, and DERS were readministered at T1. Variations between T0 and T1 were evaluated, and the proposed model was investigated using bivariate latent change score analysis in a structural equation modeling (SEM) framework. RESULTS An overall significant clinical amelioration was observed after treatment. A unidirectional effect of DERS scores on EDE-Q variations was outlined by SEM: patients with higher baseline DERS scores achieved less EDE-Q improvements, and EDE-Q latent change score was significantly predicted by longitudinal variations of DERS-but not vice versa. Higher CTQ scores predicted reduced treatment efficacy for ED-specific psychopathology through the mediating effect of higher baseline DERS scores. DISCUSSION The present study sheds light on the mechanism by which early trauma compromises treatment outcome in patients with AN, underlining the crucial role of emotional dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Cassioli
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorence
| | - Eleonora Rossi
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorence
| | - Giulio D'Anna
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorence
| | - Michela Martelli
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorence
| | | | - Ross D. Crosby
- Sanford Center for Biobehavioral ResearchFargoNorth DakotaUSA
| | | | - Valdo Ricca
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorence
| | - Giovanni Castellini
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorence
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95
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Rowland DP, Casey LM, Ganapathy A, Cassimatis M, Clough BA. A Decade in Review: A Systematic Review of Virtual Reality Interventions for Emotional Disorders. PSYCHOSOCIAL INTERVENTION = INTERVENCION PSICOSOCIAL 2022; 31:1-20. [PMID: 37362616 PMCID: PMC10268557 DOI: 10.5093/pi2021a8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Research is increasingly demonstrating the therapeutic benefits of virtual reality interventions for various mental health conditions, though these rarely translate from research to application in clinical settings. This systematic review aims to examine the efficacy of current virtual reality interventions for emotional disorders, with a focus on clinical and technological features that influence translation of treatments from research to clinical practice. A comprehensive systematic literature search was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, for studies including the application of a virtual reality intervention to a clinical population of adults with an emotional disorder. Thirty-seven eligible studies were identified, appraised, and assessed for bias. Treatment effects were typically large across studies, with virtual reality being considered an efficacious treatment modality for various anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder. Virtual reality interventions were typically used for delivering exposure in cognitive behavioural therapy approaches. Considerable variability was seen in cost, technological specifications, degree of therapist involvement, delivery format, dosage, duration, and frequency of treatment. Suboptimal methodological rigour was identified in some studies. Remote use of virtual reality was rare, despite increasing options for in home use. Virtual reality interventions have the potential to overcome barriers to care and better meet the needs of consumers. Future research should examine the efficacy of virtual reality for treatment of depressive disorders and obsesive compulsive disorder. Improved methodological reporting and development of transdiagnostic and remotely delivered virtual reality interventions, will likely increase the translation of this treatment modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dale P. Rowland
- Griffith UniversityQueenslandAustraliaGriffith University, Queensland, Australia
- Menzies Health InstituteQueenslandAustraliaMenzies Health Institute Queensland, Australia
| | - Leanne M. Casey
- Griffith UniversityQueenslandAustraliaGriffith University, Queensland, Australia
- Menzies Health InstituteQueenslandAustraliaMenzies Health Institute Queensland, Australia
| | - Aarthi Ganapathy
- Griffith UniversityQueenslandAustraliaGriffith University, Queensland, Australia
- Menzies Health InstituteQueenslandAustraliaMenzies Health Institute Queensland, Australia
| | - Mandy Cassimatis
- Griffith UniversityQueenslandAustraliaGriffith University, Queensland, Australia
- Menzies Health InstituteQueenslandAustraliaMenzies Health Institute Queensland, Australia
| | - Bonnie A. Clough
- Griffith UniversityQueenslandAustraliaGriffith University, Queensland, Australia
- Menzies Health InstituteQueenslandAustraliaMenzies Health Institute Queensland, Australia
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96
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Langwerden RJ, Van der Heijden PT, Claassen T, Derksen JJL, Egger JIM. The structure of dimensions of psychopathology in normative and clinical samples: Applying causal discovery to MMPI-2-RF scales to investigate clustering of psychopathology spectra and p-factors. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1026900. [PMID: 36440421 PMCID: PMC9686405 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1026900] [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: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We applied a Bayesian Constraint-based Causal Discovery method (BCCD) to examine the hierarchical structure of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) Restructured Clinical (RC) scales. Two different general psychopathology super spectra (p-factor) scales were extracted from (1) all RC scales and (2) all RC scales except the RCd (Demoralization) scale. These p-factor scales were included in separate models to investigate the structure of dimensions of psychopathology in a normative (n = 3,242) and clinical (n = 2,466) sample, as well as the combined normative/clinical sample (N = 5,708), by applying the BCCD algorithm to obtain a data-driven reconstruction of the internal hierarchical structure of the MMPI-2-RF. Research on the underlying structure of the MMPI-2-RF has clinical relevance as well as conceptual relevance in the context of the HiTOP model. Results demonstrated that the syndromes measured with the RC-scales-in presence of a p-factor-cluster into six spectra: internalizing, disinhibited-externalizing, antagonistic-externalizing, thought disorder, detachment, and somatoform. These results may support a super spectrum construct, as it was necessary for obtaining a bottom-up reconstruction of this six-spectrum structure. We found support for superiority of a broad super spectrum with additional variance over and above demoralization, as it resulted in the clearest structure (i.e., clustering of the RC scales). Furthermore, our results indicate independent support for the bifactor structure model of psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robbert J Langwerden
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Community-Based Research Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Paul T Van der Heijden
- Behavioral Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Centre for Adolescent Psychiatry, Reinier van Arkel Mental Health Institute, 's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands
| | - Tom Claassen
- Institute for Computing and Information Sciences, Faculty of Science, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Jan J L Derksen
- Behavioral Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Department of Clinical and Life Span Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jos I M Egger
- Centers of Excellence in Neuropsychiatry, Vincent van Gogh Mental Health Institute, Venray, Netherlands.,Stevig Specialized and Forensic Care for People With Intellectual Disabilities, Oostrom, Netherlands
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97
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Osma J, Martínez-García L, Peris-Baquero Ó, Navarro-Haro MV, González-Pérez A, Suso-Ribera C. Implementation, efficacy and cost effectiveness of the unified protocol in a blended format for the transdiagnostic treatment of emotional disorders: a study protocol for a multicentre, randomised, superiority controlled trial in the Spanish National Health System. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e054286. [PMID: 34972770 PMCID: PMC8720993 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-054286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Emotional disorders (EDs) have become the most prevalent psychological disorders in the general population, which has boosted the economic burden associated with their management. Approximately half of the individuals do not receive adequate treatment. Consequently, finding solutions to deliver cost-effective treatments for EDs has become a key goal of today's clinical psychology. Blended treatments, a combination of face-to-face and online interventions, have emerged as a potential solution to the previous. The Unified Protocol for the Transdiagnostic Treatment of EDs (UP) might serve this purpose, as it can be applied to a variety of disorders simultaneously and its manualised format makes it suitable for blended interventions. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The study is a multicentre, randomised, superiority, clinical trial. Participants will be 310 individuals with a diagnosis of an ED. They will be randomised to a treatment as usual (individual cognitive behavioural therapy) or a UP condition in a blended format (face-to-face individual UP +online, app-based UP). Primary outcomes will be ED diagnostic criteria and depression and anxiety symptoms. Cost efficiency of the intervention, app usability, as well as opinion and confidence in the treatment will also be evaluated. Assessment points will include baseline and 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after UP treatment. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study has received approvals by the Ethics Research Committee of Navarra, Castellón, Euskadi, Castilla y León, Extremadura, Lleida and Aragón. The study is currently under an approval process by the Ethics Research Committees of all the remaining collaborating centres. Outcomes will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at international conference meetings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04304911.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Osma
- Departamento de Psicología y Sociología, Universidad de Zaragoza, Teruel, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Laura Martínez-García
- Departamento de Psicología y Sociología, Universidad de Zaragoza, Teruel, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Óscar Peris-Baquero
- Departamento de Psicología y Sociología, Universidad de Zaragoza, Teruel, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - María Vicenta Navarro-Haro
- Departamento de Psicología y Sociología, Universidad de Zaragoza, Teruel, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
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98
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Fujisato H, Kato N, Namatame H, Ito M, Usami M, Nomura T, Ninomiya S, Horikoshi M. The Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders Among Japanese Children: A Pilot Study. Front Psychol 2021; 12:731819. [PMID: 34899471 PMCID: PMC8654783 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.731819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
At present, there is no established cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for treating emotional disorders in Japanese children. Therefore, we introduced the Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders in Children (UP-C) in Japan and adapted it to the Japanese context. We then examined its feasibility and preliminary efficacy using a single-arm pretest, posttest, follow-up design. Seventeen Japanese children aged between 8 and 12 years (female n = 11; male n = 6; M = 10.06 ± 0.97 years) with a principal diagnosis of anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, or depressive disorders, and their parents were enrolled in the study. The primary outcome was the overall severity of emotional disorders as assessed by psychiatrists using the Clinical Global Impression-Severity Scale. Secondary outcomes included child- and parent-reported anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and functional status. No severe adverse events were observed. The feasibility was confirmed by the low dropout proportion (11.76%), high attendance proportion (children: 95.6%; parents: 94.6%), and sufficient participant satisfaction. Linear mixed models (LMMs) showed that the overall severity of emotional disorders and child- and parent-reported anxiety symptoms improved from pre-treatment to post-treatment, and that these treatment effects were maintained during the 3-month follow-up period. Additionally, child- and parent-reported functional status improved from pre-treatment to the 3-month follow-up. In contrast, child-reported depressive symptoms improved from pre-treatment to follow-up, but there was no significant change in parent-reported depressive symptoms between pre-treatment and other time points. These findings demonstrate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the Japanese version of the UP-C, suggesting that future randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are warranted (Clinical trial registration: UMIN000026911).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroko Fujisato
- National Center for Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Research, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Noriko Kato
- National Center for Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Research, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hikari Namatame
- National Center for Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Research, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan.,Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Masaya Ito
- National Center for Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Research, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahide Usami
- Kohnodai Hospital, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Tomoko Nomura
- Kohnodai Hospital, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Chiba, Japan.,Graduate School of Humanities and Sciences, Ochanomizu University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuzo Ninomiya
- Kohnodai Hospital, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masaru Horikoshi
- National Center for Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Research, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
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99
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A transdiagnostic model of low self-esteem: pathway analysis in a heterogeneous clinical sample. Behav Cogn Psychother 2021; 50:171-186. [PMID: 34852861 DOI: 10.1017/s1352465821000485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low self-esteem (LSE) has been associated with several psychiatric disorders, and is presumably influenced by transdiagnostic factors. Our study was based both on investigations of the relationship between depression and LSE (vulnerability, scar, reciprocal models) and on theories of cognitive factors contributing to the development and maintenance of LSE, such as Melanie Fennell's model, the catalyst model and the Self-Regulatory Executive Function model. AIMS Based on the theories above, in our cross-sectional study we aimed at understanding more specifically the transdiagnostic factors that can maintain LSE in a heterogeneous clinical sample. METHOD Six hundred and eleven out-patients were assessed by SCID-I and self-report questionnaires. The model was tested by structural equation modelling. RESULTS Based on the fit indices, the hypothesis model did not fit the data; therefore, a modified transdiagnostic model was emerged. This model made a good fit to the data [χ2 (12, n=611)=76.471, p<.001; RMSEA=.080, CFI=.950, TLI=.913] with a strong explanatory power (adj R2=.636). Severe stressful life events and depressive symptoms lead to LSE indirectly. Self-blame, perfectionism, seeking love and hopelessness have been identified as mediating factors in the relationship between depressive symptoms and LSE. Although there was a significant correlation between state-anxiety and LSE, as well as LSE and rumination, these two factors did not fit into the model. CONCLUSIONS The new transdiagnostic model of LSE has great potential in the treatment of various mental conditions and may serve as a guide to developing more focused and more effective therapeutic interventions.
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100
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Isbăşoiu AB, Tulbure BT, Rusu A, Sava FA. Can We Boost Treatment Adherence to an Online Transdiagnostic Intervention by Adding Self-Enhancement Strategies? Results From a Randomized Controlled Non-inferiority Trial. Front Psychol 2021; 12:752249. [PMID: 34925157 PMCID: PMC8675898 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.752249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Internet-delivered psychotherapy represents an impactful large-scale solution for addressing psychological disorders. In spite of its flexibility and scalability, the fact that the ones in need have to initiate and sustain the curse of the treatment by themselves comes with considerable downsides in terms of treatment adherence. One solution could be to increase the ease of use and attractivity of the strategies and assignments from such programs. The present study aims to address this issue by incorporating a series of self-oriented strategies to the validated internet-delivered short version of the Unified Protocol (UP). By this mean we intend to complement the symptom-focused assignments, which may be more suitable in a therapist assisted context, with ones designed for self-enhancement, which may be easier approached as self-initiated. Based on a randomized controlled non-inferiority trial we compared the modified version of the UP with the standard short version. Method: The trial design was factorial, with two parallel arms and three measurement moments (baseline, post-intervention and 6-months follow-up). A total of 284 participants were randomly assigned to the intervention or the active control groups. The intervention group (baseline n = 142) received the self-enhanced nine modules of the UP (Self-enhanced 9UP) while the active control (baseline n = 142) received the standard nine modules (9UP). The newly added techniques were inspired by the acceptance and commitment therapy and were specific for self-concepts such as self-compassion or unconditional self-acceptance. Both programs lasted for 9 weeks. The non-inferiority of the Self-enhanced 9UP was tested against a margin of d = -0.35, on the following primary outcome measures: Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ9) - operationalization for depression; Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD7) - operationalization for generalized anxiety or worry; Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN) - operationalization for social phobia; and Panic Disorder Severity Scale-Self Report (PDSS-SR) - that showed participants' level of panic. Treatment adherence was assessed through the drop-out analyses and the engagement in completing the homework assignments. Secondary outcome measures included several self-concept measures: Self-Compassion Scale (SCS); Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES); Unconditional Self-Acceptance Questionnaire (USAQ); New General Self-Efficacy Scale (NGSE); and Self-Concept Clarity Scale (SCCS). On the secondary outcomes we explored the potential boost of effectiveness produced by the newly added self-enhancement components. Results: The dropout rates were similar in both groups (approximately 45%) and high overall. Adherence to treatment assignments was also modest and similar between groups (on average participants completed approximately half of the tasks), without a statistically significant bias toward the self-enhancement ones. Overall, both the intention-to-treat and completers analyses yielded no significant group by time interactions for any of the post-intervention and follow-up measurements, but a few non-inferiority analyses suggested that the Self-enhanced 9UP had a significantly weaker effectiveness than the standard 9UP. Within-group analyses showed significant alleviations on all the primary and secondary outcomes for both groups. The effect size estimates were mainly medium and high, and their magnitude tended to be kept also at 6-months follow-up. Discussion: We failed to increase treatment adherence, but we found support with some exceptions, for the non-inferiority hypothesis. Hence, the alterations performed to the 9UP protocol, although they did not boost the treatment attractiveness, they also did not decrease the treatment effectiveness as suggested by most non-inferiority analyses. Likewise, the gain on self-concepts was produced by both groups. Hence, the short version of the UP seems to have the potential of effectively alleviating a larger palette of psychological variables associated with mental health symptoms than previously known. Even though our main objective was only partially achieved, these secondary results are insightful and could open new avenues of research. Clinical Trial Registration: This trial has been registered at ClinicalTrials.Gov (NCT03917550; 17 April 2019; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03917550).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Florin Alin Sava
- Department of Psychology, West University of Timişoara, Timişoara, Romania
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