Effect of Internet vs Face-to-Face Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Health Anxiety: A Randomized Noninferiority Clinical Trial

Illness Anxiety Disorder: A Review of the Current Research and Future Directions

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We review recent evidence on Illness Anxiety Disorder (IAD), including risk factors and precipitants, diagnostic classification, clinical characteristics of the disorder, and assessment and treatment in both children and adults.

RECENT FINDINGS

IAD places a substantial burden on both individuals and society. Despite its impact, understanding of the disorder is lacking and debates remain about whether IAD should be classified as an anxiety disorder and whether it is distinct from Somatic Symptom Disorder. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for IAD and there are multiple validated measures of health anxiety available. However, research on health anxiety in children and youth is limited. IAD is chronic, and debilitating, but when identified, it can be effectively treated with CBT. Research using DSM-5 IAD criteria is lacking, and more research is needed to better understand the disorder, particularly in children and youth.

Effect of exposure-based vs traditional cognitive behavior therapy for fibromyalgia: a two-site single-blind randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT

Fibromyalgia is a debilitating pain condition for which treatment effects are typically modest. The most evaluated psychological treatment is traditional cognitive behavior therapy (T-CBT), but promising effects have recently been seen in exposure-based cognitive behavior therapy (Exp-CBT). We investigated whether Exp-CBT was superior to T-CBT in a randomized controlled trial. Self-referred participants with fibromyalgia (N = 274) were randomized (1:1) to 10 weeks of Exp-CBT or T-CBT. Treatments were delivered online and presented as "CBT for fibromyalgia." Participants were assessed at baseline, weekly during treatment, posttreatment, and at 6- and 12-month follow-up. Primary outcome was the difference in reduction in fibromyalgia severity as measured using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) over 11 assessment points from baseline to posttreatment, modelled within an intention-to-treat framework using linear mixed effects models fitted on multiple imputed data. Approximately 91% of weekly FIQ scores were collected over the main phase. There was no significant difference between Exp-CBT and T-CBT in the mean reduction of fibromyalgia severity from pretreatment to posttreatment (b = 1.3, 95% CI -3.0 to 5.7, P = 0.544, d = -0.10). Minimal clinically important improvement was seen 60% in Exp-CBT vs 59% in T-CBT. Effects were sustained up to 12 months posttreatment. This well-powered randomized trial indicated that Exp-CBT was not superior to T-CBT for fibromyalgia. Both treatments were associated with a marked reduction in fibromyalgia severity, and the online treatment format might be of high clinical utility. T-CBT can still be regarded a reference standard treatment that remains clinically relevant when compared to novel treatment approaches.

Association between expectations and clinical outcomes in online v. face-to-face therapy - an individual participant data meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Online treatments are increasing in number and are currently available for a wide range of clinical problems. To date little is known about the role of treatment expectations and other placebo-like mechanisms in online settings compared to traditional face-to-face treatment. To address this knowledge gap, we analyzed individual participant data from randomized clinical trials that compared online and face-to-face psychological interventions.

METHODS

MEDLINE (Ovid) and PsycINFO (Ovid) were last searched on 2 February 2021. Randomized clinical trials of therapist guided online v. face-to-face psychological interventions for psychiatric or somatic conditions using a randomized controlled design were included. Titles, abstracts, and full texts of studies were independently screened by multiple observers. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guideline was followed. Authors of the matching trials were contacted for individual participant data. Ratings from the Credibility and Expectancy Questionnaire and the primary outcome measure from each trial were used to estimate the association between expectation ratings and treatment outcomes in online v. face-to-face interventions, using a mixed-effects model.

RESULTS

Of 7045 screened studies, 62 full-text articles were retrieved whereof six studies fulfilled the criteria and provided individual participant data (n = 491). Overall, CEQ ratings predicted clinical outcomes (β = 0.27) at end of treatment with no moderating effect of treatment modality (online v. face-to-face).

CONCLUSIONS

Online treatment appears to be equally susceptible to expectancy effects as face-to-face therapy. This furthers our understanding of the importance of placebo-like factors in online treatment and may aid the improvement of healthcare in online settings.

Therapist-guided remote versus in-person cognitive behavioural therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has been shown to be effective for several psychiatric and somatic conditions; however, most randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have administered treatment in person and whether remote delivery is similarly effective remains uncertain. We sought to compare the effectiveness of therapist-guided remote CBT and in-person CBT.

METHODS

We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to July 4, 2023, for RCTs that enrolled adults (aged ≥ 18 yr) presenting with any clinical condition and that randomized participants to either therapist-guided remote CBT (e.g., teleconference, videoconference) or in-person CBT. Paired reviewers assessed risk of bias and extracted data independently and in duplicate. We performed random-effects model meta-analyses to pool patient-important primary outcomes across eligible RCTs as standardized mean differences (SMDs). We used Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) guidance to assess the certainty of evidence and used the Instrument to Assess the Credibility of Effect Modification Analyses (ICEMAN) to rate the credibility of subgroup effects.

RESULTS

We included 54 RCTs that enrolled a total of 5463 patients. Seventeen studies focused on treatment of anxiety and related disorders, 14 on depressive symptoms, 7 on insomnia, 6 on chronic pain or fatigue syndromes, 5 on body image or eating disorders, 3 on tinnitus, 1 on alcohol use disorder, and 1 on mood and anxiety disorders. Moderate-certainty evidence showed little to no difference in the effectiveness of therapist-guided remote and in-person CBT on primary outcomes (SMD -0.02, 95% confidence interval -0.12 to 0.07).

INTERPRETATION

Moderate-certainty evidence showed little to no difference in the effectiveness of in-person and therapist-guided remote CBT across a range of mental health and somatic disorders, suggesting potential for the use of therapist-guided remote CBT to facilitate greater access to evidence-based care. Systematic review registration: Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/7asrc).

The Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in Helping People on Sick Leave to Return to Work: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Previous research has systematically studied the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)-based interventions in managing both mental and physical symptoms of chronic disease including depression, stress-related mental disorders (SMD), and chronic pain that are common causes of sick leave. However, a systematic review focusing on the effectiveness of CBT in facilitating RTW is lacking. This study compiles research on utilizing CBT-based interventions for helping employees on sick leave return to work.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials (RCT) published between 1 January 1990 and 27 June 2022 were searched in MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, Scopus, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and PubMed. The primary outcome variables included a return to work (RTW) measure and sickness absences. The secondary outcomes include psychological conditions (mental illness, stress, anxiety, and depression) and physical condition (working ability, fatigue, and physical function).

RESULTS

Thirty-four RCTs were included in the analysis. Fifteen RCTs with 1727 participants reported on sick leave. Results showed that participants who completed CBT intervention had reduced sick leave in days (mean reduction - 3.654; 95%CI - 5.253, - 2.046; p < 0.001) compared to the control group. Sixteen papers with 2298 participants reported that the intervention group RTW 1.5 days earlier (95%CI 1.019, 1.722; p < 0.05). CBT-based interventions were effective in managing fatigue, mental illness, and depression, and improving physical function while it showed no effects in managing stress, anxiety and working ability.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings indicate that CBT-based interventions are effective in reducing the length of sick leave and facilitating the RTW of employees in the intervention group.

Efficacy of internet-based psychological interventions for pathological health anxiety: A three-level meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to provide a comprehensive summary and synthesis of available evidence on the efficacy of internet-based psychological interventions for pathological health anxiety, as well as to examine the variables that possibly moderate intervention effects.

METHOD

Four databases were searched for the literature up to October 2023. A three-level random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled effect size, with Hedge's g as the measure.

RESULTS

We extracted 28 effect sizes from nine eligible randomized controlled trials with 1079 participants. The results showed that internet-based psychological interventions had a moderate to large between-group effect on health anxiety (g = 0.70) that was significant both at post-intervention (g = 0.74) and follow-up (g = 0.64). Furthermore, these interventions were significantly more effective than passive control conditions including waitlist, usual care, and placebo at post-treatment (g = 1.07), but had effects comparable to active control groups at both post-intervention and follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Internet-based psychological interventions are an effective way to alleviate pathological health anxiety. We recommend that these interventions be more widely implemented in routine care settings to ensure easy accessibility for patients with health anxiety.

The Effect of Digital Mental Health Literacy Interventions on Mental Health: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Accelerated by technological advancements and the recent global pandemic, there is burgeoning interest in digital mental health literacy (DMHL) interventions that can positively affect mental health. However, existing work remains inconclusive regarding the effectiveness of DMHL interventions.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the components and modes of DMHL interventions, their moderating factors, and their long-term impacts on mental health literacy and mental health.

METHODS

We used a random-effects model to conduct meta-analyses and meta-regressions on moderating effects of DMHL interventions on mental health.

RESULTS

Using 144 interventions with 206 effect sizes, we found a moderate effect of DMHL interventions in enhancing distal mental health outcomes (standardized mean difference=0.42, 95% CI -0.10 to 0.73; P<.001) and a large effect in increasing proximal mental health literacy outcomes (standardized mean difference=0.65, 95% CI 0.59-0.74; P<.001). Uptake of DMHL interventions was comparable with that of control conditions, and uptake of DMHL interventions did not moderate the effects on both proximal mental health literacy outcomes and distal mental health outcomes. DMHL interventions were as effective as face-to-face interventions and did not differ by platform type or dosage. DMHL plus interventions (DMHL psychoeducation coupled with other active treatment) produced large effects in bolstering mental health, were more effective than DMHL only interventions (self-help DMHL psychoeducation), and were comparable with non-DMHL interventions (treatment as usual). DMHL interventions demonstrated positive effects on mental health that were sustained over follow-up assessments and were most effective in enhancing the mental health of emerging and older adults.

CONCLUSIONS

For theory building, our review and meta-analysis found that DMHL interventions are as effective as face-to-face interventions. DMHL interventions confer optimal effects on mental health when DMHL psychoeducation is combined with informal, nonprofessional active treatment components such as skills training and peer support, which demonstrate comparable effectiveness with that of treatment as usual (client-professional interactions and therapies). These effects, which did not differ by platform type or dosage, were sustained over time. Additionally, most DMHL interventions are found in Western cultural contexts, especially in high-income countries (Global North) such as Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom, and limited research is conducted in low-income countries in Asia and in South American and African countries. Most of the DMHL studies did not report information on the racial or ethnic makeup of the samples. Future work on DMHL interventions that target racial or ethnic minority groups, particularly the design, adoption, and evaluation of the effects of culturally adaptive DMHL interventions on uptake and mental health functioning, is needed. Such evidence can drive the adoption and implementation of DMHL interventions at scale, which represents a key foundation for practice-changing impact in the provision of mental health resources for individuals and the community.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42023363995; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023363995.

The pros and cons of virtual networking events: online exploratory survey of psychiatrists' opinions

We conducted an online questionnaire-based cross-sectional study to clarify psychiatrists' perspectives on virtual networking events. We compared two groups of respondents: those who had participated in virtual networking events (experienced group, n = 85) and those who had not (inexperienced group, n = 13). The experienced group had a greater level of agreement than the inexperienced group that virtual events were generally useful and helped with forming professional relationships and improving professional skills. Respondents in the experienced group considered the ease of participation and low financial burden to be advantages of virtual networking meetings and difficulties in building friendships and socialising to be disadvantages.

Brief digital self-care intervention for health anxiety in a Swedish Medical University Clinic: a prospective single-group feasibility study

OBJECTIVES

In routine psychiatric care in Stockholm, Sweden, a comprehensive therapist-guided intervention for clinically significant health anxiety is implemented. However, there is a need for more easily accessible self-care interventions to improve treatment dissemination. This study aimed to transform an existing therapist-guided digital intervention into a self-care intervention, reducing patient burden and used clinical resources while maintaining quality and safety.

DESIGN

An uncontrolled feasibility study.

SETTING

Conducted at Karolinska Institutet, a medical university in Sweden, with nationwide recruitment trough online advertisements.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-five adults used the self-care intervention and underwent telephone assessments, along with completing self-rated questionnaires.

INTERVENTION

The newly developed 8-week self-care intervention was designed to be user-friendly without therapist guidance, and to facilitate high levels of behavioural engagement.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Indicators of quality and safety, including changes in health anxiety severity (primary), clinician time, participant adherence, perceived credibility/satisfaction with the intervention and adverse events, were benchmarked against a previous study of the more comprehensive intervention it was based on.

RESULTS

Compared with the original guided intervention, the self-care intervention was condensed in terms of text (up to 70% less reading), duration (8 weeks instead of 12) and number of exercises. Quality indicators were similar to the original version. Most participants worked actively with core components in the self-care intervention. Within-group effects on health anxiety from pretreatment to the 3-month follow-up were large (g=1.37; 95% CI 0.74 to 2.00). No serious adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

This brief digital self-care intervention shows potential for increasing access to treatment for individuals with health anxiety while reducing the burden on patients and clinical resources. Future studies should investigate the optimal type of intervention and support for different individuals, and if non-inferiority can be established.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT05446766.

Non-inferiority of intermittent theta burst stimulation over the left V1 vs. classical target for depression: A randomized, double-blind trial

BACKGROUND

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) targeting the visual cortex (VC) has shown antidepressant effects for major depressive disorder (MDD) in sham-controlled trials, but comparisons with rTMS targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) are lacking. We aimed to determine the non-inferiority of intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) over VC vs DLPFC for MDD.

METHODS

Participants randomly received navigated iTBS over the left V1 or the left DLPFC twice daily for 14 days with a 3-month follow-up. The primary outcome was change in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) score from baseline to treatment end, with 2.5 points as the non-inferiority margin. Secondary outcomes included: improvement in Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA); response and remission rates; suicidal ideation and adverse events.

RESULTS

Of 75 randomized patients, 67 completed full treatment, including 52 first-episode patients and 15 relapsers. The primary outcome indicated the non-inferiority of VC (adjusted difference 1.14, lower 97.5 % CI -1.24; p = .002), confirmed by improvements in objective cognitive task and protein levels, as did most secondary outcomes. Reduced suicidal ideation after treatment, incidence of eye discomfort and pain score were lower in the VC group.

CONCLUSIONS

Left VC iTBS has the potential to be non-inferior to DLPFC iTBS in most first-episode MDD in improving depressive symptoms and cognitive function, with less suicidal ideation and adverse events.

LIMITATIONS

Given the limited sample size, the lack of a sham control and the use of antidepressants, the findings should be interpreted with caution.

Illness anxiety predicts higher mental strain and vaccine willingness-A nine-wave longitudinal study during the first 1.5 years of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany

Illness anxiety may amplify vulnerability to psychopathological symptoms during the COVID-19-pandemic-perhaps especially at the beginning of the pandemic and during high infection waves, but empirical evidence on this is lacking. In addition, considering a potentially functional facet of it, illness anxiety might be associated with higher vaccine willingness. We analyzed data of a nine-wave longitudinal online-survey (March 2020-October 2021) with 8148 non-probability sampled adults of the general population in Germany (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04331106). Using multilevel analysis, we investigated longitudinal associations of dimensionally assessed illness anxiety (worry about illness, bodily preoccupation) with mental strain and vaccine willingness and considered the dynamic of the pandemic (i.e., duration and infection rates). Higher worry about illness and bodily preoccupation were associated with higher COVID-19-related fears, unspecific anxiety, depressive symptoms, and vaccine willingness. Vaccine willingness increased over time and in parallel to higher infection rates. Symptoms of mental strain decreased with continuing duration of the pandemic but increased when infection rates inclined. This decrease and increase, respectively, was steeper in individuals with higher illness anxiety. Our findings suggest that individuals with higher illness anxiety are more vulnerable to experience psychopathological symptoms during the ongoing pandemic, particularly at its beginning and during times of high infection rates. Thus, illness anxiety and associated symptoms should be targeted by adaptive measures. The fluctuation of symptoms parallel to the pandemic situation implies that support should be particularly issued at the beginning of extraordinary situations as well as during phases of high infection rates.

Effects of a Self-Guided Transdiagnostic Smartphone App on Patient Empowerment and Mental Health: Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Mental disorders impact both individuals and health systems. Symptoms and syndromes often remain undetected and untreated, resulting in chronification. Besides limited health care resources, within-person barriers such as the lack of trust in professionals, the fear of stigmatization, or the desire to cope with problems without professional help contribute to the treatment gap. Self-guided mental health apps may support treatment seeking by reducing within-person barriers and facilitating mental health literacy. Digital mental health interventions may also improve mental health related self-management skills and contribute to symptom reduction and the improvement of quality of life.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the effects of a self-guided transdiagnostic app for mental health on help seeking, reduced stigma, mental health literacy, self-management skills, mental health symptoms, and quality of life using a randomized controlled design.

METHODS

Overall, 1045 participants (recruited via open, blinded, and web-based recruitment) with mild to moderate depression or anxiety-, sleep-, eating-, or somatization-related psychopathology were randomized to receive either access to a self-guided transdiagnostic mental health app (MindDoc) in addition to care as usual or care as usual only. The core features of the app were regular self-monitoring, automated feedback, and psychological courses and exercises. The coprimary outcomes were mental health literacy, mental health-related patient empowerment and self-management skills (MHPSS), attitudes toward help seeking, and actual mental health service use. The secondary outcomes were psychopathological symptom burden and quality of life. Data were collected at baseline and 8 weeks and 6 months after randomization. Treatment effects were investigated using analyses of covariance, including baseline variables as predictors and applying multiple imputation.

RESULTS

We found small but robust between-group effects for MHPSS (Cohen d=0.29), symptoms burden (Cohen d=0.28), and quality of life (Cohen d=0.19) 8 weeks after randomization. The effects on MHPSS were maintained at follow-up. Follow-up assessments also showed robust effects on mental health literacy and preliminary evidence for the improvement of help seeking. Predictors of attrition were lower age and higher personality dysfunction. Among the non-attritors, predictors for deterioration were less outpatient treatment and higher initial symptom severity.

CONCLUSIONS

A self-guided transdiagnostic mental health app can contribute to lasting improvements in patient empowerment. Symptoms of common mental disorders and quality of life improved faster in the intervention group than in the control group. Therefore, such interventions may support individuals with symptoms of 1 or more internalizing disorders, develop health-centered coping skills, prevent chronification, and accelerate symptom improvement. Although the effects for individual users are small and predictors of attrition and deterioration need to be investigated further, the potential public health impact of a self-guided intervention can be large, given its high scalability.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00022531; https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00022531.

Joint factor analysis and approximate equipercentile linking of common trait health anxiety measures: a cross-sectional study of the 14-, 18- and 64-item health anxiety inventory, the illness attitude scale, and the 14-item Whiteley Index

BACKGROUND

Research on health anxiety has bloomed in recent years, but summaries of the literature are complicated by the use of dissimilar self-report questionnaires. Furthermore, these instruments have rarely been administered in parallel, and especially not in clinical samples. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between five widespread health anxiety measures, and to draft guidelines for the conversion of different sum scores.

METHODS

Clinical trial participants with principal pathological health anxiety (n = 335) and a sample of healthy volunteers (n = 88) completed the 14-item Whiteley Index (WI-14), the Illness Attitude Scale (IAS), and the 14-, 18-, and 64-item Health Anxiety Inventory (the HAI-64, HAI-18, and HAI-14). Cross-sectional data from all participants were pooled (N = 423) and we conducted a joint factor analysis and approximate equipercentile linking of the WI-14, IAS, HAI-64, HAI-18, and HAI-14.

RESULTS

Inter-scale correlations were high (rs ≥ 0.90 and ≥ 0.88 in adjusted analyses), and the scree plot of the joint factor analysis spoke for a unifactorial solution where 89/105 items (85%) had loadings ≥ 0.40. Most items at the core of this broad trait health anxiety factor pertained to the worry about health, the fear of having or developing a serious disease, and to some extent bodily preoccupation. We present a cross-walk table of observed equipercentile linked sum scores.

CONCLUSIONS

This study speaks clearly in favor of the WI-14, IAS, HAI-64, HAI-18, and HAI-14 all tapping into the same trait health anxiety construct, the core of which appears to concern the worry about health, the fear of having or developing a serious disease, and to some extent bodily preoccupation. Based on recently reported cut-offs for the HAI-14, a reasonable cutoff for pathological health anxiety in a psychiatric setting probably lies around 7-8 on the WI-14, 52-53 on the IAS, 82-83 on the HAI-64, and 26-27 on the HAI-18.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01966705, NCT02314065.

The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy for heart failure patients: a narrative review

Heart failure (HF) remains a major cause of morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs, despite available treatments. Psychological issues such as depression, anxiety and poor self-care are prevalent in HF patients. Such issues adversely affect patients' daily lives and increase hospitalization and mortality rates; therefore, effective approaches to address these are needed. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been proposed as potentially useful for psychological comorbidities in HF patients, but its efficacy is not well-established. This narrative review aimed to summarize the evidence on the effectiveness of CBT for HF patients. A search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on CBT for HF patients. Ten studies (nine RCTs and one case study) were included in the review. CBT was found to be an effective intervention for managing depression, anxiety, low quality of life, and impaired social and physical functioning in HF patients. The results suggest that CBT can improve psychological well-being and enhance the benefits of rehabilitation programs. Face-to-face CBT appears to be superior to conventional therapy and can be implemented in cardiac rehabilitation settings. Further research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of internet-based CBT for cardiac patients and identify factors that promote treatment adherence.

College of education students' attitude towards the use of online information dissemination tools for counseling in Ghana

Online counseling is widely regarded as a cost-effective and convenient means to provide basic counseling services, and it is increasingly being used in university treatment. However, it is unclear what amount of information and attitude students have about online counseling in colleges of education. This study looked at students' views toward and likelihood of using online counseling towards help information seeking and dissemination to see if it has the potential to increase overall service consumption. A survey was conducted and responded to by 411 students from two Ghanaian colleges of education and based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour, students' attitudes and intentions to use online counseling were investigated. The paucity of online counseling systems in the colleges of education is shown in the study, yet 94% of participants said they would use online counseling services if given the opportunity. Based on these findings, it is recommended that providing online counseling in parallel to face-to-face counseling could be an effective strategy for counseling units in colleges of education to boost service delivery and so better serve their students.

"Let me tell you what I think about online psychological help." A thematic analysis of voluntary opinions collected at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic shifted many aspects of life from face-to-face to an online form, including psychological help. Many people had to face the choice of adjourning contact with a psychologist or shifting it to the Internet. This study aimed to develop an understanding of attitudes and opinions toward relatively new phenomenon in Poland - online psychological help.

Method

Seventy two (N=72) statements about relationship between COVID-19 pandemic and online psychological help from (potential) patients were included in this research. The statements were collected from a community sample via open-ended question for volunteers added to an online survey conducted regarding an existing project. The statements were exclusively written responses to the following question: If you want to provide us with something about the relationships between the COVID-19 pandemic and online help/psychotherapy, please let us know below. By reason of exploratory character of our study and general phenomenological philosophical approach and constructionist approach, a thematic analysis method was used to analyze the data.

Results

The analysis led us to identify three general themes with sub-themes that refer to meaningful aspects of online psychological help: 1. Online psychological help situates in the shadow of face-to-face help, 1.1. It frustrates the needs, especially the need for psychological contact, 1.2. It contributes to negative emotions, 1.3. It is sometimes better than the face-to-face help; 2. Online psychological help is a solution during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2.1. It provides a sense of continuity during lockdown, 2.2. It is a means to adapt to exceptional circumstances, 3. The concerns about the credibility and effectiveness of online psychological help.

Discussion

The results show (potential) patients' attitudes (including emotions, thoughts, and concerns) toward online psychological help. The perspective presented here could be beneficial to professionals. A better understanding of client/patient attitudes will allow for more accurate customization of the online help and sensitize psychologists to the emotions that may occur about online psychological help. It could also be beneficial for patients to understand how other people would feel about online psychological help and develop ones' own self-awareness of the attitudes toward online psychological help.

Unwanted outcomes in cognitive behavior therapy for pathological health anxiety: a systematic review and a secondary original study of two randomized controlled trials

INTRODUCTION

Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is effective for pathological health anxiety, but little is known about unwanted outcomes.

AREAS COVERED

We investigated unwanted outcomes in the form of adverse events, overall symptom deterioration, and dropouts in CBT for pathological health anxiety based on a systematic review of 19 randomized controlled trials (PubMed, PsycInfo, and OATD; last updated 2 June 2023; pooled N = 2188), and then a secondary original study of two randomized controlled trials (pooled N = 336). In the systematic review, 10% of participants in CBT reported at least one adverse event and 17% dropped out. Heterogeneity was substantial. In the original investigation, 17% reported at least one adverse event, 0-10% met criteria for overall symptom deterioration, and 10-19% dropped out. In guided Internet-delivered CBT, dropouts were more common with lower education and lower credibility/expectancy ratings. Higher adherence was associated with a larger reduction in health anxiety.

EXPERT OPINION

Unwanted effects are routinely seen in CBT for pathological health anxiety, but, under typical circumstances, appear to be acceptable in light of the treatment's efficacy. There is a need for more consistent methods to improve our understanding adverse events, dropouts, and overall symptom deterioration, and how these outcomes can be prevented.

Supporting employees with mental illness and reducing mental illness-related stigma in the workplace: an expert survey

An expert survey was designed to support the development of a workplace-based multi-country intervention tackling depression, anxiety, and mental illness-related stigma in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Academic experts and representatives of SME organisations, specific sector organisations, labour or advocacy groups, and occupational health organisations, were contacted across eight European countries and Australia. The survey comprised closed and open text questions to assess expert opinion about interventions for employees with mental health difficulties, interventions supporting their managers, and anti-stigma interventions. The survey was available in six languages. The online platform Qualtrics was used for data collection. Quantitative data was analysed through descriptive statistics and qualitative data was analysed through thematic analysis. Sixty-five of 146 experts responded, representing a 42% response rate. Results showed only 26.2% of experts agreed that employees could speak openly about mental health issues, and 81.5% of experts indicated a large or medium unmet need for support for employees with mental health issues. Psychoeducational materials, face-to-face workshops and interventions based on cognitive behavioural therapy were ranked most likely to be taken up by employees. Experts rated as most useful for managers' guidelines on how to act if an employee has mental health issues (67.7%). The greatest number of experts indicated workshops of people with lived experience of mental illness (80.0%) and awareness campaigns (78.5%) were most required to tackle stigma. Responses were consistent between experts from different countries and areas of expertise. Experts in this multinational survey assessed that interventions supporting mental health in the workplace and tackling stigma are greatly needed. A multicomponent intervention with a wide range of materials and tools is supported.

Depression and Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Epidemiology, Mechanism, and Treatment

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had an adverse impact on the physical and mental health of the public worldwide. In addition to illness in patients with COVID-19, isolated people and the general population have experienced mental health problems due to social distancing policies, mandatory lockdown, and other psychosocial factors, and the prevalence of depression and anxiety significantly increased during the pandemic. The purpose of this review is to elucidate the epidemiology, contributing factors, and pathogenesis of depression and anxiety. during the pandemic. These findings indicate that physicians and psychiatrists should pay more attention to and identify those with a high risk for mental problems, such as females, younger people, unmarried people, and those with a low educational level. In addition, researchers should focus on identifying the neural and neuroimmune mechanisms involved in depression and anxiety, and assess the intestinal microbiome to identify effective biomarkers. We also provide an overview of various intervention methods, including pharmacological treatment, psychological therapy, and physiotherapy, to provide a reference for different populations to guide the development of optimized intervention methods.

Validity and clinical utility of distinguishing between DSM-5 somatic symptom disorder and illness anxiety disorder in pathological health anxiety: Should we close the chapter?

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the validity and clinical utility of distinguishing between DSM-5 somatic symptom disorder (SSD) and illness anxiety disorder (IAD) in pathological health anxiety: the excessive and recurrent fear of, or preoccupation with, having or developing a serious health condition.

METHODS

We compared SSD to IAD in pathological health anxiety (N = 334) with regard to concurrent, antecedent, and predictive validators. This was primarily a cross-sectional study, though we studied the effect of CBT longitudinally. Because we were interested in the discriminatory value of SSD and IAD over and above trait health anxiety, we used trait health anxiety as a covariate.

RESULTS

SSD (68%; 228/334) vs. IAD (32%; 106/334) differences were mostly non-significant and small in sociodemographics, core clinical characteristics, apparent course, etiological attribution, and physician visits (gs = -0.18-0.20; RRs = 0.84-1.09; IRRs = 0.87-0.99). However, SSD was associated with a significantly higher somatic symptom burden (gs = 0.20-0.72), more psychologist visits (IRR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.24-3.28), and slightly higher disability (g = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.03-0.42). There was no significant difference in symptom reduction during CBT (g = -0.16, 95% CI: -0.37-0.05).

CONCLUSION

Although not all differences between SSD and IAD in pathological health anxiety seem to be explained by the level of trait health anxiety, the SSD vs. IAD distinction appears to convey little useful information in pathological health anxiety. Tentatively, considering the well-documented clinical characteristics and effective clinical interventions, it is probably most helpful to regard pathological health anxiety as a de facto anxiety or perhaps obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorder, regardless of the DSM-5 diagnosis of SSD or IAD.

Interpretation bias in health anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Interpretation bias (i.e. the selective negative interpretation of ambiguous stimuli) may contribute to the development and maintenance of health anxiety. However, the strength of the empirical evidence for this association remains a topic of debate. This study aimed to estimate the association between health anxiety and interpretation bias and to identify potential moderators of this association. Chinese-language databases (CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang), English-language databases (Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus), and German-language databases (Psyndex and PubPsych) were searched for relevant studies. There were 36 articles (39 studies) identified by this search (N = 8984), of which 32 articles (34 studies) were included in the meta-analysis (N = 8602). Results revealed a medium overall effect size (g = 0.67). Statistically equivalent effect sizes were observed for patients diagnosed with clinical health anxiety (g = 0.58) and subclinical health anxiety (g = 0.72). The effect sizes for threat stimuli that were health related (g = 0.68) and not health related (g = 0.63) did not differ significantly. The effect size for studies using an offline paradigm (g = 0.75) was significantly higher than that for studies using an online paradigm (g = 0.50). It is concluded that health anxiety is significantly and robustly associated with interpretation bias. These findings are of central importance for the advancement of models and treatment of health anxiety.

Credibility and expectancy of smartphone-based cognitive behavioral therapy among adults with body dysmorphic disorder

BACKGROUND

Few patients receive cognitive behavioral therapy, the gold-standard for body dysmorphic disorder (CBT-BDD). Smartphones can make evidence-based interventions, like CBT-BDD, more accessible and scalable. A key question is: how do patients view it? Low credibility and expectancy would likely translate to low uptake and engagement outside of research settings, diminishing the impact. Thus, it is important to understand patients' beliefs about digital CBT-BDD.

METHODS

We compared credibility and expectancy in a coach-guided app-based CBT-BDD trial (N=75) to a previous in-person CBT-BDD trial (N = 55). We further examined the relationship of perceptions of digital CBT-BDD to baseline clinical and demographic factors and dropout.

RESULTS

Credibility did not differ between the in-person (M=19.3) and digital (M=18.3) trials, p=.24. Expectancy for improvement was moderately higher for in-person (M=58.4) than digital (M=48.3) treatment, p=.005. In the digital trial, no demographic variables were associated with credibility or expectancy. Better BDD-related insight and past non-CBT BDD therapy were associated with greater expectancy. Credibility was associated with lower likelihood of dropout.

DISCUSSION

Digital CBT-BDD was regarded as similarly credible to in-person CBT-BDD but with lower expectancy. Tailored expectancy-enhancing strategies could strengthen this novel approach, particularly among those with poorer insight and without prior BDD treatment.

The Amplification of Symptoms in the Medically Ill

The mechanism of symptom amplification, developed in the study of somatization, may be helpful in caring for patients with symptoms that, while they have a demonstrable medical basis, are nonetheless disproportionately severe and distressing. Amplified medical symptoms are marked by disproportionate physical suffering, unduly negative thoughts and concerns about them, and elevated levels of health-related anxiety. They are accompanied by extensive and sustained illness behaviors, disproportionate difficulty compartmentalizing them and circumscribing their impact, and consequent problems and dissatisfaction with their medical care. A distinction has long been made between "medically explained" and "medically unexplained" symptoms. However, a more comprehensive view of symptom phenomenology undermines this distinction and places all symptoms along a smooth continuum regardless of cause: Recent findings in cognitive neuroscience suggest that all symptoms-regardless of origin-are processed through convergent pathways. The complete conscious experience of both medically "explained" and "unexplained" symptoms is an amalgam of a viscerosomatic sensation fused with its ascribed salience and the patient's ideas, expectations, and concerns about the sensation. This emerging empirical evidence furnishes a basis for viewing persistent, disproportionately distressing symptoms of demonstrable disease along a continuum with medically unexplained symptoms. Thus, therapeutic modalities developed for somatization and medically unexplained symptoms can be helpful in the care of seriously ill medical patients with amplified symptoms. These interventions include educational groups for coping with chronic illness, cognitive therapies for dysfunctional thoughts, behavioral strategies for maladaptive illness behaviors, psychotherapy for associated emotional distress, and consultation with mental health professionals to assist the primary care physician with difficulties in medical management.

Intimate Partner Violence and Openness to Online Counseling Among College Students

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is prevalent and has devastating consequences for college students. Online counseling (OC) may be a way to decrease barriers to help. This study seeks to determine openness to OC compared to face-to-face counseling (F2F) by examining: (1) How openness to OC varies depending on college students' personal and IPV characteristics and (2) How these characteristics vary compared to college non-IPV survivors. Two linear regressions were conducted using a sample from a cross sectional survey. First with the entire sample of college students (N = 1,518) to examine characteristics of those more open to OC and second with only those that identified as experiencing IPV (n = 1,211). The results demonstrated that IPV survivors are less open to OC than to F2F counseling (b = -.23, p < .01). For the model with all college students, those who were significantly more open to OC were female (b = -.39, p < .001), identified as LGBT (b = .23, p < .05), or Asian/Pacific Islander (API) (b = .26, p < .05), and had a physical health issue (b = -.19, p < .05). For the model that only analyzed IPV survivors, the same characteristics were shown to be significantly related to openness to OC. More research is needed to explore why IPV survivors are less open to OC compared to F2F counseling. Exploring why characteristics of female, LGBT, and physical health issues lead to openness to OC could help understand what barriers need to be addressed for wider use.

Information technology-based versus face-to-face cognitive-behavioural therapy for anxiety and depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

We aimed to systematically review the efficacy of information technology-based cognitive behavioural therapy (ICBT) versus face-to-face cognitive behavioural therapy (FCBT) for management of anxiety and depression in adult patients.

METHODS

Systematic literature search for clinical trials comparing ICBT to FCBT in adults diagnosed with anxiety or depression was conducted. Quantitative analyses were performed to examine the efficacy of ICBT versus FCBT. Primacy outcome was change in symptom severity.

RESULTS

A total of 11 publications (10 studies and 896 participants) were included. The pooled effect size of ICBT versus FCBT did not find significant difference for post-treatment anxiety or depressive symptoms severity (Hedges' g = -0.07; 95% CI = -0.20 to 0.06), and ICBT was non-inferior to FCBT (at Cohen's d = 0.3). Maintenance of treatment efficacy also showed no significant difference between ICBT and FCBT at 6 months (g = -0.14, 95% CI = -0.42 to 0.14) and 12 months (g = -0.05, 95% CI = -0.41 to 0.32) post-treatment. Adherence rate was lower in ICBT than FCBT but did not achieve statistically significance (61% vs 88%; RR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.74 to1.00). Results were not affected by study quality.

LIMITATIONS

The examination of study heterogeneity was limited by the small number of studies.

CONCLUSIONS

We found non-inferior performance of ICBT versus FCBT in reducing symptoms in patients diagnosed of anxiety or depressive disorders. With the social-distancing measures amid COVID-19 pandemic, service providers should give serious consideration with great caution in the decision-making process of offering ICBT to patients.

A unified Internet-delivered exposure treatment for undifferentiated somatic symptom disorder: single-group prospective feasibility trial

BACKGROUND

Exposure-based psychological treatment appears to have beneficial effects for several patient groups that commonly report distress related to persistent somatic symptoms. Yet exposure-based treatment is rarely offered in routine care. This may be because existing treatment protocols have been developed for specific symptom clusters or specific unwanted responses to somatic symptoms, and many clinics do not have the resources to offer all these specialised treatments in parallel. In preparation for a randomised controlled trial, we investigated the feasibility of a new and unified Internet-delivered exposure treatment (OSF.io: cnbwj) for somatic symptom disorder regardless of somatic symptom domain (e.g. cardiopulmonary, fatigue, gastrointestinal, pain), combination of unwanted emotions (e.g. anger, anxiety, fear, shame) and whether somatic symptoms are medically explained or not. We hypothesised that a wide spectrum of subgroups would show interest, that the treatment would be rated as credible, that adherence would be adequate, that the measurement strategy would be acceptable and that there would be no serious adverse events.

METHODS

Single-group prospective cohort study where 33 self-referred adults with undifferentiated DSM-5 somatic symptom disorder took part in 8 weeks of unified Internet-delivered exposure treatment delivered via a web platform hosted by a medical university. Self-report questionnaires were administered online before treatment, each week during treatment, post treatment and 3 months after treatment.

RESULTS

Participants reported a broad spectrum of symptoms. The Credibility/Expectancy mean score was 34.5 (SD = 7.0, range: 18-47). Participants completed 91% (150/165) of all modules and 97% of the participants (32/33) completed at least two exposure exercises. The average participant rated the adequacy of the rationale as 8.4 (SD = 1.5) on a scale from 0 to 10. The post-treatment assessment was completed by 97% (32/33), and 84% (27/32) rated the measurement strategy as acceptable. The Client Satisfaction Questionnaire mean score was 25.3 (SD = 4.7, range: 17-32) and no serious adverse events were reported. Reductions in subjective somatic symptom burden (the Patient Health Questionnaire 15; d = 0.90) and symptom preoccupation (the somatic symptom disorder 12; d = 1.17) were large and sustained.

CONCLUSIONS

Delivering a unified Internet-delivered exposure-based treatment protocol for individuals with undifferentiated somatic symptom disorder appears to be feasible.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04511286 . Registered on August 13, 2020.

Which cognitive behavioral therapy delivery formats work for depressive symptoms in dementia caregivers? - A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to be effective to improve depressive symptoms by changing their cognitive processes and concepts for dementia caregivers (DCs). However, whether CBT can be effectively delivered in individual, group, telephone-administered, internet, combine formats remains unclear. We aimed to examine the most effective delivery format for CBT via a network meta-analysis (NMA).

METHODS

An exhaustive literature search was conducted based on Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsycINFO, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, China National Knowledge Infrastructure database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Wan Fang database, and unpublished data. RCTs were identified from their inception to January 15, 2022. We conducted pairwise and NMA to evaluate the relative effectiveness and rank probability (rank P-score) for different CBT delivery formats. A series of analyses and assessments, such as the risk of bias, and GRADE were performed concurrently. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) were used for abstracting data.

RESULTS

A total of 37 studies were included in our analysis based on a series of rigorous screenings, which comprised 4191 DCs. Compared with controls, internet (SMD = -1.33, confidence interval (CI): -2.18, -0.66, GRADE low), telephone (SMD = -1.29, CI: -1.89, -0.61, GRADE moderate), and individual (SMD = -1.04, CI: -2.01, -0.07, GRADE very low) showed the largest improvement on depressive symptoms, whereas the group and combine delivery formats were not effective. Notably, there were no statistically significant differences between these five delivery formats: internet, telephone, individual, group, and combine. Sensitivity analyses supported the overall findings.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggested that internet, telephone, individual CBT delivery formats were effective for reducing depressive symptoms in DCs. Given the limitations of the NMA approach and the number of included studies, the result should be cautiously interpreted. Further RCTs with respect to the CBT based on different delivery formats' effectiveness are needed.

Health Anxiety and Its Relationship to Thyroid-Hormone-Suppression Therapy in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) has a good prognosis; however, patients often need lifelong follow up, and they face potential side effects. The aim of this study was to investigate health anxiety among DTC patients and its relationship to TSH suppression. In 2020, patients from a previous cohort who were from Stockholm completed the 14-item Short Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI-14; 0−42; 18 being the threshold for clinical significance) and a study-specific questionnaire. Clinical information was also retrieved from medical records. Linear regression was used to investigate the relationship between the TSH levels and the SHAI-14, while adjusting for potential confounders. In total, 146 (73%) patients were included. A total of 24 respondents (16%) scored 18 or more on the SHAI-14, and the mean score was 11.3. Patients with TSH levels of 0.1−0.5 (mE/L) scored, on average, 3.28 points more (p-value 0.01) on the SHAI-14 compared to patients with TSH levels > 0.5. There was no statistically significant difference between patients with TSH levels < 0.1 and TSH levels > 0.5. Thus, we found no linear relationship between the TSH values and health anxiety. Clinically significant levels of health anxiety are slightly higher than those in the general population, but do not appear to be a major psychiatric comorbidity among patients with DTC.

Cost-effectiveness of internet-supported cognitive behavioral therapy for university students with anxiety symptoms: A Markov-model analysis

Background and aim

High prevalence of anxiety symptoms has been reported globally in the university students. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the recognized treatment for anxiety and is traditionally conducted face-to-face (f-CBT). The efficacy of internet-based CBT (i-CBT) for anxiety has been extensively studied, yet evidence on its cost-effectiveness is scarce. We aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of guided low-intensity i-CBT for university students with mild anxiety symptoms from the societal perspective of Hong Kong.

Methods

A 5-year Markov model was designed to compare outcomes of guided i-CBT and f-CBT in a hypothetical cohort of university students with mild anxiety symptoms. Model inputs of cost and healthcare resources associated with anxiety were retrospectively collected from a cohort of university students with anxiety symptoms. Clinical and utility model inputs were retrieved from published literature. Model outcome measures were anxiety-related total cost (including direct medical and indirect costs) and quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). Sensitivity analyses were performed to examine the robustness of base-case results.

Results

In base-case analysis, i-CBT gained higher QALYs (2.9956 versus 2.9917) at lower total cost (US$6,101 versus US$6,246) than f-CBT. In one-way sensitivity analysis, the QALY gained by i-CBT was sensitive to the relative patient acceptance and adherence to CBT. In probabilistic sensitivity analysis, i-CBT was cost-effective in 90.9% of the time at the willingness-to-pay threshold of 138,210 per QALY (3× GDP per capita in Hong Kong). The probability of i-CBT to be cost-effective was 99.9% at a willingness-to-pay threshold of zero.

Conclusions

Guided i-CBT appears to be cost-saving and effective for management of university students with mild symptoms of anxiety from the societal perspective of Hong Kong. The cost-effectiveness of i-CBT is highly subject to the individual acceptance and adherence of CBT delivered by the internet platform.

A comparison of online and in-person counseling outcomes using solution-focused brief therapy for college students with anxiety

ObjectiveThis study compared online, synchronous video counseling to in-person counseling using solution-focused brief therapy for college students with mild to moderate anxiety. Participants: Participants were 49 undergraduate students who were seeking counseling for mild to moderate anxiety. The study was conducted from November, 2017 to December 2018. Methods: In a randomized, non-inferiority design, undergraduate participants were randomly assigned to online, synchronous video counseling or in-person treatment for anxiety using solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT). Participants completed the Beck's Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and College Counseling Assessment of Psychological Symptoms (CCAPS) to assess outcomes. Results: The results showed significant changes in scores on the BAI and the CCAPS Generalized Anxiety and Social Anxiety subscales for participants in both study conditions, and no significant differences in effectiveness of the two delivery methods. Conclusions: The findings provide support for the treatment of college students with anxiety with SFBT through online, synchronous video counseling. Limitations related to sample size and diversity are discussed.

Online media exposure and weight and fitness management app use correlate with disordered eating symptoms: evidence from the mainland of China

BACKGROUND

The relationship between online media exposure and disordered eating symptoms has been reported in western regions. Though the prevalence of eating disorders and access to the Internet increased substantially in recent years, relevant evidence is rare in mainland China. This study aims to evaluate the association between online media exposure or weight and fitness management app use and disordered eating symptoms in Chinese mainland young adults, and the mediation effect of disordered eating cognition.

METHODS

353 Chinese mainland female and 142 male young adults completed online questionnaires consisting of demographic information, Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire 6.0 (EDE-Q 6.0), and items relating to online media exposure and weight and fitness management app use. Through correlation analysis, the relationship between online media exposure or weight and fitness management app use and disordered eating symptoms was examined, separately by sex. The mediation effect of disordered eating cognition on the relationship between online media exposure or weight and fitness management app use on disordered eating behaviors was investigated with two moderated mediation models.

RESULTS

Young female adults in the Chinese mainland presented higher disordered eating symptoms and were more engaged in online media and weight and fitness management app use than males. Online media exposure and weight and fitness management app use showed a significant correlation with disordered eating behaviors in males and females. Disordered eating cognition mediated the relationship between online media exposure or weight and fitness management app use and disordered eating behaviors. This effect was significantly higher in females.

CONCLUSION

Online media exposure and weight and fitness management app use play a crucial role in the generation of disordered eating symptoms in Chinese mainland young adults, especially in females. The mediation analysis suggested the importance of prevention and intervention of disordered eating cognition. Monitoring and scientific guidance of online media are necessary.

Emotional distress in young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence of risk and resilience from a longitudinal cohort study

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and associated lockdown could be considered a 'perfect storm' for increases in emotional distress. Such increases can only be identified by studies that use data collected before and during the pandemic. Longitudinal data are also needed to examine (1) the roles of previous distress and stressors in emotional distress during the pandemic and (2) how COVID-19-related stressors and coping strategies are associated with emotional distress when pre-pandemic distress is accounted for.

METHODS

Data came from a cohort study (N = 768). Emotional distress (perceived stress, internalizing symptoms, and anger), COVID-19-related stressors, and coping strategies were measured during the pandemic/lockdown when participants were aged 22. Previous distress and stressors were measured before COVID-19 (at age 20).

RESULTS

On average, participants showed increased levels of perceived stress and anger (but not internalizing symptoms) during the pandemic compared to before. Pre-COVID-19 emotional distress was the strongest predictor of during-pandemic emotional distress, followed by during-pandemic economic and psychosocial stressors (e.g. lifestyle and economic disruptions) and hopelessness, and pre-pandemic social stressors (e.g. bullying victimization and stressful life events). Most health risks to self or loved ones due to COVID-19 were not uniquely associated with emotional distress in final models. Coping strategies associated with reduced distress included keeping a daily routine, physical activity, and positive reappraisal/reframing.

CONCLUSIONS

In our community sample, pre-pandemic distress, secondary consequences of the pandemic (e.g. lifestyle and economic disruptions), and pre-pandemic social stressors were more consistently associated with young adults' emotional distress than COVID-19-related health risk exposures.

Effectiveness of a mobile app-based educational intervention to treat internet gaming disorder among Iranian adolescents: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

The use of video games, a hobby for many teenagers in their leisure time, has brought with it a new potential for concerns. Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is a mental condition classified as a disorder due to addictive behaviors. It may include use of video games, both online and offline. Consequences of IGD may include introversion, social anxiety, mood swings, loneliness, sleep problems, behavioral problems, depression, low self-esteem, and increased violence. In order to design an app-based intervention for adolescents, a transtheoretical model (TTM) has been used. This widely used model in the field of behavioral change is also practical for health education programs. In addition, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been used to make people more aware of their behaviors, feelings and thoughts and how to achieve behavioral change. The present study seeks to determine the effectiveness of this app-based intervention in in the treatment of IGD among adolescents.

Method

In this single-blinded, randomized, controlled trial, 206 high-school adolescents aged 13 to 18 years in Qazvin city will be recruited. Eligible adolescents will be randomly assigned into intervention and control groups. Eight consecutive sessions delivered over 2 months and based on the TTM and CBT will be delivered through the `app (named HAPPYTEEN) to the intervention group. The control group will receive a sleep hygiene intervention (8 consecutive sessions for 2 months) via the app. Data collection tools include the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale, Insomnia Severity Index, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales, Stages of Change Questionnaire, Decision Balance, and Self-Efficacy. The study measures will be completed at baseline, post intervention, and 1 month and 3 months after the intervention.

Discussion

The results of this intervention could be used as adjunct therapy for adolescents with IGD.

Trial registration

Clinical Trial Registration Center of Iran (IRCT) IRCT20181226042140N1. Registered on June 9, 2020.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-022-06131-0.

Psychiatric outcomes and overall functioning in healthcare students during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

There is evidence that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic impacted students on health care courses, including evidence of associations between anxiety or depression and inadequate coping mechanisms or unhealthy habits. However, little is known about possible predictors of mental health or psychiatric symptoms in Brazilian health care students during this period.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate possible factors associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms, used to measure psychiatric outcomes, and quality of life, used as a parameter of overall functionality, in Brazilian students on health care courses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted with Brazilian students on health care courses from May to December 2020. Participants were recruited through social media and answered a 71-item open online questionnaire exploring demographic characteristics and personal behavior during the pandemic, anxiety, depression, and quality of life. We searched for variables potentially associated with psychiatric symptoms and mental health in these individuals using Poisson regression models.

RESULTS

Multivariate models showed depression and anxiety were associated with poor quality of life and medication abuse was associated with greater anxiety and poor quality of life. Psychotherapy was an effective coping strategy for anxiety and meditation or mindfulness practice and physical activity improved the students' quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study presents important information about the factors associated with psychological impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and strategies for coping with them that should be helpful to reflect on and for designing appropriate interventions.

Cost Effectiveness of Internet-Delivered Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Patients with Severe Health Anxiety: A Randomised Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Health anxiety is a prevalent and debilitating disorder associated with extensive use of healthcare services and reduced quality of life (QoL). Regional variability in specialised clinics or specialist healthcare providers limits access to evidence-based treatment, which may be overcome by internet-delivered Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (iACT).

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the cost effectiveness of iACT for severe health anxiety in adults.

METHODS

Based on a Danish randomised controlled trial (March 2016-March 2017), the economic evaluation compared costs and effects between iACT and an active control condition (iFORUM). Effectiveness was measured using self-report questionnaires. The cost analysis applied a societal perspective. Resource use and healthcare costs were extracted from the Danish National Registries. Linear regression analysis was applied using change in costs/effectiveness outcomes as the dependant variable. Time, group, and interaction between time and group were independent variables. The primary outcome was the proportion of clinically significant improvements, defined as a ≥ 25% reduction in two measures of health anxiety. The probability of cost effectiveness was presented in a cost-effectiveness acceptability curve for a range of threshold values for willingness to pay.

RESULTS

No significant differences were detected in healthcare costs between groups; however, the iACT group significantly improved in all effectiveness outcomes. The economic analysis showed that, from the healthcare perspective, iACT was associated with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of €33 per additional case of clinically significant improvement compared with iFORUM and that, from the societal perspective, iACT dominated iFORUM because it was more effective and less expensive.

CONCLUSIONS

We found no statistically significant differences in costs between groups; however, iACT for severe health anxiety may be cost effective, as evidenced by significant differences in effect.

TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER

Clinicaltrials.gov, no. NCT02735434.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of professionals in 77 hospitals in France

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant re-organisation of healthcare delivery in hospitals, with repercussions on all professionals working in healthcare. We aimed to assess the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of professionals working in health care institutions and to identify individual and environmental factors influencing the risk of mental health disorders. From 4 June to 22 September 2020, a total of 4370 professionals responded to an online questionnaire evaluating psychological distress, severity of post-traumatic stress symptoms, stress factors, and coping strategies. About 57% of the professionals suffered from psychological distress, and 21% showed symptoms of potential post-traumatic stress. Professionals working in radiology, those working in quality/hygiene/security and nurses' aides were the most affected groups. The media focus on the crisis, and a high workload were the most prevalent stress factors, followed by uncertainty regarding the possibility of containing the epidemic, the constantly changing hygiene recommendations/protocols, and the lack of personal protective equipment. The use of coping strategies, notably positive thinking, helped to mitigate the relation between perceived stress and mental health disorders. The COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching negative repercussions for all professionals, with some sectors more markedly affected. To prevent mental health disorders in professionals during a public health crisis, support services and management strategies within hospitals should take account of the importance of positive thinking and social support.

The Efficacy of a Smartphone-Based App on Stress Reduction: Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Stress management in the workplace is essential for a healthy mental and physical state. Due to technological advancements, individually tailored therapy and online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are on the rise.

Objective

This study analyzed the efficacy of a smartphone app based on third-wave CBT tailored to an individual.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 126 participants who were divided into 2 groups. The intervention group used the smartphone app BetterLife for 10 weeks, while the control group was placed on a waiting list for the same duration. The Perceived Stress Scale–10 (PSS), Korean Utrecht Work Engagement Scale–9 (UWES), World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment (WHOQOL), Beck Depression Inventory–II (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were administered at baseline and after 10 weeks to both groups.

Results

Of the 126 participants, 11 dropped out during the trial. A 2-way repeated measure analysis of covariance was conducted, controlling for baseline BDI. There were greater improvements in PSS (F=24.33, P<.001, η²=0.17) and UWESK scores (F=8.32, P=.0046, η²=0.06) in the intervention group than in the control group. WHOQOL scores exhibited statistically significant improvement in the intervention group in the overall quality of life (F=8.19, P=.0049, η²=0.06), physical health (F=8.87, P=.003, η²=0.07), psychological health (F=13.32, P<.001, η²=0.10), social relationships (F=19.43, P<.001, η²=0.14), and environmental domains (F=10.14, P=.002, η²=0.08) but not overall health (F=1.68, P=.20). BDI (F=7.17, P=.008, η²=0.06) and BAI (F=6.00, P=.02, η²=0.05) showed a statistically significant improvement in the intervention group, but this significance did not survive the Bonferroni correction (P<.005).

Conclusions

These results provide evidence that smartphone-based CBT is a viable option for reducing stress in the workplace.

Trial Registration

Clinical Research Information Service KCT0003231; https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do/15137

Adaptation of a community-based type-2 diabetes mellitus remission intervention during COVID-19: empowering persons living with diabetes to take control

Background

The Barbados Diabetes Remission Study-2 reported that a low-calorie diet for weight loss and diabetes remission implemented within the community and supported by trained community health advocates was both an acceptable implementation strategy and a clinically effective intervention. This study aimed to examine the adaptability of the face-to-face protocol into an online modality.

Methods

The Iterative Decision-making for Evaluation of Adaptations (IDEA) framework guides researchers in examining the necessity of the adaptation and the preservation of core intervention elements during the adaptation process. Adaptation outcomes were documented using the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications to Evidence-Based Implementation Strategies (FRAME-IS). Implementation outcome was determined by fidelity to core elements. Intervention effectiveness was determined from the analysis of clinical data.

Results

We decided that an adaptation was needed as COVID-19 control measures prohibited in-person interactions. The core elements—i.e. 12-week intervention duration, daily 840-kcal allowance, and weekly monitoring of weight and blood glucose—could be preserved during the adaptation process. Adaptations were made to the following: (1) the context in which data were collected—participants self-measured at home instead of following the original implementation strategy which involved being measured by community health advocates (CHA) at a community site; (2) the context in which data were entered—participants posted their measurements to a mobile application site which was accessible by CHAs. As with the original protocol, CHAs then entered the measurements into an online database; (3) the formulation of the low-calorie diet—participants substituted the liquid formulation for a solid meal plan of equivalent caloric content. There was non-inferiority in fidelity to attendance with the online format (97.5% visit rate), as compared to the face-to-face modality (95% visit rate). One participant deviated from the calorie allowances citing difficulty in estimating non-exact portion sizes and financial difficulty in procuring meals. Weight change ranged from − 14.3 to 0.4 kg over the 12-week period, and all group members achieved induction of diabetes remission as determined by a FBG of < 7mmol/l and an A1C of < 6.5%.

Conclusion

The results suggest that this adapted online protocol—which includes changes to both the implementation strategy and the evidence-based practice—is clinically effective whilst maintaining fidelity to key elements. Utilization of the IDEA and FRAME-IS adaptation frameworks add scientific rigour to the research.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govNCT03536377. Registered on 24 May 2018

The uptake and outcomes of Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy for health anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

Internet cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) for health anxiety has demonstrated efficacy but has not been evaluated during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study presents the first evaluation of the uptake and outcomes of iCBT for health anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

THIS WAY UP is an Australian digital mental health service which delivers iCBT interventions to community members. We compared the uptake of THIS WAY UP's iCBT course for health anxiety in an Australian adult sample who started the course before the pandemic (12th September 2019-11 th March 2020) to during the pandemic (12th March to 11th June 2020). The course was accessible to Australian adults over 18 years old, with no inclusion criteria. Outcomes included course registrations and commencements, lesson and course completion, and self-reported health anxiety (Short Health Anxiety Inventory), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item) and distress (Kessler-10).

RESULTS

From March to June 2020, we observed significant increases in course registrations (N = 238 vs N = 1057); and course commencements (N = 126 vs. N = 778). Large, significant improvements in health anxiety (g = 0.89), and distress (K10: g = 0.91), and medium improvements in depression (g = 0.55) were found. Course completion during COVID was 30.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

iCBT improved health anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic, and provides scalable intervention that can address increased demands for mental health services in the community.

The Mediation Effect of Phobic Anxiety on the Treatment Outcome of Activity and Participation across Age: Comparison between Online and Face-to-Face Rehabilitation Aftercare of an RCT

The efficacy of internet and mobile-based interventions (IMIs) has been demonstrated with different mental health disorders, but little is known about the mediating effect of phobic anxiety on activity and participation and the differential effect of age. The current study tested a moderated mediation model with short-term change in phobic anxiety mediating between treatment (IMI vs. face-to-face, F2F) and long-term change in activity and participation, and age of patients moderating this mediation. Participants (N = 142) were recruited from psychosomatic rehabilitation clinics and randomized into the IMI psychosomatic aftercare or F2F psychosomatic aftercare. Moderated mediation analyses were conducted using R software. Results showed that the long-term treatment effects of activity and participation (βc = -0.18, p = 0.034; βc' = -0.13, p = 0.145) were improved through the successful decrease of phobic anxiety (βa = -0.18, p = 0.047; βb = 0.37, p = 0.010). Older patients benefited equally from both IMI and F2F interventions regarding short-term treatment change in phobic anxiety, while younger participants benefited more from IMI (βAge*Treatment = 0.20, p = 0.004). IMIs targeting mental disorders can improve activity and participation along with phobic anxiety, especially in younger individuals. The needs of older patients should be considered with the development and improvement of IMIs.

Sources of Health Anxiety for Hospital Staff Working during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the likelihood that hospital staff will report symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress has increased. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relative influences of circumstantial, demographic, and trait–state anxiety variables on health anxiety in this group. Methods: A total of 168 hospital staff members (mean age: 28.91 years; 56.5% females) participated in the study. They completed a series of questionnaires covering sociodemographic characteristics, health anxiety, state–trait anxiety, and job-related information. Participants also reported whether they had close acquaintances (friends, family members) infected with COVID-19. Results: Higher health anxiety was related to both trait and state anxiety. Working on the frontline, being in contact with close acquaintances infected with COVID-19, and higher state and trait anxiety predicted higher health anxiety. Gender, age, and educational background were not predictors. Conclusions: In a sample of hospital staff, subjective feelings of anxiety about one own’s health were related to personality traits, individual experiences of having close acquaintances infected with COVID-19, and working on the frontline.

Addressing depression and behavioral health needs through a digital program at scale

Depression and anxiety disorders are prevalent mental health conditions; yet they are often unrecognized, under-addressed and/or under-treated, and specialty treatment for these conditions is oftentimes difficult to access. By acting either as a bridge to therapy or as a form of therapy, digital tools, such as those that provide internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT), may help clinicians support their patients' mental health needs. At one academic health system, a digital mental health program was deployed in primary care and outpatient behavioral health programs to help patients meet needs identified through screening or clinical visits. Over the first two years of operation, 138 clinicians (40% of eligible clinicians) prescribed the program to 2,228 unique patients, from which 1,117 (48.9%) enrolled. Patients who enrolled tended to be younger and healthier than non-enrollees. On average, enrolled patients spent 114.6 minutes within the iCBT program. Clinical improvement was assessed using pre- and post PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores for depression and anxiety, respectively. Pre/Post scores were compared using Wilcoxon Rank Sum test. Patients with at least moderate depression had an average 23% reduction in PHQ-9 scores (median change -3(interquartile range 7), p<0.001) and those with at least moderate anxiety had a 26% reduction in GAD-7 scores (-4(7), p<0.001). Improvements were clinically and statistically significant. Future steps include performing a cost analysis to understand whether models utilizing iCBT are net cost-saving for health systems.

Krankheitsängste und Hypochondrische Störung

Fears of getting a severe disease (health anxiety) are widespread and their pathological manifestation as Hypochondriacal disorder (ICD-10) is cost-intensive for the health care system. In recent years advances in the research on and development of effective psychotherapeutic treatments have been made. Cognitive-behavioral therapy concepts currently are treatments of choice for Hypochondriacal disorder.

Emotional, Behavioral, and Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in December 2019 prompted consternation in many parts of the world. Due to its fast dissemination, the World Health Organization declared a pandemic in March 2020. Aiming to contain the spread of the virus, leaders of many countries restrained social movement, targeting to flatten the curve of contamination with social distancing. This review aimed to analyze how human behavior has changed throughout this period. We also approached the key components of the emotional reaction to the pandemic, how internal and external factors, such as personality traits, gender, the media, the economy and the governmental response, influence the social perception of the pandemic and the psychological outcomes of the current scenario. Moreover, we explored in depth the groups at increased risk of suffering mental health burden secondary to these circumstances. These include the healthcare professionals, elderly individuals, children, college students, black subjects, latin and LGBTQ+ communities, economically disadvantaged groups, the homeless, prisoners, the rural population and psychiatric patients. We also discussed several measures that might minimize the emotional impact derived from this scenario. It is crucial that the health authorities, the government and the population articulate to assist the vulnerable groups and promote emotional and psychological support strategies. Moreover, it is fundamental that the population is provided with accurate information concerning the COVID-19 pandemic.