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Bantjes J, Hunt X, Cuijpers P, Kazdin AE, Kennedy CJ, Luedtke A, Malenica I, Petukhova M, Sampson N, Zainal NH, Davids C, Dunn-Coetzee M, Gerber R, Stein DJ, Kessler RC. Comparative effectiveness of remote digital gamified and group CBT skills training interventions for anxiety and depression among college students: Results of a three-arm randomised controlled trial. Behav Res Ther 2024; 178:104554. [PMID: 38714104 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2024.104554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
Digital interventions can enhance access to healthcare in under-resourced settings. However, guided digital interventions may be costly for low- and middle-income countries, despite their effectiveness. In this randomised control trial, we evaluated the effectiveness of two digital interventions designed to address this issue: (1) a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Skills Training (CST) intervention that increased scalability by using remote online group administration; and (2) the SuperBetter gamified self-guided CBT skills training app, which uses other participants rather than paid staff as guides. The study was implemented among anxious and/or depressed South African undergraduates (n = 371) randomised with equal allocation to Remote Group CST, SuperBetter, or a MoodFlow mood monitoring control. Symptoms were assessed with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Intention-to-treat analysis found effect sizes at the high end of prior digital intervention trials, including significantly higher adjusted risk differences (ARD; primary outcome) in joint anxiety/depression remission at 3-months and 6-months for Remote Group CST (ARD = 23.3-18.9%, p = 0.001-0.035) and SuperBetter (ARD = 12.7-22.2%, p = 0.047-0.006) than MoodFlow and mean combined PHQ-9/GAD-7 scores (secondary outcome) significantly lower for Remote Group CST and SuperBetter than MoodFlow. These results illustrate how innovative delivery methods can increase the scalability of standard one-on-one guided digital interventions. PREREGISTRATION INTERNATIONAL STANDARD RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL NUMBER (ISRTCN) SUBMISSION #: 47,089,643.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Bantjes
- Mental Health, Alcohol, Substance Use and Tobacco (MAST) Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Xanthe Hunt
- Department of Global Health, Institute for Life Course Health Research, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
| | - Pim Cuijpers
- Department of Clinical, Neuro-, and Developmental Psychology, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Alan E Kazdin
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Chris J Kennedy
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alex Luedtke
- Department of Statistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ivana Malenica
- Department of Statistics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Maria Petukhova
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nancy Sampson
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nur Hani Zainal
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Charl Davids
- Centre for Student Counselling and Development, Student Affairs, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
| | - Munita Dunn-Coetzee
- Student Counselling and Development, University of the Free State, South Africa
| | - Rone Gerber
- Student Counselling and Development, University of Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Dan J Stein
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Psychiatry, SAMRC Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
| | - Ronald C Kessler
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Zainal NH, Newman MG. Mindfulness enhances cognitive functioning: a meta-analysis of 111 randomized controlled trials. Health Psychol Rev 2024; 18:369-395. [PMID: 37578065 PMCID: PMC10902202 DOI: 10.1080/17437199.2023.2248222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently no comprehensive meta-analysis of MBI efficacy on global and unique cognitive subdomains exist. METHOD Examined the effects of MBIs on global cognition and 15 cognitive subdomains. Inclusion criteria: meditation naïve participants; randomized controlled trial; outcome included one objective or subjective cognitive functioning measure; primary focus was teaching mindfulness skills. Exclusion criteria: inadequate data; one-session ; control condition contained any MBI component. Robust variance estimation and moderator analyses controlling for presence of treatment fidelity were conducted. RESULTS One-hundred-and-eleven RCTs (n = 9,538) met eligibility criteria. MBIs had small-to-moderate significant effects on global cognition, executive attention, working memory accuracy, inhibition accuracy, shifting accuracy, sustained attention, and subjective cognitive functioning (vs. waitlist/no-treatment, g = 0.257-0.643; vs. active controls, g = 0.192-0.394). MBIs did not impact executive functioning (EF) latency indices, verbal fluency, processing speed, episodic memory, and cognitive error. Treatment effects were stronger for those with elevated psychiatric symptoms vs. healthy controls, and medical samples, studies with complete-case (vs. intention-to-treat) analysis, face-to-face (vs. self-guided) delivery, and non-standard (vs. standard MBI). CONCLUSION MBIs consistently yielded small-to-moderate yet practically meaningful effect sizes on global cognition and six cognitive subdomains that captured accuracy vs. latency-based indices of EF and sustained accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Hani Zainal
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychology, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michelle G Newman
- Department of Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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Wang P, Wang Z, Qiu S. Universal, school-based transdiagnostic interventions to promote mental health and emotional wellbeing: a systematic review. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2024; 18:47. [PMID: 38600562 PMCID: PMC11007989 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-024-00735-x] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of universal school-based transdiagnostic interventions in promoting the mental health of children and adolescents. It compares and discusses interventions targeting the prevention of mental disorders versus the promotion of mental health. Additionally, the roles of teachers and psychologists as intervention conductors are examined. METHODS A comprehensive search of the Psycinfo, Pubmed, and Web of Science databases was conducted without any time restrictions to identify relevant literature on universal school-based transdiagnostic interventions promoting children and adolescents' mental health. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The findings reveal that universal school-based transdiagnostic promotion/prevention programs have a small to medium overall effect size. These interventions demonstrate a broad coverage of different aspects of children and adolescents' mental health. However, the relative effectiveness of teacher-led versus psychologist-led interventions remains unclear. Interventions focused on preventing mental disorders exhibit a higher effect size, albeit on a narrower range of mental health aspects for children and adolescents. SIGNIFICANCE This study enhances our understanding of universal school-based transdiagnostic interventions and their impact on children and adolescents' mental health. Further research is needed to elucidate the comparative efficacy of teacher-led and psychologist-led interventions and to explore the specific dimensions of mental health targeted by these interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Wang
- Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
- Department of Language, Literature and Communication, Faculty of Humanities, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Zhaoqi Wang
- School of Foreign Studies, China University of Petroleum, Qingdao City, China
| | - Shuiwei Qiu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou City, China
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Bernstein EE, Wolfe EC, Huguenel BM, Wilhelm S. Lessons and Untapped Potential of Smartphone-Based Physical Activity Interventions for Mental Health: Narrative Review. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2024; 12:e45860. [PMID: 38488834 PMCID: PMC10981024 DOI: 10.2196/45860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical activity has well-known and broad health benefits, including antidepressive and anxiolytic effects. However, only approximately half of Americans meet even the minimum exercise recommendations. Individuals with anxiety, depression, or related conditions are even less likely to do so. With the advent of mobile sensors and phones, experts have quickly noted the utility of technology for the enhanced measurement of and intervention for physical activity. In addition to being more accessible than in-person approaches, technology-driven interventions may uniquely engage key mechanisms of behavior change such as self-awareness. OBJECTIVE This study aims to provide a narrative overview and specific recommendations for future research on smartphone-based physical activity interventions for psychological disorders or concerns. METHODS In this paper, we summarized early efforts to adapt and test smartphone-based or smartphone-supported physical activity interventions for mental health. The included articles described or reported smartphone-delivered or smartphone-supported interventions intended to increase physical activity or reduce sedentary behavior and included an emotional disorder, concern, or symptom as an outcome measure. We attempted to extract details regarding the intervention designs, trial designs, study populations, outcome measures, and inclusion of adaptations specifically for mental health. In taking a narrative lens, we drew attention to the type of work that has been done and used these exemplars to discuss key directions to build on. RESULTS To date, most studies have examined mental health outcomes as secondary or exploratory variables largely in the context of managing medical concerns (eg, cancer and diabetes). Few trials have recruited psychiatric populations or explicitly aimed to target psychiatric concerns. Consequently, although there are encouraging signals that smartphone-based physical activity interventions could be feasible, acceptable, and efficacious for individuals with mental illnesses, this remains an underexplored area. CONCLUSIONS Promising avenues for tailoring validated smartphone-based interventions include adding psychoeducation (eg, the relationship between depression, physical activity, and inactivity), offering psychosocial treatment in parallel (eg, cognitive restructuring), and adding personalized coaching. To conclude, we offer specific recommendations for future research, treatment development, and implementation in this area, which remains open and promising for flexible, highly scalable support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E Bernstein
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Emma C Wolfe
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Brynn M Huguenel
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sabine Wilhelm
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Chen J, Yuan D, Dong R, Cai J, Ai Z, Zhou S. Artificial intelligence significantly facilitates development in the mental health of college students: a bibliometric analysis. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1375294. [PMID: 38515973 PMCID: PMC10955080 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1375294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective College students are currently grappling with severe mental health challenges, and research on artificial intelligence (AI) related to college students mental health, as a crucial catalyst for promoting psychological well-being, is rapidly advancing. Employing bibliometric methods, this study aim to analyze and discuss the research on AI in college student mental health. Methods Publications pertaining to AI and college student mental health were retrieved from the Web of Science core database. The distribution of publications were analyzed to gage the predominant productivity. Data on countries, authors, journal, and keywords were analyzed using VOSViewer, exploring collaboration patterns, disciplinary composition, research hotspots and trends. Results Spanning 2003 to 2023, the study encompassed 1722 publications, revealing notable insights: (1) a gradual rise in annual publications, reaching its zenith in 2022; (2) Journal of Affective Disorders and Psychiatry Research emerged were the most productive and influential sources in this field, with significant contributions from China, the United States, and their affiliated higher education institutions; (3) the primary mental health issues were depression and anxiety, with machine learning and AI having the widest range of applications; (4) an imperative for enhanced international and interdisciplinary collaboration; (5) research hotspots exploring factors influencing college student mental health and AI applications. Conclusion This study provides a succinct yet comprehensive overview of this field, facilitating a nuanced understanding of prospective applications of AI in college student mental health. Professionals can leverage this research to discern the advantages, risks, and potential impacts of AI in this critical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Wuhan University China Institute of Boundary and Ocean Studies, Wuhan, China
| | - Dongfeng Yuan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Ruotong Dong
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingyi Cai
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhongzhu Ai
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Shizhen Laboratory, Wuhan, China
| | - Shanshan Zhou
- Hubei Shizhen Laboratory, Wuhan, China
- The First Clinical Medical School, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
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Closing the global gap in adolescent mental health. Nat Med 2024; 30:309-310. [PMID: 38378824 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-02846-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
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Aguilera A, Arévalo Avalos MR, Rosales K, Reyes Y, Hernandez-Ramos R, Ramos G, Garcia E, Hoang T, Ochoa-Frongia L, Fortuna LR, Schueller SM. Effectiveness-implementation hybrid trial of Spanish language, digital cognitive-behavioral therapy (dCBT) intervention for depression and anxiety - protocol for the SUPERA (SUpport from PEeRs to expand Access) study. Contemp Clin Trials 2024; 137:107422. [PMID: 38145715 PMCID: PMC11138320 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2023.107422] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Latinxs experience a longer duration of untreated depression and anxiety. LEP Latinxs have difficulty accessing mental healthcare due to insufficient Spanish-speaking behavioral/mental health clinicians to meet demand. These under-resourced healthcare systems are less likely to be the site for the implementation of innovations. Digital interventions can provide an effective option for overcoming these barriers; yet, when digital evidence-based treatments are available, uptake and engagement is often low. This manuscript presents the protocol for the SUPERA (SUpport from PEeRs to expand Access) study which will evaluate the implementation of an evidence-based, Spanish language, digital cognitive-behavioral therapy (dCBT) intervention (i.e., SilverCloud) in safety-net primary care clinics for LEP Latinx patients with depression or anxiety. METHODS We will conduct an effectiveness-implementation hybrid trial (Type 2) design comparing engagement and clinical outcomes in two modalities of dCBT delivery (peer-supported vs. unsupported). We will also compare provider-level outreach (using a clinic patient registry) versus inreach (traditional provider referral) to compare rates of initiation, completion, and cost. Participants will be 426 LEP Latinx adults ≥18 years of age, PHQ-9 ≥ 10 or GAD-7 ≥ 8, with access to the internet via smartphone, and not currently receiving individual psychotherapy. We will collect baseline, post-intervention (8 weeks), and follow up (3 months) data. CONCLUSION The long-term goal of this research is to aid in the implementation of digital mental health interventions that can be sustainably implemented in low-resourced settings, while reducing the reliance on professionals, overcoming workforce deficits, and increasing relevance for diverse populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Aguilera
- School of Social Welfare, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America.
| | - Marvyn R Arévalo Avalos
- School of Social Welfare, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States of America
| | - Karina Rosales
- School of Social Welfare, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States of America
| | - Yazleen Reyes
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Rosa Hernandez-Ramos
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Giovanni Ramos
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Esmeralda Garcia
- School of Social Welfare, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States of America
| | - Tuyen Hoang
- Biostatistics, Epidemiology & Research Design (BERD) Unit, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Lisa Ochoa-Frongia
- School of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Lisa R Fortuna
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Stephen M Schueller
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States of America
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Li K, Ren X, Ren L, Tan X, Zhao M, Liu C, Luo X, Feng Z, Dai Q. The Ripple Effect: Unveiling the Bidirectional Relationship Between Negative Life Events and Depressive Symptoms in Medical Cadets. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2023; 16:3399-3412. [PMID: 37664139 PMCID: PMC10473435 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s419991] [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: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Previous studies have explored the relationship between negative life events and depression, but little is known about the bidirectional relationship between negative life events and depression, particularly in specific groups of medical cadets. Purpose This study aimed to explore the relationship between negative life events and depressive symptoms among medical cadets during their four years of college. Methods An analysis of 4-wave longitudinal data collected from 2015-2018 was conducted using a cross-lagged panel network (CLPN) model to explore the complex causal relationship between negative life events and depressive symptoms in medical cadets (N=433). Results We found differences in negative life events and depressive symptoms among medical cadets across four network models over four years of university. Nodes A-21, A-20, A-23 and A-24, and depressive symptoms D-6 showed greater lagged effect values. Conclusion Our findings suggest that there is a lagged and mutually causal interaction between negative life events and depressive symptoms in medical cadets over 4 years of college, but that the predictability of negative life events is more important. However, more attention needs to be paid to the predictive role of depressive symptoms, especially those in early life which are often overlooked. Our study provides new insights into the relationship between negative life events and depressive symptoms in university students and helps to refine strategies for prevention and intervention of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuiliang Li
- Department of Medical English, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaomei Ren
- Department of Medical Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Ren
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuejiao Tan
- Department of Medical English, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mengxue Zhao
- Department of Medical Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Chang Liu
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health and School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Xi Luo
- Department of Medical English, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhengzhi Feng
- Department of Medical Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qin Dai
- Department of Medical Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
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