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Harnas SJ, Knoop H, Sprangers MAG, Braamse AMJ. Defining and operationalizing personalized psychological treatment - a systematic literature review. Cogn Behav Ther 2024; 53:467-489. [PMID: 38535891 DOI: 10.1080/16506073.2024.2333345] [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: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
This systematic literature review aimed to propose a definition of personalized psychological treatment and to suggest how the definition can be operationalized. PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched up to 11 December 2023 for studies in which a definition of personalized psychological treatment was included or a systematic operationalization of personalized psychological treatment was described. Based on a narrative synthesis of the collected definitions, summary categories were developed that informed the proposed definition. Operationalizations were described according to what aspect of treatment, how and when treatment was personalized. The extent to which the operationalizations deviated from the proposed definition was assessed. Thirty-four studies with definitions and 200 with operationalizations were included. The following definition was proposed: personalized psychological treatment aims to optimize treatment outcome for the individual patient by tailoring treatment to unique or specific needs, preferences or other characteristics and includes a systematic adaptation of treatment or a differentiation between treatment strategies. Based on the operationalizations, timing of personalization, specification of the systematic approach and treatment elements that could be personalized were added to the proposed definition. Evidence-based personalization of psychological treatments can be enhanced by clear operationalization based on a comprehensive definition of personalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan J Harnas
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Treatment and Quality of Life, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Mental Health, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Knoop
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Treatment and Quality of Life, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Mental Health, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mirjam A G Sprangers
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Treatment and Quality of Life, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Mental Health, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annemarie M J Braamse
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Treatment and Quality of Life, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Mental Health, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Gould RL, Wetherell JL, Serfaty MA, Kimona K, Lawrence V, Jones R, Livingston G, Wilkinson P, Walters K, Novere ML, Howard RJ. Acceptance and commitment therapy for older people with treatment-resistant generalised anxiety disorder: the FACTOID feasibility study. Health Technol Assess 2021; 25:1-150. [PMID: 34542399 DOI: 10.3310/hta25540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Generalised anxiety disorder, characterised by excessive anxiety and worry, is the most common anxiety disorder among older people. It is a condition that may persist for decades and is associated with numerous negative outcomes. Front-line treatments include pharmacological and psychological therapy, but many older people do not find these treatments effective. Guidance on managing treatment-resistant generalised anxiety disorder in older people is lacking. OBJECTIVES To assess whether or not a study to examine the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy for older people with treatment-resistant generalised anxiety disorder is feasible, we developed an intervention based on acceptance and commitment therapy for this population, assessed its acceptability and feasibility in an uncontrolled feasibility study and clarified key study design parameters. DESIGN Phase 1 involved qualitative interviews to develop and optimise an intervention as well as a survey of service users and clinicians to clarify usual care. Phase 2 involved an uncontrolled feasibility study and qualitative interviews to refine the intervention. SETTING Participants were recruited from general practices, Improving Access to Psychological Therapies services, Community Mental Health Teams and the community. PARTICIPANTS Participants were people aged ≥ 65 years with treatment-resistant generalised anxiety disorder. INTERVENTION Participants received up to 16 one-to-one sessions of acceptance and commitment therapy, adapted for older people with treatment-resistant generalised anxiety disorder, in addition to usual care. Sessions were delivered by therapists based in primary and secondary care services, either in the clinic or at participants' homes. Sessions were weekly for the first 14 sessions and fortnightly thereafter. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The co-primary outcome measures for phase 2 were acceptability (session attendance and satisfaction with therapy) and feasibility (recruitment and retention). Secondary outcome measures included additional measures of acceptability and feasibility and self-reported measures of anxiety, worry, depression and psychological flexibility. Self-reported outcomes were assessed at 0 weeks (baseline) and 20 weeks (follow-up). Health economic outcomes included intervention and resource use costs and health-related quality of life. RESULTS Fifteen older people with treatment-resistant generalised anxiety disorder participated in phase 1 and 37 participated in phase 2. A high level of feasibility was demonstrated by a recruitment rate of 93% and a retention rate of 81%. A high level of acceptability was found with respect to session attendance (70% of participants attended ≥ 10 sessions) and satisfaction with therapy was adequate (60% of participants scored ≥ 21 out of 30 points on the Satisfaction with Therapy subscale of the Satisfaction with Therapy and Therapist Scale-Revised, although 80% of participants had not finished receiving therapy at the time of rating). Secondary outcome measures and qualitative data further supported the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. Health economic data supported the feasibility of examining cost-effectiveness in a future randomised controlled trial. Although the study was not powered to examine clinical effectiveness, there was indicative evidence of improvements in scores for anxiety, depression and psychological flexibility. LIMITATIONS Non-specific therapeutic factors were not controlled for, and recruitment in phase 2 was limited to London. CONCLUSIONS There was evidence of high levels of feasibility and acceptability and indicative evidence of improvements in symptoms of anxiety, depression and psychological flexibility. The results of this study suggest that a larger-scale randomised controlled trial would be feasible to conduct and is warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN12268776. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 25, No. 54. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Gould
- Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Julie Loebach Wetherell
- Department of Psychiatry, VA San Diego Healthcare System, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Marc A Serfaty
- Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Kate Kimona
- Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Vanessa Lawrence
- Health Services & Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Rebecca Jones
- Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Gill Livingston
- Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Kate Walters
- Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Marie Le Novere
- Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Robert J Howard
- Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK
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Mohlman J. Neurocognitive predictors of long-term outcome in CBT for late life generalized anxiety disorder. J Anxiety Disord 2020; 74:102246. [PMID: 32603993 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2020.102246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is currently recognized as one of the most common and impairing psychiatric conditions in adults age 65 and over. Although clinical trials have indicated that cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is efficacious, it has not shown consistent superiority over other types of psychosocial interventions. This study sought to identify baseline neurocognitive predictors of posttreatment and distal follow-up outcome of CBT for late life GAD, which could be used to estimate response and optimize the intervention. First, results indicated that CBT was effective in reducing worry and other symptoms immediately following and 18 months after the last full session of treatment. Regression models of baseline predictors included pretreatment worry scores, the number of comorbid conditions, hypertension, and scores on a working memory task or hippocampal volumes as predictors of endpoint PSWQ scores. Results replicated known baseline predictors of outcome at both assessment points, and identified one new predictor of distal outcome. Clinicians may benefit from including working memory tasks as assessment and augmentation tools in treating older GAD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Mohlman
- William Paterson University, 300 Pompton Rd., Science Hall 250, Wayne, NJ, 07470, United States.
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Anxiety Disorders in the Elderly. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1191:561-576. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-32-9705-0_28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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The efficacy of group cognitive-behavioural therapy plus duloxetine for generalised anxiety disorder versus duloxetine alone. Acta Neuropsychiatr 2019; 31:316-324. [PMID: 31405402 DOI: 10.1017/neu.2019.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore whether and how group cognitive-behavioural therapy (GCBT) plus medication differs from medication alone for the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). METHODS Hundred and seventy patients were randomly assigned to the GCBT plus duloxetine (n=89) or duloxetine group (n=81). The primary outcomes were Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) response and remission rates. The explorative secondary measures included score reductions from baseline in the HAMA total, psychic, and somatic anxiety subscales (HAMA-PA, HAMA-SA), the Hamilton Depression Scale, the Severity Subscale of Clinical Global Impression Scale, Global Assessment of Functioning, and the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey. Assessments were conducted at baseline, 4-week, 8-week, and 3-month follow-up. RESULTS At 4 weeks, HAMA response (GCBT group 57.0% vs. control group 24.4%, p=0.000, Cohen's d=0.90) and remission rates (GCBT group 21.5% vs. control group 6.2%, p=0.004; d=0.51), and most secondary outcomes (all p<0.05, d=0.36-0.77) showed that the combined therapy was superior. At 8 weeks, all the primary and secondary significant differences found at 4 weeks were maintained with smaller effect sizes (p<0.05, d=0.32-0.48). At 3-month follow-up, the combined therapy was only significantly superior in the HAMA total (p<0.045, d=0.43) and HAMA-PA score reductions (p<0.001, d=0.77). Logistic regression showed superiority of the combined therapy for HAMA response rates [odds ratio (OR)=2.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02-4.42, p=0.04] and remission rates (OR=2.80, 95% CI 1.27-6.16, p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS Compared with duloxetine alone, GCBT plus duloxetine showed significant treatment response for GAD over a shorter period of time, particularly for psychic anxiety symptoms, which may suggest that GCBT was effective in changing cognitive style.
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Senra H, Macedo AF, Nunes N, Balaskas K, Aslam T, Costa E. Psychological and Psychosocial Interventions for Depression and Anxiety in Patients With Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Systematic Review. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2019; 27:755-773. [PMID: 31005495 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the current literature on psychosocial and psychological interventions to prevent and treat depression and anxiety in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS The authors conducted a systematic review of literature evaluating psychosocial and psychological interventions for depression and anxiety in patients with AMD. Primary searches of PubMed, Cochrane library, EMBASE, Global Health, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Science Direct were conducted to include all articles published up to April 21, 2018. RESULTS Of a total of 398 citations retrieved, the authors selected 12 eligible studies published between 2002 and 2016. The authors found nine randomized controlled trials (RCT), and three non-randomized intervention (NRI) studies. RCT studies suggested that interventions using group self-management techniques and individual behavioral activation plus low vision rehabilitation can be effective to treat and prevent depression in patients with AMD, and one study suggested that a stepped-care intervention using cognitive-behavioral techniques can be effective to manage anxiety and depression over time. NRI studies highlighted a positive effect of self-help and emotion-focused interventions to reduce depression. CONCLUSION Clinical practice with patients with AMD can rely on some tailored cognitive-behavioral therapeutic protocols to improve patients' mental health, but further clinical trials will generate the necessary evidence-based knowledge to improve those therapeutic techniques and offer additional tailored interventions for patients with AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Senra
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (HS), King's College London, London
| | - António Filipe Macedo
- Department of Medicine and Optometry, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden; Low Vision and Visual Rehabilitation Lab, Department and Center of Physics - Optometry and Vision Science, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Nuno Nunes
- Centre of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences (NN, EC), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Konstantinos Balaskas
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Tariq Aslam
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry (TA), School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Manchester Royal Eye Hospital (TA), Central Manchester Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Emilia Costa
- Centre of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences (NN, EC), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Abstract
Anxiety disorders are frequently encountered in the elderly, but they are largely undetected and untreated. Epidemiological studies indicate a prevalence ranging from 1.2 to 15 %. With the exception of generalized anxiety disorder and agoraphobia, which can often start in late life, most anxiety disorders in older patients are chronic and have their onset earlier in life. Anxiety disorders are an often unrecognized cause of distress, disability, and mortality risk in older adults, and they have been associated with cardiovascular disease, stroke, and cognitive decline. The mechanisms of anxiety in older adults differ from that in younger adults due to age-related neuropathology, as well as the loss and isolation so prominent in late life. Our review intends to provide a comprehensive summary of the most recent research done in the field of anxiety disorders in the elderly. Recent findings in clinical research, neuroimaging, neuroendocrinology, and neuropsychology are covered. An update on treatment options is discussed, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological alternatives.
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Bluett EJ, Homan KJ, Morrison KL, Levin ME, Twohig MP. Acceptance and commitment therapy for anxiety and OCD spectrum disorders: an empirical review. J Anxiety Disord 2014; 28:612-24. [PMID: 25041735 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2014.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2013] [Revised: 06/10/2014] [Accepted: 06/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
A fair amount of research exists on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) as a model and a treatment for anxiety disorders and OCD spectrum disorders; this paper offers a quantitative account of this research. A meta-analysis is presented examining the relationship between psychological flexibility, measured by versions of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ and AAQ-II) and measures of anxiety. Meta-analytic results showed positive and significant relationships between the AAQ and general measures of anxiety as well as disorder specific measures. Additionally, all outcome data to date on ACT for anxiety and OCD spectrum disorders are reviewed, as are data on mediation and moderation within ACT. Preliminary meta-analytic results show that ACT is equally effective as manualized treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy. Future directions and limitations of the research are discussed.
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Abstract
Although anxiety disorders are common in later life, only a minority of patients receive appropriate treatment. The scarcity of clinical trials and decreasing effectiveness of current treatment modalities with advancing age, as shown by Wetherell and colleagues in this issue, argue for more clinical trials and development of age-specific psychotherapeutic techniques.
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Wetherell JL, Petkus AJ, White KS, Nguyen H, Kornblith S, Andreescu C, Zisook S, Lenze EJ. Antidepressant medication augmented with cognitive-behavioral therapy for generalized anxiety disorder in older adults. Am J Psychiatry 2013; 170:782-9. [PMID: 23680817 PMCID: PMC4090227 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2013.12081104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Generalized anxiety disorder is common among older adults and leads to diminished health and cognitive functioning. Although antidepressant medications are efficacious, many elderly individuals require augmentation treatment. Furthermore, little is known about maintenance strategies for older people. The authors examined whether sequenced treatment combining pharmacotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) boosts response and prevents relapse in older adults with generalized anxiety disorder. METHOD Participants were individuals at least 60 years of age with generalized anxiety disorder (N=73) who were recruited from outpatient clinics at three sites. Participants received 12 weeks of open-label escitalopram and were then randomly assigned to one of four conditions: 16 weeks of escitalopram (10-20 mg/day) plus modular CBT, followed by 28 weeks of maintenance escitalopram; escitalopram alone, followed by maintenance escitalopram; escitalopram plus CBT, followed by pill placebo; and escitalopram alone, followed by placebo. RESULTS Escitalopram augmented with CBT increased response rates on the Penn State Worry Questionnaire but not on the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale compared with escitalopram alone. Both escitalopram and CBT prevented relapse compared with placebo. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates effective strategies for treatment of generalized anxiety disorder in older adults. The sequence of antidepressant medication augmented with CBT leads to worry reduction in the short-term. Continued medication prevents relapse, but for many individuals, CBT would allow sustained remission without requiring long-term pharmacotherapy.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review highlights the key recent issues and novel findings on anxiety disorders in older adults. Studies of the epidemiology, medical and psychiatric comorbidity, neurobiology, and treatment of anxiety in the elderly are discussed. RECENT FINDINGS Overall prevalence studies of anxiety symptoms or disorders in older adults indicate that, although less common than in younger adults, they are relatively common in late life. We examine the prevalence of specific anxiety disorders in the elderly, as mechanisms, outcomes, and treatment response may vary by type of anxiety disorder. Physical and psychiatric comorbidity are common. Certain anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, have demonstrated a positive impact following acute coronary syndrome. Regarding treatment, small effect sizes and incomplete response are typical, posing a challenge when treating this age group. SUMMARY The epidemiology, neurobiology, and treatment of anxiety conditions in late life have recently received more attention in the medical literature. Areas in need of further investigation include neurobiology, clinical presentation, management, and treatment, as we do not know whether procedures indicated for younger cohorts hold for older adults.
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Gonçalves DC, Byrne GJ. Interventions for generalized anxiety disorder in older adults: systematic review and meta-analysis. J Anxiety Disord 2012; 26:1-11. [PMID: 21907538 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2011.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2011] [Revised: 08/12/2011] [Accepted: 08/12/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is one of the most common anxiety disorders in later life, with widespread consequences for individuals and society. OBJECTIVE To perform a systematic review of the efficacy of controlled interventions for GAD in adults aged 55 years and older. METHOD Direct search of digital databases and the main publications on aging and iterative searches of the references from retrieved articles. RESULTS Twenty-seven trials (14 pharmacological, 13 psychotherapeutic) fulfilled the inclusion criteria, reporting results from 2373 baseline participants. There were no differences between trials in their overall quality. Pooled treatment effects for pharmacological (OR=0.32, 95% CI: 0.18, 0.54) and psychotherapeutic (OR=0.33, 95% CI: 0.17, 0.66) trials were similar, with findings in each case favoring active interventions over control conditions. CONCLUSIONS Older adults with GAD benefited from both pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions. Future studies should investigate combined treatment with medication and psychotherapy.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES While psychosocial interventions for late-life anxiety show positive outcomes, treatment effects are not as robust as in younger adults. To date, the reach of research has been limited to academic and primary care settings, with homogeneous samples. This review examines recently funded and ongoing late-life anxiety research that uses innovative approaches to reach unique patient populations and tailor treatment content and delivery options to meet the unique needs of older adults. METHOD A systematic search was conducted using electronic databases of funded clinical trials to identify ongoing psychosocial intervention studies targeting older adults with anxiety. The principal investigators (PIs) of the studies were contacted for study details and preliminary data, if available. In some cases, the PIs of identified studies acted as referral sources in identifying additional studies. RESULTS Eleven studies met inclusion criteria and represented three areas of innovation: new patient groups, novel treatment procedures, and new treatment-delivery options. Studies and their associated theoretical bases are discussed, along with preliminary results reported in published papers or conference presentations. CONCLUSION Psychosocial intervention trials currently in progress represent promising new strategies to facilitate engagement and improve outcomes among unique subsets of older adults with anxiety. Continued investigation of evidence-based treatments for geriatric anxiety will allow greater understanding of how best to tailor the interventions to fit the needs of older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srijana Shrestha
- VA HSR&D Center of Excellence, Houston, TX, USA
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, T, USA
| | - Suzanne Robertson
- VA HSR&D Center of Excellence, Houston, TX, USA
- Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Melinda A. Stanley
- VA HSR&D Center of Excellence, Houston, TX, USA
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, T, USA
- Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
- VA South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, USA
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Andreescu C, Gross JJ, Lenze E, Edelman KD, Snyder S, Tanase C, Aizenstein H. Altered cerebral blood flow patterns associated with pathologic worry in the elderly. Depress Anxiety 2011; 28:202-9. [PMID: 21394853 PMCID: PMC3225118 DOI: 10.1002/da.20799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is the most prevalent anxiety disorder among the elderly and has high functional and cognitive morbidity. However, late-life GAD is relatively understudied and its functional neuroanatomy is uncharted. Several imaging studies have suggested abnormalities in the cognitive control systems of emotion regulation in anxiety disorders in young adults. The aim of this study was to examine the neural correlates of emotion regulation in late-life GAD. METHOD We compared 7 elderly GAD subjects and 10 elderly nonanxious comparison subjects using functional MRI. Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was measured using pulsed arterial spin labeling perfusion MRI at rest and during an emotion regulation paradigm. RESULTS Relative to the rest condition, elderly nonanxious comparison subjects had increased rCBF during worry induction (WI) in the right insula, bilateral amygdala, and associative temporooccipital areas. Elderly GAD subjects had increased rCBF during WI in the associative temporooccipital areas, but not in the insula or the amygdala. During worry suppression (WS), elderly nonanxious comparison subjects had increased rCBF in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and dorsal ACC. Elderly GAD subjects had no changes in rCBF during WS in the PFC. CONCLUSIONS When attempting to regulate their emotional responses, elderly anxious subjects failed to activate prefrontal regions involved in the downregulation of negative emotions. These results, showing that elderly anxious subjects are not effectively engaging the PFC in suppressing worry, may be clinically relevant for developing personalized therapeutic strategies for the treatment of late-life GAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Andreescu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic,3811 O’Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - James J. Gross
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Saint Louis
| | - Eric Lenze
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis
| | | | - Sara Snyder
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh
| | - Costin Tanase
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Imaging Research Center, University of California Davis
| | - Howard Aizenstein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Bioengineering Department, University of Pittsburgh
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