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Fässler L, Bighelli I, Leucht S, Sabé M, Bajbouj M, Knaevelsrud C, Böge K. Targeted psychological and psychosocial interventions for auditory hallucinations in persons with psychotic disorders: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306324. [PMID: 38959279 PMCID: PMC11221679 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, a growing body of evidence has demonstrated the efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions for schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) including positive symptoms such as auditory hallucinations (AH). However, clinical trials predominantly examine general treatment effects for positive symptoms. Therefore, previous research is lacking in comprehensive and clear evidence about psychological and psychosocial approaches that are primarily tailored to treat AH. To overcome this knowledge gap in the current literature, we will conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of clearly targeted psychological and psychosocial interventions for AH in persons with SSD. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This study protocol has been developed according to the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols. We will include all randomized controlled trials analyzing the efficacy of targeted psychological and psychosocial interventions especially aimed at treating AH in SSD. We will include studies on adult patients with SSD experiencing AH. The primary outcome will be the change on a published rating scale measuring AH. Secondary outcomes will be delusions, overall symptoms, negative symptoms, depression, social functioning, quality of life, and acceptability (drop-out). We will search relevant databases and the reference lists of included literature. The study selection process will be conducted by two independent reviewers. We will conduct a random-effect meta-analysis to consider heterogeneity across studies. Analyses will be carried out by software packages in R. The risk of bias in each study will be evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Assessment of heterogeneity and sensitivity analysis will be conducted. DISCUSSION The proposed study will augment the existing evidence by providing an overview of effective treatment approaches and their overall efficacy at treating AH in SSD. These findings will complement existing evidence that may impact future treatment implementations in clinical practice by addressing effective strategies to treat AH and therefore improve outcomes for the addressed population. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION No ethical issues are foreseen. We will publish the results from this study in peer-reviewed journals and at relevant scientific conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023475704.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Fässler
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité–University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Irene Bighelli
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Leucht
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Berlin, Germany
| | - Michel Sabé
- Division of Psychiatric Specialties, Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Malek Bajbouj
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité–University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Berlin, Germany
| | - Christine Knaevelsrud
- Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Berlin, Germany
| | - Kerem Böge
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité–University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Berlin, Germany
- Medical University Brandenburg–Theodor Fontane, Neuruppin, Germany
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Augustin E, Beaudoin M, Giguère S, Ziady H, Phraxayavong K, Dumais A. The Relationship between Sense of Presence, Emotional Response, and Clinical Outcomes in Virtual Reality-Based Therapy for Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia: An Exploratory Correlational Study. J Pers Med 2024; 14:614. [PMID: 38929835 PMCID: PMC11204393 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14060614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Avatar therapy (AT) is a novel virtual reality-based psychotherapy that has been developed to treat auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) in treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Various psychotherapeutic components, such as emotions and sense of presence, could contribute to clinical outcomes. However, the interplay between sense of presence, emotions, and clinical response has seldom been investigated. This study aimed to explore the relations between sense of presence, emotions, and clinical outcomes in AT. To conduct this investigation, data from previous and ongoing AT trials were used. Sense of presence and emotions were assessed using standardized questionnaires. AVH were evaluated using the Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales. While sense of presence was positively associated with positive emotions such as control and serenity, no significant associations were found for negative emotions. Moreover, a higher level of sense of presence was associated with a bigger decrease in AVH. Overall, positive emotions seem to be associated with sense of presence in AT. Sense of presence also seems to be involved in the therapeutic outcome, thereby suggesting that this could be an important component related to clinical response. More studies are needed to confirm these trends, which could be generalized to other virtual reality-based psychotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elischa Augustin
- Research Center of the University Institute in Mental Health of Montreal, Montreal, QC H1N 3V2, Canada; (E.A.); (M.B.); (S.G.); (H.Z.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Mélissa Beaudoin
- Research Center of the University Institute in Mental Health of Montreal, Montreal, QC H1N 3V2, Canada; (E.A.); (M.B.); (S.G.); (H.Z.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Sabrina Giguère
- Research Center of the University Institute in Mental Health of Montreal, Montreal, QC H1N 3V2, Canada; (E.A.); (M.B.); (S.G.); (H.Z.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- School of Social Work, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Hind Ziady
- Research Center of the University Institute in Mental Health of Montreal, Montreal, QC H1N 3V2, Canada; (E.A.); (M.B.); (S.G.); (H.Z.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | | | - Alexandre Dumais
- Research Center of the University Institute in Mental Health of Montreal, Montreal, QC H1N 3V2, Canada; (E.A.); (M.B.); (S.G.); (H.Z.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Services et Recherches Psychiatriques AD, Montreal, QC H1N 3V2, Canada;
- Institut National de Psychiatrie Légale Philippe-Pinel, Montreal, QC H1C 1H1, Canada
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Dudley R, Dodgson G, Common S, Ogundimu E, Liley J, O'Grady L, Watson F, Gibbs C, Arnott B, Fernyhough C, Alderson-Day B, Aynsworth C. Effects of a novel, brief psychological therapy (Managing Unusual Sensory Experiences) for hallucinations in first episode psychosis (MUSE FEP): Findings from an exploratory randomised controlled trial. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 174:289-296. [PMID: 38678686 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Hallucinations are a common feature of psychosis, yet access to effective psychological treatment is limited. The Managing Unusual Sensory Experiences for First-Episode-Psychosis (MUSE-FEP) trial aimed to establish the feasibility and acceptability of a brief, hallucination-specific, digitally provided treatment, delivered by a non-specialist workforce for people with psychosis. MUSE uses psychoeducation about the causal mechanisms of hallucinations and tailored interventions to help a person understand and manage their experiences. We undertook a two-site, single-blind (rater) Randomised Controlled Trial and recruited 82 participants who were allocated 1:1 to MUSE and treatment as usual (TAU) (n = 40) or TAU alone (n = 42). Participants completed assessments before and after treatment (2 months), and at follow up (3-4 months). Information on recruitment rates, adherence, and completion of outcome assessments was collected. Analyses focussed on feasibility outcomes and initial estimates of intervention effects to inform a future trial. The trial is registered with the ISRCTN registry 16793301. Criteria for the feasibility of trial methodology and intervention delivery were met. The trial exceeded the recruitment target, had high retention rates (87.8%) at end of treatment, and at follow up (86.6%), with good acceptability of treatment. There were 3 serious adverse events in the therapy group, and 5 in the TAU group. Improvements were evident in both groups at the end of treatment and follow up, with a particular benefit in perceived recovery in the MUSE group. We showed it was feasible to increase access to psychological intervention but a definitive trial requires further changes to the trial design or treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Dudley
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, St. Nicholas Hospital, Jubilee Road, Gosforth, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE3 3XT, United Kingdom; Department of Psychology, University of York, YO10 5DD, United Kingdom.
| | - Guy Dodgson
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, St. Nicholas Hospital, Jubilee Road, Gosforth, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE3 3XT, United Kingdom
| | - Stephanie Common
- Tees, Esk & Wear Valley NHS Trust, Wessex House, Falcon Court, Stockton on Tees, TS18 3TX, United Kingdom
| | - Emmanuel Ogundimu
- University of Durham, Stockton Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
| | - James Liley
- University of Durham, Stockton Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy O'Grady
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, St. Nicholas Hospital, Jubilee Road, Gosforth, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE3 3XT, United Kingdom
| | - Florence Watson
- Tees, Esk & Wear Valley NHS Trust, Wessex House, Falcon Court, Stockton on Tees, TS18 3TX, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Gibbs
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, St. Nicholas Hospital, Jubilee Road, Gosforth, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE3 3XT, United Kingdom
| | - Bronia Arnott
- Newcastle University, Population Health Sciences Institute, Baddiley-Clark, NE2 4AX, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ben Alderson-Day
- University of Durham, Stockton Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte Aynsworth
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, St. Nicholas Hospital, Jubilee Road, Gosforth, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE3 3XT, United Kingdom
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Dennard S, Patel R, Garety P, Edwards C, Gumley A. A systematic review of users experiences of using digital interventions within psychosis: a thematic synthesis of qualitative research. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024:10.1007/s00127-024-02692-4. [PMID: 38802509 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-024-02692-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although the development of digital mental health support for people with psychosis has been increasing, the development and opportunities to access this have been more limited compared to other mental health conditions. Qualitative research exploring the experiences of using digital interventions amongst people with psychosis is even less well developed; however, such research is crucial in capturing the experiences of using digital interventions to ensure they are meeting the needs of people with psychosis. This paper aimed to synthesise qualitative data related to the experiences of people with psychosis who have used digital interventions. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted of articles published between 1992 and October 2023 using PubMed, MBase, PsycINFO, & OVID Medline. Two reviewers independently reviewed and screened 268 papers. Papers that met inclusion criteria were quality assessed using The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) qualitative studies checklist. The Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ) checklist was used to guide the structure of the report. RESULTS A thematic synthesis of 19 studies revealed six overarching themes which related to different aspects and features of the digital interventions: participants' relationship with technology; the accessibility of the interventions; how the interventions could impact on individuals' awareness and management of mental health; enhanced communication and relationships; and opportunities for reflection. CONCLUSIONS Benefits of using digital interventions are discussed. Areas for development and improvements are highlighted. Finally, recommendations for stakeholders who develop and implement digital interventions for psychosis are made.
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Smith LC, Mateos AC, Due AS, Bergström J, Nordentoft M, Clemmensen L, Glenthøj LB. Immersive virtual reality in the treatment of auditory hallucinations: A PRISMA scoping review. Psychiatry Res 2024; 334:115834. [PMID: 38452499 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A large group of psychiatric patients suffer from auditory hallucinations (AH) despite relevant treatment regimens. In mental health populations, AH tend to be verbal (AVH) and the content critical or abusive. Trials employing immersive virtual reality (VR) to treat mental health disorders are emerging. OBJECTIVE The aim of this scoping review is to provide an overview of clinical trials utilizing VR in the treatment of AH and to document knowledge gaps in the literature. METHODS PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase were searched for studies reporting on the use of VR to target AH. RESULTS 16 papers were included in this PRISMA scoping review (ScR). In most studies VR therapy (VRT) was employed to ameliorate treatment resistant AVH in schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Only two studies included patients with a diagnosis of affective disorders. The VRT was carried out with the use of an avatar to represent the patient's most dominant voice. DISCUSSION The research field employing VR to treat AH is promising but still in its infancy. Results from larger randomized clinical trials are needed to establish substantial evidence of therapy effectiveness. Additionally, the knowledge base would benefit from more profound qualitative data exploring views of patients and therapists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Charlotte Smith
- VIRTU Research Group, Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine (DK), University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Ana Collados Mateos
- VIRTU Research Group, Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Anne Sofie Due
- VIRTU Research Group, Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Joanna Bergström
- Department of Computer Science (DK), University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Merete Nordentoft
- Department of Clinical Medicine (DK), University of Copenhagen, Denmark; Research Unit (CORE), Capital Region (DK), Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Clemmensen
- VIRTU Research Group, Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Louise Birkedal Glenthøj
- VIRTU Research Group, Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark; Department of Psychology (DK), University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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6
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Diemer J, Kothgassner OD, Herrmann MJ, Zwanzger P. [VR-supported therapy for anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder: current possibilities and limitations]. DER NERVENARZT 2024; 95:223-229. [PMID: 38051348 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-023-01570-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly used in psychotherapy, and the speed of development of therapeutic VR tools is continuously increasing. OBJECTIVE This narrative review provides an overview of the state of the art regarding VR applications for psychotherapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS The current state of VR therapy research for anxiety disorders and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is summarized. The focus lies on VR exposure therapy. Current developments in the field are outlined. RESULTS For anxiety disorders, especially phobic disorders, there are already positive recommendations in the current German S3 guidelines. For PTSD, the development of VR therapy tools is still in a relatively early stage. CONCLUSION The development of mobile cost-effective VR solutions in recent years has enabled entirely new applications for VR. The empirical challenges of these new developments are considerable. Nevertheless, the chances for an improvement of psychotherapeutic routine care are good.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Diemer
- Fachbereich Psychosomatische Medizin, Kompetenzschwerpunkt Angst, Versorgungsforschung, kbo-Inn-Salzach-Klinikum, Gabersee 7, 83512, Wasserburg am Inn, Deutschland
- Department Psychologie, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, München, Deutschland
| | - Oswald D Kothgassner
- Stress in Childhood & Adolescence Research Unit (SCAR-Unit), Universitätsklinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Wien, Österreich
| | - Martin J Herrmann
- Zentrum für Psychische Gesundheit (ZEP), Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Deutschland
| | - Peter Zwanzger
- Fachbereich Psychosomatische Medizin, Kompetenzschwerpunkt Angst, Versorgungsforschung, kbo-Inn-Salzach-Klinikum, Gabersee 7, 83512, Wasserburg am Inn, Deutschland.
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, München, Deutschland.
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Hardy A, Keen N, van den Berg D, Varese F, Longden E, Ward T, Brand RM. Trauma therapies for psychosis: A state-of-the-art review. Psychol Psychother 2024; 97:74-90. [PMID: 37795877 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic events, particularly childhood interpersonal victimisation, have been found to play a causal role in the occurrence of psychosis and shape the phenomenology of psychotic experiences. Higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related mental health problems are also found in people with psychosis diagnoses compared to the general population. It is, therefore, imperative that therapists are willing and able to address trauma and its consequences when supporting recovery from distressing psychosis. METHOD This paper will support this need by providing a state-of-the-art overview of the safety, acceptability and effects of trauma therapies for psychosis. RESULTS We will first introduce how seminal cognitive-behavioural models of psychosis shed light on the mechanisms by which trauma may give rise to psychotic experiences, including a putative role for trauma-related emotions, beliefs and episodic memories. The initial application of prolonged exposure and eye movement and desensitation and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) for treating PTSD in psychosis will be described, followed by consideration of integrative approaches. These integrative approaches aim to address the impact of trauma on both post-traumatic stress symptoms and trauma-related psychosis. Integrative approaches include EMDR for psychosis (EMDRp) and trauma-focused Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for psychosis (tf-CBTp). Finally, emerging dialogic approaches for targeting trauma-related voice-hearing will be considered, demonstrating the potential value of adopting co-produced (Talking with Voices) and digitally augmented (AVATAR) therapies. CONCLUSION We will conclude by reflecting on current issues in the area, and implications for research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Hardy
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Nadine Keen
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - David van den Berg
- Mark van der Gaag Research Centre, Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, The Netherlands
- Vrije University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Filippo Varese
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Complex Trauma and Resilience Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Eleanor Longden
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Complex Trauma and Resilience Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Thomas Ward
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Rachel M Brand
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
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Orepic P, Bernasconi F, Faggella M, Faivre N, Blanke O. Robotically-induced auditory-verbal hallucinations: combining self-monitoring and strong perceptual priors. Psychol Med 2024; 54:569-581. [PMID: 37779256 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291723002222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inducing hallucinations under controlled experimental conditions in non-hallucinating individuals represents a novel research avenue oriented toward understanding complex hallucinatory phenomena, avoiding confounds observed in patients. Auditory-verbal hallucinations (AVH) are one of the most common and distressing psychotic symptoms, whose etiology remains largely unknown. Two prominent accounts portray AVH either as a deficit in auditory-verbal self-monitoring, or as a result of overly strong perceptual priors. METHODS In order to test both theoretical models and evaluate their potential integration, we developed a robotic procedure able to induce self-monitoring perturbations (consisting of sensorimotor conflicts between poking movements and corresponding tactile feedback) and a perceptual prior associated with otherness sensations (i.e. feeling the presence of a non-existing another person). RESULTS Here, in two independent studies, we show that this robotic procedure led to AVH-like phenomena in healthy individuals, quantified as an increase in false alarm rate in a voice detection task. Robotically-induced AVH-like sensations were further associated with delusional ideation and to both AVH accounts. Specifically, a condition with stronger sensorimotor conflicts induced more AVH-like sensations (self-monitoring), while, in the otherness-related experimental condition, there were more AVH-like sensations when participants were detecting other-voice stimuli, compared to detecting self-voice stimuli (strong-priors). CONCLUSIONS By demonstrating an experimental procedure able to induce AVH-like sensations in non-hallucinating individuals, we shed new light on AVH phenomenology, thereby integrating self-monitoring and strong-priors accounts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavo Orepic
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Neuro-X Institute & Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Fosco Bernasconi
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Neuro-X Institute & Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Melissa Faggella
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Neuro-X Institute & Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nathan Faivre
- University Grenoble Alpes, University Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, LPNC, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Olaf Blanke
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Neuro-X Institute & Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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9
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Smith L, Rossell SL, Thomas N, Toh WL. Intersections of phenomenology, voice beliefs and distress in bipolar disorder: a comparison with schizophrenia. Behav Cogn Psychother 2024; 52:78-92. [PMID: 37749628 DOI: 10.1017/s1352465823000395] [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] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH), or voice-hearing, can be a prominent symptom during fluctuating mood states in bipolar disorder (BD). AIMS The current study aimed to: (i) compare AVH-related distress in BD relative to schizophrenia (SCZ), (ii) examine correlations between phenomenology and voice beliefs across each group, and (iii) explore how voice beliefs may uniquely contribute to distress in BD and SCZ. METHOD Participants were recruited from two international sites in Australia (BD=31; SCZ=50) and the UK (BD=17). Basic demographic-clinical information was collected, and mood symptoms were assessed. To document AVH characteristics, a 4-factor model of the Psychotic Symptoms Rating Scale and the Beliefs about Voices Questionnaire-Revised were used. Statistical analyses consisted of group-wise comparisons, Pearson's correlations and multiple hierarchical regressions. RESULTS It was found that AVH-related distress was not significantly higher in BD than SCZ, but those with BD made significantly more internal attributions for their voices. In the BD group, AVH-related distress was significantly positively correlated with malevolence, omnipotence and resistance, However, only resistance, alongside mania and depressive symptoms, significantly contributed to AVH-related distress in BD. DISCUSSION Our findings have several clinical implications, including identification of voice resistance as a potential therapeutic target to prioritise in BD. Factoring in the influence of mood symptoms on AVH-related distress as well as adopting more acceptance-oriented therapies may also be of benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Smith
- National and Specialist CAMHS, At-Risk and Forensic Service, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Michael Rutter Centre, Maudsley Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Susan L Rossell
- Centre for Mental Health & Brain Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Neil Thomas
- Centre for Mental Health & Brain Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Psychology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Wei Lin Toh
- Centre for Mental Health & Brain Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Psychology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Ehrt-Schäfer Y, Rusmir M, Vetter J, Seifritz E, Müller M, Kleim B. Feasibility, Adherence, and Effectiveness of Blended Psychotherapy for Severe Mental Illnesses: Scoping Review. JMIR Ment Health 2023; 10:e43882. [PMID: 38147373 PMCID: PMC10777283 DOI: 10.2196/43882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blended psychotherapy (bPT) combines face-to-face psychotherapy with digital interventions to enhance the effectiveness of mental health treatment. The feasibility and effectiveness of bPT have been demonstrated for various mental health issues, although primarily for patients with higher levels of functioning. OBJECTIVE This scoping review aims to investigate the feasibility, adherence, and effectiveness of bPT for the treatment of patients with severe mental illnesses (SMIs). METHODS Following the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines, we conducted searches in PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and PsycArticles for studies published until March 23, 2023. RESULTS Out of 587 screened papers, we incorporated 25 studies encompassing 23 bPT interventions, involving a total of 2554 patients with SMI. The intervention formats and research designs exhibited significant variation. Our findings offer preliminary evidence supporting the feasibility of bPT for SMI, although there is limited research on adherence. Nevertheless, the summarized studies indicated promising attrition rates, spanning from 0% to 37%, implying a potential beneficial impact of bPT on adherence to SMI treatment. The quantity of evidence on the effects of bPT for SMI was limited and challenging to generalize. Among the 15 controlled trials, 4 concluded that bPT interventions were effective compared with controls. However, it is noteworthy that 2 of these studies used the same study population, and the control groups exhibited significant variations. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our review suggests that while bPT appears promising as a treatment method, further research is necessary to establish its effectiveness for SMI. We discuss considerations for clinical implementation, directions, and future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamina Ehrt-Schäfer
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Milan Rusmir
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Vetter
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mario Müller
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Birgit Kleim
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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11
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Moffa G, Kuipers J, Kuipers E, McManus S, Bebbington P. Sexual abuse and psychotic phenomena: a directed acyclic graph analysis of affective symptoms using English national psychiatric survey data. Psychol Med 2023; 53:7817-7826. [PMID: 37485689 PMCID: PMC10755243 DOI: 10.1017/s003329172300185x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual abuse and bullying are associated with poor mental health in adulthood. We previously established a clear relationship between bullying and symptoms of psychosis. Similarly, we would expect sexual abuse to be linked to the emergence of psychotic symptoms, through effects on negative affect. METHOD We analysed English data from the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Surveys, carried out in 2007 (N = 5954) and 2014 (N = 5946), based on representative national samples living in private households. We used probabilistic graphical models represented by directed acyclic graphs (DAGs). We obtained measures of persecutory ideation and auditory hallucinosis from the Psychosis Screening Questionnaire, and identified affective symptoms using the Clinical Interview Schedule. We included cannabis consumption and sex as they may determine the relationship between symptoms. We constrained incoming edges to sexual abuse and bullying to respect temporality. RESULTS In the DAG analyses, contrary to our expectations, paranoia appeared early in the cascade of relationships, close to the abuse variables, and generally lying upstream of affective symptoms. Paranoia was consistently directly antecedent to hallucinations, but also indirectly so, via non-psychotic symptoms. Hallucinosis was also the endpoint of pathways involving non-psychotic symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Via worry, sexual abuse and bullying appear to drive a range of affective symptoms, and in some people, these may encourage the emergence of hallucinations. The link between adverse experiences and paranoia is much more direct. These findings have implications for managing distressing outcomes. In particular, worry may be a salient target for intervention in psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giusi Moffa
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University College London, London, UK
| | - Jack Kuipers
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule Zurich, Basel, Switzerland
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12
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Lüdtke T, Hedelt KS, Westermann S. Predictors of paranoia in the daily lives of people with non-affective psychosis and non-clinical controls: A systematic review of intensive longitudinal studies. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2023; 81:101885. [PMID: 37354896 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2023.101885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Worrying, self-esteem, sleep problems, anomalous internal experiences, reasoning biases, and interpersonal sensitivity are associated with paranoia. However, no review has examined whether these variables function as predictors of paranoia in everyday life. The present systematic review of intensive longitudinal studies (e.g., experience sampling) examined contemporaneous and time-lagged associations between paranoia and each candidate mechanism in individuals with non-affective psychosis and controls (pre-registration: https://osf.io/uwr9d). METHODS We searched electronic databases, PsyArXiv, and reference lists for studies published since 1994. RESULTS Of n = 5,918 results, n = 54 fulfilled inclusion criteria (n = 43 datasets). Most studies examined individuals with non-affective psychosis (n = 34). Strong evidence emerged for negative affect (subsumed under 'anomalous internal experiences') and sleep problems. For self-esteem, results suggest contemporaneous and lagged effects on paranoia but associations are likely driven by between-person variance. The low number of studies (n = 2 studies each) allowed no conclusions regarding worrying and reasoning biases. Findings on interpersonal sensitivity, which should be interpreted with caution because of the predictor's conceptual overlap with paranoia, indicate contemporaneous effects whereas time-lagged and within-person associations could not be judged due to insufficient data. LIMITATIONS The present review used a narrative data-synthetization and it did not cover outcomes such as hallucinations. CONCLUSIONS Despite convincing evidence for affect and sleep problems, it remains unclear whether affective states are precursors or also consequences of paranoia (vicious circle), and which of the actigraphy measures (sleep time, -efficiency, -fragmentation, etc.) best predicts paranoia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thies Lüdtke
- Department of Human Medicine, MSH Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
| | | | - Stefan Westermann
- Department of Psychology, MSH Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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13
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Hudon A, Beaudoin M, Phraxayavong K, Potvin S, Dumais A. Enhancing Predictive Power: Integrating a Linear Support Vector Classifier with Logistic Regression for Patient Outcome Prognosis in Virtual Reality Therapy for Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1660. [PMID: 38138887 PMCID: PMC10744538 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13121660] [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: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Approximately 30% of schizophrenia patients are known to be treatment-resistant. For these cases, more personalized approaches must be developed. Virtual reality therapeutic approaches such as avatar therapy (AT) are currently undergoing investigations to address these patients' needs. To further tailor the therapeutic trajectory of patients presenting with this complex presentation of schizophrenia, quantitative insight about the therapeutic process is warranted. The aim of the study is to combine a classification model with a regression model with the aim of predicting the therapeutic outcomes of patients based on the interactions taking place during their first immersive session of virtual reality therapy. (2) Methods: A combination of a Linear Support Vector Classifier and logistic regression was conducted over a dataset comprising 162 verbatims of the immersive sessions of 18 patients who previously underwent AT. As a testing dataset, 17 participants, unknown to the dataset, had their first immersive session presented to the combinatory model to predict their clinical outcome. (3) Results: The model accurately predicted the clinical outcome for 15 out of the 17 participants. Classification of the therapeutic interactions achieved an accuracy of 63%. (4) Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to predict the outcome of psychotherapy patients based on the content of their interactions with their therapist. These results are important as they open the door to personalization of psychotherapy based on quantitative information about the interactions taking place during AT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Hudon
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, QC H1N 3V2, Canada; (A.H.); (M.B.); (S.P.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Mélissa Beaudoin
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, QC H1N 3V2, Canada; (A.H.); (M.B.); (S.P.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | | | - Stéphane Potvin
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, QC H1N 3V2, Canada; (A.H.); (M.B.); (S.P.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Alexandre Dumais
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, QC H1N 3V2, Canada; (A.H.); (M.B.); (S.P.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Services et Recherches Psychiatriques AD, Montreal, QC H1N 3V2, Canada;
- Institut National de Psychiatrie Légale Philippe-Pinel, Montreal, QC H1C 1H1, Canada
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14
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Thompson A, Calissano C, Treasure J, Ball H, Montague A, Ward T, Cardi V. A case series to test the acceptability, feasibility and preliminary efficacy of AVATAR therapy in anorexia nervosa. J Eat Disord 2023; 11:181. [PMID: 37833732 PMCID: PMC10571357 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-023-00900-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with anorexia nervosa tend to experience an inner "eating disorder" voice. They struggle to recognise and assert their own identity over the illness's identity and relate to it from a powerless and subordinate position. AVATAR therapy was developed to help patients with psychosis to gain greater power and control over distressing voices. The goal of this study was to test the feasibility, acceptability, safety and preliminary efficacy of an adaptation of AVATAR therapy for anorexia nervosa. METHODS Twelve adult patients with anorexia nervosa were recruited. Ten completed an assessment session and between five to seven therapy sessions. The assessment session consisted in the creation of an avatar to represent the "eating disorder". This was accomplished by manipulating auditory and visual characteristics through a specialist computer software. During the therapy sessions, patients interacted with the avatar to assert their own desires and will. Patients completed baseline, end of intervention and follow-up (4-week) online questionnaires. A non-concurrent multiple baselines single case experimental design (SCED) was used (A1BA2). Feasibility, acceptability, safety and preliminary efficacy of the intervention were assessed. RESULTS The therapy met pre-specified criteria relating to (1) Feasibility: sample recruited within three months; retention rate at the end of the treatment phase = 81.9%; therapy completion rate = 90.1%. (2) Safety: no serious adverse events associated with the intervention. (3) Acceptability: mean ratings = 7.5 (SD = 2.61) out of ten, on a 0-10 scale of acceptability (10 = complete satisfaction). With regards to efficacy, participants reported significantly lower levels of distress associated with the eating disorder voice and higher levels of self-compassion at the end of treatment. No other significant changes were observed in frequency of the eating disorder voice, voice's characteristics, such as omnipotence and malevolence, eating disorder symptoms and symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress. Patients' feedback indicated that the therapy had helped with their ability to stand up to the illness, make positive changes around eating, and increase their motivation to recover and self-compassion. CONCLUSION AVATAR therapy for anorexia nervosa is feasible, acceptable and safe for patients. Larger studies are needed to test clinical efficacy. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was pre-registered on the clinicaltrials.gov registry (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04778423).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Janet Treasure
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Hannah Ball
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9NT, UK
- Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, M25 3BL, UK
| | - Alice Montague
- North East London Foundation NHS Trust, London, E17 3HP, UK
- Department of Psychology, Department of Clinical, Educational, and Health Psychology, University College London, London, WC1E 7HB, UK
| | - Thomas Ward
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Valentina Cardi
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK.
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15
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Lee BM, Kim SW, Lee BJ, Won SH, Park YH, Kang CY, Li L, Rami FZ, Chung YC. Effects and safety of virtual reality-based mindfulness in patients with psychosis: a randomized controlled pilot study. SCHIZOPHRENIA (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 9:57. [PMID: 37704650 PMCID: PMC10499950 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-023-00391-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Virtual reality (VR) technology can be a supporting tool to enhance mindfulness. Recently, many research using VR-based mindfulness (VBM) has been carried out in various psychiatric disorders but not in psychosis. We investigated safety and effects of virtual reality-based mindfulness (VBM) in patients with psychosis as a pilot study. Sixty-four patients were randomly assigned to VBM or to VR control. For VBM, education and meditation videos were provided. For VR control, 3-dimensional natural scenes were shown. Both programs consisted of 8 weekly sessions, each lasting about 30 min. Pre- and post-assessments were performed using the experiences questionnaire (EQ), psychotic symptom rating scales-delusion (PSYRATS-D), PSYRATS-auditory hallucinations (AH), motivation and pleasure scale-self rating (MAP-SR) and etc. The safety questionnaire was also surveyed after 1st and 8th session. Physiological measures such as skin conductance level (SCL), heart rate (HR) and RR interval, were collected during the VR interventions. Limited individuals participated in the safety questionnaire and physiological measures. All the results were presented in mean and standard deviation. We did not observe significant results in group x time interaction and main effects of group and time in the decentering and clinical scales. However, within group comparison showed that patients randomized to VBM showed increased decentering (p = 0.029) and decreased amount (p = 0.032) and duration of preoccupation (p = 0.016) in the PSYRATS-D. For the feelings and motivations about close caring relationships of the MAP-SR, we observed a significant group x time interaction (p = 0.027). The frequency of VR sickness was high but its severity was mild. There were significant differences only in HR over time in the VBM group (p = 0.01). These results suggest that VBM was not more effective in reducing decentering and psychiatric symptoms than VR control but its adversity was modest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Mi Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, 54907, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, 54907, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Wan Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, 501-746, Republic of Korea
| | - Bong Ju Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Inje University Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, 48108, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Hee Won
- Department of Psychiatry, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Chae Yeong Kang
- Department of Psychiatry, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, 54907, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, 54907, Republic of Korea
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, 54907, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, 54907, Republic of Korea
| | - Fatima Zahra Rami
- Department of Psychiatry, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, 54907, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, 54907, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Chul Chung
- Department of Psychiatry, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, 54907, Republic of Korea.
- Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, 54907, Republic of Korea.
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Edwards CJ, Owrid O, Miller L, Jafari H, Emsley R, Rus-Calafell M, Craig TKJ, Clancy M, McLeod H, Fornells-Ambrojo M, McDonnell J, Montague A, Huckvale M, Bucci S, Haddock G, Garety P, Ward T. The voice characterisation checklist: psychometric properties of a brief clinical assessment of voices as social agents. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1192655. [PMID: 37559917 PMCID: PMC10408443 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1192655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM There is growing interest in tailoring psychological interventions for distressing voices and a need for reliable tools to assess phenomenological features which might influence treatment response. This study examines the reliability and internal consistency of the Voice Characterisation Checklist (VoCC), a novel 10-item tool which assesses degree of voice characterisation, identified as relevant to a new wave of relational approaches. METHODS The sample comprised participants experiencing distressing voices, recruited at baseline on the AVATAR2 trial between January 2021 and July 2022 (n = 170). Inter-rater reliability (IRR) and internal consistency analyses (Cronbach's alpha) were conducted. RESULTS The majority of participants reported some degree of voice personification (94%) with high endorsement of voices as distinct auditory experiences (87%) with basic attributes of gender and age (82%). While most identified a voice intention (75%) and personality (76%), attribution of mental states (35%) to the voice ('What are they thinking?') and a known historical relationship (36%) were less common. The internal consistency of the VoCC was acceptable (10 items, α = 0.71). IRR analysis indicated acceptable to excellent reliability at the item-level for 9/10 items and moderate agreement between raters' global (binary) classification of more vs. less highly characterised voices, κ = 0.549 (95% CI, 0.240-0.859), p < 0.05. CONCLUSION The VoCC is a reliable and internally consistent tool for assessing voice characterisation and will be used to test whether voice characterisation moderates treatment outcome to AVATAR therapy. There is potential wider utility within clinical trials of other relational therapies as well as routine clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clementine J. Edwards
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver Owrid
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy Miller
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hassan Jafari
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Emsley
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mar Rus-Calafell
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Centre, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Thomas K. J. Craig
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Moya Clancy
- University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Hamish McLeod
- University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Miriam Fornells-Ambrojo
- University College London, London, United Kingdom
- North East London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jeffrey McDonnell
- University College London, London, United Kingdom
- North East London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alice Montague
- University College London, London, United Kingdom
- North East London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sandra Bucci
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Gillian Haddock
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Philippa Garety
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Ward
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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17
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Maechling C, Yrondi A, Cambon A. Mobile health in the specific management of first-episode psychosis: a systematic literature review. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1137644. [PMID: 37377474 PMCID: PMC10291100 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1137644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this systematic literature review is to assess the therapeutic efficacy of mobile health methods in the management of patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP). Method The participants are patients with FEP. The interventions are smartphone applications. The studies assess the preliminary efficacy of various types of application. Results One study found that monitoring symptoms minimized relapses, visits to A&E and hospital admissions, while one study showed a decrease in positive psychotic symptoms. One study found an improvement in anxiety symptoms and two studies noted an improvement in psychotic symptoms. One study demonstrated its efficacy in helping participants return to studying and employment and one study reported improved motivation. Conclusion The studies suggest that mobile applications have potential value in the management of young patients with FEP through the use of various assessment and intervention tools. This systematic review has several limitations due to the lack of randomized controlled studies available in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Maechling
- Pôle de Psychiatrie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Antoine Yrondi
- Service de Psychiatrie et de Psychologie Médicale, Centre Expert Dépression Résistante Fonda Mental, CHU de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, ToNIC Toulouse NeuroImaging Centre, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Amandine Cambon
- Programme d'intervention précoce RePeps, réseau Transition, Clinique Aufrery, Toulouse, France
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18
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Hudon A, Lammatteo V, Rodrigues-Coutlée S, Dellazizzo L, Giguère S, Phraxayavong K, Potvin S, Dumais A. Exploration of the role of emotional expression of treatment-resistant schizophrenia patients having followed virtual reality therapy: a content analysis. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:420. [PMID: 37308864 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04861-2] [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: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emotional responses are an important component of psychotherapeutic processes. Avatar therapy (AT) is a virtual reality-based therapy currently being developed and studied for patients suffering from treatment resistant schizophrenia. Considering the importance of identifying emotions in therapeutical processes and their impact on the therapeutic outcome, an exploration of such emotions is needed. METHODS The aim of this study is to identify the underlying emotions at the core of the patient-Avatar interaction during AT by content analysis of immersive sessions transcripts and audio recordings. A content analysis of AT transcripts and audio recordings using iterative categorization was conducted for 16 patients suffering from TRS who underwent AT between 2017 and 2022 (128 transcripts and 128 audio recordings). An iterative categorization technique was conducted to identify the different emotions expressed by the patient and the Avatar during the immersive sessions. RESULTS The following emotions were identified in this study: Anger, Contempt/ Disgust, Fear, Sadness, Shame/ Embarrassment, Interest, Surprise, Joy and Neutral. Patients expressed mostly neutral, joy and anger emotions whereas the Avatar expressed predominantly interest, disgust/contempt, and neutral emotions. CONCLUSIONS This study portrays a first qualitative insight on the emotions that are expressed in AT and serves as a steppingstone for further investigation in the role of emotions in the therapeutic outcomes of AT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Hudon
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | | | - Laura Dellazizzo
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sabrina Giguère
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Stéphane Potvin
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Alexandre Dumais
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.
- Services et Recherches Psychiatriques AD, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Institut national de psychiatrie légale Philippe-Pinel, Montreal, Canada.
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Grodniewicz JP, Hohol M. Waiting for a digital therapist: three challenges on the path to psychotherapy delivered by artificial intelligence. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1190084. [PMID: 37324824 PMCID: PMC10267322 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1190084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Growing demand for broadly accessible mental health care, together with the rapid development of new technologies, trigger discussions about the feasibility of psychotherapeutic interventions based on interactions with Conversational Artificial Intelligence (CAI). Many authors argue that while currently available CAI can be a useful supplement for human-delivered psychotherapy, it is not yet capable of delivering fully fledged psychotherapy on its own. The goal of this paper is to investigate what are the most important obstacles on our way to developing CAI systems capable of delivering psychotherapy in the future. To this end, we formulate and discuss three challenges central to this quest. Firstly, we might not be able to develop effective AI-based psychotherapy unless we deepen our understanding of what makes human-delivered psychotherapy effective. Secondly, assuming that it requires building a therapeutic relationship, it is not clear whether psychotherapy can be delivered by non-human agents. Thirdly, conducting psychotherapy might be a problem too complicated for narrow AI, i.e., AI proficient in dealing with only relatively simple and well-delineated tasks. If this is the case, we should not expect CAI to be capable of delivering fully-fledged psychotherapy until the so-called "general" or "human-like" AI is developed. While we believe that all these challenges can ultimately be overcome, we think that being mindful of them is crucial to ensure well-balanced and steady progress on our path to AI-based psychotherapy.
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van den Berg D, Tolmeijer E, Jongeneel A, Staring ABP, Palstra E, van der Gaag M, Hardy A. Voice phenomenology as a mirror of the past. Psychol Med 2023; 53:2954-2962. [PMID: 34991770 PMCID: PMC10235665 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721004955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-traumatic mechanisms are theorised to contribute to voice-hearing in people with psychosis and a history of trauma. Phenomenological links between trauma and voices support this hypothesis, as they suggest post-traumatic processes contribute to the content of, and relationships with, voices. However, research has included small samples and lacked theory-based comprehensive assessments. METHOD In people with distressing voices (n = 73) who experienced trauma prior to voice-hearing, trauma-voice links were assessed both independently and dependently (descriptions were presented and rated separately and together, respectively) by both participants and researchers. A structured coding frame assessed four types of independent links (i.e. victimisation type, physiological-behavioural, emotional, and cognitive response themes including negative self-beliefs) and three types of dependent links: relational (similar interaction with/response to, voice and trauma); content (voice and trauma content are exactly the same); and identity (voice identity is the same as perpetrator). RESULTS Independent links were prevalent in participants (51-58%) and low to moderately present in researcher ratings (8-41%) for significant themes. Identification of negative self-beliefs in trauma was associated with a significantly higher likelihood of negative self-beliefs in voices [participants odds ratio (OR) 9.8; researchers OR 4.9]. Participants and researchers also reported many dependent links (80%, 66%, respectively), most frequently relational links (75%, 64%), followed by content (60%, 25%) and identity links (51%, 22%). CONCLUSION Trauma appears to be a strong shaping force for voice content and its psychological impact. The most common trauma-voice links involved the experience of cognitive-affective psychological threat, embodied in relational experiences. Trauma-induced mechanisms may be important intervention targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- David van den Berg
- Department of Clinical Psychology, VU University and Amsterdam Public Health Research, van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychosis Research, Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, Zoutkeetsingel 40, 2512 HN The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Eva Tolmeijer
- Department of Clinical Psychology, VU University and Amsterdam Public Health Research, van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychosis Research, Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, Zoutkeetsingel 40, 2512 HN The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Alyssa Jongeneel
- Department of Clinical Psychology, VU University and Amsterdam Public Health Research, van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychosis Research, Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, Zoutkeetsingel 40, 2512 HN The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Anton B. P. Staring
- ABC Department for First Episode Psychosis, Altrecht Psychiatric Institute, ABC straat 8, 3512 PX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Eline Palstra
- Department of Clinical Psychology, VU University and Amsterdam Public Health Research, van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychosis Research, Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, Zoutkeetsingel 40, 2512 HN The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Mark van der Gaag
- Department of Clinical Psychology, VU University and Amsterdam Public Health Research, van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychosis Research, Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, Zoutkeetsingel 40, 2512 HN The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Amy Hardy
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK
- South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Bethlem Royal Hospital, Monks Orchard Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 3BX, UK
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21
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He Y, Yang L, Qian C, Li T, Su Z, Zhang Q, Hou X. Conversational Agent Interventions for Mental Health Problems: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e43862. [PMID: 37115595 PMCID: PMC10182468 DOI: 10.2196/43862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health problems are a crucial global public health concern. Owing to their cost-effectiveness and accessibility, conversational agent interventions (CAIs) are promising in the field of mental health care. OBJECTIVE This study aims to present a thorough summary of the traits of CAIs available for a range of mental health problems, find evidence of efficacy, and analyze the statistically significant moderators of efficacy via a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trial. METHODS Web-based databases (Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Cochrane) were systematically searched dated from the establishment of the database to October 30, 2021, and updated to May 1, 2022. Randomized controlled trials comparing CAIs with any other type of control condition in improving depressive symptoms, generalized anxiety symptoms, specific anxiety symptoms, quality of life or well-being, general distress, stress, mental disorder symptoms, psychosomatic disease symptoms, and positive and negative affect were considered eligible. This study followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Data were extracted by 2 independent reviewers, checked by a third reviewer, and pooled using both random effect models and fixed effects models. Hedges g was chosen as the effect size. RESULTS Of the 6900 identified records, a total of 32 studies were included, involving 6089 participants. CAIs showed statistically significant short-term effects compared with control conditions in improving depressive symptoms (g=0.29, 95% CI 0.20-0.38), generalized anxiety symptoms (g=0.29, 95% CI 0.21-0.36), specific anxiety symptoms (g=0.47, 95% CI 0.07-0.86), quality of life or well-being (g=0.27, 95% CI 0.16-0.39), general distress (g=0.33, 95% CI 0.20-0.45), stress (g=0.24, 95% CI 0.08-0.41), mental disorder symptoms (g=0.36, 95% CI 0.17-0.54), psychosomatic disease symptoms (g=0.62, 95% CI 0.14-1.11), and negative affect (g=0.28, 95% CI 0.05-0.51). However, the long-term effects of CAIs for the most mental health outcomes were not statistically significant (g=-0.04 to 0.39). Personalization and empathic response were 2 critical facilitators of efficacy. The longer duration of interaction with conversational agents was associated with the larger pooled effect sizes. CONCLUSIONS The findings show that CAIs are research-proven interventions that ought to be implemented more widely in mental health care. CAIs are effective and easily acceptable for those with mental health problems. The clinical application of this novel digital technology will conserve human health resources and optimize the allocation of mental health services. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42022350130; https://tinyurl.com/mvhk6w9p.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhao He
- Institute of Applied Psychology, College of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Laboratory of Suicidology, Tianjin Municipal Education Commission, Tianjin, China
| | - Li Yang
- Institute of Applied Psychology, College of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Laboratory of Suicidology, Tianjin Municipal Education Commission, Tianjin, China
| | - Chunlian Qian
- Institute of Applied Psychology, College of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Laboratory of Suicidology, Tianjin Municipal Education Commission, Tianjin, China
| | - Tong Li
- Institute of Applied Psychology, College of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Laboratory of Suicidology, Tianjin Municipal Education Commission, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhengyuan Su
- Institute of Applied Psychology, College of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Laboratory of Suicidology, Tianjin Municipal Education Commission, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Shenzhen School, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiangqing Hou
- Institute of Applied Psychology, College of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Laboratory of Suicidology, Tianjin Municipal Education Commission, Tianjin, China
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22
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Hudon A, Couture J, Dellazizzo L, Beaudoin M, Phraxayavong K, Potvin S, Dumais A. Dyadic Interactions of Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia Patients Having Followed Virtual Reality Therapy: A Content Analysis. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12062299. [PMID: 36983300 PMCID: PMC10053204 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12062299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Very little is known about the inner therapeutic processes of psychotherapy interventions for patients suffering from treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Avatar therapy (AT) is one such modalities in which the patient is undergoing immersive sessions in which they interact with an Avatar representing their main persistent auditory verbal hallucination. The aim of this study is to identify the most prevalent dyadic interactions between the patient and the Avatar in AT for patient’s suffering from TRS. (2) Methods: A content analysis of 256 verbatims originating from 32 patients who completed AT between 2017 and 2022 at the Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal was conducted to identify dyadic interactions between the patients and their Avatar. (3) Results: Five key dyads were identified to occur on average more than 10 times for each participant during the immersive sessions across their AT: (Avatar: Reinforcement, Patient: Self-affirmation), (Avatar: Provocation, Patient: Self-affirmation), (Avatar: Coping mechanisms, Patient: Prevention), (Patient: Self-affirmation, Avatar: Reinforcement), and (Patient: Self-appraisal, Avatar: Reinforcement). (4) Conclusion: These dyads offer a first qualitative insight to the interpersonal dynamics and patient-avatar relationships taking place during AT. Future studies on the implication of such dyadic interactions with the therapeutic outcome of AT should be conducted considering the importance of dyadic relationships in psychotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Hudon
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montréal, QC H1N 3J4, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Jonathan Couture
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Campus Montréal, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Laura Dellazizzo
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montréal, QC H1N 3J4, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Mélissa Beaudoin
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montréal, QC H1N 3J4, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | | | - Stéphane Potvin
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montréal, QC H1N 3J4, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Alexandre Dumais
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montréal, QC H1N 3J4, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Services et Recherches Psychiatriques AD, Montréal, QC H1C 1H1, Canada
- Institut National de Psychiatrie Légale Philippe-Pinel, Montréal, QC H1C 1H1, Canada
- Correspondence:
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23
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Beaudoin M, Potvin S, Phraxayavong K, Dumais A. Changes in Quality of Life in Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia Patients Undergoing Avatar Therapy: A Content Analysis. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13030522. [PMID: 36983704 PMCID: PMC10058174 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13030522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Avatar Therapy has a significant impact on symptoms, beliefs, and quality of life of patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. However, little is known about how these changes are implemented into their lives and to which aspects of their lives these improvements relate. Ten consecutive patients enrolled in an ongoing clinical trial were assessed using semi-guided interviews before as well as three months after Avatar Therapy. These encounters have been recorded and transcribed so that the discourse could be thoroughly analyzed, leading to the generation of an extensive theme grid. As the cases were analyzed, the grid was adapted in a back-and-forth manner until data saturation occurred. The content analysis allowed the identification of nine main themes representing different aspects of the patients’ lives, each of which was subdivided into more specific codes. By analyzing the evolution of their frequency, it was observed that, following therapy, patients presented with fewer psychotic symptoms, better self-esteem, more hobbies and projects, and an overall improved lifestyle and mood. Finally, investigating the impact of Avatar Therapy on quality of life allows for a deeper understanding of how people with treatment-resistant schizophrenia can achieve meaningful changes and move towards a certain recovery process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélissa Beaudoin
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 2M1, Canada
- Research Center of the University Institute in Mental Health of Montreal, Montreal, QC H1N 3V2, Canada
- Correspondence: (M.B.); (A.D.); Tel.: +1-514-251-4015 (A.D.)
| | - Stephane Potvin
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Research Center of the University Institute in Mental Health of Montreal, Montreal, QC H1N 3V2, Canada
| | - Kingsada Phraxayavong
- Research Center of the University Institute in Mental Health of Montreal, Montreal, QC H1N 3V2, Canada
- Services et Recherches Psychiatriques AD, Montreal, QC H1N 3V2, Canada
| | - Alexandre Dumais
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Research Center of the University Institute in Mental Health of Montreal, Montreal, QC H1N 3V2, Canada
- Services et Recherches Psychiatriques AD, Montreal, QC H1N 3V2, Canada
- Institut National de Psychiatrie Légale Philippe-Pinel, Montreal, QC H1C 1H1, Canada
- Correspondence: (M.B.); (A.D.); Tel.: +1-514-251-4015 (A.D.)
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24
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Mehl S, Hesse K, Moritz S, Müller DR, Kircher T, Bechdolf A. [Current evidence for various inpatient psychotherapy programs in the treatment of psychoses-A narrative review article]. DER NERVENARZT 2023; 94:189-197. [PMID: 36695894 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-022-01433-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The analysis of the efficacy of evidence-based psychotherapy for patients with psychotic disorders has mostly been carried out in the outpatient field. In the inpatient field the efficacy is sometimes difficult to assess due to different healthcare systems. OBJECTIVE The aim of this narrative review is to summarize international guidelines and meta-analyses on the efficacy of inpatient psychotherapeutic treatment strategies for patients with psychotic disorders. Based on this, recommendations for disorder-specific ward concepts for acute and postacute fields are formulated. METHODS The German S3 guidelines, international guidelines, current meta-analyses and primary studies on psychological interventions in the treatment of psychotic disorders were included. Based on the results, recommendations for the inpatient psychotherapeutic treatment in various phases of treatment were formulated (acute phase and postacute phase). RESULTS In the acute phase a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBTp) in the individual setting and family interventions in the group setting as well as metacognitive training (MCT acute) is effective and recommended. In the postacute phase, in addition to individual and group CBTp and family interventions, psychoeducation, social skills training and cognitive remediation have been shown to be effective and are recommended. DISCUSSION The suggested recommendations for concrete interventions in various treatment phases and the evidence base are critically discussed and recommendations for the structure of wards are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Mehl
- Universitätsklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Philipps Universität Marburg, Rudolf-Bultmann-Str. 8, 35039, Marburg, Deutschland.
| | - Klaus Hesse
- Universitätsklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie Tübingen, Tübingen, Deutschland
| | - Steffen Moritz
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Deutschland
| | - Daniel R Müller
- Universitätsklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie Bern, Universität Bern, Bern, Schweiz
| | - Tilo Kircher
- Universitätsklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Philipps Universität Marburg, Rudolf-Bultmann-Str. 8, 35039, Marburg, Deutschland
| | - Andreas Bechdolf
- Kliniken für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Psychosomatik, Vivantes Klinikum am Urban und Vivantes Klinikum im Friedrichshain, Berlin, Deutschland
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Charité Campus Mitte (CCM), Berlin, Deutschland
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25
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Jeu de rôle en ligne : un espace de narrativité inscrit dans la mise en scène de soi et de la famille. L'ÉVOLUTION PSYCHIATRIQUE 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.evopsy.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
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26
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Oh E, Gang M. [Effect of Digital Health Interventions on Psychotic Symptoms among Persons with Severe Mental Illness in Community: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis]. J Korean Acad Nurs 2023; 53:69-86. [PMID: 36898686 DOI: 10.4040/jkan.22121] [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: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to evaluate the effects of digital health interventions on the psychotic symptoms among people with severe mental illness in the community. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with the Cochrane Intervention Research Systematic Review Manual and PRISMA. A literature search was conducted of published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for digital health interventions from January 2022 to April 2022. RevMan software 5.3 was used for quality assessment and meta-analysis. RESULTS A total 14 studies out of 9,864 studies were included in the review, and 13 were included in meta-analysis. The overall effect size of digital health interventions on psychotic symptoms was -0.21 (95% CI = -0.32 to -0.10). Sub-analysis showed that the reduction of the psychotic symptoms was effective in the schizophrenia spectrum group (SMD = -.0.22; 95% CI = -.0.36 to -0.09), web (SMD = -0.41; 95% CI = -0.82 to 0.01), virtual reality (SMD = -0.33; 95% CI = -0.56 to -0.10), mobile (SMD = -0.15; 95% CI = -0.28 to -0.03), intervention period of less than 3 months (SMD = -0.23; 95% CI = -0.35 to -0.11), and non-treatment group (SMD = -0.23; 95% CI = -0.36 to -0.11). CONCLUSION These findings suggest that digital health interventions alleviate psychotic symptoms in patients with severe mental illnesses. However, well-designed digital health studies should be conducted in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunjin Oh
- Department of Nursing, Songwon University, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Moonhee Gang
- College of Nursing, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea.
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27
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Kister K, Laskowski J, Makarewicz A, Tarkowski J. Application of artificial intelligence tools in diagnosis and treatmentof mental disorders. CURRENT PROBLEMS OF PSYCHIATRY 2023. [DOI: 10.12923/2353-8627/2023-0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Artificial intelligence research is increasing its application in mental health services. Machine learning, deep learning, semantic analysis in the form of transcriptions of patients' statements enable early diagnosis of psychotic disorders, ADHD, anorexia nervosa. Of great importance are the so-called digital therapists. This paper aims to show the use of AI tools in diagnosing, treating, the benefits and limitations associated with mental disorders.
Material and methodS: This literature review was conducted by searching scientific articles from 2015 to 2022. The basis were PubMED, OpenKnowledge, Web of Science, using the following keywords: artificial intelligence, digital therapy, psychiatry, machine learning.
Results: A review indicates the widespread use of AI tools in screening for mental disorders. These tools advance the clinical diagnosis medical specialists make up for several years. They impact solving medical staff shortages, lack of access to medical facilities and leveling patient resistance to treatment. The benefits are ultra-fast analysis of large sets of information, effective screening of people in need of specialized psychiatric care, reduction of doctors' duties and maximization of their work efficiency. During the current COVID 19 pandemic, robots in the form of digital psychotherapists are playing a special role.
Conclusions: The need for further research, testing and clarification of regulations related to the use of AI tools is indicated. Ethical and social problems need to be resolved. The tools should not form the basis of autonomous therapy without the supervision of highly trained professionals. Human beings should be at the center of analysis just as their health and well-being.
Keywords: artificial intelligence, digital therapy, psychiatry, machine learning
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Kister
- I Departmentof Psychiatry, Psychoterapy and Early Intervention of Medical University in Lublin, Poland - Students Research Group
| | - Jakub Laskowski
- Department of Paediatrician Oncology, Transplantology and Haematology of Medical University in Lublin, Medical University in Lublin, Poland - Students Research Group
| | - Agata Makarewicz
- I Department of Psychiatry, Psychoterapy and Early Intervention of Medical University in Lublin, Poland
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28
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Kothgassner OD, Reichmann A, Bock MM. Virtual Reality Interventions for Mental Health. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2023; 65:371-387. [PMID: 37106223 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2023_419] [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] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Virtual Reality (VR) is a growing field in psychological research and therapy. While there is strong evidence for the efficacy of exposure therapy in VR (VRET) to treat anxiety disorders, new opportunities for using VR to treat mental health disorders are emerging. In this chapter, we first describe the value of VRET for the treatment of several anxiety disorders. Next, we introduce some recent developments in research using VR investigating schizophrenia, neurodevelopmental disorders, and eating disorders. This includes therapeutic strategies beyond VRET, including avatar-based therapies or those combining VR with biofeedback approaches. Although VR offers many convincing advantages, contraindications in treatment must be considered when implementing VR-supported therapy in clinical practice. Finally, we provide an outlook for future research, highlighting the integration of augmented reality and automation processes in VR environments to create more efficient and tailored therapeutic tools. Further, future treatments will benefit from the gamification approach, which integrates elements of computer games and narratives that promote patients' motivation and enables methods to reduce drop-outs during psychological therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oswald D Kothgassner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Adelais Reichmann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mercedes M Bock
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Social Psychiatric Services Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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29
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Zanello A, Mutanda D, Sentissi O, Hayward M. Coping Strategy Enhancement for Auditory Verbal Hallucinations Within Routine Clinical Practice. J Nerv Ment Dis 2023; 211:79-82. [PMID: 36596290 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) are often multiple distressing experiences. Emerging evidence suggests that interventions informed by the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy, such as brief Cognitive Strategy Enhancement (brief-CSE), can reduce the distress related to AVH. The benefits of brief-CSE have been demonstrated for English-speaking patients. This uncontrolled pilot study, conducted in routine clinical practice, evaluated the benefits of brief-CSE within a group of French-speaking AVH hearers. Thirty-two patients were offered the brief-CSE intervention. Self-administered questionnaires were completed pre-post intervention. A significant reduction was observed in AVH distress, with a large effect size, and for more than half of the patients, this reduction was clinically meaningful. AVH severity and anxiety also decreased significantly. This study demonstrates that brief-CSE can be implemented in non-English-speaking routine clinical practice and can reduce several aspects of AVH subjective experience. There is a need to confirm these findings in a larger sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Zanello
- HUG Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, University Hospitals of Geneva, Thônex, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Mutanda
- R&D Department, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Sussex Education Centre, Hove
| | - Othman Sentissi
- HUG Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, University Hospitals of Geneva, Thônex, Switzerland
| | - Mark Hayward
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
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30
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Tsamitros N, Beck A, Sebold M, Schouler-Ocak M, Bermpohl F, Gutwinski S. [The application of virtual reality in the treatment of mental disorders]. DER NERVENARZT 2023; 94:27-33. [PMID: 36053303 PMCID: PMC9859917 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-022-01378-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Virtual reality (VR) enables immersion in an interactive digital world with realistic experiences, that can be applied for controlled and personalized interventions. This review summarizes the current research on VR in the treatment of mental disorders. METHODS Selective literature search in PubMed and Google Scholar. RESULTS An increasing number of publications report the therapeutic application of VR for the treatment of mental disorders. Most VR applications are based on established therapy approaches, such as exposure therapy. According to meta-analytic data, virtual exposure therapy (VRET) for specific phobia and agoraphobia with panic disorder is as effective as traditional in vivo exposure therapy. VRET for the treatment of social phobia is significantly more effective than waitlist and placebo control groups with, however, currently inconsistent metanalytic results when compared to in vivo exposure therapy. VRET for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is similar in effectiveness compared to active psychotherapy. For psychosis, positive results have been reported for the VR-based treatment of auditory verbal hallucinations. For patients with a substance use disorder, VR can induce craving, with still unverified diagnostic and therapeutic relevance. CONCLUSIONS VRET can broaden the psychotherapy options for anxiety disorders. Encouraging results of VR-based treatments for psychosis and PTSD indicate the need for further research concerning its effectiveness and safety. In the field of substance use disorders, evaluation of clinical-orientated VR applications is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- N. Tsamitros
- Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik der Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin im St. Hedwig-Krankenhaus/Institutsambulanz, Müllerstr. 56–58, 13349 Berlin, Deutschland ,Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Deutschland ,Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - A. Beck
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Deutschland ,Fakultät Gesundheit, Health and Medical University, Campus Potsdam, Potsdam, Deutschland
| | - M. Sebold
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - M. Schouler-Ocak
- Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik der Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin im St. Hedwig-Krankenhaus/Institutsambulanz, Müllerstr. 56–58, 13349 Berlin, Deutschland ,Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - F. Bermpohl
- Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik der Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin im St. Hedwig-Krankenhaus/Institutsambulanz, Müllerstr. 56–58, 13349 Berlin, Deutschland ,Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - S. Gutwinski
- Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik der Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin im St. Hedwig-Krankenhaus/Institutsambulanz, Müllerstr. 56–58, 13349 Berlin, Deutschland ,Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Deutschland
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Vinogradov S, Chafee MV, Lee E, Morishita H. Psychosis spectrum illnesses as disorders of prefrontal critical period plasticity. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:168-185. [PMID: 36180784 PMCID: PMC9700720 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01451-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Emerging research on neuroplasticity processes in psychosis spectrum illnesses-from the synaptic to the macrocircuit levels-fill key gaps in our models of pathophysiology and open up important treatment considerations. In this selective narrative review, we focus on three themes, emphasizing alterations in spike-timing dependent and Hebbian plasticity that occur during adolescence, the critical period for prefrontal system development: (1) Experience-dependent dysplasticity in psychosis emerges from activity decorrelation within neuronal ensembles. (2) Plasticity processes operate bidirectionally: deleterious environmental and experiential inputs shape microcircuits. (3) Dysregulated plasticity processes interact across levels of scale and time and include compensatory mechanisms that have pathogenic importance. We present evidence that-given the centrality of progressive dysplastic changes, especially in prefrontal cortex-pharmacologic or neuromodulatory interventions will need to be supplemented by corrective learning experiences for the brain if we are to help people living with these illnesses to fully thrive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Vinogradov
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Matthew V Chafee
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Erik Lee
- Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- University of Minnesota Informatics Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Hirofumi Morishita
- Department of Psychiatry, Neuroscience, & Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Hudon A, Léveillé N, Sanchez-Schicharew K, Dellazizzo L, Phraxayavong K, Dumais A. The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on treatment-resistant schizophrenia patients having followed virtual reality therapy or cognitive behavioural therapy: a content analysis. Ann Med 2022; 54:2477-2485. [PMID: 36102593 PMCID: PMC9481136 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2022.2121852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The COVID-19 pandemic led to exacerbation of mental health symptoms and deterioration in psychological well-being in individuals suffering from schizophrenia. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients suffering from treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) with auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) having undergone virtual reality therapy (VRT) or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) on their symptomatology. The secondary objective is to identify the differences and similarities in relation to the response to the COVID 19 pandemic between these two groups of patients. METHODS Qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews was conducted with 42 patients suffering from TRS who had previously followed VRT or CBT. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed. RESULTS Four themes emerged in this study: Psychotherapeutic Interventions, Impact of COVID-19 and Public health and safety policies, Substance use and Psychiatric follow-up. Participants from both groups reported that their therapy was beneficial in controlling AVH. Patients having followed CBT reported more depressive symptoms whereas patients having followed VRT reported more anxious symptoms. CONCLUSIONS This study offers a first qualitative insight in patients suffering from TRS and the impacts of COVID-19 on them and opens the door to the protective factors of CBT and VRT for this specific population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Hudon
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Nayla Léveillé
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Laura Dellazizzo
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Alexandre Dumais
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.,Services et Recherches Psychiatriques AD, Montreal, Canada.,Institut national de Psychiatrie Légale Philippe-Pinel, Montreal, Canada
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Cardi V, Ward T, Aya V, Calissano C, Thompson A, Treasure J. A proof-of-concept study for the use of a computerised avatar to embody the eating disorder voice in anorexia nervosa. Eat Weight Disord 2022; 27:3499-3506. [PMID: 36272035 PMCID: PMC9803737 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-022-01487-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study assessed (1) the experience of the eating disorder voice in people with anorexia nervosa or in remission, and (2) the feasibility of creating and interacting with a computerised representation (i.e., avatar) of this voice. METHODS Twenty-one individuals with anorexia nervosa and 18 individuals who were in remission participated in the study. They reported on the characteristics of their eating disorder voice and created a personalised avatar (a visual and auditory representation of the eating disorder voice), using a computerised software. Participants assessed closeness of match between the voice and the avatar, perceived distress and acceptability of re-exposure to the avatar. RESULTS Patients felt less powerful than their eating disorder voice and unable to disregard the voice's commands. The experience of the voice was associated with negative, as well as some positive emotions, reflecting the prototypical ambivalence towards the illness. Individuals in remission had an opposite pattern of responses. They attributed only negative emotions to the voice, felt more powerful than the voice, and able to disregard its commands. Overall participants reported that there was a good match between the voice and the sound of the avatar. Patients expressed willingness to repeat exposure to the avatar. CONCLUSION Individuals with anorexia can create personalised digital avatars representing the eating disorder voice and are willing to engage therapeutically with the avatar. The next step is to test the feasibility of repeated exposure to the avatar to address the power and distress associated with the eating disorder voice. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Cardi
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 35131, Padua, Italy.
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Thomas Ward
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Viviana Aya
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Chiara Calissano
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Alistair Thompson
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Janet Treasure
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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Benrimoh D, Chheda FD, Margolese HC. The Best Predictor of the Future-the Metaverse, Mental Health, and Lessons Learned From Current Technologies. JMIR Ment Health 2022; 9:e40410. [PMID: 36306155 PMCID: PMC9652728 DOI: 10.2196/40410] [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: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The metaverse-a virtual world accessed via virtual reality technology-has been heralded as the next key digital experience. It is meant to provide the next evolution of human interaction after social media and telework. However, in the context of the growing awareness of the risks to mental health posed by current social media technologies, there is a great deal of uncertainty as to the potential effects of this new technology on mental health. This uncertainty is compounded by a lack of clarity regarding what form the metaverse will ultimately take and how widespread its application will be. Despite this, given the nascent state of the metaverse, there is an opportunity to plan the research and regulatory approaches needed to understand it and promote its positive effects while protecting vulnerable groups. In this viewpoint, we examine the following three current technologies whose functions comprise a portion of what the metaverse seeks to accomplish: teleworking, virtual reality, and social media. We attempted to understand in what ways the metaverse may have similar benefits and pitfalls to these technologies but also how it may fundamentally differ from them. These differences suggest potential research questions to be addressed in future work. We found that current technologies have enabled tools such as virtual reality-assisted therapy, avatar therapy, and teletherapy, which have had positive effects on mental health care, and that the metaverse may provide meaningful improvements to these tools. However, given its similarities to social media and its expansion upon the social media experience, the metaverse raises some of the same concerns that we have with social media, such as the possible exacerbation of certain mental health problems. These concerns led us to consider questions such as how the users will be protected and what regulatory mechanisms will be put in place to ensure user safety. Although clear answers to these questions are challenging in this early phase of metaverse research, in this viewpoint, we use the context provided by comparator technologies to provide recommendations to maximize the potential benefits and limit the putative harms of the metaverse. We hope that this paper encourages discussions among researchers and policy makers.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Benrimoh
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Forum D Chheda
- McGill University Healthcare Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Howard C Margolese
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,McGill University Healthcare Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Cavelti M, Kaeser JM, Lerch S, Bauer S, Moessner M, Berger T, Hayward M, Kaess M. Smartphone-assisted guided self-help cognitive behavioral therapy for young people with distressing voices (SmartVoices): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2022; 23:902. [PMID: 36274185 PMCID: PMC9590132 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06846-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The long-standing view that auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) or hearing voices is a sign of schizophrenia has been challenged by research demonstrating that they lie on a continuum ranging from normal to pathological experience related to distress and need for care. Hearing voices is more prevalent in adolescence than in later life, and hearing voices during adolescence indicates a risk for severe psychopathology, functional impairments, and suicide later in life. While there is increasing evidence for the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy for voices (CBTv) in adults with schizophrenia, research on psychological treatments for youth with distressing voices has been scarce. The aim of the current study is to examine the efficacy of CBTv, delivered using smartphone-based Ecological Momentary Assessment Intervention (EMI) in a transdiagnostic sample of youth. Methods This is a superiority randomized controlled trial comparing 8 weeks of CBTv-based EMI in addition to treatment as usual (TAU) versus TAU only. TAU covers both no treatment and any form of psychiatric/psychological treatment. In the EMI condition, participants will be prompted twice a day to complete an EMA survey, and receive one intervention proposal per assessment. One-hundred fifty-four youth aged 14–25 years with distressing voices will be recruited from psychiatric clinics, local private practices, internet forums, and advertisements in print and social media. Before and after the intervention phase, participants will undergo a 9-day EMA. Single-blinded assessments will be conducted at baseline (T0) and at 3-month (T1) and 6-month (T2) follow-up. The primary outcome is the distress dimension of the Auditory Hallucinations subscale of the Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales at T1. Secondary outcomes include perceived hostile intention, power, and dominance of voices, passive, aggressive, and assertive relating to voices, and negative core beliefs about the self. Discussion Adolescence provides a crucial window of opportunity for early intervention for hearing voices. However, youth are notoriously reluctant help-seekers. This study offers a low-intensity psychological intervention for youth with distressing voices beyond diagnostic boundaries that, using a mobile technology approach, may match the treatment preferences of the generation of “digital natives.” Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00026243. Registered on 2 September 2021 Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-022-06846-0.
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Hudon A, Beaudoin M, Phraxayavong K, Dellazizzo L, Potvin S, Dumais A. Implementation of a machine learning algorithm for automated thematic annotations in avatar: A linear support vector classifier approach. Health Informatics J 2022; 28:14604582221142442. [DOI: 10.1177/14604582221142442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Avatar Therapy (AT) is a modern therapeutic alternative for patients with schizophrenia suffering from persistent auditory verbal hallucinations. Its intrinsic therapeutical process is currently qualitatively analyzed via human coders that annotate session transcripts. This process is time and resource demanding. This creates a need to find potential algorithms that can operate on small datasets and perform such annotations. The first objective of this study is to conduct the automated text classification of interactions in AT and the second objective is to assess if this classification is comparable to the classification done by human coders. A Linear Support Vector Classifier was implemented to perform automated theme classifications on Avatar Therapy session transcripts with the use of a limited dataset with an accuracy of 66.02% and substantial classification agreement of 0.647. These results open the door to additional research such as predicting the outcome of a therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Hudon
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mélissa Beaudoin
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Laura Dellazizzo
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Stéphane Potvin
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Alexandre Dumais
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Services et Recherches Psychiatriques AD, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Institut national de psychiatrie légale Philippe-Pinel, Montreal, Canada
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Cella M, Tomlin P, Robotham D, Green P, Griffiths H, Stahl D, Valmaggia L. Virtual Reality Therapy for the Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia (V-NeST): A pilot randomised feasibility trial. Schizophr Res 2022; 248:50-57. [PMID: 35939920 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2022.07.013] [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: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Negative symptoms are typically observed in people with schizophrenia and indicate a loss or reduction of normal function (e.g. reduced motivation and affect display). Despite obstructing people's recovery, intervention development has received limited attention. This study tests the feasibility and acceptability of a novel Virtual Reality Supported Therapy for the Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia (V-NeST). METHOD A single (rater) blind randomised study with two conditions; V-NeST plus treatment as-usual (TAU) vs. TAU alone, recruiting people with schizophrenia experiencing debilitating negative symptoms. Assessment was at baseline and 3-month post-randomisation. The pre-specified primary outcome was participants' goal attainment, secondary outcomes were negative symptoms and functioning. The study assessed feasibility and acceptability parameters including recruitment, eligibility, treatment adherence and retention. Acceptability was also evaluated qualitatively using a post-therapy feedback interview. Explorative therapy effect on outcomes was estimated. RESULTS The study recruited to its pre-specified target of 30 participants (15 randomised to V-Nest). Two participants in each trial arm disengaged and did not complete the study. Therapy engagement for those randomised to V-NeST was appropriate and research procedures were feasible. The experience with therapy and VR was described as positive and useful. Preliminary analysis suggested the therapy may have a large effect on participants goals and a possible effect on negative symptoms. CONCLUSION V-NeST is a feasible and acceptable intervention. This therapy has the potential to support people with schizophrenia achieving their recovery goals and may reduce negative symptoms. The efficacy results need to be evaluated in an appropriately powered efficacy study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Cella
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK; South London and the Maudsley NHS Trust, UK.
| | - Paul Tomlin
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | | | - Patrick Green
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Helena Griffiths
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Daniel Stahl
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Lucia Valmaggia
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK; South London and the Maudsley NHS Trust, UK; Katholieke Leuven Universitet, Belgium
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Simon J, Kiss N, Korrelboom K, Kingdon D, Wykes T, Phiri P, van der Gaag M, Baksh MF, Steel C. Cost-Effectiveness of Positive Memory Training (PoMeT) for the Treatment of Depression in Schizophrenia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11985. [PMID: 36231292 PMCID: PMC9565889 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191911985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The Positive Memory Training (PoMeT) trial demonstrated reduced depression symptoms at 3 months for schizophrenia, but its longer-term outcome and cost impacts remain unknown. This study is a within-trial cost-utility analysis with quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) as outcome based on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measurement and secondary outcome analyses of capability well-being. The incremental cost-effectiveness of PoMeT was compared to Treatment As Usual only (TAU) over 9 months from the 'health and social' care and 'societal' perspectives. Uncertainty was explored using bootstrapping and sensitivity analyses for cost outliers and outcome methods. HRQoL improvement was observed for both PoMeT and TAU at 3 months, but reached statistical significance and was sustained only for TAU. There was no change in capability well-being and no significant group difference in QALYs gained over 9 months. Mean intervention cost was GBP 823. Compared to TAU, PoMeT had significantly higher mental health care costs (+GBP 1251, 95% CI GBP 185 to GBP 2316) during the trial, but 'health and social care' and 'societal' cost differences were non-significant. Compared to the before-trial period, psychiatric medication costs increased significantly in both groups. The probability of PoMeT being cost-effective in the given format over 9 months was <30% and decreased further in sensitivity analyses.. Generalizability remains limited since the before-after cost analysis revealed additional treatment effects also in the TAU group that likely diminished the incremental impacts and cost-effectiveness of PoMeT. It is not clear whether an active post-intervention follow-up could result in sustained longer-term effects and improved cost-effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Simon
- Department of Health Economics, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Wien, Austria
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK
| | - Noemi Kiss
- Department of Health Economics, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Wien, Austria
| | - Kees Korrelboom
- Department of Anxiety Disorders, PsyQ Parnassia Group, Psychiatric Center, Lijnbaan 4, 2512 VA The Hague, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Warandelaan 2, 5037 AB Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - David Kingdon
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Til Wykes
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London SE5 8AF, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London SE5 8AZ, UK
| | - Peter Phiri
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
- Research & Innovation Department, Tom Rudd Unit, Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust Moorgreen Hospital, Botley Rd, West End, Southampton SO30 3JB, UK
| | - Mark van der Gaag
- Department of Clinical Psychology, VU University and Amsterdam Public Mental Health Research Institute, Van der Boechorststraat 1, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, Zoutkeetsingel 40, 2512 HN The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - M. Fazil Baksh
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AL, UK
| | - Craig Steel
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AL, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK
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Smith LC, Mariegaard L, Vernal DL, Christensen AG, Albert N, Thomas N, Hjorthøj C, Glenthøj LB, Nordentoft M. The CHALLENGE trial: the effects of a virtual reality-assisted exposure therapy for persistent auditory hallucinations versus supportive counselling in people with psychosis: study protocol for a randomised clinical trial. Trials 2022; 23:773. [PMID: 36100943 PMCID: PMC9468536 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06683-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many patients suffering from schizophrenia spectrum disorders continue having distressing auditory hallucinations in spite of treatment with antipsychotic medication. The aim of this trial is to examine the effect of a targeted virtual reality therapy for persistent auditory hallucinations in individuals with psychosis. The trial explores whether this type of therapy can decrease the severity, frequency and distress of auditory hallucinations and, additionally, whether it can reduce clinical symptoms and enhance daily functioning in individuals with psychosis. Methods The study is a randomised, assessor-blinded parallel-group superiority clinical trial, allocating a total of 266 patients to either the experimental intervention or supportive counselling. The participants will be randomised to either (1) seven sessions of virtual reality therapy or (2) seven sessions of supportive counselling to be delivered within the first 12 weeks after inclusion in the study. All participants will be assessed at baseline and 12 and 24 weeks post-baseline. Independent assessors blinded to the treatment allocation will evaluate the outcome. The primary outcome is the level of auditory hallucinations measured with the Psychotic Symptoms Rating Scales (PSYRATS-AH) total score at the cessation of treatment at 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes are frequency of auditory hallucinations, the distress caused by auditory hallucinations, perceived voice power, patient acceptance of voices, patients’ ability to respond to voices in an assertive way and social and daily function. Discussion Promising evidence of the efficacy of this immersive virtual reality-based therapy for auditory hallucinations exist, but evidence needs to be established in a large, methodological rigorous trial. If the therapy proves to be beneficial in reducing the severity of refractory auditory hallucinations, a large group of patients with schizophrenia and related disorders could be the target group of this short-term psychotherapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- L C Smith
- Research Unit (CORE), Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark.
| | - L Mariegaard
- Research Unit (CORE), Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark
| | - D L Vernal
- Psychiatry, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, North Denmark Region, Denmark
| | - A G Christensen
- Mental Health Center Esbjerg, Esbjerg, Region of South Denmark, Denmark
| | - N Albert
- Research Unit (CORE), Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark
| | - N Thomas
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - C Hjorthøj
- Research Unit (CORE), Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark.,Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - L B Glenthøj
- Research Unit (CORE), Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark.,Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M Nordentoft
- Research Unit (CORE), Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark
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Sheaves B, Johns L, Loe BS, Bold E, Černis E, Molodynski A, Freeman D. Listening to and Believing Derogatory and Threatening Voices. Schizophr Bull 2022; 49:151-160. [PMID: 35947487 PMCID: PMC9810006 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbac101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS A plausible cause of distress for voice hearers is listening to and believing the threats and criticisms heard. Qualitative research indicates that patients have understandable reasons to listen. This study aimed to develop the understanding of distress using this listening and believing framework. Measures were developed of listening and believing voices and the reasons, and associations with distress tested. STUDY DESIGN A cross-sectional study of patients hearing derogatory and threatening voices (N = 591). Listening and Believing-Assessment and Listening and Believing-Reasons item pools were completed, and assessments of distress. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and structural equation modeling (SEM) were conducted. STUDY RESULTS 52% (n = 307) of participants believed their voices most or all the time. Listening and believing had 4 factors: active listening, passive listening, believing, and disregarding. Higher levels of believing, active listening, and particularly passive listening were associated with higher levels of anxiety, depression, and voice distress. Reasons for listening and believing formed 7 factors: to better understand the threat; being too worn down to resist; to learn something insightful; being alone with time to listen; voices trying to capture attention; voices sounding like real people; and voices sounding like known people. Each type of reason was associated with active listening, passive listening, and believing. SEM showed that feeling worn down in particular accounted for listening and believing. Test-retest reliability of measures was excellent. CONCLUSIONS A framework of listening and believing negative voices has the potential to inform the understanding and treatment of voice distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryony Sheaves
- To whom correspondence should be addressed; tel: 01865 618187, e-mail:
| | - Louise Johns
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK,Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Bao S Loe
- The Psychometrics Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Emily Bold
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK,Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Emma Černis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK,Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Andrew Molodynski
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK,Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Daniel Freeman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK,Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
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Loizou S, Fowler D, Hayward M. Measuring the longitudinal course of voice hearing under psychological interventions: A systematic review. Clin Psychol Rev 2022; 97:102191. [PMID: 35995024 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2022.102191] [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: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Trials of psychological interventions targeting distressing voices have used a range of variables to measure outcomes. This has complicated attempts to compare outcomes across trials and to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions. Therefore, this review aimed to identify the variables that have been used to measure the longitudinal course and impact of voice hearing under these interventions and to evaluate how these variables change over time. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, resulting in a total of 66 articles. Of these, 60 studies (28 RCTs, 23 uncontrolled, 9 non-randomised) were published in peer-reviewed journals, whilst 6 were recently completed or currently ongoing. The findings of this review suggest that a range of variables that are not directly relevant to psychological interventions have been used (e.g., depression, characteristics of voice hearing experience), whilst those directly impacted by psychological interventions (e.g., voice-related distress), broader concepts of outcome (e.g., functioning) and specific associated processes (e.g., self-schema) have received less attention. Findings also showed that the majority of variables demonstrated improvements, but effect sizes varied considerably across trials. This may be attributed to methodological differences such as statistical power, blinding, control groups and different methods of measurement. Our review highlights the importance of determining a set of outcomes that are directly targeted and should change under psychological interventions. Recommendations include the use of voice-related distress as a primary outcome. This can ultimately facilitate comparisons across studies and inform the development of psychological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Loizou
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Falmer BN1 9QH, UK.
| | - David Fowler
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Falmer BN1 9QH, UK
| | - Mark Hayward
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Falmer BN1 9QH, UK; Research & Development Department, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Nevill Avenue, Hove BN7 3HZ, UK
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Solar A, Bennett K, Hulse G. Clinical psychology referral for individuals with auditory verbal hallucinations and schizophrenia: Therapy engagement, hallucination severity and distress. Australas Psychiatry 2022; 30:452-457. [PMID: 35732183 DOI: 10.1177/10398562221108815] [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] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Test an intervention for people with schizophrenia and auditory verbal hallucinations at an acute inpatient unit (AIU) to engage with community therapy and reduce hallucination severity and associated distress. The trial cohort consisted of patients who after assessment by an AIU psychiatrist were not selected for an appointment with an AIU clinical psychologist and an opportunity for referral to a post-discharge community psychologist. An intervention providing the appointment and referral opportunity was compared to Treatment As Usual (TAU). METHOD A single-blind, randomised, control trial compared the intervention with TAU over 6-months post-discharge using Engagement in Community Therapy, Psychotic Symptom Rating Scale (PSYRATS) auditory hallucinations and Revised Beliefs About Voices (BAVQ-R) questionnaires. RESULTS Post-discharge community therapy engagement increased at 6 months compared to baseline in the intervention, TAU and combined groups. PSYRATS AHS and H-DIS scores decreased from baseline to last follow-up (statistically significant for TAU, and combined treatment groups). BAVQ-R RE scores decreased from baseline to last follow-up but the decrease was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Most participants chose to engage with a community therapist despite not being initially assigned for referral by their psychiatrist and experiencing moderately severe symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Solar
- 5728Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia; and Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Kellie Bennett
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Gary Hulse
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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Dellazizzo L, Giguère S, Léveillé N, Potvin S, Dumais A. A systematic review of relational-based therapies for the treatment of auditory hallucinations in patients with psychotic disorders. Psychol Med 2022; 52:2001-2008. [PMID: 35855651 PMCID: PMC9386435 DOI: 10.1017/s003329172200143x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Auditory hallucinations in patients with psychotic disorders may be very distressing. Unfortunately, a large proportion of individuals are resistant to pharmacological interventions and the gold-standard cognitive-behavioral therapy for psychosis offers at best modest effects. To improve therapeutic outcomes, several therapies have been created to establish a relationship between voice-hearers and their voices. With increasing literature, we conducted a systematic review of dialogical therapies and examined the evidence behind their efficacy. METHODS A systematic search was performed in PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Articles were included if they discussed the effects of dialogical interventions for patients with psychotic disorders. RESULTS A total of 17 studies were included within this systematic review. Cumulative evidence from various therapies has shown that entering in a dialog with voices is beneficial to patients, even those who are resistant to current pharmacological treatments. Heightened benefits have been mainly observed with Relating Therapy and Avatar Therapy/Virtual Reality assisted Therapy, with evidence generally of moderate quality. Both these interventions have shown large to very large effects on voices and voice-related distress as well as moderate to large magnitude improvements on affective symptoms. Though, cognitive-behavioral therapy for command hallucinations and making sense of voices noted no improvements on voices. CONCLUSIONS Literature on relational-based interventions with a strong emphasis on the relational aspects of voice hearing has shown positive effects. Results suggest that these dialogical therapies might surpass the efficacy of current gold-standard approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Dellazizzo
- Research center of the Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Sabrina Giguère
- Research center of the Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Nayla Léveillé
- Research center of the Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Stéphane Potvin
- Research center of the Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Alexandre Dumais
- Research center of the Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Institut national de psychiatrie légale Philippe-Pinel, Montreal, Canada
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Kapadia SV. Adapting AVATAR Therapy: Using Available Digital Technology for People Living with Auditory Verbal Hallucinations in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Indian J Psychol Med 2022; 44:405-408. [PMID: 35949640 PMCID: PMC9301740 DOI: 10.1177/02537176221090106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Visual P300 as a neurophysiological correlate of symptomatic improvement by a virtual reality-based computer AT system in patients with auditory verbal hallucinations: A Pilot study. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 151:261-271. [PMID: 35512620 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Previous comparative trials showed that virtual reality (VR) therapies achieved larger effects than gold-standard cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) on overall auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs). However, no trial has examined the corresponding underlying electrophysiological mechanisms. We performed a pilot randomized comparative trial evaluating the efficacy of a virtual reality-based computer AT system (CATS) over CBT for schizophrenia (SCZ) patients with treatment-resistant AVHs and explored these potential electrophysiological changes via the visual P300 component. Patients (CATS, n = 32; CBT, n = 33) completed the clinical assessments pre- and post-interventions and at 12-week follow-up. The visual P300 were measured before and after both therapies. The analysis of changes in psychiatric symptoms used linear mixed-effects models, and the P300 response in temporal and time-frequency domains was analyzed with repeated-measures analysis of variance. There was no interaction effect between change in clinical symptoms and treatment group. However, several statistically significant within-group improvements were found for CATS and CBT over time. AVH improved significantly after both treatments, as measured with the Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales-Auditory Hallucinations (PSYRATS-AH) sub-scores. Especially for the CATS group, omnipotence beliefs, anxiety symptoms, self-esteem, and quality of life also remained improved at the 12-week follow-up. Moreover, P300 amplitude had a significant interaction effect and correlation with AVH response. Overall, our analysis did not demonstrate general clinical superiority of CATS over CBT, but CATS improved refractory AVH in SCZ patients, likely by increasing P300 amplitude. These findings support the continued development of CATS for persistent AVH and suggest further trials to clarify the neurological effects of CATS.
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Parmigiani G, Tortora L, Meynen G, Mandarelli G, Ferracuti S. Virtual reality interventions for victims of crime: A systematic review. J Trauma Stress 2022; 35:804-812. [PMID: 35229354 PMCID: PMC9306974 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
In the forensic field, most studies employing virtual reality (VR) interventions have focused on offenders. The validity and safety of VR applications for victims of crime are still unclear. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review on VR interventions for crime victims was performed to assess the efficacy, acceptability by patients, and cost-effectiveness of these interventions compared to in-person care. We identified 34 potentially eligible studies from 188 records obtained from database searches (Medline/Pubmed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus); four additional articles were identified via alternative sources. In total, nine articles were included for the qualitative synthesis. Patient satisfaction with VR interventions was found to be equivalent to face-to-face interventions. Both VR exposure and control groups found relief from posttraumatic symptoms, with differences either statistically insignificant or in favor of VR. Despite the increased costs linked to the technology required, VR appears to be a promising alternative to in vivo exposure, but further research is needed. Limitations of the review include the varied experimental protocols, which did not allow us to conduct a quantitative analysis and comparison of findings across different studies, and the generally poor quality of the studies included. Further research, preferably in larger groups, is needed to shed more light on the effectiveness of VR interventions for traumatized victims of crime.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leda Tortora
- School of Nursing and MidwiferyTrinity College DublinDublinIreland
| | - Gerben Meynen
- Willem Pompe Institute for Criminal Law and CriminologyUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
- Faculty of HumanitiesVrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Gabriele Mandarelli
- Section of Criminology and Forensic PsychiatryDepartment of Interdisciplinary MedicineUniversity of BariBariItaly
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neurosciences“Sapienza” University of RomeRomeItaly
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Rus-Calafell M, Ehrbar N, Ward T, Edwards C, Huckvale M, Walke J, Garety P, Craig T. Participants' experiences of AVATAR therapy for distressing voices: a thematic qualitative evaluation. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:356. [PMID: 35610590 PMCID: PMC9129894 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04010-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AVATAR therapy is an innovative therapy designed to support people with distressing voices. Voice hearers co-create a digital representation of their voice and engage in dialogue with it. Although it has been successfully tested in a powered randomised controlled trial (ISRCTN65314790), the participants' experience of this therapy has not been yet evaluated. We aimed to explore enablers and barriers to engagement with the therapy and potential for real-world impact on distressing voices. METHODS Thirty per cent of those who completed AVATAR therapy (15 people in total) and 5 who dropped out from therapy within the main AVATAR RCT were invited to participate in a semi-structured interview, which was audio-recorded and subsequently transcribed. RESULTS Fourteen therapy completers (28% of the full sample) and one person who dropped out of therapy after 1 active session, were interviewed. Thematic analysis was used to explore the interviews. A total of 1276 references were coded, and five overarching themes identified: AVATAR therapy set-up; voice embodiment and associated emotions; working in a safe space (supported by the therapist); learning new ways of relating to the voices; impact of therapy on everyday life. Overall, the therapy set-up, with its digital components and its distinctive features as compared with common face-to-face talking therapies, was satisfactory. The inclusion of technology was well accepted as both a means to deliver the therapy and a tool to create a digital representation of the person's distressing voice. The co-creation of the avatar and the enactment of the relationship between the person and the voice were perceived as a very helpful process to promote the therapeutical dialogue. Participants reported engaging well with the therapist and feeling supported and identified specific learnt strategies to deal with the voices and how they have had an impact on everyday life. CONCLUSIONS AVATAR therapy is acceptable and provides benefit for participants with psychosis. Our results highlighted the enablers and challenges of working dialogically with distressing voices using a digital representation and dealing with highly demanding emotional, cognitive, and relational processes linked to the experience. Our analysis also identified the core strategies learnt by participants and how these were generalised to their daily life resulting into a positive change in different domains, and in particular broader social relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mar Rus-Calafell
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Centre, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany. .,Department of Health Service and Population Research, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK.
| | - Nils Ehrbar
- grid.5570.70000 0004 0490 981XMental Health Research and Treatment Centre, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Thomas Ward
- grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK ,grid.37640.360000 0000 9439 0839South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Clementine Edwards
- grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK ,grid.37640.360000 0000 9439 0839South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Mark Huckvale
- grid.83440.3b0000000121901201Speech, Hearing and Phonetic Sciences, Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jennifer Walke
- grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Department of Health Service and Population Research, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Philippa Garety
- grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK ,grid.37640.360000 0000 9439 0839South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Tom Craig
- grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Department of Health Service and Population Research, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK ,grid.37640.360000 0000 9439 0839South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Volpato E, Cavalera C, Castelnuovo G, Molinari E, Pagnini F. The "common" experience of voice-hearing and its relationship with shame and guilt: a systematic review. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:281. [PMID: 35443637 PMCID: PMC9022353 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-03902-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite Auditory Verbal Hallucinations (AVHs) having been long associated with mental illness, they represent a common experience also in the non-clinical population, yet do not exhibit distress or need for care. Shame and guilt are emotions related to one's perception of oneself and one's responsibility. As such, they direct our attention to aspects of AVHs that are under-researched and elusive, particularly about the status of voices as others, their social implications and the constitution and conceptualisation of the self. OBJECTIVES This paper aims to provide a systematic review of studies that investigated the relationship between auditory hallucinations, shame, and guilt in people without relevant signs of psychiatric issues. METHODS We searched studies reporting information about voices characteristics, the relationship between voices and hearers, hearer's reactions, and beliefs, paying peculiar attention to shame and guilt issues. Included papers were evaluated for risk of bias. RESULTS Eleven studies that explored the relationship between AVHs, shame and guilt, were extracted. Phenomenological, pragmatic, as well as neuropsychological features of hearing voices in non-clinical populations, allowed us to note a dynamic relationship and the constellation of subjective experiences that can occur. The role of guilt was characterized by few studies and mixed results, while shame was mainly common. CONCLUSIONS Due to the high heterogeneity detected and the scarce sources available, further studies should focus on both the aetiology and the bidirectional relationship between hearing voices, shame, and guilt in non-clinical people. This can be helpful in therapies for non-clinical populations who are distressed by their voices (e.g., psychotherapy), and for whom shame, and guilt may contribute to negative consequences such as isolation, anxiety or future depression. Moreover, it might favour the development and implication of different treatments considering emotion regulation, distress tolerance and interpersonal sensitivity on the clinical populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Volpato
- grid.8142.f0000 0001 0941 3192Present Address: Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo A. Gemelli, 1, 20123 Milan, Italy ,grid.418563.d0000 0001 1090 9021IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan, Italy
| | - C. Cavalera
- grid.8142.f0000 0001 0941 3192Present Address: Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo A. Gemelli, 1, 20123 Milan, Italy
| | - G. Castelnuovo
- grid.8142.f0000 0001 0941 3192Present Address: Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo A. Gemelli, 1, 20123 Milan, Italy ,grid.418224.90000 0004 1757 9530Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Psychology Research Laboratory , Verbania , Italy
| | - E. Molinari
- grid.8142.f0000 0001 0941 3192Present Address: Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo A. Gemelli, 1, 20123 Milan, Italy ,grid.418224.90000 0004 1757 9530Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - F. Pagnini
- grid.8142.f0000 0001 0941 3192Present Address: Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo A. Gemelli, 1, 20123 Milan, Italy ,grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA USA
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Ghaemi SN, Sverdlov O, van Dam J, Campellone T, Gerwien R. A Smartphone-Based Intervention as an Adjunct to Standard-of-Care Treatment for Schizophrenia: Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e29154. [PMID: 35343910 PMCID: PMC9002609 DOI: 10.2196/29154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Antipsychotic medications have limited benefits in schizophrenia, and cognitive behavioral therapy may be beneficial as an adjunct. There may be potential for implementing mobile cognitive behavioral therapy–based treatment for schizophrenia in addition to standard antipsychotic medications. Objective This study aims to determine whether PEAR-004, a smartphone-based investigational digital therapeutic, improves the symptoms of an acute psychotic exacerbation of schizophrenia when it is added to standard treatments. Methods This was a 12-week, multicenter, randomized, sham-controlled, rater-blinded, parallel group proof‑of‑concept study of 112 participants with moderate acute psychotic exacerbation in schizophrenia. This study was conducted in 6 clinical trial research sites in the United States from December 2018 to September 2019. The primary outcome, change in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) from baseline to week 12 or the last available visit, was analyzed using the mixed-effects regression model for repeated measures, applied to an intent-to-treat sample. Results The total PANSS scores slightly decreased from baseline over the study period in both groups; the treatment difference at day 85 between PEAR-004 and sham was 2.7 points, in favor of the sham (2-sided P=.09). The secondary scales found no benefit, except for transient improvement in depressive symptoms with PEAR-004. Application engagement was good, and patient and clinical investigator satisfaction was high. No safety concerns were observed. There was some evidence of study site heterogeneity for the onboarding processes and directions on PEAR-004 product use at baseline and throughout the study. However, these differences did not affect the efficacy results. Conclusions In the largest-to-date randomized, sham-controlled study of a digital therapeutic in schizophrenia, PEAR-004 did not demonstrate an effect on the primary outcome—total PANSS scores—when compared with a nonspecific digital sham control. The secondary and exploratory results also did not demonstrate any notable benefits, except for possible temporary improvement in depressive symptoms. This study provided many useful scientific and operational insights that can be used in the further clinical development of PEAR-004 and other investigational digital therapeutics. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03751280; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03751280
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Affiliation(s)
- S Nassir Ghaemi
- Novaris Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | | | - Joris van Dam
- Novaris Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, United States
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Nwosu AC, McGlinchey T, Sanders J, Stanley S, Palfrey J, Lubbers P, Chapman L, Finucane A, Mason S. Identification of Digital Health Priorities for Palliative Care Research: Modified Delphi Study. JMIR Aging 2022; 5:e32075. [PMID: 35311674 PMCID: PMC9090235 DOI: 10.2196/32075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Developments in digital health have the potential to transform the delivery of health and social care to help citizens manage their health. Currently, there is a lack of consensus about digital health research priorities in palliative care and a lack of theories about how these technologies might improve care outcomes. Therefore, it is important for health care leaders to identify innovations to ensure that an increasingly frail population has appropriate access to palliative care services. Consequently, it is important to articulate research priorities as the first step in determining how finite resources should be allocated to a field saturated with rapidly developing innovation. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to identify research priority areas for digital health in palliative care. METHODS We selected digital health trends, most relevant to palliative care, from a list of emerging trends reported by a leading institute of quantitative futurists. We conducted 2 rounds of the Delphi questionnaire, followed by a consensus meeting and public engagement workshop to establish a final consensus on research priorities for digital technology in palliative care. We used the views of public representatives to gain their perspectives on the agreed priorities. RESULTS A total of 103 experts (representing 11 countries) participated in the first Delphi round. Of the 103 experts, 55 (53.3%) participated in the second round. The final consensus meetings were attended by 10.7% (11/103) of the experts. We identified 16 priority areas, which involved many applications of technologies, including care for patients and caregivers, self-management and reporting of diseases, education and training, communication, care coordination, and research methodology. We summarized the priority areas into eight topics: big data, mobile devices, telehealth and telemedicine, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, smart home, biotechnology, and digital legacy. CONCLUSIONS The priorities identified in this study represent a wide range of important emerging areas in the fields of digital health, personalized medicine, and data science. Human-centered design and robust governance systems should be considered in future research. It is important that the risks of using these technologies in palliative care are properly addressed to ensure that these tools are used meaningfully, wisely, and safely and do not cause unintentional harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amara Callistus Nwosu
- Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
- Marie Curie Hospice Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Liverpool University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Tamsin McGlinchey
- Palliative Care Unit, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Justin Sanders
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
- Ariadne Labs, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sarah Stanley
- Marie Curie Hospice Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | | | - Patrick Lubbers
- Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organization (IKNL), Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Laura Chapman
- Marie Curie Hospice Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Anne Finucane
- Clinical Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Mason
- Palliative Care Unit, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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