Exposition aus Sicht niedergelassener Verhaltenstherapeutinnen und Verhaltenstherapeuten

[25 Years of TraumaTherapy with Children and Adolescents ‒ a Personal-Professional Review]

The author was fortunate to experience and help shape the development of the trauma approach with children and adolescents from the very beginning. This brought a great joy for and in the therapeutic work, an intense impulse for one's own inner work, an intellectual pleasure in working out new concepts andmany wonderful encounters in all the workshops with people who had the welfare of children so much at heart. He is deeply convinced that the future belongs to this approach because it is effective and counteracts the "privatization of stress" (Fisher, 2013).

Effective – and tolerable: Acceptance and Side Effects of Intensified Exposure for Anxiety Disorders

Despite striking empirical support, exposure-based treatments for anxiety disorders are underutilized. This is partially due to clinicians' concerns that patients may reject exposure or experience severe side effects, particularly in intensive forms of exposure. We examined acceptance and side effects of two randomly assigned variants of prediction error-based exposure treatment differing in temporal density (1 vs. 3 sessions/week) in 681 patients with panic disorder, agoraphobia, social anxiety disorder, and multiple specific phobias. Treatment acceptance included treatment satisfaction and credibility, engagement (i.e., homework completion), and tolerability (i.e., side effects, dropout, and perceived treatment burden). Side effects were measured with the Inventory for the Balanced Assessment of Negative Effects of Psychotherapy (INEP). We found treatment satisfaction, credibility, and engagement to be equally high in both variants of exposure-based treatment, despite higher treatment burden (β = 0.25) and stronger side effects (β = 0.15) in intensified treatment. 94.1% of patients reported positive effects in the INEP. 42.2% reported side effects, with treatment stigma (16.6%), low mood (14.8%) and the experience to depend on the therapist (10.9%) being the most frequently reported. The mean intensity of side effects was low. We conclude that prediction error-based exposure treatment is well accepted by patients with different anxiety disorders and that patients also tolerate temporally intensified treatment, despite higher perceived treatment burden and stronger side effects. Clinicians should be aware of the most frequent side effects to take appropriate countermeasures. In sum, temporal intensification appears to be an acceptable strategy to achieve faster symptom reduction, given patients' well-informed consent.

The effects of an exposure therapy training program for pre-professionals in an intensive exposure-based summer camp

Although exposure therapy (ET) is an effective treatment for anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder, many clinicians report not utilizing it. The present study targeted common utilization barriers by evaluating an intensive ET training experience in a relatively inexperienced sample of pre-professionals. Thirty-two individuals at the undergraduate or college graduate level without formal clinical experience participated as camp counsellors in a 5day exposure-based therapeutic summer camp for youth with anxiety disorders and/or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Participants were trained in ET through a progressive cascading model and answered questionnaires before and after camp. Repeated measure MANOVA revealed significantly increased feelings of self-efficacy conducting exposures, and significantly decreased feelings of disgust sensitivity and contamination-related disgust from pre-camp to post-camp. A subset of individuals providing data 1 month after the camp maintained a significant gain in ET self-efficacy. Regression analyses revealed that contamination-related disgust, but not disgust sensitivity, significantly predicted post-camp ET self-efficacy. These findings suggest that individuals early into their post-secondary education can learn ET, and the progressive cascading model holds promise in its utility across experience levels and warrants further investigation. Disgust may also play a role in feelings of competency conducting ET. Implications on dissemination and implementation efforts are also discussed.

Key learning aims

(1)

Virtuelle Realität bei Angsterkrankungen – vom experimentellen Tool zur klinischen Praxis

Anxiety disorders are among the most frequent psychiatric disorders. According to national and international guidelines, psychopharmacological as well as psychotherapeutic approaches are recommended as first-choice treatments, depending on diagnosis and severity. Among psychotherapeutic approaches, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been investigated most. Here, exposure is of special relevance as the core element of treatment. The technology of virtual reality (VR) has been increasingly investigated as a possible add-on strategy or alternative to conventional exposure therapy. Numerous studies of VR exposure for anxiety disorders have been published. Further, the comparison of exposure treatment in vivo vs. in VR has been investigated in meta-analyses. The results are promising overall, however they do not yet justify a general recommendation of this treatment. There is still the need for more research, especially regarding treatment efficacy in large-scale studies with larger patient samples.

Kognitive Verhaltenstherapie bei Autofahrangst

Die Exposition im Straßenverkehr bei der kognitiv-verhaltenstherapeutischen Behandlung der Autofahrangst ist oftmals mit Fragen der praktischen Umsetzung sowie mit Haftungsfragen verbunden. Die folgende Handlungsempfehlung gibt einen Überblick über die Diagnostik, Ätiologie und psychometrische Erfassung der Autofahrangst und stellt versicherungsrechtliche Aspekte, die bei der Exposition im Straßenverkehr zu beachten sind, dar. Es wird ein Therapiemodul zur Behandlung der Autofahrangst vorgestellt, das konkrete Hinweise zur praktischen Umsetzung der Behandlung von Autofahrangst gibt.

Therapists' characteristics associated with the (non-)use of exposure in the treatment of anxiety disorders in youth: A survey among Dutch-speaking mental health practitioners

INTRODUCTION

Although there is consensus that exposure is the key ingredient in treating childhood anxiety disorders, several studies in the USA suggest exposure to be underused in clinical practice. Previous research pointed to therapists' beliefs about exposure, their age, experience, caseload, training and theoretical orientation, as well as the level of the therapists' own anxiety as important factors in the underusage of exposure in the treatment of adult anxiety disorders. This study examined what therapist characteristics may be involved in the (non-)use of exposure in treating childhood anxiety disorders.

METHODS

An internet-based survey among 207 youth mental health care professionals in the Netherlands and Belgium was conducted to assess therapists' beliefs about exposure, their age, experience, caseload, training and theoretical orientation, as well as the level of the therapists' own anxiety, depression and stress.

RESULTS

The current survey showed that therapists used exposure in about half of their cases of childhood anxiety and that the non-use was independently associated with the relatively strong negative beliefs about exposure, therapists' age, and non-CBT orientation.

DISCUSSION

Findings point to the importance of addressing negative beliefs about exposure in therapists' training and supervision to resolve therapy drift away from exposure, and consequently improve utilization and delivery of exposure-based therapy for childhood anxiety disorders.

The Adoption of New Treatment Modalities by Health Professionals and the Relative Weight of Empirical Evidence in Favor of Virtual Reality Exposure Versus Mindfulness in the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent mental disorders, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with exposure exercises is considered as the gold-standard psychological intervention. New psychotherapeutic modalities have emerged in the last decade and, among them, mindfulness has been rapidly adopted by therapists. The adoption rate is slower for the use of virtual reality (VR) to conduct exposure. The goal of the present position paper is to contrast, for the treatment of anxiety disorders, the weight of empirical evidences supporting the use of exposure in VR with the use of mindfulness-based therapy (MBT). Based on the most recent meta-analyses, we found that CBT with exposure conducted in VR was more thoroughly researched and supported than MBT, receiving validation from roughly twice as many studies with high control (i.e., randomized, active controls with clinical samples). However, this conclusion is nuanced by reviewing gaps in the literature for both therapies. Potential factors influencing clinicians' choice of treatment and suggestions for future research directions are proposed.

Intensivierte Exposition zur Förderung des Inhibitionslernens bei Angststörungen

Zusammenfassung. Die Wirksamkeit von Expositionsverfahren bei Angststörungen ist hervorragend belegt. Dennoch profitieren viele Patient_innen nicht oder nicht ausreichend, was die Notwendigkeit zur Verbesserung der Verfahren deutlich macht. Vielversprechende Optimierungsstrategien lassen sich aus Modellen des Inhibitionslernens ableiten, andererseits aus der Beobachtung, dass die in expositionsbasierten klinischen Trials erreichten hohen Effektstärken in der Mehrzahl durch deutlich kürzere und intensivere Therapien verglichen mit der Routineversorgung erreicht werden. Der Forschungsverbund PROTECT-AD (Providing Tools for Effective Care and Treatment of Anxiety Disorders) untersucht in einer multizentrischen randomisierten Studie die Effekte einer intensivierten Expositionstherapie (Intensivierte psychotherapeutische Intervention, IPI) mit zeitlich ausgedehnter Selbstmanagementphase im Vergleich zu einem inhaltlich identischen, aber zeitlich gestreckten treatment as ususal (TAU) bei über 600 Patient_innen mit verschiedenen Angststörungen. Hier berichten wir, wie Intensivierung als Optimierungsstrategie therapeutisch umgesetzt werden kann. Unsere Erfahrungen zeigen, dass intensivierte Exposition von den Patient_innen sehr gut angenommen wird und eine Reihe praktischer und gesundheitsökonomischer Vorteile bieten kann.

Psychotherapeutische Fernbegleitung von Expositionstherapie bei Angststörungen mittels Smart Glass: Praktikabilitäts- und Akzeptanzevaluation

<b><i>Hintergrund:</i></b> Trotz vielfach belegter Wirksamkeit expositionsbasierter Methoden bei Angststörungen werden diese in verhaltenstherapeutischen Praxen häufig nicht oder nicht vertieft genug umgesetzt. Planungs- und Zeitaufwand sind häufige Hinderungsgründe. In dieser Studie wurden Usability (Gebrauchstauglichkeit), User Experience (Nutzererleben) und Nutzerakzeptanz eines Systems zur Fernbegleitung von Expositionstherapie mittels Smart Glass evaluiert. <b><i>Methoden:</i></b> In einer standardisierten Laboruntersuchung bewerteten 39 Probanden mit Spinnenangst sowie 16 Therapeuten Usability, User Experience und Nutzerakzeptanz mittels etablierter Fragebögen. Vergleiche mit Normstichproben wurden vorgenommen und Adjective Rankings vergeben. <b><i>Ergebnisse:</i></b>92% der Probanden konnten sich selbstständig in das technische System einarbeiten und die Anweisungen des Therapeuten wahrnehmen und umsetzen. Die Usability wurde von den Probanden als “OK” bewertet. Bei der User Experience wurden bei konservativster Berechnung für die aufgabenbezogenen Faktoren Durchschaubarkeit, Effizienz und Steuerbarkeit “unterdurchschnittliche” und für die hedonischen Merkmale Stimulation und Originalität “gute” bis “exzellente” Bewertungen abgegeben. Die Nutzerakzeptanz war “durchschnittlich”. Die informiert rekrutierten Therapeuten zeigten in allen Variablen höhere Bewertungen. <b><i>Schlussfolgerungen:</i></b>Es besteht eine ausreichende Usability, eine in Bezug auf unterschiedliche Qualitäten heterogene User Experience und eine zufriedenstellende Akzeptanz. Insofern kann eine Expositionsfernbegleitung eine vielversprechende Alternative für die begleitete Exposition in vivo bieten. Verbesserungswürdige technische Probleme sowie medizinproduktebezogene und datenschutzrechtliche Fragen werden benannt.

Warum nehmen Verhaltenstherapeut_innen an Fortbildungen teil?

Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Um psychotherapeutische Kompetenzen zu erhalten, kommt Fortbildungen eine zentrale Rolle zu. Fragestellung: Ziel war es, Verhaltenstherapeut_innen zu Motivatoren und Barrieren bezüglich der Teilnahme an Fortbildungen und zu Einstellungen zu evidenzbasierter Praxis zu befragen. Methode: In die Befragung einbezogen wurden N = 48 Teilnehmer_innen eines zweitägigen Workshops zu aktuellen Ansätzen der Traumatherapie. Fortbildungsmotivation, Teilnahmebarrieren und Einstellungen zu evidenzbasierter Praxis wurden in Zusammenhang mit der aktuellen Fortbildungsteilnahme geprüft. Ergebnisse: Der Wunsch nach beruflicher Verbesserung und persönliches Interesse motivierten am häufigsten, soziale Anreize und beruflicher Aufstieg waren weniger relevant. Die Vereinbarkeit von Fortbildungen mit der Arbeitstätigkeit und Fortbildungskosten waren häufige Barrieren. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Ergebnisse liefern Hinweise zur Diskussion des Konzepts der evidenzbasierten Psychotherapie und zur Dissemination wissenschaftlicher Ergebnisse in die Praxis.

The Struggle of Behavioral Therapists With Exposure: Self-Reported Practicability, Negative Beliefs, and Therapist Distress About Exposure-Based Interventions

Exposure-based interventions are a core ingredient of evidence-based cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) for anxiety disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, previous research has documented that exposure is rarely utilized in routine care, highlighting an ongoing lack of dissemination. The present study examined barriers for the dissemination of exposure from the perspective of behavioral psychotherapists working in outpatient routine care (N = 684). A postal survey assessed three categories of barriers: (a) practicability of exposure-based intervention in an outpatient private practice setting, (b) negative beliefs about exposure, and (c) therapist distress related to the use of exposure. In addition, self-reported competence to conduct exposure for different anxiety disorders, PTSD, and OCD was assessed. High rates of agreement were found for single barriers within each of the three categories (e.g., unpredictable time management, risk of uncompensated absence of the patient, risk of decompensation of the patient, superficial effectiveness, or exposure being very strenuous for the therapist). Separately, average agreement to each category negatively correlated with self-reported utilization of exposure to a moderate degree (-.35 ≤ r ≤ -.27). In a multiple regression model, only average agreement to barriers of practicability and negative beliefs were significantly associated with utilization rates. Findings illustrate that a multilevel approach targeting individual, practical, and systemic barriers is necessary to optimize the dissemination of exposure-based interventions. Dissemination efforts may therefore benefit from incorporating strategies such as modifying negative beliefs, adaptive stress management for therapists, or increasing practicability of exposure-based interventions.

"Phobie à deux" and other reasons why clinicians do not apply exposure with response prevention in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder

Meta-analyses suggest that exposure with response prevention (ERP) is the most efficacious treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and treatment guidelines for the disorder accordingly recommend ERP. Despite this, many therapists, including those with a cognitive-behavioral therapeutic background, do not perform ERP in patients with OCD. The present study aimed to elucidate the reasons why. German therapists (N = 216) completed an anonymous online survey, the newly developed Reasons for Not Performing Exposure in OCD Scale (REPEX), that inquired whether, to what extent, and how they perform ERP in the treatment of OCD. We also asked their reasons for not applying ERP in the past. Most therapists considered ERP an efficient treatment for OCD. Marked differences emerged between physicians and psychologists, however. The former used exposure less often and for a shorter period, preferred in sensu to in vivo exposure, and conducted exposure less often in the personal environment of the patient than did psychologists. Both groups were familiar with clinical guidelines to a similar extent. A factor analysis of the REPEX scale revealed five factors. Patient lack of motivation, preference for exposure to be self-help as well as alleged organizational difficulties were endorsed most often. The latter was correlated with the age of the therapist and was far more often affirmed by physicians. Fear of side effects was named by a subgroup of clinicians; in the context of patient ambivalence, this may foster "phobie à deux". Unlike prior research, lack of expertise was rarely identified as a reason not to use ERP. Recommendations for improving adherence to guidelines are discussed.

Transdiagnostische expositionsbasierte Behandlung von Angststörungen

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Neben störungsspezifischen Behandlungskonzepten werden in den letzten Jahren vermehrt transdiagnostische Behandlungsmanuale in der expositionsbasierten Behandlung von Ängsten und komorbiden Störungen eingesetzt. Die vorliegende narrative systematische Übersichtsarbeit beschreibt den Stand der Forschung zu transdiagnostischen Behandlungskonzepten in Hinsicht auf Angst- und komorbide Störungen. Methode: Die Literaturrecherche und die Datenanalyse wurden angelehnt an die PRISMA Guidelines vorgenommen. Die Ergebnisse von 17 Untersuchungen zu expositionsbasierten transdiagnostischen Behandlungskonzepten der letzten fünfzehn Jahre werden beschrieben. Ergebnisse: Die Resultate der referierten Studien zeigen, dass expositionsbasierte transdiagnostische Behandlungen die Symptome, sowohl der primären als auch der komorbiden Störungen, signifikant reduzieren. Expositionsbasierte transdiagnostische Konzepte sind effektiv zur Behandlungen von Angststörungen und komorbider Störungen. Sie stellen eine geeignete Alternative zu störungsspezifischen Behandlungen dar. Diskussion: Die Implikationen transdiagnostischer Konzepte für das praktische Vorgehen bei der individualisierten Diagnostik, der Vorbereitung und Durchführung von Expositionen werden erörtert. Schließlich werden Vorschläge für die Konzeptualisierung einer störungsübergreifenden Behandlung von Angststörungen, insbesondere solcher mit komorbider Symptomatik, vorgestellt.