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Bress JN, Falk A, Schier MM, Jaywant A, Moroney E, Dargis M, Bennett SM, Scult MA, Volpp KG, Asch DA, Balachandran M, Perlis RH, Lee FS, Gunning FM. Efficacy of a Mobile App-Based Intervention for Young Adults With Anxiety Disorders: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2428372. [PMID: 39163044 PMCID: PMC11337073 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.28372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Anxiety disorders are prevalent and undertreated among young adults. Digital mental health interventions for anxiety are promising but limited by a narrow range of therapeutic components and low user engagement. Objective To investigate the efficacy of and engagement with Maya, a scalable, self-guided, comprehensive mobile cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention with embedded engagement features, comparing the effects of 3 incentive conditions. Design, Setting, and Participants This randomized clinical trial recruited young adults aged 18 to 25 years with anxiety disorders through online advertisements and outpatient psychiatry clinics at Weill Cornell Medicine. Enrollment was between June 16, 2021, and November 11, 2022. Data analysis was performed from December 21, 2022, to June 14, 2024. Intervention Participants received a 6-week program of the intervention and were randomized to 1 of 3 different text message-based incentive conditions (gain-framed, loss-framed, or gain-social support). Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was change in anxious symptoms from baseline to end of treatment, as measured by the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A). The Anxiety Sensitivity Index and the Leibowitz Social Anxiety Scale scores were secondary measures. Results The sample consisted of 59 participants (mean [SD] age, 23.1 [1.9] years; 46 [78%] female; 22 [37%] Asian, 3 [5%] Black, 5 [8%] Hispanic or Latino, 1 [2%] American Indian or Alaska Native, 25 [42%] White, and 6 [10%] >1 race; 32 [54%] college-educated and 12 [20%] graduate or professional school-educated; mean [SD] baseline HAM-A score, 15.0 [6.5]). Anxiety, measured by HAM-A, decreased across conditions from baseline to end of the intervention (mean difference, -5.64; 95% CI, -7.23 to -4.05), and symptomatic improvement was maintained at the week 12 follow-up (baseline to follow-up mean difference, -5.67; 95% CI, -7.29 to -4.04). However, there was no evidence that change in anxiety differed by incentive condition (loss-framed vs gain-social support mean difference, -1.40; 95% CI, -4.72 to 1.93; gain-framed vs gain-social support mean difference, 1.38; 95% CI, -1.19 to 3.96). Secondary anxiety measures (Anxiety Sensitivity Index and Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale scores) showed a similar pattern of improvement, with no evidence of differences between incentive conditions. Participants completed most of the 12 sessions (mean [SD], 10.8 [2.1]; 95% CI, 10.3-11.4), and User Mobile Application Rating Scale app quality ratings exceeded the published threshold for acceptability at all study visits. There was no evidence that either session completion or app quality ratings differed by incentive condition. Conclusions and Relevance In this randomized clinical trial of an app-based intervention for anxiety, the primary hypothesis that improvement in anxiety would be greatest in the condition using gain of points plus social incentives was not supported; however, the results suggest that a CBT application incorporating a full suite of CBT skills and embedded user engagement features was efficacious in improving symptoms in young adults with anxiety disorders. Given these findings, digital interventions represent a promising step toward wider dissemination of high-quality, evidence-based interventions. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05130281.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer N. Bress
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Avital Falk
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Maddy M. Schier
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Abhishek Jaywant
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Elizabeth Moroney
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Monika Dargis
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | | | - Matthew A. Scult
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
- Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, Bronx, New York
| | - Kevin G. Volpp
- Penn Center for Health Incentives and Behavioral Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - David A. Asch
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | | | - Roy H. Perlis
- Center for Quantitative Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Associate Editor, JAMA Network Open
| | - Francis S. Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Faith M. Gunning
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
- Associate Editor, JAMA Network Open
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Zech JM, Patel TA, Cougle JR. Correlates of treatment-seeking in DSM-5 generalized anxiety disorder: Findings from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III. J Anxiety Disord 2024; 106:102909. [PMID: 39047416 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2024.102909] [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: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) presents a significant personal and societal burden and is associated with chronic medical comorbidities and markedly lower quality of life. Effective treatments exist, less than half of individuals with lifetime GAD will ever seek psychotherapeutic or pharmacological treatment. A thorough understanding of the factors that influence treatment seeking for GAD is warranted. The present study investigates the correlates of GAD treatment seeking, using data from the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Disorders-III (NESARC-III), which assessed for psychiatric disorders using the Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule-DSM-5 Version (AUDADIS-5). A series of logistic regressions were run to identify demographic, diagnostic, and symptom-level correlates of treatment seeking in those meeting DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for GAD. Comorbid depression, panic disorder, and PTSD were all uniquely associated with higher rates of GAD-related treatment seeking. Additionally, several accompanying anxiety symptoms were also uniquely predicted treatment seeking, including fatigue, panic attacks, reassurance-seeking, and interpersonal avoidance. Findings underscore the multi-factorial nature of treatment seeking behavior in GAD and highlight the need for further research to fully understand these relationships and devise effective strategies to improve treatment seeking in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Zech
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Tapan A Patel
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Jesse R Cougle
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States.
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Nomoto K, Takashio O, Matsuyama S, Higa S, Otsubo T. Diagnosis and Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Japan: Psychiatric Specialist Survey. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2024; 20:1001-1010. [PMID: 38764746 PMCID: PMC11102089 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s456276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a suboptimally managed chronic recurring psychiatric condition with a lifetime prevalence of 2.6% in Japan. We assessed the current status of GAD management in Japan. Patients and Methods This was an observational, cross-sectional study conducted through an anonymous web-based survey in Japan from December 12-16, 2022. Psychiatrists and psychosomatic medicine physicians who agreed to participate and saw ≥10 outpatients in the previous month were eligible. Survey questionnaire comprised 37 single/multiple choice, numerical entry, or open-ended questions in Japanese. Results Among 509 participants (493 psychiatrists and 16 psychosomatic medicine physicians), 96.9% were aware of GAD. On average, 12.4 outpatients and 1.0 inpatient were diagnosed with GAD per physician per month. Of 433 physicians having patients diagnosed with GAD, 46.9% used operational diagnostic tools; among these, DSM-5 diagnostic criteria were used by 81.5% physicians. The majority (54.7%) of participants did not use a self-administered rating scale; depression scales were used more than anxiety scales. Among these 433 physicians, 96.8% used selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for GAD management, and 79.2% used it as the first choice; of 431 physicians who prescribed drug therapy, 54.3% gave antidepressant monotherapy as first choice. The most frequent symptom in patients diagnosed with GAD was excessive anxiety/worry (96.5%); depression was the most commonly reported comorbidity (84.3%) as per physicians aware of GAD (N=508). Conclusion This study illustrates that although GAD awareness is high among Japanese psychiatric specialists, GAD is not frequently diagnosed using operational diagnostic approaches. Due to a lack of Japanese guidelines for GAD diagnosis and treatment, diverse international guidelines are followed, with similar treatment paradigms as that of depression. This may not be an optimal approach given cultural/geographical differences. These findings highlight the need for uniform diagnosis and treatment recommendations for GAD management in Japan. Clinical Trial Registration UMIN-CTR: UMIN000049572.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Nomoto
- Medical Affairs, Viatris Pharmaceuticals Japan Inc., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Osamu Takashio
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Showa University East Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Shingo Higa
- Medical Affairs, Viatris Pharmaceuticals Japan Inc., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tempei Otsubo
- Department of Psychosomatic and Psychiatric Medicine, Tokyo Women’s Medical University Adachi Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
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Zainal NH, Newman MG. Which client with generalized anxiety disorder benefits from a mindfulness ecological momentary intervention versus a self-monitoring app? Developing a multivariable machine learning predictive model. J Anxiety Disord 2024; 102:102825. [PMID: 38245961 PMCID: PMC10922999 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2024.102825] [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: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Precision medicine methods (machine learning; ML) can identify which clients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) benefit from mindfulness ecological momentary intervention (MEMI) vs. self-monitoring app (SM). We used randomized controlled trial data of MEMI vs. SM for GAD (N = 110) and tested three ML models to predict one-month follow-up reliable improvement in GAD severity, perseverative cognitions (PC), trait mindfulness (TM), and executive function (EF). Eleven baseline predictors were tested regarding differential reliable change from MEMI vs. SM (age, sex, race, EF errors, inhibitory dyscontrol, set-shifting deficits, verbal fluency, working memory, GAD severity, TM, PC). The final top five prescriptive predictor models of all outcomes performed well (AUC = .752 .886). The following variables predicted better outcome from MEMI vs. SM: Higher GAD severity predicted more GAD improvement but less EF improvement. Elevated PC, inhibitory dyscontrol, and verbal dysfluency predicted better improvement in most outcomes. Greater set-shifting and TM predicted stronger improvements in GAD symptoms and TM. Older age predicted more alleviation of GAD and PC symptoms. Women exhibited more enhancements in trait mindfulness and EF than men. White individuals benefitted more than non-White. PC, TM, EF, and sociodemographic data might help predictive models optimize intervention selection for GAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Hani Zainal
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge, Singapore.
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Macdonald-Gagnon G, Stefanovics EA, Potenza MN, Pietrzak RH. Generalized anxiety and mild anxiety symptoms in U.S. military veterans: Prevalence, characteristics, and functioning. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 171:263-270. [PMID: 38325107 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.02.013] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental disorder characterized by excessive anxiety and worries that impair daily functioning. While prior work has documented the prevalence and correlates of GAD and subthreshold GAD (SGAD) in clinical samples, contemporary data on the epidemiology of anxiety symptoms are lacking, particularly in higher-risk populations such as military veterans. To address this gap, we analyzed data from a large, nationally representative sample of U.S. veterans to examine the: prevalence of probable GAD and mild anxiety symptoms measured using a brief screener; sociodemographic and military characteristics associated with anxiety symptoms; and psychiatric and functional correlates of anxiety symptoms. Results revealed that a total of 7.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.7-9.3%) and 22.1% (95%CI = 20.5-23.9%) of veterans screened positive for probable GAD and mild anxiety symptoms, respectively. Relative to veterans without anxiety symptoms, those with probable GAD and mild anxiety symptoms were younger, more likely to be female and racial/ethnic minorities, and more likely to have served 2+ deployments. Further, a "dose-response" association was observed between anxiety symptom severity and clinical correlates, with robust associations observed between probable GAD and poorer mental health, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and functional impairment. Mild anxiety symptoms showed intermediate magnitude associations with these outcomes. Results of this study suggest that 3-of-10 U.S. veterans report anxiety symptoms. While the use of a brief screener to assess mild anxiety symptoms and probable GAD is limited, findings underscore the importance of a dimensional approach to assessing anxiety symptoms and associated clinical and functional characteristics in veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elina A Stefanovics
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs New England Mental Illness Research and Education Clinical Center (MIRECC), West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Marc N Potenza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Yale Child Study Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, USA; Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, Wethersfield, CT, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Robert H Pietrzak
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
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Rubel J, Väth T, Hanraths S, Pruessner L, Timm C, Hartmann S, Barnow S, Lalk C. Evaluation of an online-based self-help program for patients with generalized anxiety disorder - A randomized controlled trial. Internet Interv 2024; 35:100716. [PMID: 38328275 PMCID: PMC10847028 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2024.100716] [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] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an online self-help intervention for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Our primary outcomes were generalized anxiety symptoms, measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder - 7 (GAD-7; Spitzer et al., 2006), and wellbeing based on the World Health Organization Wellbeing Index - 5 (WHO-5; Topp et al., 2015). Methods A total of 156 German-speaking patients aged 18 to 65 with a diagnosis of GAD and internet access were included in this randomized controlled trial. The intervention group (N = 78) received access to a 12-week online self-help program, while the waitlist control group (N = 78) received access after the 12-week waiting period. Results The intervention group showed a significant improvement in generalized anxiety symptoms compared to the control group (t(df = 123.73) = 4.52, p < .001) with a large effect size (d = 0.88, 95 %-CI: 0.50; 1.26). Additionally, the intervention group demonstrated a significant increase in wellbeing compared to the control group (t(df = 87,86) = 3.48, p < .001), with a moderate effect size (d = 0.62, 95 % CI: 0.27; 0.98). However, no significant effects were observed for secondary outcomes of functional impairments, work productivity, mental health literacy, and healthcare demands. For exploratory outcomes, improvement was found for anxiety and worry symptoms. Conclusions These findings suggest that an online-based self-help intervention effectively reduces GAD symptoms and improves overall wellbeing. Future research should explore the long-term effects of this intervention and investigate potential mechanisms underlying its efficacy. Public health implications Online-based self-help programs provide a promising treatment option for individuals with GAD who face barriers to traditional face-to-face therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Rubel
- Department of Humanities, Institute of Psychology, Osnabrück University, Germany
| | - T. Väth
- Department of Humanities, Institute of Psychology, Osnabrück University, Germany
| | - S. Hanraths
- Department of Humanities, Institute of Psychology, Osnabrück University, Germany
| | - L. Pruessner
- Department of Psychology, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - C. Timm
- Department of Psychology, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - S. Hartmann
- Department of Psychology, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - S. Barnow
- Department of Psychology, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - C. Lalk
- Department of Humanities, Institute of Psychology, Osnabrück University, Germany
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Linardon J, Torous J, Firth J, Cuijpers P, Messer M, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz M. Current evidence on the efficacy of mental health smartphone apps for symptoms of depression and anxiety. A meta-analysis of 176 randomized controlled trials. World Psychiatry 2024; 23:139-149. [PMID: 38214614 PMCID: PMC10785982 DOI: 10.1002/wps.21183] [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: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The mental health care available for depression and anxiety has recently undergone a major technological revolution, with growing interest towards the potential of smartphone apps as a scalable tool to treat these conditions. Since the last comprehensive meta-analysis in 2019 established positive yet variable effects of apps on depressive and anxiety symptoms, more than 100 new randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been carried out. We conducted an updated meta-analysis with the objectives of providing more precise estimates of effects, quantifying generalizability from this evidence base, and understanding whether major app and trial characteristics moderate effect sizes. We included 176 RCTs that aimed to treat depressive or anxiety symptoms. Apps had overall significant although small effects on symptoms of depression (N=33,567, g=0.28, p<0.001; number needed to treat, NNT=11.5) and generalized anxiety (N=22,394, g=0.26, p<0.001, NNT=12.4) as compared to control groups. These effects were robust at different follow-ups and after removing small sample and higher risk of bias trials. There was less variability in outcome scores at post-test in app compared to control conditions (ratio of variance, RoV=-0.14, 95% CI: -0.24 to -0.05 for depressive symptoms; RoV=-0.21, 95% CI: -0.31 to -0.12 for generalized anxiety symptoms). Effect sizes for depression were significantly larger when apps incorporated cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) features or included chatbot technology. Effect sizes for anxiety were significantly larger when trials had generalized anxiety as a primary target and administered a CBT app or an app with mood monitoring features. We found evidence of moderate effects of apps on social anxiety (g=0.52) and obsessive-compulsive (g=0.51) symptoms, a small effect on post-traumatic stress symptoms (g=0.12), a large effect on acrophobia symptoms (g=0.90), and a non-significant negative effect on panic symptoms (g=-0.12), although these results should be considered with caution, because most trials had high risk of bias and were based on small sample sizes. We conclude that apps have overall small but significant effects on symptoms of depression and generalized anxiety, and that specific features of apps - such as CBT or mood monitoring features and chatbot technology - are associated with larger effect sizes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake Linardon
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- Center for Social and Early Emotional Development, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - John Torous
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph Firth
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Pim Cuijpers
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- International Institute for Psychotherapy, Babes¸-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mariel Messer
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Matthew Fuller-Tyszkiewicz
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- Center for Social and Early Emotional Development, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
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Blackwell MA, Goodkind JR, Yeater EA, Van Horn ML. Predictors of mental health outcomes of three refugee groups in an advocacy-based intervention: A precision medicine perspective. J Consult Clin Psychol 2024; 92:16-25. [PMID: 37768629 PMCID: PMC11216628 DOI: 10.1037/ccp0000847] [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] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Precision medicine is an area with great potential for mental health, but has made limited gains prognostically in predicting effective treatments. For refugees exposed to violence, culture may be a crucial factor in predicting treatment outcomes. METHOD For this study, 290 participants from three regions (Afghanistan, the Great Lakes region of Africa, and Iraq and Syria) participated in a randomized controlled trial of an advocacy-based intervention. Emotional distress symptoms were measured prior to intervention, midintervention (3 months), postintervention (6 months), and follow-up (6 months after the end of intervention). Number of traumatic events, resource access, social support, and English proficiency were tested for potential predictive effects on intervention outcome. RESULTS Multilevel generalized linear models revealed that Afghans' (B = -0.259, SE = 0.108, p = .013), and Great Lakes Africans' (B = -0.116, SE = 0.057, p = .042) emotional distress symptoms improved as a function of the intervention, while Iraqis and Syrians showed no intervention effects. For Afghans, English proficiency (B = -0.453, SE = 0.157, p < .01) and social support (B = -0.179, SE = 0.086, p = .037) were most strongly correlated to emotional distress, while for Africans, resource access (B = -0.483, SE = 0.082, p < .001) and social support (B = -0.100, SE = 0.048, p = .040) were the strongest predictors of emotional distress. CONCLUSIONS Response to advocacy-based interventions and active ingredients may be influenced by culture; findings have implications for refugees and precision medicine. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - M Lee Van Horn
- Department of Individual, Family and Community Education, Educational Psychology Program, University of New Mexico
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Vittengl JR, Jarrett RB, Ro E, Clark LA. Associations of antidepressant medication consumption with changes in personality pathology and quality of life among community-dwelling adults. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RISK & SAFETY IN MEDICINE 2024; 35:5-18. [PMID: 37718854 DOI: 10.3233/jrs-230016] [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: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although antidepressant medication (ADM) has produced small advantages over pill placebo in randomized controlled trials, consuming ADM has predicted prospectively increasing depressive symptom severity in samples of community-dwelling adults. OBJECTIVE We extended the community literature by testing ADM's relations to changes in personality and quality of life that may underpin depression. METHOD In this longitudinal, observational study, community-dwelling adults (N = 601) were assessed twice, 8 months apart on average. Assessments included depressive symptoms, personality, life satisfaction and quality, and prescription medication consumption. RESULTS Consuming ADM at time 1 predicted relative increases in depressive symptoms (dysphoria), maladaptive traits (negative affect, negative temperament, disinhibition, low conscientiousness), personality dysfunction (non-coping, self-pathology), and decreases in life satisfaction and quality from time 1 to 2, before and after adjustment for age, gender, race, income, education, physical health problems, and use of other psychotropics. In no analysis did ADM use predict better outcomes. CONCLUSION Among community-dwelling adults, ADM use is a risk factor for psychosocial deterioration in domains including depressive symptoms, personality pathology, and quality of life. Until mechanisms connecting ADM to poor outcomes in community samples are understood, additional caution in use of ADM and consideration of empirically supported non-pharmacologic treatments is prudent.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robin B Jarrett
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Eunyoe Ro
- Department of Psychology, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL, USA
| | - Lee Anna Clark
- Department of Psychology, Notre Dame University, Notre Dame, IN, USA
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Stephenson C, Moghimi E, Shao Y, Kumar A, Yee CS, Miller S, Stefatos A, Gholamzadehmir M, Abbaspour Z, Jagayat J, Shirazi A, Gizzarelli T, Gutierrez G, Khan F, Patel C, Patel A, Yang M, Omrani M, Alavi N. Comparing the efficacy of electronic cognitive behavioral therapy to medication and combination therapy for generalized anxiety disorder: a quasi-experimental clinical trial. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1194955. [PMID: 38125282 PMCID: PMC10732166 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1194955] [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: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a debilitating mental health disorder with first-line treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and pharmacotherapy. CBT is costly, time-consuming, and inaccessible. Electronic delivery (e-CBT) is a promising solution to address these barriers. However, due to the novelty of this intervention, more research testing the e-CBT efficacy independently and in conjunction with other treatments is needed. Objective This study investigated the efficacy of e-CBT compared to and in conjunction with pharmacotherapy for GAD. Methods This study employed a quasi-experimental design where patients selected their preferred treatment modality. Patients with GAD were enrolled in either e-CBT, medication, or combination arms. The 12-week e-CBT program was delivered through a digital platform. The medications followed clinical guidelines. The efficacy of each arm was evaluated using questionnaires measuring depression, anxiety, and stress severity, as well as quality of life. Results There were no significant differences between arms (N e-CBT = 41; N Medication = 41; N Combination = 33) in the number of weeks completed or baseline scores. All arms showed improvements in anxiety scores after treatment. The medication and combination arms improved depression scores. The e-CBT and Combination arms improved quality of life, and the combination arm improved stress scores. There were no differences between the groups in depression, anxiety, or stress scores post-treatment. However, the combination arm had a significantly larger improvement in quality of life. Gender and treatment arm were not predictors of dropout, whereas younger age was. Conclusion Incorporating e-CBT on its own or in combination with pharmaceutical interventions is a viable option for treating GAD. Treating GAD with e-CBT or medication appears to offer significant improvements in symptoms, with no meaningful difference between the two. Combining the treatments also offer significant improvements, while not necessarily superior to either independently. The findings suggest that all options are viable. Taking the patient's preferred treatment route based on their lifestyle, personality, and beliefs into account when deciding on treatment should be a priority for care providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callum Stephenson
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Elnaz Moghimi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Yijia Shao
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anchan Kumar
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Caitlin S. Yee
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Shadé Miller
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Anthi Stefatos
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Maedeh Gholamzadehmir
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Zara Abbaspour
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Jasleen Jagayat
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Amirhossein Shirazi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- OPTT Inc., Digital Media Zone, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tessa Gizzarelli
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Gilmar Gutierrez
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Ferwa Khan
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Charmy Patel
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Archana Patel
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Megan Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Mohsen Omrani
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- OPTT Inc., Digital Media Zone, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nazanin Alavi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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11
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Freeston MH. What if we have too many models of worry and GAD? Behav Cogn Psychother 2023; 51:559-578. [PMID: 37183586 DOI: 10.1017/s1352465822000649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mark H Freeston
- School of Psychology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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12
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Dold M, Bartova L, Volz HP, Seifritz E, Möller HJ, Schläfke S, Kasper S. Efficacy of Silexan in patients with anxiety disorders: a meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2023; 273:1615-1628. [PMID: 36717399 PMCID: PMC10465640 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-022-01547-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We report on a meta-analysis of Silexan, a proprietary active substance produced from Lavandula angustifolia, in subthreshold anxiety, mixed anxiety and depressive disorder (MADD), and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). METHODS The present analyses are based on all currently completed 5 double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials investigating Silexan in adult out-patients who received Silexan 1 × 80 mg/day or placebo for ten weeks according to random assignment (n = 1213). Efficacy was assessed based on the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), several anxiety self-rating scales, the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale, and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) health status questionnaire. RESULTS After ten weeks' treatment, Silexan was significantly superior to placebo in reducing the HAMA total score (including the psychic and somatic anxiety sub-scores) and self-rated anxiety. Based on a ≥ 50% HAMA total score reduction, the responder rate ratio was 1.34 favoring Silexan, and the rate ratio of subjects much or very much improved according to the CGI was 1.51. Silexan was also significantly superior in improving the physical and mental health summary scores of the SF-36. There were no significant between-group differences concerning the occurrence of adverse events (AEs), serious AEs, and premature withdrawal due to AEs. CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis demonstrates that Silexan exerts significant anxiolytic effects in subthreshold anxiety, GAD and MADD that were consistently reflected in investigator ratings and patient-reported outcomes, including improvement of health-related life-quality, while showing favorable tolerability and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Dold
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lucie Bartova
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hans-Peter Volz
- Hospital for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine Schloss Werneck, Balthasar-Neumann-Platz 1, 97440, Werneck, Germany
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hans-Jürgen Möller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Nußbaumstraße 7, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Sandra Schläfke
- Dr. Willmar Schwabe GmbH & Co. KG, Willmar-Schwabe-Straße 4, 76227, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Siegfried Kasper
- Center of Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 4, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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13
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Seegan PL, Miller MJ, Heliste JL, Fathi L, McGuire JF. Efficacy of stand-alone digital mental health applications for anxiety and depression: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 164:171-183. [PMID: 37352813 PMCID: PMC10527200 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anxiety and depressive disorders affect 20% of the population, cause functional impairment, and represent a leading cause of disability. Although evidence-based treatments exist, the shortage of trained clinicians and high demand for mental health services have resulted in limited access to evidence-based care. Digital mental health applications (DMHA) present innovative, scalable, and sustainable solutions to address disparities in mental health care. METHODS The present study used meta-analytic techniques to evaluate the therapeutic effect of DMHAs in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for individuals experiencing anxiety and/or depressive symptoms. Search terms were selected based on concepts related to digital mental health applications, mental health/wellness, intervention type, trial design, and anxiety and/or depression symptoms/diagnosis outcomes to capture all potentially eligible results. Potential demographic, DMHA, and trial design characteristics were examined as moderators of therapeutic effects. RESULTS Random effects meta-analyses found that stand-alone DMHAs produced a modest reduction in anxiety (g = 0.31) and depressive (g = 0.35) symptom severity. Several moderators influenced the therapeutic effects of DMHAs for anxiety and/or depressive symptoms including treatment duration, participant inclusion criteria, and outcome measures. LIMITATIONS Minimal information was available on DMHA usability and participant engagement with DMHAs within RCTs. CONCLUSIONS While DMHAs have the potential to be scalable and sustainable solutions to improve access and availability of evidence-based mental healthcare, moderator analyses highlight the considerations for implementation of DMHAs in practice. Further research is needed to understand factors that influence therapeutic effects of DMHAs and investigate strategies to optimize its implementation and overcome the extant research-to-practice gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige L Seegan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael J Miller
- Mid-Atlantic Permanente Research Institute, Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States, Rockville, MD, USA; Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer L Heliste
- Mid-Atlantic Permanente Research Institute, Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States, Rockville, MD, USA; Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Lily Fathi
- Mid-Atlantic Permanente Research Institute, Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States, Rockville, MD, USA; Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Joseph F McGuire
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Benjet C, Zainal NH, Albor Y, Alvis-Barranco L, Carrasco-Tapias N, Contreras-Ibáñez CC, Cudris-Torres L, de la Peña FR, González N, Guerrero-López JB, Gutierrez-Garcia RA, Jiménez-Peréz AL, Medina-Mora ME, Patiño P, Cuijpers P, Gildea SM, Kazdin AE, Kennedy CJ, Luedtke A, Sampson NA, Petukhova MV, Kessler RC. A Precision Treatment Model for Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety and Depression Among University Students: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry 2023; 80:768-777. [PMID: 37285133 PMCID: PMC10248814 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2023.1675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Importance Guided internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (i-CBT) is a low-cost way to address high unmet need for anxiety and depression treatment. Scalability could be increased if some patients were helped as much by self-guided i-CBT as guided i-CBT. Objective To develop an individualized treatment rule using machine learning methods for guided i-CBT vs self-guided i-CBT based on a rich set of baseline predictors. Design, Setting, and Participants This prespecified secondary analysis of an assessor-blinded, multisite randomized clinical trial of guided i-CBT, self-guided i-CBT, and treatment as usual included students in Colombia and Mexico who were seeking treatment for anxiety (defined as a 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder [GAD-7] score of ≥10) and/or depression (defined as a 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-9] score of ≥10). Study recruitment was from March 1 to October 26, 2021. Initial data analysis was conducted from May 23 to October 26, 2022. Interventions Participants were randomized to a culturally adapted transdiagnostic i-CBT that was guided (n = 445), self-guided (n = 439), or treatment as usual (n = 435). Main Outcomes and Measures Remission of anxiety (GAD-7 scores of ≤4) and depression (PHQ-9 scores of ≤4) 3 months after baseline. Results The study included 1319 participants (mean [SD] age, 21.4 [3.2] years; 1038 women [78.7%]; 725 participants [55.0%] came from Mexico). A total of 1210 participants (91.7%) had significantly higher mean (SE) probabilities of joint remission of anxiety and depression with guided i-CBT (51.8% [3.0%]) than with self-guided i-CBT (37.8% [3.0%]; P = .003) or treatment as usual (40.0% [2.7%]; P = .001). The remaining 109 participants (8.3%) had low mean (SE) probabilities of joint remission of anxiety and depression across all groups (guided i-CBT: 24.5% [9.1%]; P = .007; self-guided i-CBT: 25.4% [8.8%]; P = .004; treatment as usual: 31.0% [9.4%]; P = .001). All participants with baseline anxiety had nonsignificantly higher mean (SE) probabilities of anxiety remission with guided i-CBT (62.7% [5.9%]) than the other 2 groups (self-guided i-CBT: 50.2% [6.2%]; P = .14; treatment as usual: 53.0% [6.0%]; P = .25). A total of 841 of 1177 participants (71.5%) with baseline depression had significantly higher mean (SE) probabilities of depression remission with guided i-CBT (61.5% [3.6%]) than the other 2 groups (self-guided i-CBT: 44.3% [3.7%]; P = .001; treatment as usual: 41.8% [3.2%]; P < .001). The other 336 participants (28.5%) with baseline depression had nonsignificantly higher mean (SE) probabilities of depression remission with self-guided i-CBT (54.4% [6.0%]) than guided i-CBT (39.8% [5.4%]; P = .07). Conclusions and Relevance Guided i-CBT yielded the highest probabilities of remission of anxiety and depression for most participants; however, these differences were nonsignificant for anxiety. Some participants had the highest probabilities of remission of depression with self-guided i-CBT. Information about this variation could be used to optimize allocation of guided and self-guided i-CBT in resource-constrained settings. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04780542.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina Benjet
- Center for Global Mental Health, National Institute of Psychiatry Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Nur Hani Zainal
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yesica Albor
- Center for Global Mental Health, National Institute of Psychiatry Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | | | - Lorena Cudris-Torres
- Programa de Psicología, Fundación Universitaria del Area Andina, Valledupar, Colombia
| | - Francisco R. de la Peña
- Unidad de Fomento a la Investigacion, Direccion de Servicios Clínicos, National Institute of Psychiatry Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Noé González
- Center for Global Mental Health, National Institute of Psychiatry Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | - Ana Lucía Jiménez-Peréz
- Facultad de Ciencias Administrativas y Sociales, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Ensenada, Mexico
| | - Maria Elena Medina-Mora
- Center for Global Mental Health, National Institute of Psychiatry Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Pamela Patiño
- Center for Global Mental Health, National Institute of Psychiatry Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Pim Cuijpers
- Department of Clinical, Neuro-, and Developmental Psychology, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sarah M. Gildea
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alan E. Kazdin
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Chris J. Kennedy
- Center for Precision Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alex Luedtke
- Department of Statistics, University of Washington, Seattle
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Nancy A. Sampson
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Maria V. Petukhova
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ronald C. Kessler
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Strand ER, Hjemdal O, Anyan F, Nordahl H, Nordahl HM. Change in interpersonal problems and metacognitive beliefs as predictors of improvement in patients with generalized anxiety disorder. Clin Psychol Psychother 2023; 30:842-851. [PMID: 36797996 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent worry and anxiety, often with a chronic course. We tested the role of two suggested underlying factors in GAD, interpersonal problems and negative metacognitive beliefs, as predictors of trait-worry and trait-anxiety. METHODS The sample consisted of 56 patients with a primary diagnosis of GAD from a randomized controlled trial. We first estimated the proportion of variance lying between the higher level of the data structure to account for potential therapists' effects. Two hierarchical regression analyses were conducted testing change in interpersonal problems and negative metacognitive beliefs as predictors of change in trait-worry and trait-anxiety following treatment. Change in depression and anxiety symptoms was controlled. RESULTS Change in negative metacognitive beliefs was the strongest predictor of improvement of both trait-worry and trait-anxiety. Change in interpersonal problems was not a unique predictor of change in trait-worry but did make a significant and unique contribution to trait-anxiety. CONCLUSIONS Negative metacognitive beliefs may be important targets to improve trait-worry and trait-anxiety in GAD. Interpersonal problems may be relevant for trait-anxiety but could also be a surface marker of higher order vulnerability factors. Implications for treatment are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eivind R Strand
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Nidaros DPS, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Odin Hjemdal
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Frederick Anyan
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Henrik Nordahl
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Hans M Nordahl
- Østmarka, Division of Psychiatry, St. Olav's Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Mental Health, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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16
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Minhas M, Lunn SE. Naturalistic examination of the anxiolytic effects of medical cannabis and associated gender and age differences in a Canadian cohort. J Cannabis Res 2023; 5:20. [PMID: 37296470 DOI: 10.1186/s42238-023-00192-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of the current study was to examine patterns of medical cannabis use in those using it to treat anxiety and to investigate if the anxiolytic effects of cannabis were impacted by gender and/or age. METHODS Patient-reported data (n = 184 participants, 61% female, 34.7 ± 8.0 years) was collected through the Strainprint® app. Tracked sessions were included if the method of administration was inhalation, treatment was for anxiety and the product used was dried flower. The final analyzed dataset encompassed three of the most commonly utilized dried flower products in anxiety sessions. Independent sample t-tests were used. The core analysis examined within subject changes overtime (pre-medication to post-medication) and interactions between time with two candidate moderators [gender (male, female) and age (18-29, 30-39, and 40 + years old)] by using analysis of variance (ANOVA). For significant main effects of interactions, post hoc tests were conducted using a Bonferroni correction. A secondary analysis examined differences in proportion of emotives endorsed as a function of gender or age using chi-square test of independence. RESULTS Cannabis consumption resulted in a significant decrease in anxiety scores among both males and females (average efficacy of 50%) and efficacy was similar across the three cultivars. However, gender differences in efficacy were identified in two of the cultivars. All age groups experienced significant reductions in their anxiety post cannabis consumption; however, the 40 + year old group had significantly less efficacy than the other groups. The overall optimal dosing for the entire cohort was 9-11 inhalations for males and 5-7 inhalations for females, with some variation in dosing across the different cultivars, genders and age groups. CONCLUSIONS We found all three cultivars had significant anxiolytic effects and were well-tolerated. Some limitations of the study are the moderate sample size, self-reported diagnosis of anxiety, unknown comorbidities and experience with cannabis, whether other drugs or cannabis products were used, and restriction to solely inhaled administration. We suggest that the gender and age differences in optimal dosing could support both healthcare practitioners and patients initiate medical cannabis treatment for anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenu Minhas
- Aurora Cannabis Inc, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Aurora Cannabis Inc, 1590 Galbraith Rd, BC, V9M 4A1, Comox, Canada
| | - Stephanie E Lunn
- Aurora Cannabis Inc, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
- Aurora Cannabis Inc, 1590 Galbraith Rd, BC, V9M 4A1, Comox, Canada.
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17
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Treatment and Management of Mental Health Conditions During Pregnancy and Postpartum: ACOG Clinical Practice Guideline No. 5. Obstet Gynecol 2023; 141:1262-1288. [PMID: 37486661 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000005202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the evidence regarding safety and efficacy of psychiatric medications to treat mental health conditions during pregnancy and lactation. The conditions reviewed include depression, anxiety and anxiety-related disorders, bipolar disorder, and acute psychosis. For information on screening and diagnosis, refer to American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Clinical Practice Guideline Number 4, "Screening and Diagnosis of Mental Health Conditions During Pregnancy and Postpartum" (1). TARGET POPULATION Pregnant or postpartum individuals with mental health conditions with onset that may have predated the perinatal period or may have occurred for the first time in pregnancy or the first year postpartum or may have been exacerbated in that time. METHODS This guideline was developed using an a priori protocol in conjunction with a writing team consisting of one specialist in obstetrics and gynecology and one maternal-fetal medicine subspecialist appointed by the ACOG Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines-Obstetrics and two external subject matter experts. ACOG medical librarians completed a comprehensive literature search for primary literature within Cochrane Library, Cochrane Collaboration Registry of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, PubMed, and MEDLINE. Studies that moved forward to the full-text screening stage were assessed by two authors from the writing team based on standardized inclusion and exclusion criteria. Included studies underwent quality assessment, and a modified GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) evidence-to-decision framework was applied to interpret and translate the evidence into recommendation statements. RECOMMENDATIONS This Clinical Practice Guideline includes recommendations on treatment and management of perinatal mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, and acute postpartum psychosis, with a focus on psychopharmacotherapy. Recommendations are classified by strength and evidence quality. Ungraded Good Practice Points are included to provide guidance when a formal recommendation could not be made because of inadequate or nonexistent evidence.
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Wilson EJ, Abbott MJ, Norton AR. The impact of psychological treatment on intolerance of uncertainty in generalized anxiety disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Anxiety Disord 2023; 97:102729. [PMID: 37271039 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2023.102729] [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: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Research has demonstrated a strong link between intolerance of uncertainty and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The current systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate how effective evidence-based psychological treatments are at reducing intolerance of uncertainty for adults with GAD. An extensive literature search identified 26 eligible studies, with a total of 1199 participants with GAD. Psychological treatments (k = 32 treatment groups) yielded large significant within-group effect size from pre- to post-treatment and pre-treatment to follow-up for intolerance of uncertainty (g = 0.88; g = 1.05), as well as related symptoms including worry (g = 1.32; g = 1.45), anxiety (g = 0.94; g = 1.04) and depression (g = 0.96; g = 1.00). Psychological treatment also yielded a large significant between-group effect on intolerance of uncertainty (g = 1.35). Subgroups analysis found that CBT that directly targeted intolerance of uncertainty (CBT-IU) throughout treatment was significantly more effective than general CBT at reducing intolerance of uncertainty (p < 0.01) and worry (p < 0.01) from pre- to post treatment, however, this result was not maintained at follow-up. Meta-regression analyses supported this finding as increases in the amount of time spent directly targeting intolerance of uncertainty, significantly increased the effect size for both intolerance of uncertainty (z = 2.01, p < 0.01) and worry (z = 2.23, p < 0.01). Overall, these findings indicate that psychological treatments are effective at reducing IU, and related symptom measures of GAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Wilson
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Australia
| | - Maree J Abbott
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Australia.
| | - Alice R Norton
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Australia; School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Australia
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Forstmeier S, Zimmermann S, van der Hal E, Auerbach M, Kleinke K, Maercker A, Brom D. Effect of Life Review Therapy for Holocaust Survivors: A randomized controlled trial. J Trauma Stress 2023. [PMID: 37155933 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Despite the therapeutic needs of aging Holocaust survivors, no randomized controlled trial (RCT) of psychotherapy exists for this population, with very few on older adults in general. This RCT aimed to compare the efficacy of Life Review Therapy for Holocaust survivors (LRT-HS) relative to a supportive control group. Holocaust survivors with a probable diagnosis of full or subsyndromal posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depressive disorder were included. Exclusion criteria were probable dementia, acute psychotic disorder, and acute suicidality. The predefined primary endpoint was the course of PTSD symptom scores. In total, 49 of 79 consecutive individuals assessed for eligibility were randomized and included in the intent-to-treat analyses (LRT-HS: n = 24, control: n = 25; Mage = 81.5 years, SD = 4.81, 77.6% female). Linear mixed models revealed no statistically significant superiority of LRT-HS for PTSD symptoms at posttreatment, with moderate effect sizes, Time x Condition interaction: t(75) = 1.46, p = .148, dwithin = 0.70, dbetween = 0.41, but analyses were significant at follow-up, with large effect sizes, t(79) = 2.89, p = .005, dwithin = 1.20, dbetween = 1.00. LRT-HS superiority for depression was observed at posttreatment, t(73) = 2.58, p = .012, but not follow-up, t(76) = 1.08, p = .282, with moderate effect sizes, dwithin = 0.46-0.60, dbetween = 0.53-0.70. The findings show that even in older age, PTSD and depression following exposure to multiple traumatic childhood events can be treated efficaciously using an age-appropriate treatment that includes structured life review and narrative exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Forstmeier
- Department of Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Clinical Psychology of the Lifespan, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany
| | - Sarah Zimmermann
- Department of Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Clinical Psychology of the Lifespan, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany
| | - Elisheva van der Hal
- AMCHA, The National Israeli Center for Psychosocial Support of Survivors of the Holocaust and the Second Generation, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Martin Auerbach
- AMCHA, The National Israeli Center for Psychosocial Support of Survivors of the Holocaust and the Second Generation, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Kristian Kleinke
- Department of Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Clinical Psychology of the Lifespan, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany
| | - Andreas Maercker
- Department of Psychology, Psychopathology and Clinical Interventions, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Danny Brom
- Metiv, The Israel Psychotrauma Center, Jerusalem, Israel
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Hartson KR, Hall LA, Choate SA. Stressors and resilience are associated with well-being in young adult college students. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2023; 71:821-829. [PMID: 34280317 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2021.1908309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Objective: The purposes were to describe stressors and resilience behaviors of college students and examine the relationships among stressors, resilience, and well-being. Hypothesis: Resilience will modify the relationship between stressors and well-being. Participants: The sample included 1,010 college students, ages 18-26, from an urban Midwestern university. Methods: A secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from an anonymous survey was conducted using multiple regression and simple slopes analysis. Results: Resilience did not modify the relationship between stressors and well-being. Stressors (β = -.44, p < .0001) and resilience (β = .33, p < .0001) accounted for 42% of the variance in well-being (adjusted R2 = .42, F2,999 = 365.98, p < .0001). The most frequently endorsed stressors were sleep problems, anxiety, and relationships. Conclusions: Stressors and resilience warrant special attention in the allocation of resources and development of programs to improve student well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lynne A Hall
- School of Nursing, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Sara A Choate
- School of Nursing, Campus Health Services, Division of Health Promotion, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
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Parish AL, Gillis B, Anthamatten A. Pharmacotherapy for Depression and Anxiety in the Primary Care Setting. J Nurse Pract 2023; 19:104556. [PMID: 36855373 PMCID: PMC9951804 DOI: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2023.104556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of mental health disorders is rising with the coronavirus of 2019 pandemic, and millions of Americans reside in areas with mental health professional shortages. Primary care providers have an opportunity to provide care for commonly occurring mental health disorders. Using a holistic conceptualization of recovery in mental illness, this report provides evidence-based guidance for initiation, titration, and discontinuation of pharmacotherapy for mild to moderate depression and anxiety in the primary care setting. The use of measurement-based care, selection of appropriate class and agent for individual candidates, and patient education are addressed. Best practices for troubleshooting, titration, and referral are discussed.
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22
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Psychological interventions for generalized anxiety disorder: Effects and predictors in a naturalistic outpatient setting. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282902. [PMID: 36897860 PMCID: PMC10004605 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrate the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), metacognitive therapy (MCT), and methods to reduce intolerance of uncertainty (IU-CBT) in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). However, few studies have investigated these treatments under conditions of routine clinical care. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of psychotherapy for GAD in an outpatient setting and to identify factors influencing treatment outcome. METHODS Fifty-nine GAD patients received naturalistic CBT (including MCT and IU-CBT) in an outpatient clinic and postgraduate training center for psychotherapy. Patients completed self-report questionnaires at the beginning and end of therapy regarding the main outcome worry as well as metacognitions, intolerance of uncertainty, depression, and general psychopathology. RESULTS Worry, negative metacognitions, intolerance of uncertainty, depression, and general psychopathology decreased significantly (p's < .001) with large effect sizes for all symptoms (d = 0.83-1.49). A reliable change in the main outcome worry was observed in 80% of patients, and recovery occurred in 23%. Higher worry scores at posttreatment were predicted by higher pretreatment scores, female sex, and less change in negative metacognitive beliefs during treatment. CONCLUSIONS Naturalistic CBT for GAD appears to be effective in routine clinical care for worry as well as depressive symptoms, with particular benefits associated with altering negative metacognitions. However, a recovery rate of only 23% is lower than the rates reported in RCTs. Treatment needs to be improved, especially for patients with more severe GAD and for women.
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23
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Gallo AT, Addis S, Martyn V, Ramanathan H, Wilkerson GK, Bennett KS, Hood SD, Stampfer H, Hulse GK. The role of flumazenil in generalised anxiety disorder: a pilot naturalistic open-label study with a focus on treatment resistance. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2023; 13:20451253231156400. [PMID: 36937113 PMCID: PMC10021101 DOI: 10.1177/20451253231156400] [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: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent and chronic disorders with treatment resistance to current pharmacotherapies occurring in approximately one in three patients. It has been postulated that flumazenil (FMZ) is efficacious in the management of anxiety disorders via the removal of α4β2δ gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptors. Objective To assess the safety and feasibility of continuous low-dose FMZ infusions for the management of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and collect preliminary efficacy data. Design Uncontrolled, open-label pilot study. Method Participants had a primary diagnosis of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and received two consecutive subcutaneous continuous low-dose FMZ infusions. Each infusion contained 16 mg of FMZ and was delivered over 96 ± 19.2 h. The total dose of FMZ delivered was 32 mg over approximately 8 days. Sodium valproate was given to participants at risk of seizure. The primary outcome was the change in stress and anxiety subscale scores on the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 between baseline, day 8, and day 28. Results Nine participants with a primary diagnosis of GAD were treated with subcutaneous continuous low-dose FMZ infusions; seven participants met the criteria for treatment resistance. There was a significant decrease in anxiety and stress between baseline and day 8 and baseline and day 28. There was also a significant improvement in subjective sleep quality from baseline to day 28 measured by the Jenkins Sleep Scale. No serious adverse events occurred. Conclusion This study presents preliminary results for subcutaneous continuous low-dose FMZ's effectiveness and safety in GAD. The findings suggest that it is a safe, well-tolerated, and feasible treatment option in this group of patients. Future randomised control trials are needed in this field to determine the efficacy of this treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen Addis
- Fresh Start Recovery Programme, Subiaco, WA,
Australia
| | - Vlad Martyn
- Fresh Start Recovery Programme, Subiaco, WA,
Australia
| | - Hishani Ramanathan
- Division of Psychiatry, Medical School, The
University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Grace K Wilkerson
- Division of Psychiatry, Medical School, The
University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Kellie S Bennett
- Division of Psychiatry, Medical School, The
University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Sean D Hood
- Division of Psychiatry, Medical School, The
University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Hans Stampfer
- Division of Psychiatry, Medical School, The
University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Gary K Hulse
- Division of Psychiatry, Medical School, The
University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith
Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- Fresh Start Recovery Programme, Subiaco, WA,
Australia
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24
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The Italian consensus conference on psychological therapies for anxiety and depressive disorders: findings and recommendations. Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci 2022; 31:e89. [PMID: 36511136 PMCID: PMC9762139 DOI: 10.1017/s2045796022000713] [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: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A Consensus Conference of clinicians, researchers, public health specialists and users was convened in Italy to review efficacy, effectiveness, treatment appropriateness and access to care for anxiety and depression, and to consider the role of psychological therapies. Expert opinion was sought concerning identification of people requiring psychological therapies according to levels of symptom severity matched to corresponding levels of treatment intensity, suitability of psychological therapies for subclinical anxiety or depression, definition of a minimum level of information on evidence-based psychotherapies to be provided by university medical and psychology courses, initiatives to raise awareness among potential users and decision makers on the role and effectiveness of psychological therapies in healthcare. The expert jury concluded that a number of psychological therapy models endorsed by most authoritative guidelines are supported by research showing their effectiveness at least equal to the drugs used in common mental disorders (CMDs). Such therapies are under-represented in the Italian public health system, leading many people to resort to the private sector, resulting in unacceptable wealth discrimination. The difficulty of accessing psychological treatments often entails the use of drug therapies in cases where they are not indicated. Starting from these assumptions, the experts recommended the promotion of better and timely recognition of anxiety and depressive disorders and their classification in terms of symptom intensity and functional impairment, differentiating subthreshold mood swings from clinical forms, to foster outcome studies of psychotherapies in CMDs in Italy, to introduce a stepped care model structured according to levels of intensity of treatment, based on wellbeing support strategies in nonmedical contexts for subthreshold situations, self-help, support and psychoeducation as frontline interventions in mild clinical forms, evidence-based psychotherapies in moderate and severe forms, with the option of combining psychological treatment and appropriate drug therapy in the most severe cases.
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Patients' symptoms and strengths as predictors of long-term outcomes of CBT for generalized anxiety disorder - A three-level, multi-predictor analysis. J Anxiety Disord 2022; 92:102635. [PMID: 36201995 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2022.102635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Although cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), GAD often shows a chronic clinical course and common deterioration after treatment. Many trials have examined the efficacy of treatments in GAD, but little is known about intake predictors of long-term treatment outcomes. This study examined potential predictors of long-term treatment outcomes based on the individual's symptom severity and strengths (behavioral, cognitive, interpersonal) at intake. Long-term outcomes were defined as worry at six-month follow-up (six-m FU) and worry decrease from intake and post-treatment to six-m FU. Data from 137 CBT outpatients with a GAD diagnosis from two randomized clinical trials were analyzed using three-level hierarchical linear modeling. Results revealed that worrying decreased up to the six-m FU. In single-predictor models, intake symptom severity and strength measures predicted worry at the six-m FU. In multi-predictor models, only behavioral strengths remained a significant predictor. Worry decrease from intake to the six-m FU was only predicted by behavioral strengths. These findings provide relevant information about intake predictors of long-term outcomes after CBT for GAD and underscore the potential relevance of assessing patients' strengths for clinical practice.
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26
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Kausto J, Gluschkoff K, Turunen J, Selinheimo S, Peutere L, Väänänen A. Psychotherapy and change in mental health-related work disability: a prospective Finnish population-level register-based study with a quasi-experimental design. J Epidemiol Community Health 2022; 76:jech-2022-218941. [PMID: 36113989 PMCID: PMC9554072 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2022-218941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental disorders are a major cause of work disability among the working-age population. Psychotherapy has shown to be an effective treatment for mental disorders, but the evidence is mainly based on small-scale randomised trials with relatively short follow-ups. We used population-based register data to examine the association between statutory rehabilitative psychotherapy and change in depression or anxiety-related work disability. METHODS We drew a nationally representative sample of the working-age population (aged 18-55 in 2010). The study group comprised all those who started rehabilitative psychotherapy in 2011-2014. A total of 10 436 participants who were followed from 3 years prior to 4 years after the onset of rehabilitative psychotherapy. This resulted in 83 488 observations. The annual total number of mental health-related work disability months (0 to 12) was calculated from the total number of annual compensated sickness absence and disability pension days. A quasi-experimental interrupted time series analysis was applied. RESULTS The onset of rehabilitative psychotherapy marked a decline in work disability in comparison to the counterfactual trend. Specifically, a 20% decrease in the level (incidence rate ratio, IRR 0.80; 95% CI 0.76 to 0.85) and a 48% decrease in the slope (IRR 0.52; 95% CI 0.50 to 0.54) of work disability were detected in comparison to the counterfactual scenario. No significant gender differences were observed. The decline in work disability was the steepest in the oldest age group. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that statutory psychotherapy may decrease work disability at the population level. However, further evidence of causal inference and the potential heterogeneity of the association is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Kausto
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kia Gluschkoff
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jarno Turunen
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Laura Peutere
- School of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Ari Väänänen
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
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Newman MG, Basterfield C, Erickson TM, Caulley E, Przeworski A, Llera SJ. Psychotherapeutic treatments for generalized anxiety disorder: cognitive and behavioral therapies, enhancement strategies, and emerging efforts. Expert Rev Neurother 2022; 22:751-770. [PMID: 36107159 PMCID: PMC9754763 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2022.2125800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is common and disabling. Different versions of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) have been tested, but no treatment works for everyone. Therefore, researchers have attempted approaches to enhance CBT. AREAS COVERED The current narrative review examines meta-analyses and individual trials of CBT-based treatments for GAD. We focus on CBT and its cognitive and behavioral components as well as efforts to enhance CBT and its dissemination and generalizability. Enhancement efforts included interpersonal and emotional processing therapy, mindfulness-based CBT, emotion regulation therapy, intolerance of uncertainty therapy, the unified protocol, metacognitive therapy, motivational interviewing, and contrast avoidance targeted treatment. Emerging strategies to enhance dissemination have focused on technologically based treatments. Attempts at generalizability have included examination of efficacy within diverse racial and ethnic groups. EXPERT OPINION We conclude that CBT is efficacious, and a number of enhancement efforts have shown some promise in improving upon CBT in single trials. However, more research is needed, particularly efforts to determine which enhancements work best for which individuals and what are the mechanisms of change. Furthermore, few technological interventions have been compared to active treatments. Finally, much more attention needs to be paid to ethnic and racial diversity in randomized controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle G Newman
- Department of Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, Park, PA, USA
| | | | - Thane M Erickson
- Department of Psychology, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Evan Caulley
- Department of Psychology, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Amy Przeworski
- Department of Psychology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Sandra J Llera
- Department of Psychology, Towson University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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28
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Bondar J, Babich Morrow C, Gueorguieva R, Brown M, Hawrilenko M, Krystal JH, Corlett PR, Chekroud AM. Clinical and Financial Outcomes Associated With a Workplace Mental Health Program Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2216349. [PMID: 35679044 PMCID: PMC9185188 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.16349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Investment in workplace wellness programs is increasing despite concerns about lack of clinical benefit and return on investment (ROI). In contrast, outcomes from workplace mental health programs, which treat mental health difficulties more directly, remain mostly unknown. OBJECTIVE To determine whether participation in an employer-sponsored mental health benefit was associated with improvements in depression and anxiety, workplace productivity, and ROI as well as to examine factors associated with clinical improvement. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cohort study included participants in a US workplace mental health program implemented by 66 employers across 40 states from January 1, 2018, to January 1, 2021. Participants were employees who enrolled in the mental health benefit program and had at least moderate anxiety or depression, at least 1 appointment, and at least 2 outcome assessments. INTERVENTION A digital platform that screened individuals for common mental health conditions and provided access to self-guided digital content, care navigation, and video and in-person psychotherapy and/or medication management. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Primary outcomes were the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for depression (range, 0-27) score and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (range, 0-21) score. The ROI was calculated by comparing the cost of treatment to salary costs for time out of the workplace due to mental health symptoms, measured with the Sheehan Disability Scale. Data were collected through 6 months of follow-up and analyzed using mixed-effects regression. RESULTS A total of 1132 participants (520 of 724 who reported gender [71.8%] were female; mean [SD] age, 32.9 [8.8] years) were included. Participants reported improvements from pretreatment to posttreatment in depression (b = -6.34; 95% CI, -6.76 to -5.91; Cohen d = -1.11; 95% CI, -1.18 to -1.03) and anxiety (b = -6.28; 95% CI, -6.77 to -5.91; Cohen d = -1.21; 95% CI, -1.30 to -1.13). Symptom change per log-day of treatment was similar post-COVID-19 vs pre-COVID-19 for depression (b = 0.14; 95% CI, -0.10 to 0.38) and anxiety (b = 0.08; 95% CI, -0.22 to 0.38). Workplace salary savings at 6 months at the federal median wage was US $3440 (95% CI, $2730-$4151) with positive ROI across all wage groups. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Results of this cohort study suggest that an employer-sponsored workplace mental health program was associated with large clinical effect sizes for employees and positive financial ROI for employers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Bondar
- Spring Health, Spring Care Inc, New York, New York
| | | | - Ralitza Gueorguieva
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
| | | | | | - John H. Krystal
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Philip R. Corlett
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Adam M. Chekroud
- Spring Health, Spring Care Inc, New York, New York
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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Cotter TG, Beresford T. Treatment of Mental Health in Patients With Chronic Liver Disease. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2022; 20:57-60. [PMID: 36033423 PMCID: PMC9405486 DOI: 10.1002/cld.1200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Content available: Author Interview and Audio Recording.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas G. Cotter
- Division of Digestive and Liver DiseasesUT Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTX
| | - Thomas Beresford
- Laboratory for Clinical and Translational Research in PsychiatryMental Health ServiceRocky Mountain Regional VA Medical CenterAuroraCO,Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraCO
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30
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Fernández-Rodríguez C, Coto-Lesmes R, Martínez-Loredo V, González-Fernández S, Cuesta M. Is Activation the Active Ingredient of Transdiagnostic Therapies? A Randomized Clinical Trial of Behavioral Activation, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Transdiagnostic Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Emotional Disorders. Behav Modif 2022; 47:3-45. [DOI: 10.1177/01454455221083309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Studying the usefulness of contextual and cognitive transdiagnostic therapies calls for an analysis of both their differential efficacy and their specificity when acting on the transdiagnostic conditions on which they focus. This controlled trial compares the post-treatment and 3- and 6-month follow-up effects of Behavioral Activation (BA), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive-Behavioral Transdiagnostic Therapy (TD-CBT) on emotional symptomatology, and analyses the role played by Experiential Avoidance, Cognitive Fusion, Activation and Emotion Regulation in the clinical change. One hundred twenty-eight patients who fulfilled diagnostic criteria for anxiety and/or depression (intention-to-treat sample) were randomly assigned to three experimental group-treatment conditions (BA, n = 34; ACT, n = 27; TD-CBT n = 33) and one control group (WL, n = 34). Ninety-nine (77.34%) completed the treatment (per-protocol sample). In the post-treatment, all therapies reduced anxiety and depression symptomatology. In the follow-ups, the reduction in emotional symptomatology was greater in the condition which produced greater and more prolonged effects on Activation. Activation appears to be the principal condition in modifying all the transdiagnostic patterns and BA was the most efficacious and specific treatment. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04117464. Raw data are available online http://dx.doi.org/10.17632/krj3w2hfsj.1 .
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Ritola V, Lipsanen JO, Pihlaja S, Gummerus EM, Stenberg JH, Saarni S, Joffe G. Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Nationwide Routine Care: Effectiveness Study. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e29384. [PMID: 35323119 PMCID: PMC8990365 DOI: 10.2196/29384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Therapist-supported, internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) is efficacious for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), but few studies are yet to report its effectiveness in routine care. Objective In this study, we aim to examine whether a new 12-session iCBT program for GAD is effective in nationwide routine care. Methods We administered a specialized, clinic-delivered, therapist-supported iCBT for GAD in 1099 physician-referred patients. The program was free of charge for patients, and the completion time was not predetermined. We measured symptoms with web-based questionnaires. The primary measure of anxiety was the GAD 7-item scale (GAD-7); secondary measures were, for pathological worry, the Penn State Worry Questionnaire and, for anxiety and impairment, the Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Scale. Results Patients completed a mean 7.8 (SD 4.2; 65.1%) of 12 sessions, and 44.1% (485/1099) of patients completed all sessions. The effect size in the whole sample for GAD-7 was large (Cohen d=0.97, 95% CI 0.88-1.06). For completers, effect sizes were very large (Cohen d=1.34, 95% CI 1.25-1.53 for GAD-7; Cohen d=1.14, 95% CI 1.00-1.27 for Penn State Worry Questionnaire; and Cohen d=1.23, 95% CI 1.09-1.37 for Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Scale). Noncompleters also benefited from the treatment. Greater symptomatic GAD-7–measured relief was associated with more completed sessions, older age, and being referred from private or occupational care. Of the 894 patients with a baseline GAD-7 score ≥10, approximately 421 (47.1%) achieved reliable recovery. Conclusions This nationwide, free-of-charge, therapist-supported HUS Helsinki University Hospital–iCBT for GAD was effective in routine care, but further research must establish effectiveness against other treatments and optimize the design of iCBT for GAD for different patient groups and individual patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ville Ritola
- Department of Psychiatry, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jari Olavi Lipsanen
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Satu Pihlaja
- Department of Psychiatry, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eero-Matti Gummerus
- Department of Psychiatry, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jan-Henry Stenberg
- Department of Psychiatry, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Suoma Saarni
- Department of Psychiatry, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Grigori Joffe
- Department of Psychiatry, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Leichsenring F, Steinert C, Rabung S, Ioannidis JP. The efficacy of psychotherapies and pharmacotherapies for mental disorders in adults: an umbrella review and meta-analytic evaluation of recent meta-analyses. World Psychiatry 2022; 21:133-145. [PMID: 35015359 PMCID: PMC8751557 DOI: 10.1002/wps.20941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mental disorders represent a worldwide public health concern. Psychotherapies and pharmacotherapies are recommended as first line treatments. However, evidence has emerged that their efficacy may be overestimated, due to a variety of shortcomings in clinical trials (e.g., publication bias, weak control conditions such as waiting list). We performed an umbrella review of recent meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of psychotherapies and pharmacotherapies for the main mental disorders in adults. We selected meta-analyses that formally assessed risk of bias or quality of studies, excluded weak comparators, and used effect sizes for target symptoms as primary outcome. We searched PubMed and PsycINFO and individual records of the Cochrane Library for meta-analyses published between January 2014 and March 2021 comparing psychotherapies or pharmacotherapies with placebo or treatment-as-usual (TAU), or psychotherapies vs. pharmacotherapies head-to-head, or the combination of psychotherapy with pharmacotherapy to either monotherapy. One hundred and two meta-analyses, encompassing 3,782 RCTs and 650,514 patients, were included, covering depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, somatoform disorders, eating disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, substance use disorders, insomnia, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and bipolar disorder. Across disorders and treatments, the majority of effect sizes for target symptoms were small. A random effect meta-analytic evaluation of the effect sizes reported by the largest meta-analyses per disorder yielded a standardized mean difference (SMD) of 0.34 (95% CI: 0.26-0.42) for psychotherapies and 0.36 (95% CI: 0.32-0.41) for pharmacotherapies compared with placebo or TAU. The SMD for head-to-head comparisons of psychotherapies vs. pharmacotherapies was 0.11 (95% CI: -0.05 to 0.26). The SMD for the combined treatment compared with either monotherapy was 0.31 (95% CI: 0.19-0.44). Risk of bias was often high. After more than half a century of research, thousands of RCTs and millions of invested funds, the effect sizes of psychotherapies and pharmacotherapies for mental disorders are limited, suggesting a ceiling effect for treatment research as presently conducted. A paradigm shift in research seems to be required to achieve further progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Falk Leichsenring
- Department of Psychosomatics and PsychotherapyUniversity of GiessenGiessenGermany,Department of Psychosomatics and PsychotherapyUniversity of RostockRostockGermany
| | - Christiane Steinert
- Department of Psychosomatics and PsychotherapyUniversity of GiessenGiessenGermany,International Psychoanalytic UniversityBerlinGermany
| | - Sven Rabung
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of KlagenfurtKlagenfurtAustria
| | - John P.A. Ioannidis
- Department of MedicineStanford University School of MedicineStanfordCAUSA,Department of Epidemiology and Population HealthStanford University School of MedicineStanfordCAUSA,Department of Biomedical Data ScienceStanford University School of MedicineStanfordCAUSA
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33
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Egle UT, Bättig I, Neufeld J, Ballweg T, Cattapan K. Biopsychosoziale Therapie der generalisierten Angststörung. PSYCHOTHERAPEUT 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s00278-021-00567-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Raue PJ, Fridling N, Song J, Hull TD, Alexopoulos GS, Arean PA. Message-based psychotherapy for older adults: A cohort comparison study. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:951354. [PMID: 36090371 PMCID: PMC9453249 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.951354] [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] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Digital Mental Health Interventions (DMHI) can diminish inequities in mental health care provision. As DMHIs increase in popularity, however, older adults may be unintentionally excluded due to barriers such as lack of awareness, internet access, digital tools, technological socialization and education, physiological accessibility, and communication technology infrastructure. The aim of this study was to examine longitudinal treatment engagement patterns and 15-week clinical outcomes of depressed and anxious older adults compared to a matched cohort of younger adults seeking treatment from a large asynchronous telemedicine provider. METHODS The 2,470 older adults (55+ years) and a matched cohort of younger adults (26-35 years) diagnosed with depression or anxiety were treated by licensed therapists via messaging 5 days a week. Patterns of treatment engagement on the platform were compared across groups by examining total number of days in treatment, days actively messaging on the platform, and average words and messages per week sent by patients over the entire period they remained in treatment. Symptoms were assessed every 3 weeks using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and changes were compared across age groups over 15 weeks. RESULTS Older patients attended more days in treatment than younger patients, but there were no differences in number of days actively messaging on the platform, number of messages per week, or word count per week. The two age groups did not differ in their final anxiety or depressive symptoms when controlling for total number of weeks attended. Patients in the younger age group experienced a quicker rate of reduction than older adults in their anxiety, but not depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Among individuals willing to initiate care through a DMHI, older adults had overall similar engagement as younger adults and they showed similar improvement in symptoms of depression and anxiety. Given the advantages of message-based care for aiding a mental health workforce in serving larger numbers of individuals in need and the expected growth of the aging population, these findings could help healthcare systems in evaluating a variety of treatment options and delivery media for meeting the healthcare needs of the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Raue
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | | | - Jiyoung Song
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | | | - George S Alexopoulos
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, White Plains, NY, United States
| | - Patricia A Arean
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, United States
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Karyotaki E, Klein AM, Ciharova M, Bolinski F, Krijnen L, de Koning L, de Wit L, van der Heijde CM, Ebert DD, Riper H, Batelaan N, Vonk P, Auerbach RP, Kessler RC, Bruffaerts R, Struijs S, Wiers RW, Cuijpers P. Guided internet-based transdiagnostic individually tailored Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for symptoms of depression and/or anxiety in college students: A randomized controlled trial. Behav Res Ther 2022; 150:104028. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2021.104028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Green SM, Inness B, Furtado M, McCabe RE, Frey BN. Evaluation of an Augmented Cognitive Behavioural Group Therapy for Perinatal Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) during the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Clin Med 2021; 11:jcm11010209. [PMID: 35011950 PMCID: PMC8745906 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11010209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The perinatal period is considered a window of vulnerability given the increased risk of psychiatric difficulties during this time, such as mood and anxiety disorders (ADs). Pre-pandemic rates of ADs in perinatal women were one in five but have since increased with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic (COVID). In addition, recent research suggests that the focus of worry has shifted during the pandemic, with perinatal women reporting significantly more COVID-specific worries. The objective of this study was to augment our current evidence-based Cognitive Behavioural Group Therapy (CBGT) for perinatal anxiety protocol by targeting intolerance of uncertainty and tailoring existing strategies to address COVID-related worry and impact. Pregnant (n = 19) and postpartum (n = 49) women were recruited from regular clinic patient flow from a university-affiliated teaching hospital between September 2020 and March 2021. Improvements in generalized anxiety symptoms, worry, intolerance of uncertainty, and mood were observed at post-treatment, maintained at 3-months, and the intervention received high ratings of treatment satisfaction. This is the first study to examine an augmented CBGT for perinatal women with GAD during the pandemic and supports the inclusion of strategies that target intolerance of uncertainty as well as specific pandemic and perinatal worry content for effective outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheryl M. Green
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3K7, Canada; (R.E.M.); (B.N.F.)
- Women’s Health Concerns Clinic, St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Hamilton, ON L8N 3K7, Canada; (B.I.); (M.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-905-522-1155 (ext. 33672)
| | - Briar Inness
- Women’s Health Concerns Clinic, St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Hamilton, ON L8N 3K7, Canada; (B.I.); (M.F.)
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3K7, Canada
| | - Melissa Furtado
- Women’s Health Concerns Clinic, St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Hamilton, ON L8N 3K7, Canada; (B.I.); (M.F.)
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3K7, Canada
| | - Randi E. McCabe
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3K7, Canada; (R.E.M.); (B.N.F.)
- Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic, St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Hamilton, ON L8N 3K7, Canada
| | - Benicio N. Frey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3K7, Canada; (R.E.M.); (B.N.F.)
- Women’s Health Concerns Clinic, St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Hamilton, ON L8N 3K7, Canada; (B.I.); (M.F.)
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Cognitive Behavior Therapy Targeting Intolerance of Uncertainty Versus Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial. BEHAVIOUR CHANGE 2021. [DOI: 10.1017/bec.2021.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
AbstractGiven the high prevalence and adverse outcomes associated with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), development and expansion of effective treatment modalities are important. The present study compared the effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy targeting intolerance of uncertainty (CBT-IU) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for treating GAD. A total of 30 Iranian patients with GAD (Mage = 25.16 ± 6.73) were randomised to receive either CBT-IU (n = 15) or SSRI (n = 15). Measures included the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5), Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ), Why Worry-II (WW-II), Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS), and Negative Problem Orientation Questionnaire (NPOQ). Repeated measures analysis of variance tested differential treatment outcomes. The results of intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis indicated that although both CBT-IU and SSRI were effective treatments for GAD, CBT-IU produced significantly better results than SSRI at post-treatment. This clinical trial provides preliminary cross-cultural support for the treatment of GAD using CBT-IU, with findings suggesting that this non-medication intervention reduces GAD symptoms.
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Stein DJ, Kazdin AE, Ruscio AM, Chiu WT, Sampson NA, Ziobrowski HN, Aguilar-Gaxiola S, Al-Hamzawi A, Alonso J, Altwaijri Y, Bruffaerts R, Bunting B, de Girolamo G, de Jonge P, Degenhardt L, Gureje O, Haro JM, Harris MG, Karam A, Karam EG, Kovess-Masfety V, Lee S, Medina-Mora ME, Moskalewicz J, Navarro-Mateu F, Nishi D, Posada-Villa J, Scott KM, Viana MC, Vigo DV, Xavier M, Zarkov Z, Kessler RC. Perceived helpfulness of treatment for generalized anxiety disorder: a World Mental Health Surveys report. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:392. [PMID: 34372811 PMCID: PMC8351147 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03363-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment guidelines for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) are based on a relatively small number of randomized controlled trials and do not consider patient-centered perceptions of treatment helpfulness. We investigated the prevalence and predictors of patient-reported treatment helpfulness for DSM-5 GAD and its two main treatment pathways: encounter-level treatment helpfulness and persistence in help-seeking after prior unhelpful treatment. METHODS Data came from community epidemiologic surveys in 23 countries in the WHO World Mental Health surveys. DSM-5 GAD was assessed with the fully structured WHO Composite International Diagnostic Interview Version 3.0. Respondents with a history of GAD were asked whether they ever received treatment and, if so, whether they ever considered this treatment helpful. Number of professionals seen before obtaining helpful treatment was also assessed. Parallel survival models estimated probability and predictors of a given treatment being perceived as helpful and of persisting in help-seeking after prior unhelpful treatment. RESULTS The overall prevalence rate of GAD was 4.5%, with lower prevalence in low/middle-income countries (2.8%) than high-income countries (5.3%); 34.6% of respondents with lifetime GAD reported ever obtaining treatment for their GAD, with lower proportions in low/middle-income countries (19.2%) than high-income countries (38.4%); 3) 70% of those who received treatment perceived the treatment to be helpful, with prevalence comparable in low/middle-income countries and high-income countries. Survival analysis suggested that virtually all patients would have obtained helpful treatment if they had persisted in help-seeking with up to 10 professionals. However, we estimated that only 29.7% of patients would have persisted that long. Obtaining helpful treatment at the person-level was associated with treatment type, comorbid panic/agoraphobia, and childhood adversities, but most of these predictors were important because they predicted persistence rather than encounter-level treatment helpfulness. CONCLUSIONS The majority of individuals with GAD do not receive treatment. Most of those who receive treatment regard it as helpful, but receiving helpful treatment typically requires persistence in help-seeking. Future research should focus on ensuring that helpfulness is included as part of the evaluation. Clinicians need to emphasize the importance of persistence to patients beginning treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan J. Stein
- grid.7836.a0000 0004 1937 1151Department of Psychiatry & Mental Health and South African Medical Council Research Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Alan E. Kazdin
- grid.47100.320000000419368710Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT USA
| | - Ayelet Meron Ruscio
- grid.25879.310000 0004 1936 8972Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Wai Tat Chiu
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Nancy A. Sampson
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Hannah N. Ziobrowski
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola
- grid.416958.70000 0004 0413 7653Center for Reducing Health Disparities, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Ali Al-Hamzawi
- College of Medicine, Al-Qadisiya University, Diwaniya governorate, Al Diwaniyah, Iraq
| | - Jordi Alonso
- grid.20522.370000 0004 1767 9005Health Services Research Unit, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain ,grid.413448.e0000 0000 9314 1427CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain ,grid.5612.00000 0001 2172 2676Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yasmin Altwaijri
- grid.415310.20000 0001 2191 4301Epidemiology Section, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ronny Bruffaerts
- grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Universitair Psychiatrisch Centrum - Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (UPC-KUL), Campus Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Brendan Bunting
- grid.12641.300000000105519715School of Psychology, Ulster University, Londonderry, UK
| | - Giovanni de Girolamo
- grid.419422.8IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Peter de Jonge
- grid.4830.f0000 0004 0407 1981Department of Developmental Psychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands ,grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Oye Gureje
- grid.412438.80000 0004 1764 5403Department of Psychiatry, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Josep Maria Haro
- grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERSAM, Universitat de Barcelona, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meredith G. Harris
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006 Australia ,grid.417162.70000 0004 0606 3563Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental Health, Wacol, QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Aimee Karam
- grid.429040.bInstitute for Development, Research, Advocacy & Applied Care (IDRAAC), Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Elie G. Karam
- grid.429040.bInstitute for Development, Research, Advocacy & Applied Care (IDRAAC), Beirut, Lebanon ,grid.416659.90000 0004 1773 3761Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, St George Hospital University Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon ,grid.33070.370000 0001 2288 0342Faculty of Medicine, Balamand University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Viviane Kovess-Masfety
- grid.508487.60000 0004 7885 7602Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Santé Publique (EHESP), EA 4057, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Sing Lee
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482Department of Psychiatry, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong
| | - Maria Elena Medina-Mora
- grid.419154.c0000 0004 1776 9908National Institute of Psychiatry-Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jacek Moskalewicz
- grid.418955.40000 0001 2237 2890Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Fernando Navarro-Mateu
- grid.419058.10000 0000 8745 438XUDIF-SM, Servicio Murciano de Salud; IMIB-Arrixaca; CIBERESP-Murcia, Región de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Daisuke Nishi
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Mental Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan ,grid.419280.60000 0004 1763 8916National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - José Posada-Villa
- grid.441728.c0000 0004 1779 6631Colegio Mayor de Cundinamarca University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Kate M. Scott
- grid.29980.3a0000 0004 1936 7830Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, Otago New Zealand
| | - Maria Carmen Viana
- grid.412371.20000 0001 2167 4168Department of Social Medicine, Postgraduate Program in Public Health, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitoria, Brazil
| | - Daniel V. Vigo
- grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada ,grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Miguel Xavier
- grid.10772.330000000121511713Lisbon Institute of Global Mental Health and Chronic Diseases Research Center (CEDOC), NOVA Medical School-Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Zahari Zarkov
- grid.416574.5Department of Mental Health, National Center of Public Health and Analyses, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Ronald C. Kessler
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
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The myth that psychotherapy is more effective than pharmacotherapy in anxiety disorders. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2021; 49:116-118. [PMID: 33989836 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2021.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Alavi N, Stephenson C, Omrani M, Gerritsen C, Martin MS, Knyahnytskyi A, Zhu Y, Kumar A, Jagayat J, Shirazi A, Moghimi E, Patel C, Knyahnytska Y, Simpson AIF, Zaheer J, Andersen J, Munshi A, Groll D. Delivering an Online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program to Address Mental Health Challenges Faced by Correctional Workers and Other Public Safety Personnel: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2021; 10:e30845. [PMID: 34088656 PMCID: PMC8367142 DOI: 10.2196/30845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Public safety personnel have regular and often intense exposure to potentially traumatic events at work, especially workplace violence in the case of correctional workers. Subsequently, correctional workers are at higher risk of developing mental health problems such as posttraumatic stress disorder. Public safety personnel are up to 4 times more likely to experience suicidal ideation, suicidal attempts, and death by suicide compared to the general population. Despite this high prevalence, help-seeking behaviors from public safety personnel are low due to stigma and irregular work hours limiting access to care. Innovative treatments are needed to address these challenges. OBJECTIVE This study will investigate the efficacy of an electronically delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (e-CBT) program tailored to correctional workers' mental health problems. METHODS This study is composed of 4 phases. In phase 1, we will interview correctional workers individually and in focus groups to identify personal, social, and cultural factors affecting their mental health and barriers to care. Phase 2 will use the information gathered from the interviews to develop gender- and diagnosis-specific e-CBT modules. These will be presented to a new group of participants who will provide further feedback on their usability and accessibility. In phase 3, we will randomly assign participants to either an e-CBT or treatment as usual arm. The program will be evaluated with validated symptomatology questionnaires and interviews. Phase 4 will use this additional information to fine-tune the e-CBT modules for a larger-scale randomized controlled trial design comparing the e-CBT program to in-person CBT. All e-CBT modules will be delivered through a secure online platform. RESULTS The study received ethics approval in December 2020, and participant recruitment began in March 2021. Participant recruitment has been conducted through targeted advertisements and physician referrals. To date, there have been 15 participants recruited for Phase 1, and it is expected to conclude in July 2021, with phase 2 beginning in September 2021. Complete data collection and analysis from all phases are expected to conclude by July 2023. Linear and binomial regression (for continuous and categorical outcomes, respectively) will be conducted along with interpretive qualitative methods. CONCLUSIONS If proven efficacious and feasible, this e-CBT program can provide a high-quality and clinically validated resource to address the mental health problems of correctional workers. Additionally, findings can contribute to the development of innovative treatments for other public safety professions. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04666974; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04666974. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/30845.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazanin Alavi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Callum Stephenson
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Mohsen Omrani
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- OPTT Inc, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Cory Gerritsen
- Forensic Early Intervention Service, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychological Clinical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael S Martin
- Health Services Sector, Correctional Service Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Alex Knyahnytskyi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Yiran Zhu
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's Unviersity, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Anchan Kumar
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Jasleen Jagayat
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Amirhossein Shirazi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- OPTT Inc, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Elnaz Moghimi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Charmy Patel
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Yuliya Knyahnytska
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- General Psychiatry Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alexander I F Simpson
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Juveria Zaheer
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Judith Andersen
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Alpna Munshi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Dianne Groll
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Alavi N, Stephenson C, Yang M, Shirazi A, Shao Y, Kumar A, Yee CS, Miller S, Stefatos A, Gholamzadehmir M, Abbaspour Z, Patel A, Patel C, Reshetukha T, Omrani M, Groll D. Determining the Efficacy of Electronic Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder Compared to Pharmaceutical Interventions: Protocol for a Quasi-Experimental Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2021; 10:e27772. [PMID: 33857917 PMCID: PMC8193484 DOI: 10.2196/27772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is an extremely prevalent and debilitating mental health disorder. Currently, the gold standard treatment for GAD is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and/or pharmacotherapy. The most common medications used to treat GAD are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. While CBT is the gold standard treatment for GAD, it is costly, time-consuming, and often inaccessible. Fortunately, the electronic delivery of CBT (e-CBT) has emerged as a promising solution to address these barriers. e-CBT has shown to offer comparable results to in-person CBT while improving accessibility for patients and time efficiency for clinicians. OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate the treatment efficacy of e-CBT compared to and in conjunction with pharmacotherapy for GAD. METHODS This study will use a quasi-experimental design to allow patients the freedom to choose which treatment modality they would like to receive. Participants with a diagnosis of GAD will be enrolled in 1 of 3 possible treatment arms: (1) e-CBT, (2) medication, or (3) a combination of e-CBT and medication. The e-CBT program will include a 12-week psychotherapy program delivered through the Online Psychotherapy Tool-a secure, cloud-based, digital mental health platform. The treatment efficacy of e-CBT will be compared with that of medication alone and medication in combination with e-CBT. RESULTS The study received ethics approval in April 2019 and participant recruitment began in June 2019. Participant recruitment has been conducted through social media advertisements, physical advertisements, and physician referrals. To date, 146 participants (e-CBT: n=53; medication: n=49; combination: n=44) have been recruited. Data collection is expected to conclude by June 2021, and data analysis is expected to be completed by October 2021. Linear regression (for continuous outcomes) and binomial regression (for categorical outcomes) analysis will be conducted using interpretive qualitative methods. CONCLUSIONS If either the efficacy of e-CBT is shown to be comparable to that of medication or the effects of both treatments are augmented when used in tandem, these findings could have major implications on the mental health care system. e-CBT is a more accessible and affordable treatment that could increase mental health care capacity 4-fold if proven viable. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04478526; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04478526. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/27772.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazanin Alavi
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Callum Stephenson
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Megan Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Amirhossein Shirazi
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,OPTT Inc, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yijia Shao
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anchan Kumar
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Caitlin S Yee
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Shadé Miller
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Anthi Stefatos
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | | | - Zara Abbaspour
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Archana Patel
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Charmy Patel
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Taras Reshetukha
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | | | - Dianne Groll
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Ramos-García V, Rivero-Santana A, Duarte-Díaz A, Perestelo-Pérez L, Peñate-Castro W, Álvarez-Pérez Y, González-González AI, Serrano-Aguilar P. Shared Decision-Making and Information Needs among People with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2021; 11:423-435. [PMID: 34708821 PMCID: PMC8314357 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe11020031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Shared decision making (SDM) aims to involve patients in the decisions about their care, considering their preferences, values and concerns about the different treatment options. However, research shows that people with mental health problems have considerable unmet information needs about their condition. This community-based cross-sectional study explores the SDM process and information needs among people with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), as an initial step in the design and development of a Patient Decision Aid for this population. Seventy participants completed an online survey with the Control Preference Scale, and questions about the perceived difficulty of past treatment decisions and the use of the Internet for searching for GAD-related information. Most participants preferred an active (42.9%) or collaborative role (41.4%) in the SDM process, and 53% did not perceive their preferred role. Information provided by healthcare professionals was considered insufficient by 28% of the sample, and over 30% reported using the Internet to look for GAD-related information at least once a week or more. The most relevant GAD-related information needs were general information (71.4%), information on self-help groups (65.7%), recommendations on how to face this disorder (61.4%) and information on treatment options (50%). Exploratory analyses showed that patients who perceived an active participation were more likely to search for information frequently (p = 0.038), and those who felt more involved than desired tended to search for more themes (p = 0.049). In summary, the study showed that a considerable percentage of GAD patients have unmet needs related to decision-making participation and information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanesa Ramos-García
- Canary Islands Health Research Institute Foundation, 35019 Tenerife, Spain; (V.R.-G.); (A.R.-S.); (A.D.-D.); (Y.Á.-P.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of La Laguna, Campus de Guajara, 38200 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Amado Rivero-Santana
- Canary Islands Health Research Institute Foundation, 35019 Tenerife, Spain; (V.R.-G.); (A.R.-S.); (A.D.-D.); (Y.Á.-P.)
- Research Network on Health Services in Chronic Diseases (REDISSEC), 48010 Tenerife, Spain; (L.P.-P.); (P.S.-A.)
| | - Andrea Duarte-Díaz
- Canary Islands Health Research Institute Foundation, 35019 Tenerife, Spain; (V.R.-G.); (A.R.-S.); (A.D.-D.); (Y.Á.-P.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of La Laguna, Campus de Guajara, 38200 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Lilisbeth Perestelo-Pérez
- Research Network on Health Services in Chronic Diseases (REDISSEC), 48010 Tenerife, Spain; (L.P.-P.); (P.S.-A.)
- Evaluation Unit (SESCS), Canary Islands Health Service (SCS), 38109 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Wenceslao Peñate-Castro
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of La Laguna, Campus de Guajara, 38200 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Yolanda Álvarez-Pérez
- Canary Islands Health Research Institute Foundation, 35019 Tenerife, Spain; (V.R.-G.); (A.R.-S.); (A.D.-D.); (Y.Á.-P.)
| | - Ana Isabel González-González
- Institute of General Practice, Goethe University, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany;
- General Subdirectorate for Health Research and Documentation, Community of Madrid Health Service, 28013 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro Serrano-Aguilar
- Research Network on Health Services in Chronic Diseases (REDISSEC), 48010 Tenerife, Spain; (L.P.-P.); (P.S.-A.)
- Evaluation Unit (SESCS), Canary Islands Health Service (SCS), 38109 Tenerife, Spain
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43
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Gromer D, Kiser DP, Pauli P. Thigmotaxis in a virtual human open field test. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6670. [PMID: 33758204 PMCID: PMC7988123 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85678-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal models are used to study neurobiological mechanisms in mental disorders. Although there has been significant progress in the understanding of neurobiological underpinnings of threat-related behaviors and anxiety, little progress was made with regard to new or improved treatments for mental disorders. A possible reason for this lack of success is the unknown predictive and cross-species translational validity of animal models used in preclinical studies. Re-translational approaches, therefore, seek to establish cross-species translational validity by identifying behavioral operations shared across species. To this end, we implemented a human open field test in virtual reality and measured behavioral indices derived from animal studies in three experiments (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$$\textit{N}=80$$\end{document}N=80). In addition, we investigated the associations between anxious traits and such behaviors. Results indicated a strong similarity in behavior across species, i.e., participants in our study—like rodents in animal studies—preferred to stay in the outer region of the open field, as indexed by multiple behavioral parameters. However, correlational analyses did not clearly indicate that these behaviors were a function of anxious traits of participants. We conclude that the realized virtual open field test is able to elicit thigmotaxis and thus demonstrates cross-species validity of this aspect of the test. Modulatory effects of anxiety on human open field behavior should be examined further by incorporating possible threats in the virtual scenario and/or by examining participants with higher anxiety levels or anxiety disorder patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Gromer
- Department of Psychology (Biological Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Psychotherapy), University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Dominik P Kiser
- Department of Psychology (Biological Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Psychotherapy), University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Paul Pauli
- Department of Psychology (Biological Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Psychotherapy), University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Center of Mental Health, Medical Faculty, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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44
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Pałasz A, Menezes IC, Worthington JJ. The role of brain gaseous neurotransmitters in anxiety. Pharmacol Rep 2021; 73:357-371. [PMID: 33713315 PMCID: PMC7994231 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-021-00242-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Although anxiety is perhaps one of the most significant current medical and social problems, the neurochemical mechanistic background of this common condition remains to be fully understood. Multifunctional regulatory gasotransmitters are novel, atypical inorganic factors of the brain that are involved in the mechanisms of anxiety responses. Nitric oxide (NO) signaling shows ambiguous action in animal models of anxiety, while NO donors exert anxiogenic or anxiolytic effect depending on their chemical structure, dose, treatment schedule and gas release rapidity. The majority of NO synthase inhibitors act as a relatively potent axiolytic agents, while hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and carbon monoxide (CO) delivered experimentally in the form of "slow" or "fast" releasing donors have recently been considered as anxiolytic neurotransmitters. In this comprehensive review we critically summarize the literature regarding the intriguing roles of NO, H2S and CO in the neuromolecular mechanisms of anxiety in the context of their putative, yet promising therapeutic application. A possible mechanism of gasotransmitter action at the level of anxiety-related synaptic transmission is also presented. Brain gasesous neuromediators urgently require further wide ranging studies to clarify their potential value for the current neuropharmacology of anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Pałasz
- Department of Histology, School of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Medyków 18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland.
| | - Itiana Castro Menezes
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - John J Worthington
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK
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45
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Miller CB, Gu J, Henry AL, Davis ML, Espie CA, Stott R, Heinz AJ, Bentley KH, Goodwin GM, Gorman BS, Craske MG, Carl JR. Feasibility and efficacy of a digital CBT intervention for symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A randomized multiple-baseline study. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2021; 70:101609. [PMID: 32950939 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2020.101609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a first-line treatment for anxiety, but it is not widely available as clinical guidelines recommend. We examined the feasibility and efficacy of a novel smartphone-based fully automated digital CBT intervention, 'Daylight™', to improve symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). METHODS In this multiple-baseline design, 21 adults (20 F; mean age 43yrs. range 19-65yrs.) with moderate-to-severe symptoms of GAD were randomized to one of three baseline durations (2-, 4-, or 6-weeks) and then received access to digital CBT. Participants completed daily ratings of anxiety and worry, weekly measures of anxiety, depressive symptoms, and sleep, and measures of anxiety, worry, wellbeing, quality of life, CBT skill acquisition, and work performance at initial assessment prior to baseline randomization, post-intervention, and follow-up. RESULTS Digital CBT was found to be feasible in terms of engagement, satisfaction, and safety. For preliminary efficacy, improvements were detected in daily and weekly outcomes of anxiety for most participants. Despite individual differences, significant improvements occurred with the introduction of digital CBT and not during baseline. Overall, 70% of participants no longer had clinically significant symptoms of GAD, 61% no longer had significant depressive symptoms, and 40% no longer had significant sleep difficulty at post-intervention. LIMITATIONS The study sample was recruited using the internet and was mostly female, limiting the generalizability of the findings. CONCLUSIONS Findings support the feasibility and efficacy of Daylight. Further examination in randomized controlled trials is now warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher B Miller
- Big Health Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA; Big Health Inc., London, UK; Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Jenny Gu
- Big Health Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA; Big Health Inc., London, UK; University Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford and Oxford Health NHS Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Alasdair L Henry
- Big Health Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA; Big Health Inc., London, UK; Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Michelle L Davis
- Big Health Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA; Big Health Inc., London, UK
| | - Colin A Espie
- Big Health Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA; Big Health Inc., London, UK; Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Richard Stott
- Big Health Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA; Big Health Inc., London, UK; University Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford and Oxford Health NHS Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Adrienne J Heinz
- Big Health Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA; Big Health Inc., London, UK
| | - Kate H Bentley
- Derner School of Psychology, Adelphi University, Garden City, NY, USA
| | - Guy M Goodwin
- University Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford and Oxford Health NHS Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Bernard S Gorman
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Michelle G Craske
- Anxiety and Depression Research Centre (ADRC), UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jenna R Carl
- Big Health Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA; Big Health Inc., London, UK
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46
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Hull TD, Levine J, Bantilan N, Desai AN, Majumder MS. Analyzing Digital Evidence From a Telemental Health Platform to Assess Complex Psychological Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Content Analysis of Text Messages. JMIR Form Res 2021; 5:e26190. [PMID: 33502999 PMCID: PMC7879721 DOI: 10.2196/26190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The novel COVID-19 disease has negatively impacted mortality, economic conditions, and mental health. These impacts are likely to continue after the COVID-19 pandemic ends. There are no methods for characterizing the mental health burden of the COVID-19 pandemic, and differentiating this burden from that of the prepandemic era. Accurate illness detection methods are critical for facilitating pandemic-related treatment and preventing the worsening of symptoms. Objective We aimed to identify major themes and symptom clusters in the SMS text messages that patients send to therapists. We assessed patients who were seeking treatment for pandemic-related distress on Talkspace, which is a popular telemental health platform. Methods We used a machine learning algorithm to identify patients’ pandemic-related concerns, based on their SMS text messages in a large, digital mental health service platform (ie, Talkspace). This platform uses natural language processing methods to analyze unstructured therapy transcript data, in parallel with brief clinical assessment methods for analyzing depression and anxiety symptoms. Results Our results show a significant increase in the incidence of COVID-19–related intake anxiety symptoms (P<.001), but no significant differences in the incidence of intake depression symptoms (P=.79). During our transcript analyses, we identified terms that were related to 24 symptoms outside of those included in the diagnostic criteria for anxiety and depression. Conclusions Our findings for Talkspace suggest that people who seek treatment during the pandemic experience more severe intake anxiety than they did before the COVID-19 outbreak. It is important to monitor the symptoms that we identified in this study and the symptoms of anxiety and depression, to fully understand the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas D Hull
- Talkspace, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | | | | | - Angel N Desai
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Maimuna S Majumder
- Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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47
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Eilert N, Enrique A, Wogan R, Mooney O, Timulak L, Richards D. The effectiveness of Internet-delivered treatment for generalized anxiety disorder: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Depress Anxiety 2021; 38:196-219. [PMID: 33225589 PMCID: PMC7894171 DOI: 10.1002/da.23115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a highly prevalent, chronic disorder associated with impaired quality of life, societal burden, and poor treatment rates. Internet-delivered interventions may improve the accessibility of treatments and are increasingly being used. This study aimed to update a previous meta-analysis to determine the effectiveness of available Internet-delivered interventions in treating symptoms of GAD. METHOD Systematic literature searches were conducted (through April 2020) using Embase, PubMed, PsychINFO, and Cochrane to find randomized controlled trials of Internet-delivered interventions for GAD. Risk of bias was evaluated, and Hedge's g was calculated at posttreatment and follow-up. RESULTS Twenty studies met eligibility criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Random-effect models detected large effect sizes for primary outcomes of anxiety (g = 0.79) and worry (g = 0.75), favoring treatment. Effect sizes for depression, functional impairment, and quality of life were moderate to large. Maintenance of effects at follow-up seems likely. CONCLUSIONS Results support the effectiveness of Internet-delivered treatments for GAD. Considerable heterogeneity between studies appeared moderated by variability in the interventions themselves, highlighting the importance of further investigation into the characteristics that may optimize treatment outcomes. Overall, Internet-delivery appears to be a viable mode of treatment for GAD with potential to relieve existing gaps in the provision of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Eilert
- School of Psychology, E‐Mental Health Research Group, Trinity College DublinUniversity of DublinDublinIreland,Clinical Research & Innovation, SilverCloud HealthDublinIreland
| | - Angel Enrique
- School of Psychology, E‐Mental Health Research Group, Trinity College DublinUniversity of DublinDublinIreland,Clinical Research & Innovation, SilverCloud HealthDublinIreland
| | - Rebecca Wogan
- Clinical Research & Innovation, SilverCloud HealthDublinIreland
| | - Olwyn Mooney
- Clinical Research & Innovation, SilverCloud HealthDublinIreland
| | - Ladislav Timulak
- School of Psychology, E‐Mental Health Research Group, Trinity College DublinUniversity of DublinDublinIreland
| | - Derek Richards
- School of Psychology, E‐Mental Health Research Group, Trinity College DublinUniversity of DublinDublinIreland,Clinical Research & Innovation, SilverCloud HealthDublinIreland
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Alavi N, Yang M, Stephenson C, Nikjoo N, Malakouti N, Layzell G, Jagayat J, Shirazi A, Groll D, Omrani M, O'Riordan A, Khalid-Khan S, Freire R, Brietzke E, Gomes FA, Milev R, Soares CN. Using the Online Psychotherapy Tool to Address Mental Health Problems in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Protocol for an Electronically Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program. JMIR Res Protoc 2020; 9:e24913. [PMID: 33290245 PMCID: PMC7752186 DOI: 10.2196/24913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The considerable rise of mental health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic has had detrimental effects on the public health sector and economy. To meet the overwhelming and growing demand for mental health care, innovative approaches must be employed to significantly expand mental health care delivery capacity. Although it is not feasible to increase the number of mental health care providers or hours they work in the short term, improving their time efficiency may be a viable solution. Virtually and digitally delivering psychotherapy, which has been shown to be efficient and clinically effective, might be a good method for addressing this growing demand. Objective This research protocol aims to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of using an online, digital, asynchronous care model to treat mental health issues that are started or aggravated by stressors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This nonrandomized controlled trial intervention will be delivered through the Online Psychotherapy Tool, a secure, cloud-based, digital mental health platform. Participants will be offered a 9-week electronically delivered cognitive behavioral therapy program that is tailored to address mental health problems in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This program will involve weekly self-guided educational material that provides an overview of behavioral skills and weekly homework. Participants (N=80) will receive personalized feedback from and weekly interaction with a therapist throughout the course of the program. The efficacy of the program will be evaluated using clinically validated symptomology questionnaires, which are to be completed by participants at baseline, week 5, and posttreatment. Inclusion criteria includes the capacity to consent; a primary diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder or major depressive disorder, with symptoms that started or worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic; the ability to speak and read English; and consistent and reliable access to the internet. Exclusion criteria includes active psychosis, acute mania, severe alcohol or substance use disorder, and active suicidal or homicidal ideation. Results This study received funding in May 2020. Ethics approval was received in June 2020. The recruitment of participants began in June 2020. Participant recruitment is being conducted via social media, web-based communities, and physician referrals. To date, 58 participants have been recruited (intervention group: n=35; control group: n=23). Data collection is expected to conclude by the end of 2020. Analyses (ie, linear regression analysis for continuous outcomes and binomial regression analysis for categorical outcomes) are expected to be completed by February 2021. Conclusions If proven feasible, this care delivery method could increase care capacity by up to fourfold. The findings from this study can potentially influence clinical practices and policies and increase accessibility to care during the COVID-19 pandemic, without sacrificing the quality of care. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04476667; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04476667 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/24913
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazanin Alavi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Megan Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Callum Stephenson
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Niloofar Nikjoo
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Niloufar Malakouti
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Gina Layzell
- Centre for Behavioural Studies, St. Lawrence College, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Jasleen Jagayat
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Amirhossein Shirazi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,OPTT Inc, Digital Media Zone, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Dianne Groll
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Mohsen Omrani
- OPTT Inc, Digital Media Zone, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Sarosh Khalid-Khan
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Rafael Freire
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Elisa Brietzke
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,Inpatient Psychiatry Unit, Kingston General Hospital, Kingston Health Science Centre, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Fabiano Alves Gomes
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Roumen Milev
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Claudio N Soares
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Carl JR, Miller CB, Henry AL, Davis ML, Stott R, Smits JAJ, Emsley R, Gu J, Shin O, Otto MW, Craske MG, Saunders KEA, Goodwin GM, Espie CA. Efficacy of digital cognitive behavioral therapy for moderate-to-severe symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder: A randomized controlled trial. Depress Anxiety 2020; 37:1168-1178. [PMID: 32725848 DOI: 10.1002/da.23079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an efficacious intervention for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Digital CBT may provide a scalable means of delivering CBT at a population level. We investigated the efficacy of a novel digital CBT program in those with GAD for outcomes of anxiety, worry, depressive symptoms, sleep difficulty, wellbeing, and participant-specific quality of life. METHODS This online, two-arm parallel-group superiority randomized controlled trial compared digital CBT with waitlist control in 256 participants with moderate-to-severe symptoms of GAD. Digital CBT (Daylight), was delivered using participants' own smartphones. Online assessments took place at baseline (Week 0; immediately preceding randomization), mid-intervention (Week 3; from randomization), post-intervention (Week 6; primary endpoint), and follow-up (Week 10). RESULTS Overall, 256 participants were randomized and intention-to-treat analysis found Daylight reduced symptoms of anxiety compared with waitlist control at post-intervention, reflecting a large effect size (adjusted difference [95% CI]: 3.22 [2.14, 4.31], d = 1.08). Significant improvements were found for measures of worry; depressive symptoms, sleep difficulty, wellbeing, and participant-specific quality of life. CONCLUSION Digital CBT (Daylight) appears to be safe and efficacious for symptoms of anxiety, worry, and further measures of mental health compared with waitlist control in individuals with GAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna R Carl
- Big Health Inc., San Francisco, California.,Big Health Inc., London, UK
| | - Christopher B Miller
- Big Health Inc., San Francisco, California.,Big Health Inc., London, UK.,Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alasdair L Henry
- Big Health Inc., San Francisco, California.,Big Health Inc., London, UK.,Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Michelle L Davis
- Big Health Inc., San Francisco, California.,Big Health Inc., London, UK
| | - Richard Stott
- Big Health Inc., San Francisco, California.,Big Health Inc., London, UK.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jasper A J Smits
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Richard Emsley
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jenny Gu
- Big Health Inc., San Francisco, California.,Big Health Inc., London, UK.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Olivia Shin
- Big Health Inc., San Francisco, California.,Big Health Inc., London, UK
| | - Michael W Otto
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Michelle G Craske
- Anxiety and Depression Research Centre (ADRC), University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Kate E A Saunders
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Guy M Goodwin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Colin A Espie
- Big Health Inc., San Francisco, California.,Big Health Inc., London, UK.,Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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50
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Multidisciplinary research priorities for the COVID-19 pandemic: a call for action for mental health science. Lancet Psychiatry 2020. [PMID: 32304649 DOI: 10.1016/s2115-0366(20)30168-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is having a profound effect on all aspects of society, including mental health and physical health. We explore the psychological, social, and neuroscientific effects of COVID-19 and set out the immediate priorities and longer-term strategies for mental health science research. These priorities were informed by surveys of the public and an expert panel convened by the UK Academy of Medical Sciences and the mental health research charity, MQ: Transforming Mental Health, in the first weeks of the pandemic in the UK in March, 2020. We urge UK research funding agencies to work with researchers, people with lived experience, and others to establish a high level coordination group to ensure that these research priorities are addressed, and to allow new ones to be identified over time. The need to maintain high-quality research standards is imperative. International collaboration and a global perspective will be beneficial. An immediate priority is collecting high-quality data on the mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic across the whole population and vulnerable groups, and on brain function, cognition, and mental health of patients with COVID-19. There is an urgent need for research to address how mental health consequences for vulnerable groups can be mitigated under pandemic conditions, and on the impact of repeated media consumption and health messaging around COVID-19. Discovery, evaluation, and refinement of mechanistically driven interventions to address the psychological, social, and neuroscientific aspects of the pandemic are required. Rising to this challenge will require integration across disciplines and sectors, and should be done together with people with lived experience. New funding will be required to meet these priorities, and it can be efficiently leveraged by the UK's world-leading infrastructure. This Position Paper provides a strategy that may be both adapted for, and integrated with, research efforts in other countries.
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