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Myklebost SB, Nordgreen T, Klakegg OS, Hammar Å. Long-term outcomes of an internet-delivered cognitive enhancement intervention targeting residual cognitive deficits after major depressive disorder: a 2-year follow-up of an open trial. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1194689. [PMID: 37655198 PMCID: PMC10466045 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1194689] [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: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cognitive deficits are common and disabling residual symptoms following major depressive disorder (MDD) and are related to increased risk of relapse. Residual cognitive deficits should thus be considered an important target for treatment. However, few have reported long-term outcomes of interventions targeting residual cognitive deficits. Objective This study aimed to (1) investigate change between pre-treatment and 2-year follow-up assessments in cognitive deficits, rumination, and symptoms of MDD after an internet-delivered intervention targeting residual cognitive deficits; (2) to investigate stability in outcomes between 6-month and 2-year follow-up assessments; (3) to report the number of participants' experiencing a new episode of MDD in the follow-up period; and (4) to investigate differences in outcomes between those who experienced a new episode of MDD and those who did not. Methods A total of 43 partly remitted adults were included to test a guided internet-delivered intervention, which consisted of 10 modules involving psychoeducation, cognitive strategies, and attention training. Participants were assessed at pre-treatment, post-treatment, after 6-months, and after 2-years, with measures assessing self-reported residual cognitive deficits, rumination, symptoms of MDD and relapse. Overall, 32 participants completed the 2-year follow-up assessment. Results Between the pre-treatment and 2-year follow-up assessments, there was a reduction in cognitive deficits and rumination, while there was an increase in symptoms of MDD. Cognitive deficits were stable between the 6-month and the 2-year follow-up, while there was an increase in rumination and symptoms of MDD. Thirteen of 32 participants reported a new episode of MDD during the follow-up period. The relapse group reported longer duration of MDD at pre-treatment and showed a difference in all outcomes after 2 years compared to the no-relapse group. The no-relapse group showed improvement in MDD symptoms at post-treatment, while the relapse group did not. Conclusion Delivering cognitive enhancement interventions over the internet is potentially related to stable improvements in residual cognitive deficits. The effects on rumination and symptoms of MDD are less certain. Lack of improvement in MDD symptoms after the intervention period should be investigated as an indicator of relapse. Results should be interpreted with caution due to the lack of control group and sample size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunniva Brurok Myklebost
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Tine Nordgreen
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Oda Stakkestad Klakegg
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Åsa Hammar
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Office for Psychiatry and Habilitation, Psychiatry Research Skåne, Skåne, Sweden
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Ronold EH, Myklebost SB, Hammar Å. Improvement in self-reported cognitive functioning but not in rumination following online working memory training in a two-year follow-up study of remitted major depressive disorder. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1163073. [PMCID: PMC10277740 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1163073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Self-reported subjective cognitive difficulties (subjective deficits) and rumination are central residual cognitive symptoms following major depressive disorder (MDD). These are risk factors for more a severe course of illness, and despite the considerable relapse risk of MDD, few interventions target the remitted phase, a high-risk period for developing new episodes. Online distribution of interventions could help close this gap. Computerized working memory training (CWMT) shows promising results, but findings are inconclusive regarding which symptoms improve following this intervention, and its long-term effects. This study reports results from a longitudinal open-label two-year follow-up pilot-study of self-reported cognitive residual symptoms following 25 sessions (40 min), five times a week of a digitally delivered CWMT intervention. Ten of 29 patients remitted from MDD completed two-year follow-up assessment. Significant large improvements in self-reported cognitive functioning on the behavior rating inventory of executive function-adult version appeared after two-years (d = 0.98), but no significant improvements were found in rumination (d < 0.308) measured by the ruminative responses scale. The former showed moderate non-significant associations to improvement in CWMT both post-intervention (r = 0.575) and at two-year follow-up (r = 0.308). Strengths in the study included a comprehensive intervention and long follow-up time. Limitations were small sample and no control group. No significant differences between completers and drop-outs were found, however, attrition effects cannot be ruled out and demand characteristics could influence findings. Results suggested lasting improvements in self-reported cognitive functioning following online CWMT. Controlled studies with larger samples should replicate these promising preliminary findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eivind Haga Ronold
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Åsa Hammar
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Office for Psychiatry and Habilitation, Psychiatry Research Skåne, Skåne, Sweden
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Myklebost SB, Amundsen OM, Geraghty AWA, Inal Y, Hammar Å, Nordgreen T. Developing an internet-delivered intervention targeting residual cognitive symptoms after major depressive disorder: a person-based approach. J Ment Health 2022; 31:842-850. [PMID: 34983282 DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2021.2022618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive difficulties are rarely addressed after the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). New scalable treatments are needed. To ensure relevance and engagement of novel interventions, there is a need to understand the perspectives of the users. AIM Explore former depressed adults needs and perspectives during the planning and development of a novel internet-delivered intervention targeting residual cognitive symptoms after MDD. METHOD The planning phase included exploratory qualitative interviews with former depressed adults (n = 16). In the development phase, a prototype including psychoeducation, attention training and compensatory strategies was tested in think-aloud interviews with former depressed adults (n = 7) and psychologists (n = 4). Data were analysed thematically. RESULTS Analysis of exploratory interviews identified four themes. Experiences of residual cognitive symptoms consisted of two sub-themes (Everyday life is more demanding; Concerns about cognitive difficulties). Coping with residual cognitive symptoms had two sub-themes (Compensatory strategies; Acceptance). Needs from an intervention consisted of two-subthemes (Need for information; Therapist support). Barriers for engagement consisted of three sub-themes (Being overwhelmed; Not being motivated; Frequent registration). Analysis of think-aloud interviews was organized into three themes: Positive perceptions of content; Concerns regarding content; Perceptions of Layout, Visuals and Navigation. CONCLUSION The intervention may address concerns and consequences of cognitive difficulties by including psychoeducation, compensatory strategies and elements to increase acceptance and motivation, provided in manageable proportions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunniva Brurok Myklebost
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Adam W A Geraghty
- Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Yavuz Inal
- Department of Design, Faculty of Architecture and Design, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Åsa Hammar
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Tine Nordgreen
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Ronold EH, Joormann J, Hammar Å. Computerized Working Memory Training in Remission From Major Depressive Disorder: Effects on Emotional Working Memory, Processing Speed, Executive Functions, and Associations With Symptoms. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:887596. [PMID: 35832292 PMCID: PMC9272008 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.887596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Remission from major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with residual symptoms related to reduced functioning, quality of life, and relapse risk. Previous studies have raised questions about mechanisms involved-in and affected by cognitive training. This study investigated the associations and changes among depressive symptoms, rumination, processing speed (PS), executive functioning (EF), and emotional working memory (e-WM) pre- post computerized working memory training (CWMT). Method Twenty-nine remitted participants were included in a pre- post pilot study of within-subject effects of online CWMT. A total of 20 participants completed the intervention and pre- post tests of EF and PS, e-WM, in addition to symptom and rumination measures. Associations between changes in symptoms and cognition were investigated pre- post. Associations between improvements in CWMT, depression history, and changes in cognition were explored. Hypotheses and statistics were preregistered before data were analyzed. Results Manipulation of negatively valanced stimuli in e-WM showed an inverse association with rumination pre-intervention, but the association disappeared post-intervention. Cognitive functioning improved in most conditions with largest effects in EF. Symptoms did not change in the remitted sample. CWMT improvements were related to improvements in some aspects of EF and PS, but also to worse self-reported attention. Depression history was related to less improvement in EF. Limitations Sample size was small and there was dropout from the study. There was no control group, thus precluding practice and placebo effects and causal relationships. Conclusions Computerized WM training improves cognitive functions and could influence associations between e-WM and rumination. This could counteract functional impairment following MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eivind Haga Ronold
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jutta Joormann
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Åsa Hammar
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Myklebost SB, Gjestad R, Inal Y, Hammar Å, Nordgreen T. Predictors of Treatment Response to an Internet-Delivered Intervention Targeting Residual Cognitive Symptoms After Major Depressive Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:795698. [PMID: 35418884 PMCID: PMC8995427 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.795698] [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: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Residual cognitive symptoms after depression are common and associated with reduced daily life functioning and an increased risk of depression relapse. There is a lack of knowledge on treatments targeting residual cognitive symptoms after major depressive disorder (MDD), including the factors associated with treatment response. The aim of the current study is to explore factors of treatment response to a guided internet-delivered intervention for former depressed adults experiencing residual cognitive symptoms. METHOD Forty-three former depressed adults with residual cognitive symptoms were included. Linear mixed model analyses were used to investigate the impact of pre-treatment demographic-, illness, and symptom variables, and therapy process variables, such as credibility, expectancy, and user behavior, on reduction in residual cognitive symptoms from pre-treatment to 6-month follow-up. RESULTS Having had MDD for a year or less predicted more reductions in residual cognitive symptoms from pre- to 6-month follow-up. Higher levels of perceived treatment credibility and expectancy evaluated in the early course of treatment did also predict a positive treatment response. No demographic-, symptom-variables, previous number of episodes with MDD, and user behavior were associated with change in residual cognitive symptoms. CONCLUSION This study suggests that individuals with shorter duration of previous depressions might have larger reductions in residual cognitive symptoms at 6-month follow-up compared to those with a longer duration of depression. Treatment credibility and expectancy also predicted treatment response and effort should also be made to ensure interventions credibility. Results should be interpreted with caution due to the study having a low sample size. Further investigation of predictors should be conducted in a full scale randomized controlled trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunniva Brurok Myklebost
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Rolf Gjestad
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Yavuz Inal
- Department of Design, Faculty of Architecture and Design, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Gjøvik, Norway
| | - Åsa Hammar
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Tine Nordgreen
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Hammar Å, Ronold EH, Rekkedal GÅ. Cognitive Impairment and Neurocognitive Profiles in Major Depression-A Clinical Perspective. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:764374. [PMID: 35345877 PMCID: PMC8957205 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.764374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasingly, studies have investigated cognitive functioning from the perspective of acute state- to remitted phases of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Some cognitive deficits observed in the symptomatic phase persist in remission as traits or scars. The etiological origin and clinical consequences of the neurocognitive profiles reported in the literature are still unclear and may vary across populations. Deficits are suspected to influence the association between MDD and neurodegenerative disorders and could thus be of particular clinical consequence. The aim of this review is to describe the clinical neuropsychological profile in MDD and how it is related to research during the past decade on cognitive deficits in MDD from a state, trait, and scar perspective. This review, with a clinical perspective, investigates research from the past decade regarding cognitive functioning in MDD in a long-term perspective. We focus on the clinical manifestation of deficits, and the potential neurodegenerative consequences of the neurocognitive profile in MDD. Searches in Medline, PsycINFO and Embase were conducted targeting articles published between 2010 and 2020. Examination of the evidence for long-lasting neurocognitive deficits in major depression within the cognitive domains of Memory, Executive Functions, Attention, and Processing Speed was conducted and was interpreted in the context of the State, Scar and Trait hypotheses. Defining the neurocognitive profiles in MDD will have consequences for personalized evaluation and treatment of residual cognitive symptoms, and etiological understanding of mood disorders, and treatments could potentially reduce or delay the development of neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Åsa Hammar
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Eivind Haga Ronold
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Guro Årdal Rekkedal
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Nordgreen T, Nordby ES, Myklebost SB, Flobak E, Kahlon S. In Case of an Emergency: The Development and Effects of a Digital Intervention for Coping With Distress in Norway During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Psychol 2021; 12:705383. [PMID: 34880803 PMCID: PMC8645549 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.705383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences has been found to negatively affect the general population's psychological well-being. Objective: The objectives of this paper are to report on the development and clinical effects of a self-guided Internet-delivered intervention for adults in Norway who suffer from mild to moderate psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The participants, recruited between April and December 2020, were randomized to receive a new treatment module either every third or every fifth day. The clinical outcomes were self-reported depressive and anxiety symptoms and change in positive and negative emotions. Results: A total of 1256 individuals accessed the pre-screening survey, 407 were eligible and 92 provided contact information, where 82 were included in the study, n = 44 in the 3-day group and n = 38 in the 5-day group. Overall, the statistical analyses showed a significant decrease in depressive and anxiety symptoms and an increase in positive emotions, with small and moderate within group effect sizes. No significant differences between the groups were identified in clinical outcomes or adherence. Conclusion: These findings indicate that psychological distress in the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic may be reduced through the use of a scalable self-guided Internet-delivered intervention. Furthermore, the lack of significant differences between the 5-day and 3-day group may indicate that the intervention can be delivered at a more intensive pace without negatively affecting treatment outcomes. The results need to be interpreted with caution as the sample was self-selected, as well as the lack of passive control group. Hence the results may be attributed to external factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tine Nordgreen
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Emilie Sektnan Nordby
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Sunniva Burok Myklebost
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Eivind Flobak
- Department of Information Science and Media Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Smiti Kahlon
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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Nordgreen T, Rabbi F, Torresen J, Skar YS, Guribye F, Inal Y, Flobakk E, Wake JD, Mukhiya SK, Aminifar A, Myklebost S, Lundervold AJ, Kenter R, Hammar Å, Nordby E, Kahlon S, Tveit Sekse RJ, Griffin KF, Jakobsen P, Pham MH, Côté-Allard U, Noori FM, Lamo Y. Challenges and possible solutions in cross-disciplinary and cross-sectorial research teams within the domain of e-mental health. JOURNAL OF ENABLING TECHNOLOGIES 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/jet-03-2021-0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PurposeMental illness presents a huge individual, societal and economic challenges, currently accounting for 20% of the worldwide burden of disease. There is a gap between the need for and access to services. Digital technology has been proven effective in e-mental health for preventing and treating mental health problems. However, there is a need for cross-disciplinary efforts to increase the impact of e-mental health services. This paper aims to report key challenges and possible solutions for cross-disciplinary and cross-sectorial research teams within the domain of e-mental health.Design/methodology/approachThe key challenges and possible solutions will be discussed in light of the literature on effective cross-disciplinary research teams.FindingsSix topics have been key challenges in our cross-disciplinary and cross-sectorial research team: to develop a shared understanding of the domain; to establish a common understanding of key concepts among the project participants; to involve the end-users in the research and development process; to collaborate across sectors; to ensure privacy and security of health data; and to obtain the right timing of activities according to project dependencies.Research limitations/implicationsThis study focuses to increase knowledge and training in cross-disciplinary and cross-sectorial research, as this is often referred to as an important tool when developing sustainable solutions for major societal challenges.Practical implicationsThis study needs to include theory and skills training in cross-disciplinary research in research training.Social implicationsCross-disciplinary teams have the potential to address major societal challenges, including more perspectives and more stakeholders than single disciplinary research teams.Originality/valueMajor societal challenges require complex and sustainable solutions. However, there is a lack of knowledge about how cross-disciplinary and cross-sectorial research teams may work productively to solve these challenges. This paper shares experiences regarding the challenges and possible solutions for productive collaboration in cross-disciplinary and cross-sectorial research teams within the domain of e-mental health services.
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