Efficacy of short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP) with depressed breast cancer patients: results of a randomized controlled multicenter trial

[ORPHYS - Treatment Manual for a Short-Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy in Patients with Serious Physical Illness]

The diagnosis of a life-threatening illness may lead to a breakdown of psychological processing patterns and a reactualization of existential conflicts. The sudden loss of continuity, physical integrity and social roles can overwhelm patients' ability to cope psychologically. Psychosocial and medical care is likely compromised if patients suffer from affective disorders or symptoms of existential distress. Psychodynamic treatments may strengthen the experience of closeness and connectedness in order to cope with losses and enable farewell processes. ORPHYS describes a short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (12-24 sessions) that aims to address the existential distress of seriously physically ill patients by taking into account relational conflicts at the end of life. The combination of supportive and expressive treatment techniques that focus on patients' subjective experience and illness situation may enable patients to integrate painful affective states and to explore their relationship and coping patterns. ORPHYS can thus facilitate a shared mourning process, in which the intense desire for connectedness at the end of life and the reality of dying can be reconciled.

Psychodynamic psychotherapy in serious physical illness: A systematic literature review of approaches and techniques for the treatment of existential distress and mental disorders

Individuals with life-limiting physical illness experience lower mental health due to existential distress (e.g., demoralization, death anxiety) and mental disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety). Psychodynamic psychotherapy may be helpful in alleviating such distress by focusing patients' unconscious emotional and relational motivations. There is yet limited knowledge on the application of psychodynamic psychotherapies in this population. We systematically searched electronic databases and analyzed results using meta-ethnography. Of 15,112 identified records, we included 31 qualitative studies applying psychodynamic psychotherapies (n = 69, mean age: 49.3 [SD = 16.9)], 56% female). Psychodynamic treatment in this population can be beneficial when considering modification of the treatment setting to the illness reality, balancing needs for autonomy and separation in light of helplessness and death anxiety, and careful integration of supportive interventions and conflict-oriented interventions (e.g., exploring relational issues that interfere with mourning illness-related loss). We discuss future directions for the development and evaluation of treatments specific to serious physical illness.

Short-term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy in Addition to Standard Medical Therapy Increases Clinical Remission in Adolescents and Young Adults with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: a Randomised Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel diseases [IBD] are chronic and pervasive conditions of the gastrointestinal tract with a rising incidence in paediatric and young adult populations. Evidence suggests that psychological disorders might be associated with relapse of disease activity. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy [STPP] in addition to standard medical therapy [SMT] in maintaining clinical remission in adolescents and young adults [AYA] with quiescent IBD, compared with SMT alone.

METHODS

A two-arm, single-centre, randomised, controlled trial was conducted in 60 IBD AYA in clinical remission. Patients were randomised to receive an 8-week STPP + SMT [n = 30] or SMT alone [n = 30]. The primary outcome was the steroid-free remission rate at 52 weeks after treatment. Secondary outcomes included the overall hospitalisation rate within 52 weeks after treatment, and medication adherence obtained from patient's electronic medical records.

RESULTS

Intention-to-treat analysis showed significant improvement in maintaining disease remission rates in the 8-week STPP + SMT group compared with the control one. The proportion of patients maintaining steroid-free remission at 52 weeks was higher in patients in STTP group [93.1%] compared with patients randomised to control group [64.3%; p = 0.01]. There were no significant differences in secondary outcomes, except for depression reduction in STPP + SMT group.

CONCLUSIONS

An 8-week STPP intervention in addition to SMT effectively increases the steroid-free remission rates in AYA with quiescent IBD. Results do not support effects for other secondary outcomes, except for depression reduction.

Psychological interventions during breast cancer rehabilitation: a randomized controlled trial comparing structured short-term psychotherapy versus non-specific group discussion

PURPOSE

Psycho-oncological treatment is recommended in cancer rehabilitation as it improves fatigue, anxiety, depression, and quality of life in breast cancer patients. The aim of our study was to compare a structured short-term psychotherapy and a non-specific group discussion provided during breast cancer rehabilitation.

METHODS

Breast cancer patients were randomly assigned to structured group short-term psychotherapy or a non-specific group discussion during breast cancer rehabilitation. The patients completed questionnaires at the beginning and end of rehabilitation and three months after rehabilitation. The primary outcome was anxiety. Secondary outcomes were depression, distress, fatigue and health-related quality of life domains.

RESULTS

In total, 160 patients (80 in both groups) were recruited and included in the analysis. There was no significant difference between both groups in the primary outcome anxiety at the end of rehabilitation (difference = -0.2; 95% CI -1.2 to 0.7) and three months after rehabilitation (difference = 0.2; 95% CI -0.9 to 1.3) and in any secondary outcome. Patients in the short-term psychotherapy group with high anxiety levels at baseline reported fewer depressive symptoms at the end of rehabilitation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed no difference between structured short-term psychotherapy and a non-specific group discussion. Patients with high baseline anxiety levels were more likely to benefit from short-term structured psychotherapy. Early identification of this subgroup and symptoms of mental illness should occur after initial treatment in breast cancer patients in order to offer a structured treatment for anxiety and depressive symptoms during rehabilitation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00017571; 08/07/2019).

Returning to employment following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant: A major problem among survivors

Quality of life (QoL) is an important aspect of cancer survivorship. One of the most acute problems that impact survivors in many aspects of activities of daily living and compromise their QoL is the inability to return to employment following successful cancer therapy. This is most prominent among survivors after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HSCT). More than 50% of the survivors following allo-HSCT remain unemployed one year after the procedure. This problem extends beyond the initial few years; unemployment rates among those who underwent allo-HSCT during their childhoods or adolescence have remained high. The inability to return to employment imposes a financial burden. Survivors following allo-HSCT also experience a multitude of chronic psychosocial complications that may be both contributing and consequential to the inability to return to employment. However, many transplant programs and cancer centers do not have return-to-employment programs. In this review paper, we discuss the prevalence of unemployment following allo-HSCT. We examine the psychosocial symptoms experienced by survivors and how they may affect survivors' ability to return to employment. Finally, we propose a multi-disciplinary multi-pronged occupation-focused approach to address the complex and inter-related psychosocial symptoms to help alleviate the problem.

Management of Anxiety and Depression in Adult Survivors of Cancer: ASCO Guideline Update

PURPOSE

To update the American Society of Clinical Oncology guideline on the management of anxiety and depression in adult cancer survivors.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary expert panel convened to update the guideline. A systematic review of evidence published from 2013-2021 was conducted.

RESULTS

The evidence base consisted of 17 systematic reviews ± meta analyses (nine for psychosocial interventions, four for physical exercise, three for mindfulness-based stress reduction [MBSR], and one for pharmacologic interventions), and an additional 44 randomized controlled trials. Psychological, educational, and psychosocial interventions led to improvements in depression and anxiety. Evidence for pharmacologic management of depression and anxiety in cancer survivors was inconsistent. The lack of inclusion of survivors from minoritized groups was noted and identified as an important consideration to provide high-quality care for ethnic minority populations.

RECOMMENDATIONS

It is recommended to use a stepped-care model, that is, provide the most effective and least resource-intensive intervention based on symptom severity. All oncology patients should be offered education regarding depression and anxiety. For patients with moderate symptoms of depression, clinicians should offer cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), behavioral activation (BA), MBSR, structured physical activity, or empirically supported psychosocial interventions. For patients with moderate symptoms of anxiety, clinicians should offer CBT, BA, structured physical activity, acceptance and commitment therapy, or psychosocial interventions. For patients with severe symptoms of depression or anxiety, clinicians should offer cognitive therapy, BA, CBT, MBSR, or interpersonal therapy. Treating clinicians may offer a pharmacologic regimen for depression or anxiety for patients who do not have access to first-line treatment, prefer pharmacotherapy, have previously responded well to pharmacotherapy, or have not improved following first-line psychological or behavioral management.Additional information is available at www.asco.org/survivorship-guidelines.

Psychotherapy for comorbid depression and somatic disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The treatment of depression in patients with somatic disorders is crucial, given its negative impact on quality of life (QoL), functioning, and even on the somatic disease prognosis. We aimed to examine the most updated evidence on the effects of psychotherapy in patients with depression and somatic disorders, including HIV, oncological, cardiometabolic, and neurological disorders.

METHODS

We conducted a meta-analysis of 75 randomized trials (8209 participants) of psychotherapy for adults with somatic disorders and a diagnosis or elevated symptoms of depression. Outcomes included depression, QoL, somatic health-related outcomes, and mortality.

RESULTS

Psychotherapy significantly reduced the severity of depression at post-treatment across all categories of somatic disorders (Hedges'g = 0.65; 95% CI 0.52-0.79), with sustained effects at 6-11 months (g = 0.38; 95% CI 0.22-0.53) and at 12 months follow-up or longer (g = 0.13; 95% CI 0.04-0.21). Psychotherapy also showed significant effects on QoL (g = 0.26; 95% CI 0.17-0.35), maintained up to 11 months follow-up (g = 0.25; 95% CI 0.16-0.34). No significant effects were observed on the most frequently reported somatic health-related outcomes (glycemic control, pain), and neither on mortality. Heterogeneity in most analyses was very high, and only 29 (38%) trials were rated at low risk of bias (RoB).

CONCLUSIONS

Psychotherapy may be an effective treatment option for patients with depression and somatic disorders, with long-term effects on depression severity and QoL. However, these results should be interpreted with caution due to heterogeneity and RoB.

Efficacy and moderators of short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy for depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data

BACKGROUND

Short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP) is frequently used to treat depression, but it is unclear which patients might benefit specifically. Individual participant data (IPD) meta-analyses can provide more precise effect estimates than conventional meta-analyses and identify patient-level moderators. This IPD meta-analysis examined the efficacy and moderators of STPP for depression compared to control conditions.

METHODS

PubMed, PsycInfo, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched September 1st, 2022, to identify randomized trials comparing STPP to control conditions for adults with depression. IPD were requested and analyzed using mixed-effects models.

RESULTS

IPD were obtained from 11 of the 13 (84.6%) studies identified (n = 771/837, 92.1%; mean age = 40.8, SD = 13.3; 79.3% female). STPP resulted in significantly lower depressive symptom levels than control conditions at post-treatment (d = -0.62, 95%CI [-0.76, -0.47], p < .001). At post-treatment, STPP was more efficacious for participants with longer rather than shorter current depressive episode durations.

CONCLUSIONS

These results support the evidence base of STPP for depression and indicate episode duration as an effect modifier. This moderator finding, however, is observational and requires prospective validation in future large-scale trials.

Psychological interventions for women with non-metastatic breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women worldwide. It is a distressing diagnosis and, as a result, considerable research has examined the psychological sequelae of being diagnosed and treated for breast cancer. Breast cancer is associated with increased rates of depression and anxiety and reduced quality of life. As a consequence, multiple studies have explored the impact of psychological interventions on the psychological distress experienced after a diagnosis of breast cancer. This review is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2015.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effect of psychological interventions on psychological morbidities and quality of life among women with non-metastatic breast cancer.  SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Breast Cancer Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO ICTRP) and ClinicalTrials.gov up to 16 March 2021. We also scanned the reference lists of relevant articles.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials that assessed the effectiveness of psychological interventions for women with non-metastatic breast cancer.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently appraised, extracted data from eligible trials, and assessed risk of bias and certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach. Any disagreement was resolved by discussion. Extracted data included information about participants, methods, the intervention and outcomes.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 60 randomised controlled trials comprising 7998 participants. The most frequent reasons for exclusion were non-randomised trials and the inclusion of women with metastatic disease. The updated review included 7998 randomised women; the original review included 3940 women. A wide range of interventions was evaluated. Most interventions were cognitive- or mindfulness-based, supportive-expressive, and educational. The interventions were mainly delivered face-to-face (56 studies) and in groups (50 studies) rather than individually (10 studies). Most intervention sessions were delivered on a weekly basis with an average duration of 14 hours. Follow-up time ranged from two weeks to 24 months.  Pooled standardised mean differences (SMD) from baseline indicated that the intervention may reduce depression (SMD -0.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.52 to -0.02; P = 0.04; 27 studies, 3321 participants, I2 = 91%, low-certainty evidence); anxiety (SMD -0.43, 95% CI -0.68 to -0.17; P = 0.0009; 22 studies, 2702 participants, I2 = 89%, low-certainty evidence); mood disturbance in the intervention group (SMD -0.18, 95% CI -0.31 to -0.04; P = 0.009; 13 studies, 2276 participants, I2 = 56%, low-certainty evidence); and stress (SMD -0.34, 95% (CI) -0.55 to -0.12; P = 0.002; 8 studies, 564 participants, I2 = 31%, low-certainty evidence). The intervention is likely to improve quality of life in the intervention group (SMD 0.78, 95% (CI) 0.32 to 1.24; P = 0.0008; 20 studies, 1747 participants, I2 = 95%, low-certainty evidence). Adverse events were not reported in any of the included studies.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Based on the available evidence, psychological intervention may have produced favourable effects on psychological outcomes, in particular depression, anxiety, mood disturbance and stress. There was also an improvement in quality of life in the psychological intervention group compared to control group. Overall, there was substantial variation across the studies in the range of psychological interventions used, control conditions, measures of the same outcome and timing of follow-up.

Association of mental health diagnosis with race and all-cause mortality after a cancer diagnosis: Large-scale analysis of electronic health record data

BACKGROUND

Disparity in mental health care among cancer patients remains understudied.

METHODS

A large, retrospective, single tertiary-care institution cohort study was conducted based on deidentified electronic health record data of 54,852 adult cancer patients without prior mental health diagnosis (MHD) diagnosed at the University of California, San Francisco between January 2012 and September 2019. The exposure of interest was early-onset MHD with or without psychotropic medication (PM) within 12 months of cancer diagnosis and primary outcome was all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

There were 8.2% of patients who received a new MHD at a median of 197 days (interquartile range, 61-553) after incident cancer diagnosis; 31.0% received a PM prescription; and 3.7% a mental health-related visit (MHRV). There were 62.6% of patients who were non-Hispanic White (NHW), 10.8% were Asian, 9.8% were Hispanic, and 3.8% were Black. Compared with NHWs, minority cancer patients had reduced adjusted odds of MHDs, PM prescriptions, and MHRVs, particularly for generalized anxiety (Asian odds ratio [OR], 0.66, 95% CI, 0.55-0.78; Black OR, 0.60, 95% CI, 0.45-0.79; Hispanic OR, 0.72, 95% CI, 0.61-0.85) and selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (Asian OR, 0.43, 95% CI, 0.37-0.50; Black OR, 0.51, 95% CI, 0.40-0.61; Hispanic OR, 0.79, 95% CI, 0.70-0.89). New early MHD with PM was associated with elevated all-cause mortality (12-24 months: hazard ratio [HR], 1.43, 95% CI, 1.25-1.64) that waned by 24 to 36 months (HR, 1.18, 95% CI, 0.95-1.45).

CONCLUSIONS

New mental health diagnosis with PM was a marker of early mortality among cancer patients. Minority cancer patients were less likely to receive documentation of MHDs or treatment, which may represent missed opportunities to identify and treat cancer-related mental health conditions.

Centrality of Self-Criticism in Depression and Anxiety Experienced by Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Short-Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

INTRODUCTION

Depression and anxiety are prevalent in women suffering from breast cancer. However, the determinants of depression and anxiety in this population are not well known, particularly in the context of psychotherapy. Drawing from Blatt's theory, we examined the role of Depressive Personality Vulnerability (DPV) in depression and anxiety experienced in female sufferers of breast cancer treated for depression as part of a Randomized Clinical Trial.

METHODS

Seventy-eight patients were treated by Short-Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and 79 patients by Treatment as Usual. Assessments were conducted pre-treatment, at termination, and at six-month follow-up. Main outcomes were the depression and anxiety subscales of the Hospital Depression and Anxiety Scale. Predictors were pre-treatment dependency, self-criticism, and self-efficacy, assessed via the Depressive Experiences Questionnaire. Analyses targeted associations of these dimensions with baseline levels, main effects on pretreatment-termination and pretreatment-follow-up changes in depression and anxiety, and DPV by treatment interactions.

RESULTS

Consistent with our hypotheses, self-criticism - implicated in previous research as a serious dimension of vulnerability to psychopathology - predicted elevated levels, as well as pretreatment-follow-up changes, in both depression and anxiety. However, self-criticism also augmented the effect of STPP (compared with TAU) on depression in the pretreatment-termination period.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the centrality of self-criticism for both risk and resilience processes in breast cancer.

Recent trends in the management of depression in persons with cancer

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Depression is a prevalent comorbidity in cancer that significantly increases the risk for numerous negative health outcomes. This review updates the current evidence base for management of depression in cancer, highlighting new research directions based on the inflammatory hypothesis of depression.

RECENT FINDINGS

Research on pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy for depression in cancer has shown mixed efficacy partly because of methodological issues arising from the phenomenology of depression in cancer. After decades of stagnancy, more recent high-quality clinical trials are beginning to provide an evidence base to guide treatment. Inflammatory cytokine-associated depression is a subtype of depression that may have particular relevance in cancer, opening new avenues to explore therapeutic targets and biobehavioral impacts of interventions, which may improve cancer outcomes.

SUMMARY

The continuum of severity in cancer-related depression is important to consider in management approaches. Choice of treatment should be personalized to the patient and their symptom profile as there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend any particular medication or psychotherapy over another. Psychological interventions should be considered first line for mild-to-moderate depression, and pharmacological treatment added for more severe depression, which can be optimally delivered within a collaborative care model.

VIDEO ABSTRACT

http://links.lww.com/YCO/A62.

The central nervous system can directly regulate breast cancer progression and blockage by quercetin

Background

Neuroinflammation involving the central nervous system (CNS), such as depression, is associated with a significantly increased risk of cancer and cancer-specific mortality due to breast cancer. It is of great significance to learn about the regulatory process of CNS in breast cancer progression.

Methods

We established a depressive MMTV-PyVT mouse model. The expression levels of neurotransmitters in the serum of depression animal models were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Changes of the microglia cells in the mice's brains were evaluated by immunofluorescence and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Breast cancer progression was assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis. To further investigate the mechanism by which ant-depressant drugs disrupt breast cancer progression, protein sequencing and network pharmacology were applied to identify related targets. Furthermore, we used conditioned medium from BV-2 microglia to culture breast cancer cells and treated the cells with quercetin at different concentrations; cell viability was assessed by the MTT assay.

Results

Our results show a possible regulatory target between neuroinflammation in the CNS and development of breast cancer, along with the reversal effect of quercetin on breast cancer progression.

Conclusions

Chronic stress may be an indicator of breast cancer and that quercetin could be an effective treatment for breast cancer patients with chronic stress.

The questionable efficacy of manualized psychological treatments for distressed breast cancer patients: An individual patient data meta-analysis

Previous meta-analyses conclude that psychological treatments are efficacious for emotional distress in breast cancer (BCa). However, the practical relevance of these meta-analyses is questionable; none focused specifically on clinically distressed patients or whether treatment effects were clinically significant. In a two-stage individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis of 17 randomized controlled trials of manualized psychological treatments in BCa, we evaluated treatment efficacy in distressed BCa patients (n = 1591) using clinical significance and effect size analyses. Outcomes were anxiety, depression, and general distress, evaluated at post-treatment and follow-up. Moderators examined were treatment type, treatment format, therapists' profession, control condition, age, outcome measure, and trial quality. Treated patients were more likely than controls to recover from anxiety and general distress at post-treatment (14-15% more treated patients recovered), but not at mean 8-months follow-up. Overall recovery rates were low: across outcomes, at post-treatment, only 30-32% of treated patients and 15-25% of controls recovered; at follow-up, only 21-30% of treated patients and 18-35% of controls recovered. Small between-group effect sizes in favour of treatment were found across outcomes at post-treatment (g = 0.32-0.34) but not at follow-up. Across the different analysis methods, few moderator effects were found. More efficacious psychological treatments are needed for distressed BCa patients.

Stress et cancer : mythes et réalités

Les théories profanes émises par les patients et certains ouvrages destinés au grand public alimentent l’idée que le stress psychologique peut influencer le risque de survenue de cancer. Les études consultées sur cette question semblent donner des résultats contradictoires. D’un côté, ces théories peuvent sembler étayées par les résultats d’études expérimentales portant sur les corrélats physiologiques du stress sur des voies neuro-immunoendocrinologiques (perturbations immunitaires, altération de l’axe hypothalamohypophyso- surrénalien), métaboliques et cellulaires (stress oxydatif, dégénérescence cellulaire) pouvant être impliquées dans la tumorigenèse. De l’autre, les études épidémiologiques prospectives fondées sur une méthodologie robuste ne trouvent généralement pas d’association entre exposition au stress et développement ultérieur d’un cancer. Par ailleurs, les méta-analyses suggèrent l’existence de biais de publication pouvant surestimer le poids des études « positives ». Quand bien même une association est retrouvée, le caractère observationnel des études épidémiologiques et donc la possibilité de facteurs de confusion empêchent d’établir un lien de causalité entre l’exposition au stress et un risque majoré de cancer. En ce qui concerne les mécanismes d’une éventuelle relation causale directe, il faut souligner la difficulté d’extrapoler à l’être humain des résultats obtenus chez d’autres animaux, et s’assurer de bien prendre en compte la présence de facteurs comportementaux confondants ou médiateurs comme une mauvaise hygiène de vie alimentaire, la consommation de tabac et d’alcool, les expositions professionnelles, etc. Selon les recommandations du National Cancer Institute (NCI, 2012), les connaissances actuellement disponibles ne permettent pas d’établir un lien de causalité entre stress et augmentation du risque de cancer. Si le professionnel de soin psychique ne doit donc pas cautionner ce lien hypothétique au risque de culpabiliser le patient, il gardera à l’esprit, d’une part, que le cancer peut en revanche générer un stress bien réel au quotidien chez les patients atteints par cette maladie et, d’autre part, que ces théories « profanes » peuvent parfois témoigner d’un mécanisme de défense contre ce stress.

Effectiveness of therapy group in women with localized breast cancer

Background/Objective

Breast cancer causes high levels of anxiety and depression, deteriorating quality of life of patients. Several studies have found that group therapy reduces depression and anxiety also improves the quality of life. The aim of this study is to analyze group therapy effectiveness in emotional state and quality of life in women with breast cancer after finalized medical treatments.

Method

Participants in this study were 100 adult women diagnosed of breast cancer non-mestastasic and were divided into two types of intervention groups (Self-esteem-Social Skills and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy). Evaluation instruments were questionnaire Functional Assessment of Breast-cancer Therapy (FACT-B) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).

Results

A statistically significant effect of group therapy in reducing anxiety and depression were observed. Quality of life and emotional well-being significantly improved. These effects remain three months after intervention.

Conclusions

The results show that the psychological intervention group is efficient to improve emotional state and quality of life of women with breast cancer.

Intervenções Grupais para Mulheres com Câncer de Mama: Desafios e Possibilidades

Resumo Este estudo teve por objetivo analisar a produção científica nacional e internacional sobre os grupos de reabilitação psicossocial para mulheres com câncer de mama. O levantamento bibliográfico foi realizado a partir das bases indexadoras LILACS, PubMed, PsycINFO e CINAHL. Foram selecionados 28 artigos, publicados no período de 2000 a 2015, que constituíram o corpus do estudo. Os achados foram agrupados por meio de análise de conteúdo. Os resultados evidenciaram que os grupos de apoio podem resultar em benefícios psicossociais, como redução de estresse, incremento da qualidade de vida, melhora do humor e compartilhamento de informações sobre as diversas opções de tratamentos disponíveis. Conclui-se que participar de grupos de apoio está associado a melhores desfechos psicológicos, contudo, não há evidências que comprovem aumento na expectativa de vida das mulheres.

Psychodynamic Online Treatment Following Supportive Expressive Therapy (SET):Therapeutic Rationale, Interventions and Treatment Process

OBJECTIVES

The feasibility of psychodynamic online treatments has remained an issue of debate. The paper presents rationale and technique of a psychodynamic online intervention discussing therapeutic process and alliance based on two case examples from an RCT.

METHODS

A weekly writing task is followed by individual feedback from the online therapist. Treatment focuses on a 'Core Conflict Relationship Theme' based on relationship episodes according to the wish of the patient, reactions of the others and reactions of the self. Maladaptive interpersonal interactions are worked through by supportive and expressive therapeutic interventions.

RESULTS

Case reports from our study illustrate a productive therapeutic process without immediate personal contact or nonverbal communication.

CONCLUSIONS

Emotional reactions and felt concern of the online therapist promote engagement in patients. Online therapists need to detect alliance ruptures based on text messages and remedy them. We discuss psychodynamic online treatments as adjuncts to face to face psychotherapy.

Comparison of Clinical Significance of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two brief psychotherapy models for major depressive disorder (MDD). This is a randomized clinical trial with 247 individuals diagnosed with MDD. Supportive-expressive dynamic psychotherapy (SEDP) (18 sessions) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) (16 sessions) were the two models used in this study. Participants were evaluated at baseline, during treatment, and postintervention (last session). Clinically significant changes were found in both psychotherapy models, and CBT showed higher response rates. Regarding the Beck Depression Inventory-II [F(1,120) = 4.07, p = 0.046] and Outcome Questionnaire 45.2 [F(1.114) = 7.99, p = 0.006], CBT had a better effect than SEDP. Hence, the results obtained have contributed to literature, served to corroborate the importance and effectiveness of psychodynamic psychotherapy, as well as explored the mechanisms of change, remission, and response in the treatment of MDD, which have been ignored to a large extent.

Towards an evidence-based unified psychodynamic protocol for emotional disorders

BACKGROUND

In psychotherapy research unified, transdiagnostic and modular treatments have emerged. This is true for both cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychodynamic therapy. Recently, two unified psychodynamic protocols were presented, one for anxiety disorders, another for depressive disorders. Integrating the treatment principles for these two highly prevalent disorder groups into one protocol for "emotional disorders" may be useful for both clinical practice and training in psychotherapy.

METHODS

After updating the evidence for psychodynamic therapy in anxiety and depressive disorders in terms of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) by a systematic search, the treatment elements applied in those RCTs providing evidence for the efficacy of psychodynamic therapy in depressive or anxiety disorders were reviewed and compared.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven RCTs for anxiety or depressive disorders were identified. A review revealed a high overlap between the principles used for the psychodynamic treatment of anxiety and depressive disorders, reflecting the transdiagnostic nature of psychodynamic therapy. The overlap suggested to integrate the identified treatment principles into one unified psychodynamic protocol for "emotional disorders" (UPP-EMO). As a result, seven treatment principles or modules were distilled which can be flexibly applied depending on the patient´s symptoms and needs. In addition, a separate module addresses diagnostic assessment. Across modules, a focus on resources has been included.

LIMITATIONS

Despite being based on RCTs, UPP-EMO has not yet been examined in an RCT - which is planned as a next step.

CONCLUSIONS

As psychodynamic therapy is transdiagnostic in origin focusing on core underlying processes of mental disorders, acceptability of UPP-EMO among psychodynamic psychotherapists is likely to be high.

Therapeutic alliance and treatment outcome in psychodynamic psychotherapy of depressed breast cancer patients: the same old story or different from other populations?

BACKGROUND

A good therapeutic alliance is associated with better treatment outcomes in diverse types of psychotherapy and patient populations, but little is known about therapeutic alliance in psychotherapies with cancer patients. This study examines the association of therapeutic alliance and treatment outcome in short term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP) for breast cancer patients.

METHODS

Within a randomized controlled trial, 47 completers of STPP could be included in the analyses. The therapeutic alliance was assessed by patients and therapists at treatment termination with the Helping Alliance Questionnaire. Outcome was defined as no diagnosis of depression assessed with Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-I) and a reduction of the HADS-depression score by at least two points at treatment termination.

RESULTS

Patients' alliance ratings were significantly associated with outcome (r = 0.46, p = 0.015), while, in contrast to findings in non-cancer populations, therapists' ratings were unrelated. There was no association between patients' and therapists' ratings of therapeutic alliance. Especially success and working related aspects of patients' alliance scores were associated with outcome. Patients' and therapists' alliance scores were unrelated to any of their baseline characteristics, therapist characteristic or treatment variables.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that therapists should regularly assess the quality of patients' perceived therapeutic alliance in the course of psychotherapy with breast cancer patients to improve psychotherapy outcome. The breast cancer patients' perspective should be actively inquired and considered throughout treatment by therapists. Possible discrepancies between both judgements can be addressed in treatment.

Affective Change in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: Theoretical Models and Clinical Approaches to Changing Emotions

OBJECTIVES

Affective change has been considered the hallmark of therapeutic change in psychoanalysis. Psychoanalytic writers have begun to incorporate theoretically the advanced understanding of emotional processing and transformation of the affective neurosciences. We ask if this theoretical advancement is reflected in treatment techniques addressing the processing of emotion.

METHODS

We review psychoanalytic models and treatment recommendations of maladaptive affect processing in the light of a neuroscientifically informed model of achieving psychotherapeutic change by activation and reconsolidation of emotional memory.

RESULTS

Emotions tend to be treated as other mental contents, resulting in a lack of specific psychodynamic techniques to work with emotions. Manualized technical modifications addressing affect regulation have been successfully tested in patients with personality pathology, but not for psychodynamic treatments of axis I disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

Emotional memories need to be activated in order to be modified, therefore, we propose to include techniques into psychodynamic therapy that stimulate emotional experience.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of collaborative care interventions for depression in patients with cancer

BACKGROUND

Previous systematic reviews have found limited evidence for the effectiveness of pharmacological and psychological interventions for the management of depression in patients with cancer. This paper provides the first meta-analysis of newer collaborative care interventions, which may include both types of treatment, as well as integrated delivery and follow-up. Meta-analyses of pharmacological and psychological interventions are included as a comparison.

METHODS

A search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library from July 2005 to January 2015 for randomized controlled trials of depression treatments for cancer patients diagnosed with a major depressive disorder, or who met a threshold on a validated depression rating scale was conducted. Meta-analyses were conducted using summary data.

RESULTS

Key findings included eight reports of four collaborative care interventions, eight pharmacological, and nine psychological trials. A meta-analysis demonstrated that collaborative care interventions were significantly more effective than usual care (standardized mean difference = -0.49, p = 0.003), and depression reduction was maintained at 12 months. By comparison, short-term (up to 12 weeks), but not longer-term effectiveness was demonstrated for both pharmacological and psychological interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

Collaborative care interventions have newly emerged as multidisciplinary care delivery models, which may result in more long-term depression remission. This review also updates previous findings of modest evidence for the effectiveness of both pharmacological and psychological interventions for threshold depression in cancer patients. Research designs focusing on combined treatments and delivery systems may best further the limited evidence-base for the management of depression in cancer.

Management of Depression in Patients With Cancer: A Clinical Practice Guideline

PURPOSE

This report updates the Cancer Care Ontario Program in Evidence-Based Care guideline for the management of depression in adult patients with cancer. This guideline covers pharmacologic, psychological, and collaborative care interventions, with a focus on integrating practical management tools to assist clinicians in delivering appropriate treatments for depression in patients with cancer.

METHODS

Recommendations were developed by synthesizing information from extant guidelines and reviews and searching for randomized controlled trials from the date of database inception (1964 for MEDLINE and 1974 for EMBASE) to January 2015. Quality assessment of guidelines and systematic reviews were conducted by using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II), Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR), and Cochrane Risk of Bias tools. Final recommendations were developed through a standardized Program in Evidence-Based Care multidisciplinary expert and knowledge user review process.

RESULTS

Two high-quality relevant clinical practice guidelines, eight pharmacologic trials, nine psychological trials, and eight collaborative care intervention trials composed the evidence base upon which the recommendations were developed. Eight specific recommendations were made to establish a standard of care for the management of depression in patients with cancer. The recommendations and practical management tools were reviewed as being well organized and helpful, although systemic barriers to implementation were identified.

CONCLUSION

This updated guideline supports the previous general recommendation that patients with cancer who have depression may benefit from psychological and/or pharmacologic interventions, without evidence for the superiority of any specific treatment over another. New recommendations for a collaborative care model that incorporates a stepped care approach suggest that multidisciplinary mental health care restructuring may be required for optimal management of depression.

The empirical status of psychodynamic psychotherapy - an update: Bambi's alive and kicking

BACKGROUND

The Task Force on Promotion and Dissemination of Psychological Procedures proposed rigorous criteria to define empirically supported psychotherapies. According to these criteria, 2 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) showing efficacy are required for a treatment to be designated as 'efficacious' and 1 RCT for a designation as 'possibly efficacious'. Applying these criteria modified by Chambless and Hollon, this article presents an update on the evidence for psychodynamic therapy (PDT) in specific mental disorders.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed using the criteria by Chambless and Hollon for study selection, as follows: (1) RCT of PDT in adults, (2) use of reliable and valid measures for diagnosis and outcome, (3) use of treatment manuals or manual-like guidelines, (4) adult population treated for specific problems and (5) PDT superior to no treatment, placebo or alternative treatment or equivalent to an established treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 39 RCTs were included. Following Chambless and Hollon, PDT can presently be designated as efficacious in major depressive disorder (MDD), social anxiety disorder, borderline and heterogeneous personality disorders, somatoform pain disorder, and anorexia nervosa. For MDD, this also applies to the combination with pharmacotherapy. PDT can be considered as possibly efficacious in dysthymia, complicated grief, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and substance abuse/dependence. Evidence is lacking for obsessive-compulsive, posttraumatic stress, bipolar and schizophrenia spectrum disorder(s).

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence has emerged that PDT is efficacious or possibly efficacious in a wide range of common mental disorders. Further research is required for those disorders for which sufficient evidence does not yet exist.

The efficacy of short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy for depression: A meta-analysis update

OBJECTIVES

The efficacy of short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP) for depression is debated. Recently, a number of large-scale and high-quality studies have been conducted. We examined the efficacy of STPP by updating our 2010 meta-analysis.

RESULTS

After a thorough literature search, 54 studies (33 randomized clinical trials) totaling 3946 subjects were included. STPP was significantly more effective than control conditions at post-treatment on depression, general psychopathology and quality of life measures (d=0.49 to 0.69). STPP pre-treatment to post-treatment changes (d=0.57 to 1.18) indicated significant improvements on all outcome measures, which either significantly improved further (d=0.20 to 1.04) or were maintained from post-treatment to follow-up. No significant differences were found between individual STPP and other psychotherapies at post-treatment (d=-0.14) and follow-up (d=-0.06) in analyses that were adequately powered to detect a clinically relevant difference. STPP was significantly more efficacious than other psychotherapies on anxiety measures at both post-treatment (d=0.35) and follow-up (d=0.76).

CONCLUSION

We found clear indications that STPP is effective in the treatment of depression in adults. Although more high-quality studies are needed, particularly to assess the efficacy of STPP compared to control conditions at follow-up and to antidepressants, these findings add to the evidence-base of STPP for depression.

Does psychodynamic short-term psychotherapy for depressed breast cancer patients also improve fatigue? Results from a randomized controlled trial

The purpose of this study was to determine (a) the course of fatigue in depressed breast cancer patients, (b) the effect of a depression-focused individual psychodynamic psychotherapy on fatigue, and (c) the associations of fatigue with depression, quality of life and treatment-related variables. In a German multicentre randomized controlled trial in Leipzig and Mainz, depressed early breast cancer patients (UICC stage 0-III, age 18-70 years) were randomly assigned to a short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP, an adaptation of the Supportive-Expressive psychotherapy by Luborsky for cancer patients) or treatment as usual (TAU) and completed data assessment pre- and post-treatment. Fatigue was assessed with the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20). All analyses were conducted as complete case analyses including 52 STPP and 54 TAU completers (n = 106). The trial is registered at http://www.controlled-trials.com , number ISRCTN96793588. Fatigue declined significantly from a high level pre-treatment to post-treatment, but remained significantly higher than among population-based controls and a mixed sample of cancer patients. Significant time by group interactions favoured STPP for the subscales reduced activity and physical fatigue and the total scale. The strength of the associations between total fatigue and depression increased from 0.49 pre-treatment to 0.63 (Quality of life -0.52 to -0.63) at follow-up. STPP is beneficial for reducing dimensions of fatigue (particularly reduced activity and physical fatigue) in depressed breast cancer patients. Chronic fatigue needs more clinical attention in this vulnerable group.

Psychodynamic therapy meets evidence-based medicine: a systematic review using updated criteria

Psychodynamic therapy (PDT) is an umbrella concept for treatments that operate on an interpretive-supportive continuum and is frequently used in clinical practice. The use of any form of psychotherapy should be supported by sufficient evidence. Efficacy research has been neglected in PDT for a long time. In this review, we describe methodological requirements for proofs of efficacy and summarise the evidence for use of PDT to treat mental health disorders. After specifying the requirements for superiority, non-inferiority, and equivalence trials, we did a systematic search using the following criteria: randomised controlled trial of PDT; use of treatment manuals or manual-like guidelines; use of reliable and valid measures for diagnosis and outcome; adults treated for specific mental problems. We identified 64 randomised controlled trials that provide evidence for the efficacy of PDT in common mental health disorders. Studies sufficiently powered to test for equivalence to established treatments did not find substantial differences in efficacy. These results were corroborated by several meta-analyses that suggest PDT is as efficacious as treatments established in efficacy. More randomised controlled trials are needed for some mental health disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Furthermore, more adequately powered equivalence trials are needed.

The effectiveness of psychodynamic psychotherapies: An update

This paper provides a comprehensive review of outcome studies and meta-analyses of effectiveness studies of psychodynamic therapy (PDT) for the major categories of mental disorders. Comparisons with inactive controls (waitlist, treatment as usual and placebo) generally but by no means invariably show PDT to be effective for depression, some anxiety disorders, eating disorders and somatic disorders. There is little evidence to support its implementation for post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia nervosa, cocaine dependence or psychosis. The strongest current evidence base supports relatively long-term psychodynamic treatment of some personality disorders, particularly borderline personality disorder. Comparisons with active treatments rarely identify PDT as superior to control interventions and studies are generally not appropriately designed to provide tests of statistical equivalence. Studies that demonstrate inferiority of PDT to alternatives exist, but are small in number and often questionable in design. Reviews of the field appear to be subject to allegiance effects. The present review recommends abandoning the inherently conservative strategy of comparing heterogeneous "families" of therapies for heterogeneous diagnostic groups. Instead, it advocates using the opportunities provided by bioscience and computational psychiatry to creatively explore and assess the value of protocol-directed combinations of specific treatment components to address the key problems of individual patients.

The efficacy of psychotherapy: focus on psychodynamic psychotherapy as an example

The growing number of individuals seeking treatment for mental disorders calls for intelligent and responsible decisions in health care politics. However, the current relative decrease in reimbursement of effective psychotherapy approaches occurring in the context of an increase in prescription of psychotropic medication lacks a scientific base. Using psychodynamic psychotherapy as an example, we review the literature on meta-analyses and recent outcome studies of effective treatment approaches. Psychodynamic psychotherapy is an effective treatment for a wide variety of mental disorders. Adding to the known effectiveness of other shorter treatments, the results indicate lasting change in many cases, especially for complex and difficult to treat patients, ultimately reducing health-care utilization. Research-informed health care decisions that take into account the solid evidence for the effectiveness of psychotherapy, including psychodynamic psychotherapy, have the potential to promote choice, increase mental health, and reduce society's burden of disease in the long run.

Putting evidence into practice: evidence-based interventions for depression

Depression is a distressing emotion that occurs during various times of the cancer trajectory. Depression often goes unrecognized and untreated, which can significantly affect cost, quality of life, and treatment adherence. The Oncology Nursing Society's Putting Evidence Into Practice depression project team reviewed current literature to identify evidence-based interventions to reduce depression in people with cancer. Pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions were evaluated, and opportunities for nurses to integrate recommendations into practice are offered in this article.

Rehabilitation model program for seriously ill patients

<b>Background</b><br /> Patients receiving cancer treatment start lifestyle changes mostly at the end of the treatment during the rehabilitation period. Most often, the first step is a dietary change and physical exercises built into the daily routine. Patients who do this in groups led by qualified therapists and based on professional counseling can build more effective and more permanent changes into their life.<br /> To develop a complex rehabilitation program which, in the short term, aims to familiarize patients with a lifestyle which harmonizes the physical, mental, spiritual and social spheres of life and, in the long term, to build it into their everyday life in order to ameliorate the physical and mental state and reduce the psychological symptoms and the isolation of patients. The physical component focuses on diet and exercise. The psycho-social-spiritual support focuses on discovering inner sources of strength, developing active coping mechanisms and helping to achieve more open communication.<br /> <br /> <b>Participants and procedure</b><br /> In February and March 2011, 8 patients treated for malignant tumors participated in the model program. The components of the model program were psychotherapy, physiotherapy, cancer consultation, nutrition counseling, creative activities and walking.<br /> <br /> <b>Results</b><br /> During the period of the model program the isolation of the patients decreased and their social support and ability of coping with the illness ameliorated. They reported an ease in anxiety and depression in their everyday activities. According to feedback, their communication with each other, with the staff and with their relatives became more open. Altogether this had advantageous effects on the functioning of the ward and the mood of the staff.<br /> <br /> <b>Conclusions</b><br /> The rehabilitation program confirmed that beside individual psycho-social support, beneficial and economic psycho-social support can be provided for the patients in group form along with the most effective assignment of the resources of the staff.

Short-term psychodynamic psychotherapies for common mental disorders

BACKGROUND

Since the mid-1970s, short-term psychodynamic psychotherapies (STPP) for a broad range of psychological and somatic disorders have been developed and studied. Early published meta-analyses of STPP, using different methods and samples, have yielded conflicting results, although some meta-analyses have consistently supported an empirical basis for STPP. This is an update of a review that was last updated in 2006.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of STPP for adults with common mental disorders compared with wait-list controls, treatments as usual and minimal contact controls in randomised controlled trials (RCTs). To specify the differential effects of STPP for people with different disorders (e.g. depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, somatoform disorders, mixed disorders and personality disorder) and treatment characteristics (e.g. manualised versus non-manualised therapies).

SEARCH METHODS

The Cochrane Depression, Anxiety and Neurosis Group's Specialised Register (CCDANCTR) was searched to February 2014, this register includes relevant randomised controlled trials from The Cochrane Library (all years), EMBASE (1974-), MEDLINE (1950-) and PsycINFO (1967-). We also conducted searches on CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, DARE and Biological Abstracts (all years to July 2012) and all relevant studies (identified to 2012) were fully incorporated in this review update. We checked references from papers retrieved. We contacted a large group of psychodynamic researchers in an attempt to find new studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included all RCTs of adults with common mental disorders, in which a brief psychodynamic therapy lasting 40 or fewer hours in total was provided in individual format.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Eight review authors working in pairs evaluated studies. We selected studies only if pairs of review authors agreed that the studies met inclusion criteria. We consulted a third review author if two review authors could not reach consensus. Two review authors collected data and entered it into Review Manager software. Two review authors assessed and scored risk of bias. We assessed publication bias using a funnel plot. Two review authors conducted and reviewed subgroup analyses.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 33 studies of STPP involving 2173 randomised participants with common mental disorders. Studies were of diverse conditions in which problems with emotional regulation were purported to play a causative role albeit through a range of symptom presentations. These studies evaluated STPP for this review's primary outcomes (general, somatic, anxiety and depressive symptom reduction), as well as interpersonal problems and social adjustment. Except for somatic measures in the short-term, all outcome categories suggested significantly greater improvement in the treatment versus the control groups in the short-term and medium-term. Effect sizes increased in long-term follow-up, but some of these effects did not reach statistical significance. A relatively small number of studies (N < 20) contributed data for the outcome categories. There was also significant heterogeneity between studies in most categories, possibly due to observed differences between manualised versus non-manualised treatments, short versus longer treatments, studies with observer-rated versus self report outcomes, and studies employing different treatment models.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There has been further study of STPP and it continues to show promise, with modest to large gains for a wide variety of people. However, given the limited data, loss of significance in some measures at long-term follow-up and heterogeneity between studies, these findings should be interpreted with caution. Furthermore, variability in treatment delivery and treatment quality may limit the reliability of estimates of effect for STPP. Larger studies of higher quality and with specific diagnoses are warranted.