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Armstrong SB, Xin Y, Sepeda ND, Polanco M, Averill LA, Davis AK. Prospective associations of psychedelic treatment for co-occurring alcohol misuse and posttraumatic stress symptoms among United States Special Operations Forces Veterans. MILITARY PSYCHOLOGY 2024; 36:184-191. [PMID: 38377244 PMCID: PMC10880491 DOI: 10.1080/08995605.2022.2156200] [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: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated prospective associations of ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT treatment for risky alcohol use and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among United States (US) Special Operations Forces Veterans (SOFV). Data were collected during standard clinical operations at pre-treatment and 1-month (1 m), 3-months (3 m), and 6-months (6 m) post-treatment in an ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT treatment program in Mexico. Of the 86 SOFV that completed treatment, 45 met criteria for risky alcohol use at pre-treatment (mean age = 44; male = 100%; White = 91%). There was a significant reduction in alcohol use from pre-treatment (M = 7.2, SD = 2.3) to 1 m (M = 3.6; SD = 3.5) post-treatment, which remained reduced through 6 m (M = 4.0; SD = 2.9; p < .001, partial eta squared = .617). At 1 m, 24% were abstinent, 33% were non-risky drinking, and 42% were risky drinkers. At 6 m, 16% were abstinent, 31% were non-risky drinking, and 53% were risky drinkers. There were no differences between responders (abstinent/non-risky drinkers) and non-responders (risky drinkers) in demographics/clinical characteristics. However, there were significant and very large differences between responders and non-responders in PTSD symptom (p < .01, d = -3.26) and cognitive functioning change (p < .01, d = -0.99). Given these findings, future clinical trials should determine whether psychedelic-assisted therapy holds promise for individuals with complex trauma and alcohol misuse who have not been successfully treated with traditional interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey B. Armstrong
- Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Yitong Xin
- Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Nathan D. Sepeda
- Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Lynnette A. Averill
- US Department of Veterans Affairs, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Administration Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alan K. Davis
- Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
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Guetta RE, Siepsiak M, Shan Y, Frazer-Abel E, Rosenthal MZ. Misophonia is related to stress but not directly with traumatic stress. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296218. [PMID: 38386641 PMCID: PMC10883556 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The relationship between misophonia, stress, and traumatic stress has not been well characterized scientifically. This study aimed to explore the relationships among misophonia, stress, lifetime traumatic events, and traumatic stress. A community sample of adults with self-reported misophonia (N = 143) completed structured diagnostic interviews and psychometrically validated self-report measures. Significant positive correlations were observed among perceived stress, traumatic stress, and misophonia severity. However, multivariate analyses revealed that perceived stress significantly predicted misophonia severity, over and above traumatic stress symptoms. The number of adverse life events was not associated with misophonia severity. Among symptom clusters of post-traumatic stress disorder, only hyperarousal was associated with misophonia severity. These findings suggest that transdiagnostic processes related to stress, such as perceived stress and hyperarousal, may be important phenotypic features and possible treatment targets for adults with misophonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E. Guetta
- Center for Misophonia and Emotion Regulation, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Marta Siepsiak
- Center for Misophonia and Emotion Regulation, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Psychology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Yanyan Shan
- Center for Misophonia and Emotion Regulation, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Emily Frazer-Abel
- Center for Misophonia and Emotion Regulation, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - M. Zachary Rosenthal
- Center for Misophonia and Emotion Regulation, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
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Ragsdale KA, Nichols AA, Mehta M, Maples-Keller JL, Yasinski CW, Hyatt CS, Watkins LE, Loucks LA, Carbone E, Rauch SAM, Rothbaum BO. Comorbid treatment of traumatic brain injury and mental health disorders. NeuroRehabilitation 2024:NRE230235. [PMID: 38277308 DOI: 10.3233/nre-230235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Emory Healthcare Veterans Program (EHVP) is a multidisciplinary intensive outpatient treatment program for post-9/11 veterans and service members with invisible wounds, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), substance use disorders (SUD), and other anxiety- and depression-related disorders. OBJECTIVE This article reviews the EHVP. METHODS The different treatment tracks that provide integrated and comprehensive treatment are highlighted along with a review of the standard, adjunctive, and auxiliary services that complement individualized treatment plans. RESULTS This review particularly emphasizes the adjunctive neurorehabilitation service offered to veterans and service members with a TBI history and the EVHP data that indicate large reductions in PTSD and depression symptoms across treatment tracks that are maintained across 12 months follow up. Finally, there is a discussion of possible suboptimal treatment response and the pilot programs related to different treatment augmentation strategies being deploying to ensure optimal treatment response for all. CONCLUSION Published data indicate that the two-week intensive outpatient program is an effective treatment program for a variety of complex presentations of PTSD, TBI, SUD, and other anxiety- and depression-related disorders in veterans and active duty service members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie A Ragsdale
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Anastacia A Nichols
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mansi Mehta
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jessica L Maples-Keller
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Carly W Yasinski
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Courtland S Hyatt
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Laura E Watkins
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Laura A Loucks
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Carbone
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sheila A M Rauch
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Joseph Maxwell Cleland Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA, USA
| | - Barbara O Rothbaum
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Castro-Camacho L, Barlow DH, García N, Farchione TJ, Idrobo F, Rattner M, Quant DM, González L, Moreno JD. Effects of a Contextual Adaptation of the Unified Protocol in Multiple Emotional Disorders in Individuals Exposed to Armed Conflict in Colombia: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry 2023; 80:991-999. [PMID: 37466983 PMCID: PMC10357366 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2023.2392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Importance A transdiagnostic treatment, the Unified Protocol, is as effective as single diagnostic protocols in comorbid emotional disorders in clinical populations. However, its effects on posttraumatic stress disorder and other emotional disorders in individuals living in war and armed conflict contexts have not been studied. Objective To evaluate the efficacy of a cultural and contextual adaptation of the Unified Protocol (CXA-UP) on posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression compared to waitlist control in individuals exposed to armed conflict in Colombia. Design, Setting, and Participants From April 2017 to March 2020, 200 participants 18 years and older were randomly assigned to the CXA-UP or to a waitlist condition. CXA-UP consisted of 12 to 14 twice-a-week or weekly individual 90-minute face-to-face sessions. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, posttreatment, and 3 months following treatment. Analyses were performed and compared for all randomly allocated participants (intent-to-treat [ITT]) and for participants who completed all sessions and posttreatment measures (per protocol [PP]). The study took place at an outpatient university center and included individuals who were registered in the Colombian Victims Unit meeting DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, or depression or were severely impaired by anxiety or depression. Individuals who were receiving psychological therapy, were dependent on alcohol or drugs, were actively suicidal or had attempted suicide in the previous 2 months, had psychosis or bipolar disorder, or were cognitively impaired were excluded. Intervention CXA-UP or waitlist. Main Outcomes and Measures Primary outcomes were changes in anxiety, depression, and somatic scores on the Patient Health Questionnaire and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5. Results Among the 200 participants (160 women [80.0%]; 40 men [20.0%]; mean [SD] age, 43.1 [11.9] years), 120 were randomized to treatment and 80 to waitlist. Results for primary outcomes in the ITT analysis showed a significant pretreatment-to-posttreatment reduction when comparing treatment and waitlist on the posttraumatic stress disorder checklist for DSM-5 scores (slope [SE], -31.12 [3.00]; P < .001; Cohen d, 0.90; 90% CI, 0.63-1.19), 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) (slope [SE],-11.94 [1.30]; P < .001; Cohen d, 0.77; 90% CI, 0.52-1.06), PHQ-anxiety (slope [SE], -6.52 [0.67]; P < .001; Cohen d, 0.82; 90% CI, 0.49-1.15), and PHQ-somatic (slope [SE], -8.31 [0.92]; P < .001; Cohen d, 0.75; 90% CI, 0.47-1.04). Conclusions and Relevance In this study, significant reductions and large effect sizes in all measures of different emotional disorders showed efficacy of a single transdiagnostic intervention in individuals exposed to armed conflicts. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03127982.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David H. Barlow
- Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nicolás García
- Department of Psychology, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Todd J. Farchione
- Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Fabio Idrobo
- Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Michel Rattner
- Department of Psychology, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
- Department of Psychology, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Diana M. Quant
- Department of Psychology, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Laura González
- Department of Psychology, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Julián D. Moreno
- Department of Psychology, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
- Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
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de la Rosa-Gómez A, Hernández Posadas A, Valencia PD, Flores-Plata LA, Serrano Zárate B, Flores Elvira AI, Dominguez-Rodriguez A, Vázquez Sánchez MF, González Santiago E. Online transdiagnostic intervention for emotional, trauma- and stressor-related disorders in the Mexican population: A randomized pilot and feasibility trial. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2023; 35:101204. [PMID: 37691848 PMCID: PMC10482736 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2023.101204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
•Mexican individuals received via telehealth the unified protocol for anxiety, depression, and trauma related disorders.•Online unified protocol reduced depression, anxiety, emotional issues, uncertainty intolerance, and psychological distress.•The transdiagnostic unified protocol is well-suited to train therapists for emotional, trauma, and stressor-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pablo D. Valencia
- Faculty of Higher Studies Iztacala, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico
| | | | - Berenice Serrano Zárate
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Basic and Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Universitat Jaume I, Spain
| | | | - Alejandro Dominguez-Rodriguez
- Faculty of Behavioural, Management, and Social Sciences, Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
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Davis AK, Xin Y, Sepeda N, Averill LA. Open-label study of consecutive ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT assisted-therapy for trauma-exposed male Special Operations Forces Veterans: prospective data from a clinical program in Mexico. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2023; 49:587-596. [PMID: 37734158 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2023.2220874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Background: Research in psychedelic medicine has focused primarily on civilian populations. Further study is needed to understand whether these treatments are effective for Veteran populations.Objectives: Here, we examine the effectiveness of psychedelic-assisted therapy among trauma-exposed Special Operations Forces Veterans (SOFV) seeking treatment for cognitive and mental health problems in Mexico.Methods: Data were collected from an ibogaine and 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) clinical treatment program for SOFV with a history of trauma exposure. This clinical program collects prospective clinical program evaluation data, such as background characteristics, symptom severity, functioning (e.g., satisfaction with life, posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, sleep disturbance, psychological flexibility, disability in functioning, cognitive functioning, neurobehavioral symptoms, anger, suicidal ideation), and substance persisting/enduring effects through online surveys at four timepoints (baseline/pre-treatment, one-, three-, and six-months after treatment).Results: The majority of the sample (n = 86; Mean Age = 42.88, SD = 7.88) were Caucasian (87.2%), non-Hispanic (89.5%), and males (100%). There were significant and large improvements in self-reported PTSD symptoms (p < .001, d = .414), depression (p < .001, d = .275), anxiety (p < .001, d = .276), insomnia severity (p < .001, d = .351), and post-concussive symptoms (p < .001, d = .389) as well as self-reported satisfaction with life (p < .001, d = .371), psychological flexibility (p < .001, d = .313) and cognitive functioning (p < .001, d = .265) from baseline to one-month follow-up.Conclusions: Data suggest combined ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT assisted therapy has potential to provide rapid and robust changes in mental health functioning with a signal of durable therapeutic effects up to 6-months. Future research in controlled settings is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Kooi Davis
- Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education, College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yitong Xin
- Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education, College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Nathan Sepeda
- Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education, College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lynnette A Averill
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, US Department of Veteran Affairs, Houston, TX, USA
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Mohajerin B, Lynn SJ, Cassiello-Robbins C. Unified Protocol vs Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Among Adolescents With PTSD. Behav Ther 2023; 54:823-838. [PMID: 37597960 PMCID: PMC10060014 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2023.03.003] [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: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Harmful consequences of COVID-19, such as prolonged quarantine, lack of social contact, and especially loss of parents or friends, can negatively impact children and adolescents' mental health in diverse ways, including engendering posttraumatic stress symptoms. Our study is the first to compare the transdiagnostic Unified Protocol for the Treatment of Emotional Disorders in Adolescents (UP-A; Ehrenreich et al., 2009; Ehrenreich-May et al., 2017) with Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) in terms of outcomes related to PTSD symptoms (COVID-19-related vs. COVID-19 unrelated PTSD) and comorbid symptoms (i.e., anxiety, depression) and other measures (i.e., emotion regulation, self-injury, anger). Individuals diagnosed with PTSD were randomly assigned to the UP-A (n = 46) or TF-CBT group (n = 47), administered the SCID-5 and a battery of measures and followed up posttreatment and then after 3, 6, and 9 months. Ninety-three adolescents with PTSD were enrolled, 45% boys and 61% COVID-19-related PTSD. We adopted an intention-to-treat approach. At the initial post-intervention assessment, except for emotion regulation and unexpressed angry feelings, in which UP-A participants reported greater reductions, no significant differences in other variables were secured between the UP-A and TF-CBT. However, at follow-up assessments, the UP-A evidenced significantly better outcomes than TF-CBT. We found support for the UP-A compared with TF-CBT in treating adolescents with PTSD, regardless of COVID-19-related PTSD status, in maintaining treatment effectiveness over time.
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Lau W, Chisholm K, Gallagher M, Felmingham K, Murray K, Pearce A, Doyle N, Alexander S, O'Brien H, Putica A, Khatri J, Bockelmann P, Hosseiny F, Librado A, Notarianni M, O'Donnell M. Comparing the unified protocol for transdiagnostic treatment of emotional disorders to prolonged exposure for the treatment of PTSD: Design of a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2023; 33:101134. [PMID: 37228903 PMCID: PMC10205430 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2023.101134] [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: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Prolonged Exposure (PE), a trauma-focused therapy, is one of the most efficacious treatments available for PTSD. However, many people with PTSD do not lose their diagnosis following delivery of PE. The Unified Protocol (UP) for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders is a non-trauma focused treatment that may offer an alternative treatment for PTSD. Methods This paper describes the study protocol for IMPACT, an assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial that examines the non-inferiority of UP relative to PE for participants who meet DSM-5 criteria for current PTSD. One hundred and twenty adult participants with PTSD will be randomized to receive either 10 × 90-min sessions of UP or PE with a trained provider. The primary outcome is severity of PTSD symptoms assessed by the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) at post-treatment. Discussion While evidence-based treatments are available for PTSD, high levels of treatment dropout and non-response require new approaches to be tested. The UP is based on emotion regulation theory and is effective in treating anxiety and depressive disorders, however, there has been limited application to PTSD. This is the first rigorous study comparing UP to PE in a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial and may help improve clinical outcomes for those with PTSD. Trial registration This trial was prospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, Trial ID (ACTRN12619000543189).
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Affiliation(s)
- W. Lau
- Phoenix Australia – Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - K. Chisholm
- Phoenix Australia – Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - M.W. Gallagher
- Department of Psychology, The University of Houston, TX, USA
| | - K. Felmingham
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - K. Murray
- Phoenix Australia – Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - A. Pearce
- Phoenix Australia – Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - N. Doyle
- Phoenix Australia – Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - S. Alexander
- Phoenix Australia – Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - H. O'Brien
- Phoenix Australia – Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - A. Putica
- Phoenix Australia – Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - J. Khatri
- Canberra Health Services, Australian Capital Territory Government, Canberra, Australia
| | - P. Bockelmann
- Phoenix Australia – Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - F. Hosseiny
- Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families, Ottawa, Canada
- University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research at The Royal, Canada
| | - A. Librado
- Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families, Ottawa, Canada
| | - M. Notarianni
- Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families, Ottawa, Canada
- University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research at The Royal, Canada
| | - M.L. O'Donnell
- Phoenix Australia – Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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9
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Gros DF, Allan NP, Koscinski B, Keller S, Acierno R. Influence of comorbid social anxiety disorder in PTSD treatment outcomes for Prolonged Exposure in female military sexual trauma survivors with PTSD. J Clin Psychol 2023; 79:1039-1050. [PMID: 36399326 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common psychiatric disorder that frequently presents alongside other comorbid diagnoses. Although several evidence-based psychotherapies have been well-studied for PTSD, limited research has focused on the influence of diagnostic comorbidity on their outcomes. The present study sought to investigate the influence of comorbid social anxiety disorder on treatment outcomes in patients with PTSD. METHODS One hundred and twelve treatment-seeking female veteran participants with PTSD completed baseline assessments and received 12-15 sessions of Prolonged Exposure. Symptom measures were completed biweekly as well as at immediate posttreatment, 3-month, and 6-month follow-ups. RESULTS Thirty (26.8%) participants seeking PTSD treatment also met diagnostic criteria for social anxiety disorder. Multilevel modeling was used to examine effects of social anxiety disorder diagnosis on post-intervention symptoms and revealed significantly worse outcomes for symptoms of PTSD and depression in participants with comorbid PTSD and social anxiety disorder. CONCLUSION Consistent with previous studies of co-occurring PTSD and depression, present findings suggest that comorbid diagnoses may adversely affect disorder-specific treatment outcomes. As such, the presence of diagnostic comorbidity may merit further consideration and potential adaptions to the traditional, disorder-specific assessment and treatment practices for PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel F Gros
- Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson VA Healthcare System, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Nicholas P Allan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,VA Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, VA Finger Lakes Healthcare System Canandaigua, New York, USA
| | | | - Stephanie Keller
- Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson VA Healthcare System, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Ron Acierno
- Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson VA Healthcare System, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.,Louis Faillace Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, USA
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BATMAZ S. Transdiagnostic Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy: Unified Protocol as an Example. PSIKIYATRIDE GUNCEL YAKLASIMLAR - CURRENT APPROACHES IN PSYCHIATRY 2023. [DOI: 10.18863/pgy.1064590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
The fact that there are many limitations of the current classification systems led to the emergence of transdiagnostic approaches (TA) that focus on the common psychopathological processes underlying disorders rather than categorical diagnoses. TA focuses on the underlying common psychopathological processes in the emergence and persistence of mental disorders. Thus, even if the disorders are categorically diagnosed differently, it can be determined how they overlap or separate with each other. TA aims to treat mental disorders using these aspects. TA has a flexible and modular structure that can be easily integrated into cognitive behavioral therapies. The rest of this review will focus on the Unified Protocol (UP), one of the most popular TA examples. The main purpose of the UP is to enable patients to recognize their feelings and give more adaptive reactions to their negative emotions. Accordingly, UP consists of eight modules. The modules can usually be completed in a total of 11 - 17 weeks. Each 50 to 60-minute individual session is held once a week. If necessary, changes can be made to the number or the frequency of sessions allocated to modules. The goals of each module of the UP and the treatment approaches towards these goals allow a very clearly defined approach. For this reason, there is a need for a detailed evaluation, conceptualization and treatment plan before the UP is put into practice. We hope that mental health professionals from Turkey will contribute to the developments in the UP.
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11
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Yalch MM, Gallagher AR, Watters KN. Thinking hierarchically about posttraumatic response: Commentary on Lehinger et al. (2022). J Trauma Stress 2022; 35:1810-1812. [PMID: 36316961 PMCID: PMC10092112 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22891] [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: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Lehinger et al.'s (2022) study on the associations between posttraumatic stress symptoms, posttraumatic cognitions, and alcohol use in sexual assault survivors extends previous research on posttraumatic response to sexual trauma. The study is useful for these purposes but it also raises other interesting questions about the nature of posttraumatic response and the structure of psychopathology more generally. In this commentary, we describe Lehinger et al.'s (2022) study and its findings and discuss their potential relevance for emerging transdiagnostic, hierarchical models of psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M Yalch
- Department of Psychology, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Alana R Gallagher
- Department of Psychology, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Kayleigh N Watters
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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Weinzimmer SA, Goetz AR, Guzick AG, Hana LM, Cepeda SL, Schneider SC, Kennedy SM, Amos Nwankwo GN, Christian CC, Shaw AM, Salloum A, Shah AA, Goodman WK, Ehrenreich-May J, Storch EA. Primary Outcomes for Adults Receiving the Unified Protocol after Hurricane Harvey in an Integrated Healthcare Setting. Community Ment Health J 2022; 58:1522-1534. [PMID: 35377090 PMCID: PMC9962349 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-022-00967-1] [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: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders (UP) has demonstrated efficacy for treating anxiety and depression. However, there are limited effectiveness data when conducted in real-world settings with diverse populations, including those with trauma. We evaluated treatment outcomes in a naturalistic, community setting among 279 adults who received UP following Hurricane Harvey. We examined change in overall clinical severity, depression and anxiety symptoms, functional impairment, and baseline outcome predictors (i.e., demographic characteristics, impact from Hurricane Harvey, co-occurrence of depression and anxiety symptoms). Global clinical severity, depression and anxiety symptoms, and functional impairment decreased by end-of-treatment. Participants experienced global symptom improvement to a lesser degree than demonstrated in efficacy trials. Participants who experienced greater storm impact reported larger reductions in anxiety symptoms than those less impacted by Harvey. Further studies evaluating the effectiveness of the UP post-disaster and with diverse samples are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saira A Weinzimmer
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, 1977 Butler Blvd., Suite E4.400, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Amy R Goetz
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, 1977 Butler Blvd., Suite E4.400, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Andrew G Guzick
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, 1977 Butler Blvd., Suite E4.400, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Lynn M Hana
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, 1977 Butler Blvd., Suite E4.400, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Sandra L Cepeda
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, 1977 Butler Blvd., Suite E4.400, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, P.O. Box 248185, Coral Gables, FL, 33124, USA
| | - Sophie C Schneider
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, 1977 Butler Blvd., Suite E4.400, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Sarah M Kennedy
- School of Medicine, University of Colorado, 1635 Aurora Ct, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Gifty N Amos Nwankwo
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, 1977 Butler Blvd., Suite E4.400, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Catherine C Christian
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, 1977 Butler Blvd., Suite E4.400, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ashley M Shaw
- Center for Children and Families, Florida International University, 11200 Southwest 8th Street, AHC1 140, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Alison Salloum
- College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, University of South Florida, 13301 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Asim A Shah
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, 1977 Butler Blvd., Suite E4.400, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Wayne K Goodman
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, 1977 Butler Blvd., Suite E4.400, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jill Ehrenreich-May
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, P.O. Box 248185, Coral Gables, FL, 33124, USA
| | - Eric A Storch
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, 1977 Butler Blvd., Suite E4.400, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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Arani AM, Hosseini S, Lotfinia S, Ebrahimi LS, Mousavi SE, Mohammadzadeghan R, Hosseini SM. The Comparative Efficacy of Unified Transdiagnostic Protocol (UP) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Protocol (MBSR) on Emotion Regulation and Uncertainty Intolerance in Infertile Women Receiving IVF. J Clin Psychol Med Settings 2022:10.1007/s10880-022-09917-1. [PMID: 36309929 DOI: 10.1007/s10880-022-09917-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Some emotional and social aspects of infertility affect the response of the infertile women to the treatment. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of unified transdiagnostic protocol (UP) and mindfulness-based stress reduction protocol (MBSR) on emotion regulation and uncertainty intolerance in infertile women receiving IVF. Forty-five infertile women with symptoms of anxiety and depression were included in the study. They were randomly assigned in two intervention groups and one control group. The UP was performed for 10 sessions and MBSR was performed for eight sessions. All participants completed emotion regulation and uncertainty intolerance questionnaires at pre-test, post-test, and follow-up stages. Both interventions had a significant effect on increasing patients' emotion regulation (p ≤ 0.05), but only unified transdiagnostic protocol had a significant effect on intolerance of uncertainty (p ≤ 0.05). Findings show that UP and MBSR have increased emotion regulation. Also UP could reduce the rate of uncertainty intolerance.
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14
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Meyer EC, Coe E, Pennington ML, Cammarata C, Kimbrel NA, Ostiguy W, Leto F, Gulliver SB. The Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders Delivered to Firefighters via Videoconferencing: Pilot Outcomes Highlighting Improvements in Alcohol Use Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms. COGNITIVE AND BEHAVIORAL PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpra.2022.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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15
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Moore R, Gillanders D, Stuart S. The Impact of Group Emotion Regulation Interventions on Emotion Regulation Ability: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11092519. [PMID: 35566645 PMCID: PMC9105582 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11092519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Emotional regulation (ER) as a concept is not clearly defined, and there is a lack of clarity about how individuals can improve their ability to regulate emotions. Nevertheless, there is increasing evidence of the importance of ER as a transdiagnostic treatment target across mental health problems. This review examines the impact of ER group interventions on ER ability compared with no intervention, other comparable group interventions, or control conditions. A systematic review was conducted, in which 15 studies were included. Although types of ER intervention were mixed, the interventions had a considerable overlap in skills taught and how ER was measured. In all but one study, the ER intervention improved ER ability. ER interventions were superior to waitlist or treatment as usual, but there was limited evidence to suggest they were superior to other active treatments. Data from some studies suggest that improved ER was sustained at follow-up. Across the studies, there was generally poor linking of theory to practice, which hampers understanding of how interventions were constructed and why different skills were included. Although the results need to be interpreted with caution due to issues with methodological quality with the included papers, there is promising evidence that ER group interventions significantly improve ER ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah Moore
- NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow Psychological Trauma Service, Festival Business Centre, 150 Brand Street, Glasgow G51 1DH, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - David Gillanders
- School of Health in Social Science, Elsie Inglis Quad, Teviot Place, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, UK;
| | - Simon Stuart
- NHS Lanarkshire, Hunter Health Centre, Andrew Street, East Kilbride G74 1AD, UK;
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16
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Hood CO, Southward MW, Bugher C, Sauer-Zavala S. A Preliminary Evaluation of the Unified Protocol among Trauma-Exposed Adults with and without PTSD. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:11729. [PMID: 34770243 PMCID: PMC8583442 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the Unified Protocol (UP)-a mechanistically transdiagnostic psychological treatment-provides benefit to individuals with a range of trauma histories, psychological difficulties, and diagnostic comorbidity. Using data from a sequential multiple-assignment randomized trial (SMART), this exploratory analysis included a sample of 69 community-recruited adults seeking outpatient mental health treatment. We examined reductions in anxiety and depressive symptoms and changes in aversive and avoidant reactions to intense emotions-the UP's putative mechanism-first by comparing individuals with and without trauma histories and then specifically among participants with PTSD. Findings suggest that the UP may lead to similar improvements in clinical diagnostic severity, anxiety, and depression among patients with trauma exposure as those without trauma exposure. Roughly half of participants with PTSD demonstrated reductions in PTSD clinical severity, anxiety, depression, and distress aversion, suggesting the UP may be an efficacious treatment for people with PTSD and comorbid conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlyn O. Hood
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA; (M.W.S.); (C.B.); (S.S.-Z.)
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Application of the Unified Protocol for a Japanese Patient with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Multiple Comorbidities: A Single-Case Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111644. [PMID: 34770156 PMCID: PMC8582839 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: The efficacy of the Unified Protocol (UP), a transdiagnostic cognitive-behavioral therapy, with trauma-focused exposure has not been sufficiently demonstrated for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with multiple comorbidities. This study examined the effects of UP treatment with trauma-focused exposure on symptoms of PTSD and comorbidities in a client who was hesitant about exposure. (2) Methods: The client, who had comorbid dysthymia, social anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, and bulimia nervosa, participated in the UP for 20 sessions over 6 months. The principal diagnosis and symptoms of the comorbid disorders were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and at the 3-month follow-up. This treatment was conducted as part of a clinical study (UMIN000008322). (3) Results: The client showed improvement in the principal diagnosis and symptoms of the comorbid disorders post-intervention compared with baseline and no longer met the diagnostic criteria for any of the disorders. Considerable symptom improvement was observed with imaginal exposure to trauma memories. (4) Conclusions: The UP was an effective alternative treatment for PTSD and symptoms of comorbidities in this client who was hesitant about exposure to traumatic memories, and that the inclusion of trauma-focused exposure provided sufficient therapeutic effects. Further research is needed to examine the generalizability of our findings.
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18
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Mitchell KS, Singh S, Hardin S, Thompson-Brenner H. The impact of comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder on eating disorder treatment outcomes: Investigating the unified treatment model. Int J Eat Disord 2021; 54:1260-1269. [PMID: 33876442 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Many women with eating disorders (EDs) have comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, there have been few studies on how comorbid PTSD may impact ED treatment outcomes. METHOD Participants were 2,809 patients from residential ED treatment facilities who were treated using the Unified Treatment Model (UTM). We investigated whether PTSD diagnosis at admission was associated with changes in Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q) scores, binge eating, self-induced vomiting, and restriction, across three time points, as well as clinically significant improvement and treatment drop-out. RESULTS Using latent growth models, with time modeled as a second-order polynomial, we found that EDE-Q scores and behavioral symptoms decreased from admission to discharge, but increased from discharge to 6-month follow-up. PTSD diagnosis was associated with higher baseline EDE-Q scores and restriction, and lower binge-eating frequency. PTSD diagnosis was not associated with symptom change over time, treatment dropout, or clinically significant change. DISCUSSION Although PTSD diagnoses were associated with higher ED symptom levels at admission, PTSD was not associated with worse treatment outcomes, suggesting the UTM is a promising treatment for patients with and without PTSD. Future studies should investigate the impact of ED treatment on PTSD symptoms in order to determine the need for integrated treatments for these comorbid conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen S Mitchell
- Women's Health Sciences Division, National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Simar Singh
- Department of Psychology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sabrina Hardin
- Women's Health Sciences Division, National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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19
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Osma J, Peris-Baquero O, Suso-Ribera C, Farchione TJ, Barlow DH. Effectiveness of the Unified Protocol for transdiagnostic treatment of emotional disorders in group format in Spain: Results from a randomized controlled trial with 6-months follow-up. Psychother Res 2021; 32:329-342. [PMID: 34132170 DOI: 10.1080/10503307.2021.1939190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present study aims to investigate the effectiveness of the Unified Protocol (UP), a transdiagnostic treatment of emotional disorders (EDs), when applied in a group format in the public mental health system in Spain. METHODS 488 participants with a primary diagnosis of ED were randomized to the UP group or to the treatment as usual (TAU; individual, disorder-specific cognitive behavioral therapy). Personality, depression and anxiety symptoms, affect, and quality of life were assessed at pre-treatment, 3 months after treatment onset (coinciding with the end of the UP treatment), and 6 and 9 months after treatment onset (follow-ups). The moderating effect of the treatment condition and the number of sessions received in the evolution of study outcomes was investigated with a linear mixed model analysis. RESULTS A significant improvement in outcomes occurred in both conditions, except for extraversion in the TAU. Improvements in depression, anxiety and quality of life were larger in the UP condition. After the treatment, improvements were maintained at follow-ups in all study outcomes. An interaction between Time*Condition*Sessions was found for depression. CONCLUSION The results add to the existing evidence on the effectiveness of the UP and may be important for implementation purposes in the Spanish or other similar public mental health systems. Trial registration number NCT03064477 (March 10, 2017).
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Affiliation(s)
- J Osma
- Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - O Peris-Baquero
- Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | - T J Farchione
- Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders, Boston University (EEUU), Boston, MA, USA
| | - D H Barlow
- Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders, Boston University (EEUU), Boston, MA, USA
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20
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O'Donnell ML, Lau W, Chisholm K, Agathos J, Little J, Terhaag S, Brand R, Putica A, Holmes ACN, Katona L, Felmingham KL, Murray K, Hosseiny F, Gallagher MW. A Pilot Study of the Efficacy of the Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders in Treating Posttraumatic Psychopathology: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Trauma Stress 2021; 34:563-574. [PMID: 33453140 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders (UP) is an intervention that targets common mechanisms that maintain symptoms across multiple disorders. The UP has been shown to be effective across many disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive episode (MDE), and panic disorder, that commonly codevelop following trauma exposure. The present study represented the first randomized controlled trial of the UP in the treatment of trauma-related psychopathology, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety symptoms. Adults (N = 43) who developed posttraumatic psychopathology that included PTSD, MDE, or an anxiety disorder after sustaining a severe injury were randomly assigned to receive 10-14 weekly, 60-min sessions of UP (n = 22) or usual care (n = 21). The primary treatment outcome was PTSD symptom severity, with secondary outcomes of depression and anxiety symptom severity and loss of diagnosis for any trauma-related psychiatric disorder. Assessments were conducted at intake, posttreatment, and 6-month follow-up. Posttreatment, participants who received the UP showed significantly larger reductions in PTSD, Hedges' g = 1.27; anxiety, Hedges' g = 1.20; and depression symptom severity, Hedges' g = 1.40, compared to those receiving usual care. These treatment effects were maintained at 6-month follow-up for PTSD, anxiety, and depressive symptom severity. Statistically significant posttreatment loss of PTSD, MDE, and agoraphobia diagnoses was observed for participants who received the UP but not usual care. This study provides preliminary evidence that the UP may be an effective non-trauma-focused treatment for PTSD and other trauma-related psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meaghan L O'Donnell
- Phoenix Australia Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Winnie Lau
- Phoenix Australia Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Katherine Chisholm
- Phoenix Australia Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - James Agathos
- Phoenix Australia Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jonathon Little
- Phoenix Australia Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sonia Terhaag
- Phoenix Australia Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rachel Brand
- Phoenix Australia Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrea Putica
- Phoenix Australia Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alexander C N Holmes
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lynda Katona
- Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Psychology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kim L Felmingham
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kim Murray
- Phoenix Australia Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Fardous Hosseiny
- Centre of Excellence on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Ottawa, Canada
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21
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Scharff A, Ortiz SN, Forrest LN, Smith AR, Boswell JF. Post‐traumatic stress disorder as a moderator of transdiagnostic, residential eating disorder treatment outcome trajectory. J Clin Psychol 2021; 77:986-1003. [DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Adela Scharff
- Department of Psychology University at Albany—State University of New York Albany New York USA
| | | | | | - April R. Smith
- Department of Psychology Miami University Oxford Ohio USA
| | - James F. Boswell
- Department of Psychology University at Albany—State University of New York Albany New York USA
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22
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Treating depressive disorders with the Unified Protocol: A preliminary randomized evaluation. J Affect Disord 2020; 264:438-445. [PMID: 31759672 PMCID: PMC7024024 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.11.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to examine the efficacy of the Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders (UP) for individuals diagnosed with a depressive disorder. METHOD Participants included 44 adults who met criteria for major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, or another specified depressive disorder according to the Anxiety Disorder Interview Schedule (ADIS). These individuals represent a subset of patients from a larger clinical trial comparing the UP to single-disorder protocols (SDPs) for discrete anxiety disorders and a waitlist control (WLC) condition (Barlow et al., 2017); inclusion criteria for the parent study required participants to have a principal anxiety disorder. RESULTS Significant reductions in depressive symptoms were observed within the UP condition across clinician-rated and self-report measures of depression from baseline to post-treatment, as well as to the 12-month follow-up assessment. Compared to the WLC group, individuals in the UP condition demonstrated significantly lower levels on our continuous, clinician-rated measure of depressive symptoms at post-treatment. There were no differences between the UP and SDP conditions on depressive symptoms at post-treatment or at the 12-month follow-up timepoint. CONCLUSIONS In this exploratory set of analyses, the UP evidenced efficacy for reduction of depressive symptoms, adding to the growing support for its utility in treating depression.
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23
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Davis AK, Averill LA, Sepeda ND, Barsuglia JP, Amoroso T. Psychedelic Treatment for Trauma-Related Psychological and Cognitive Impairment Among US Special Operations Forces Veterans. CHRONIC STRESS (THOUSAND OAKS, CALIF.) 2020; 4:2470547020939564. [PMID: 32704581 PMCID: PMC7359647 DOI: 10.1177/2470547020939564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND U.S. Special Operations Forces Veterans are at increased risk for a variety of mental health problems and cognitive impairment associated with military service. Current treatments are lacking in effectiveness and adherence. Therefore, this study examined psychedelic treatment with ibogaine and 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine for trauma-related psychological and cognitive impairment among U.S. Special Operations Forces Veterans. METHOD We conducted a survey of Veterans who completed a specific psychedelic clinical program in Mexico between 2017 and 2019. Questions probed retrospective reports of mental health and cognitive functioning during the 30 days before and 30 days after treatment. A total of 65 people completed treatment during this time frame and were eligible for contact. Of these, 51 (78%) completed the survey and were included in data analyses (mean age = 40; male = 96%; married = 55%; Caucasian/White = 92%; Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom Service = 96%). RESULTS Results indicated significant and very large reductions in retrospective report of suicidal ideation (p < .001; d = -1.9), cognitive impairment (p < .001; d = -2.8), and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (p < .001; d = -3.6), depression (p < .001; d = -3.7), and anxiety (p < .001; d = -3.1). Results also showed a significant and large increase in retrospective report of psychological flexibility (p < .001; d = 2.9) from before-to-after the psychedelic treatment. Increases in the retrospective report of psychological flexibility were strongly associated with retrospective report of reductions in cognitive impairment, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety (rs range -0.61 to -0.75; p < .001). Additionally, most participants rated the psychedelic experiences as one of the top five personally meaningful (84%), spiritually significant (88%), and psychologically insightful (86%) experiences of their lives.Limitations: Several limitations should be considered including the retrospective, self-report, survey design of the study, and the lack of randomization and blinding, thus making these finding preliminary. CONCLUSION U.S. Special Operations Forces Veterans may have unique treatment needs because of the sequela of problems associated with repeated trauma exposure and the nature of the exposure. Psychedelic-assisted therapy with these under-researched psychedelics may hold unique promise for this population. However, controlled studies are needed to determine whether this treatment is efficacious in relieving mental health and cognitive impairment among U.S. Special Operations Forces Veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan K. Davis
- College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lynnette A. Averill
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Clinical Neurosciences Division, National Center for PTSD, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nathan D. Sepeda
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Timothy Amoroso
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Clinical Neurosciences Division, National Center for PTSD, West Haven, CT, USA
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Abstract
This study supports the efficacy of transdiagnostic behavior therapy across various affective disorders, including depression and PTSD. These findings suggest a possible reduction in the number of treatment protocols providers need to learn in order to treat patients with affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel F Gros
- Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina, and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
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25
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Gutner CA, Presseau C. Dealing with complexity and comorbidity: Opportunity for transdiagnostic treatment for PTSD. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 6:119-131. [PMID: 31886118 DOI: 10.1007/s40501-019-00170-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review This review synthesizes literature on transdiagnostic treatments for PTSD and trauma-related psychopathology over the last three years and discusses their across diverse contexts. Recent Findings Global and domestic studies suggest that a transdiagnostic approach has the potential to address many challenges providers encounter when treating traumatized populations. Existing research shows that transdiagnostic approaches (including the Unified Protocol, Common Elements Treatment Approach, and Modular Approach to Therapy for Children) are effective across low and high resourced settings, populations, and with comorbid mental health symptoms. Moreover, transdiagnostic approaches offer flexibility in treatment delivery, adaptability across contexts, and parsimonious training to treatment providers. They also provide a standalone alternative for unable or unwilling individuals to engage in traditional single diagnosis trauma-focused treatment, or those presenting with complex presentations that might otherwise require sequential courses of targeted interventions. Summary The promise of transdiagnostic treatment for trauma-populations is strong. Research is needed to examine patient and therapist perceptions of these approaches for optimally addressing PTSD and related symptoms, the extent to which they offer comparable, or perhaps better, outcomes than existing single diagnosis PTSD treatments, and their sustainability overtime. Considerations of adaptations to transdiagnostic treatment manuals across settings are also needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassidy A Gutner
- Boston University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry
- National Center for PTSD, Women's Health Sciences Division
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26
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Grant M, Salsman NL, Berking M. The assessment of successful emotion regulation skills use: Development and validation of an English version of the Emotion Regulation Skills Questionnaire. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0205095. [PMID: 30281666 PMCID: PMC6169969 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Emotion regulation has become an important topic in mental health and psychotherapy research. Skills supposingly relevant for adaptive responses towards emotions include the abilities to be consciously aware of emotions, identify and correctly label emotions, understand what has caused and maintains one’s present emotions, modify the intensity or duration of one's emotions, accept and tolerate undesired emotions, confront situations likely to cue negative emotions, and provide effective self-support when working to cope with challenging emotions. To economically assess these abilities, a self-report measure has been developed in German and validated in various studies. To facilitate the use of the measure in English speaking countries, we have developed and validated an English version of the Emotion Regulation Skills Questionnaire (ERSQ) in a student sample (n = 263) and a sample of individual clinical sample (n = 35). Findings from this study provide significant evidence for the reliability and validity of the ERSQ. Thus, the measure can be used to assess a broad range of important emotion regulation skills in an economic way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Grant
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Mainz, Mainz, Rhineland Palatinate, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Nicholas L. Salsman
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Matthias Berking
- Department of Clinical Psychology und Psychotherapy, University of Erlangen-Nueremberg, Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany
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Osma J, Suso-Ribera C, García-Palacios A, Crespo-Delgado E, Robert-Flor C, Sánchez-Guerrero A, Ferreres-Galan V, Pérez-Ayerra L, Malea-Fernández A, Torres-Alfosea MÁ. Efficacy of the unified protocol for the treatment of emotional disorders in the Spanish public mental health system using a group format: study protocol for a multicenter, randomized, non-inferiority controlled trial. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2018. [PMID: 29530035 PMCID: PMC5848595 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-018-0866-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Emotional disorders, which include both anxiety and depressive disorders, are the most prevalent psychological disorders according to recent epidemiological studies. Consequently, public costs associated with their treatment have become a matter of concern for public health systems, which face long waiting lists. Because of their high prevalence in the population, finding an effective treatment for emotional disorders has become a key goal of today’s clinical psychology. The Unified Protocol for the Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders might serve the aforementioned purpose, as it can be applied to a variety of disorders simultaneously and it can be easily performed in a group format. Methods The study is a multicenter, randomized, non-inferiority controlled clinical trial. Participants will be 220 individuals with emotional disorders, who are randomized to either a treatment as usual (individual cognitive behavioral therapy) or to a Unified Protocol condition in group format. Depression, anxiety, and diagnostic criteria are the primary outcome measures. Secondary measures include the assessment of positive and negative affect, anxiety control, personality traits, overall adjustment, and quality of life. An analysis of treatment satisfaction is also conducted. Assessment points include baseline, post-treatment, and three follow-ups at 3, 6, and 12 months. To control for missing data and possible biases, intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses will be performed. Discussion This is the first randomized, controlled clinical trial to test the effectiveness of a transdiagnostic intervention in a group format for the treatment of emotional disorders in public settings in Spain. Results obtained from this study may have important clinical, social, and economic implications for public mental health settings in Spain. Trial registration Retrospectively registered at https://clinicaltrials.gov/. Trial NCT03064477 (March 10, 2017). The trial is active and recruitment is ongoing. Recruitment is expected to finish by January 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Osma
- University of Zaragoza, Teruel, Spain. .,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain. .,Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y Humanas, Universidad de Zaragoza, C/ Ciudad Escolar s/n, 44003, Teruel, Spain.
| | - Carlos Suso-Ribera
- Universitat Jaume I. Edificio de Investigación II, Av. Vicente SosBaynat s/n, 12006, Castellón, Spain
| | - Azucena García-Palacios
- CIBER of Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition CIBERobn, CB06/03 Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Castellón, Spain
| | - Elena Crespo-Delgado
- Universitat Jaume I. Edificio de Investigación II, Av. Vicente SosBaynat s/n, 12006, Castellón, Spain
| | - Cristina Robert-Flor
- Unidad de Salud Mental La Fuente de San Luís, C/ Arabista Ambrosio Huici, 30, 46013, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Sánchez-Guerrero
- Unidad de Salud Mental La Fuente de San Luís, C/ Arabista Ambrosio Huici, 30, 46013, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vanesa Ferreres-Galan
- Hospital Comarcal de Vinaròs, Avinguda Gil d'Atrosillo, s/n, 12500, Castellón, Spain
| | - Luisa Pérez-Ayerra
- Centro de Salud Mental La Milagrosa, C/ Julián Gayarre, 1A, 31005, Pamplona, Spain
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