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Sun W, Fang S, Wang Y, Zheng Y, Zhou X, Yi Y, Xiong X, Wang J. Prevalence and associated factors of health anxiety in patients with temporomandibular disorders. Oral Dis 2024. [PMID: 38852160 DOI: 10.1111/odi.15037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the prevalence and associated factors of health anxiety (HA) in patients with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs) using the 8-item Whiteley Index (WI-8) scale. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three hundred and twenty-nine TMDs patients completed the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), WI-8, Jaw Functional Limitation Scale-8 (JFLS-8), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scales. Clinical examinations were conducted following the Diagnostic Criteria for TMDs Axis I. RESULTS The prevalence of HA among TMDs patients was 18.54%. Patients with HA had higher scores of VAS-current (p = 0.026), VAS-maximum (p = 0.024), VAS-average (p = 0.030), JFLS-8 (p < 0.001), GAD-7 (p < 0.001) and PHQ-9 (p < 0.001), lower maximum mouth opening (p = 0.016), lower proportion of structure-related TMDs (p = 0.028), and higher proportion of pain-related TMDs (p < 0.001) compared to those without HA. The correlation coefficient was 0.61 (p < 0.001) between WI-8 and GAD-7 and 0.64 (p < 0.001) between WI-8 and PHQ-9. CONCLUSION Approximately one-fifth of patients with TMDs experienced HA. HA was associated with pain perception, functional limitations, depressive, and anxiety symptoms in individuals with TMDs. HA may contribute to heightened subjective pain experiences rather than structural changes in the TMJ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentian Sun
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Orthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shanbao Fang
- Department of Orthodontics, College & Hospital of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yunhao Zheng
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Orthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xueman Zhou
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Orthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yating Yi
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Orthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xin Xiong
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Orthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Temporomandibular Joint, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jun Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Orthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Mengin AC, Nourry N, Severac F, Berna F, Bemmouna D, Costache ME, Fritsch A, Frey I, Ligier F, Engel N, Greth P, Khan A, Chauvet-Gelinier JC, Chabridon G, Haffen E, Nicolier M, Zinetti-Bertschy A, Vidailhet P, Weiner L. Efficacy of the my health too online cognitive behavioral therapy program for healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A randomized controlled trial. Internet Interv 2024; 36:100736. [PMID: 38617386 PMCID: PMC11015127 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2024.100736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Healthcare workers' mental health has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the need for mental health interventions in this population. Online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is efficient to reduce stress and may reach numerous professionals. We developed "MyHealthToo", an online CBT program to help reduce stress among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective The aim of our study is to investigate the efficacy of an online CBT program on stress and mental health conditions among healthcare workers during a health crisis. Methods We performed a multicentric randomized controlled trial among 155 participants allocated either to the experimental or active control group (bibliotherapy). The primary outcome was the decrease of perceived stress scores (PSS-10) post-treatment. Secondary outcomes included depression, insomnia and PTSD symptoms along with self-reported resilience and ruminations. Assessments were scheduled pretreatment, mid-treatment (4 weeks), post-treatment (8 weeks), and at 1-month and 4-months follow-up. Results For both interventions, mean changes on the PSS-10 were significant post-therapy (W8), as at 1-month (W12) and 4-months (W24) follow-ups. The between-group comparison showed no difference at any time point (ps > 0.88). Work-related ruminations significantly decreased in the experimental group with a significant between-group difference at W8 (Δ = -1.83 [-3.57; -0.09], p = 0.04). Posttraumatic stress symptoms significantly decreased in the experimental group with a significant between-group difference at W12 (Δ = -1.41 [-2.68; -0.14], p = 0.03). The decrease in work-related ruminations at W8 mediated the decrease in posttraumatic stress symptoms at W12 (p = 0.048). Conclusion The "MyHealthToo" online CBT intervention may help reduce ruminations about work and posttraumatic stress symptoms among healthcare workers during a major health crisis. Work-related ruminations may represent a relevant target of online interventions to improve mental health among healthcare workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaury C. Mengin
- Department of Psychiatry, Mental Health & Addictology, Strasbourg University Hospital, Strasbourg, France
- Regional Great East Center for Psychotraumatism, Strasbourg, France
- Strasbourg University, Faculty of Medicine, Strasbourg, France
- INSERM U1329, Strasbourg Translational NEuroscience and Psychiatry (STEP), Team Psychiatry, Strasbourg, France
- Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, France
| | - Nathalie Nourry
- Strasbourg University, Faculty of Medicine, Strasbourg, France
- Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, France
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Service de Pathologies Professionnelles et Médecine du Travail, Strasbourg, France
| | - François Severac
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Département de Santé Publique, GMRC, Strasbourg, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Laboratoire de Biostatistique et Informatique Médicale, iCUBE UMR, 7357 Illkirch, France
| | - Fabrice Berna
- Department of Psychiatry, Mental Health & Addictology, Strasbourg University Hospital, Strasbourg, France
- Strasbourg University, Faculty of Medicine, Strasbourg, France
- INSERM U1329, Strasbourg Translational NEuroscience and Psychiatry (STEP), Team Psychiatry, Strasbourg, France
- Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, France
| | - Doha Bemmouna
- Strasbourg University, Faculty of Psychology, Strasbourg, France
| | - Mădălina Elena Costache
- Strasbourg University, Faculty of Psychology, Strasbourg, France
- Laboratoire de Psychologie des Cognitions, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Aurélie Fritsch
- Strasbourg University, Faculty of Psychology, Strasbourg, France
- Laboratoire de Psychologie des Cognitions, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Isabelle Frey
- Department of Psychiatry, Mental Health & Addictology, Strasbourg University Hospital, Strasbourg, France
| | - Fabienne Ligier
- PUPEA, Centre Psychothérapeutique de Nancy, Laxou; EA 4360 APEMAC, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
- Centre Psychothérapeutique de Nancy, Laxou, France
| | - Nadia Engel
- PUPEA, Centre Psychothérapeutique de Nancy, Laxou; EA 4360 APEMAC, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
- Centre Psychothérapeutique de Nancy, Laxou, France
| | - Philippe Greth
- Pôle de Psychiatrie et Santé Mentale du Groupe Hospitalier Mulhouse Sud Alsace, Mulhouse, France
| | - Anastasia Khan
- Pôle de Psychiatrie et Santé Mentale du Groupe Hospitalier Mulhouse Sud Alsace, Mulhouse, France
| | - Jean-Christophe Chauvet-Gelinier
- Service de Psychiatrie Adultes, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon-Bourgogne, Unité INSERM LNC-UMR 1231, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Guillaume Chabridon
- Service de Psychiatrie Adultes, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon-Bourgogne, Unité INSERM LNC-UMR 1231, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Emmanuel Haffen
- Service de Psychiatrie, CIC-1431 INSERM, CHU de Besançon, Laboratoire de Neurosciences, Université Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Magali Nicolier
- Service de Psychiatrie, CIC-1431 INSERM, CHU de Besançon, Laboratoire de Neurosciences, Université Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Anna Zinetti-Bertschy
- Department of Psychiatry, Mental Health & Addictology, Strasbourg University Hospital, Strasbourg, France
- Strasbourg University, Faculty of Psychology, Strasbourg, France
| | - Pierre Vidailhet
- Department of Psychiatry, Mental Health & Addictology, Strasbourg University Hospital, Strasbourg, France
- Regional Great East Center for Psychotraumatism, Strasbourg, France
- Strasbourg University, Faculty of Medicine, Strasbourg, France
- INSERM U1329, Strasbourg Translational NEuroscience and Psychiatry (STEP), Team Psychiatry, Strasbourg, France
- Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, France
| | - Luisa Weiner
- Department of Psychiatry, Mental Health & Addictology, Strasbourg University Hospital, Strasbourg, France
- Strasbourg University, Faculty of Psychology, Strasbourg, France
- Laboratoire de Psychologie des Cognitions, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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Keenan E, Morris R, Vasiliou VS, Thompson AR. A qualitative feasibility and acceptability study of an acceptance and commitment-based bibliotherapy intervention for people with cancer. J Health Psychol 2024; 29:410-424. [PMID: 38158736 PMCID: PMC11005316 DOI: 10.1177/13591053231216017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Self-directed bibliotherapy interventions can be effective means of psychological support for individuals with cancer, yet mixed findings as to the efficacy of these interventions indicate the need for further research. We investigated the experience of individuals with cancer after using a new self-help book, based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Ten participants with cancer (nine females and one male, 40-89 years old) were given access to a bibliotherapy self-help ACT-based book and participated in post-intervention semi-structured interviews. Five themes were generated from reflexive thematic analysis: (1) The value of bibliotherapy (2) Timing is important (3) Resonating with cancer experiences (4) Tools of the book (5) ACT in action. The book was found to be acceptable (self-directed, accessible, understandable content, good responsiveness to exercises) and feasible (easy to use, ACT-consistent). Although not explicitly evaluated, participants' reports indicated defusion, present moment awareness, and consideration of values, as the ACT processes that contributed to adjustment, via helping them to regain control over their lives and become more present within the moment. Findings also indicate that the intervention may be best accessed following completion of initial medical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Keenan
- Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and Cardiff University
| | - Reg Morris
- Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and Cardiff University
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Mataix-Cols D, Isomura K, Sidorchuk A, Rautio D, Ivanov VZ, Rück C, Österman S, Lichtenstein P, Larsson H, Kuja-Halkola R, Chang Z, Brickell I, Hedman-Lagerlöf E, Fernández de la Cruz L. All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality Among Individuals With Hypochondriasis. JAMA Psychiatry 2024; 81:284-291. [PMID: 38091000 PMCID: PMC10719832 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2023.4744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Importance Hypochondriasis, also known as health anxiety disorder, is a prevalent, yet underdiagnosed psychiatric disorder characterized by persistent preoccupation about having serious and progressive physical disorders. The risk of mortality among individuals with hypochondriasis is unknown. Objective To investigate all-cause and cause-specific mortality among a large cohort of individuals with hypochondriasis. Design, Setting, and Participants This Swedish nationwide matched-cohort study included 4129 individuals with a validated International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) diagnosis of hypochondriasis assigned between January 1, 1997, and December 31, 2020, and 41 290 demographically matched individuals without hypochondriasis. Individuals with diagnoses of dysmorphophobia (body dysmorphic disorder) assigned during the same period were excluded from the cohort. Statistical analyses were conducted between May 5 and September 27, 2023. Exposure Validated ICD-10 diagnoses of hypochondriasis in the National Patient Register. Main Outcome and Measures All-cause and cause-specific mortality in the Cause of Death Register. Covariates included birth year, sex, county of residence, country of birth (Sweden vs abroad), latest recorded education, civil status, family income, and lifetime psychiatric comorbidities. Stratified Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs of all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Results Of the 4129 individuals with hypochondriasis (2342 women [56.7%]; median age at first diagnosis, 34.5 years [IQR, 26.3-46.1 years]) and 41 290 demographically matched individuals without hypochondriasis (23 420 women [56.7%]; median age at matching, 34.5 years [IQR, 26.4-46.2 years]) in the study, 268 individuals with hypochondriasis and 1761 individuals without hypochondriasis died during the study period, corresponding to crude mortality rates of 8.5 and 5.5 per 1000 person-years, respectively. In models adjusted for sociodemographic variables, an increased rate of all-cause mortality was observed among individuals with hypochondriasis compared with individuals without hypochondriasis (HR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.47-1.93). An increased rate was observed for both natural (HR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.38-1.85) and unnatural (HR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.61-3.68) causes of death. Most deaths from unnatural causes were attributed to suicide (HR, 4.14; 95% CI, 2.44-7.03). The results were generally robust to additional adjustment for lifetime psychiatric disorders. Conclusions and Relevance This cohort study suggests that individuals with hypochondriasis have an increased risk of death from both natural and unnatural causes, particularly suicide, compared with individuals from the general population without hypochondriasis. Improved detection and access to evidence-based care should be prioritized.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Mataix-Cols
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Kayoko Isomura
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Sidorchuk
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Daniel Rautio
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Volen Z. Ivanov
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christian Rück
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Susanna Österman
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Paul Lichtenstein
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Henrik Larsson
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Ralf Kuja-Halkola
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Zheng Chang
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Isabell Brickell
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Erik Hedman-Lagerlöf
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lorena Fernández de la Cruz
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
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Österman S, Hentati A, Forsell E, Axelsson E, Hedman-Lagerlöf E, Lindefors N, Ivanov VZ, Kraepelien M. Brief digital self-care intervention for health anxiety in a Swedish Medical University Clinic: a prospective single-group feasibility study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e077376. [PMID: 38135329 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-077376] [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] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In routine psychiatric care in Stockholm, Sweden, a comprehensive therapist-guided intervention for clinically significant health anxiety is implemented. However, there is a need for more easily accessible self-care interventions to improve treatment dissemination. This study aimed to transform an existing therapist-guided digital intervention into a self-care intervention, reducing patient burden and used clinical resources while maintaining quality and safety. DESIGN An uncontrolled feasibility study. SETTING Conducted at Karolinska Institutet, a medical university in Sweden, with nationwide recruitment trough online advertisements. PARTICIPANTS Twenty-five adults used the self-care intervention and underwent telephone assessments, along with completing self-rated questionnaires. INTERVENTION The newly developed 8-week self-care intervention was designed to be user-friendly without therapist guidance, and to facilitate high levels of behavioural engagement. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Indicators of quality and safety, including changes in health anxiety severity (primary), clinician time, participant adherence, perceived credibility/satisfaction with the intervention and adverse events, were benchmarked against a previous study of the more comprehensive intervention it was based on. RESULTS Compared with the original guided intervention, the self-care intervention was condensed in terms of text (up to 70% less reading), duration (8 weeks instead of 12) and number of exercises. Quality indicators were similar to the original version. Most participants worked actively with core components in the self-care intervention. Within-group effects on health anxiety from pretreatment to the 3-month follow-up were large (g=1.37; 95% CI 0.74 to 2.00). No serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS This brief digital self-care intervention shows potential for increasing access to treatment for individuals with health anxiety while reducing the burden on patients and clinical resources. Future studies should investigate the optimal type of intervention and support for different individuals, and if non-inferiority can be established. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05446766.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Österman
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Amira Hentati
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erik Forsell
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erland Axelsson
- Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Liljeholmen University Primary Health Care Center, Academic Primary Health Care Center, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erik Hedman-Lagerlöf
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Gustavsberg University Primary Care Center, Academic Primary Care Center, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nils Lindefors
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Volen Z Ivanov
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Kraepelien
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Oey LT, McDonald S, McGrath L, Dear BF, Wootton BM. Guided versus self-guided internet delivered cognitive behavioural therapy for diagnosed anxiety and related disorders: a preliminary meta-analysis. Cogn Behav Ther 2023; 52:654-671. [PMID: 37655553 DOI: 10.1080/16506073.2023.2250073] [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: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Guided and self-guided internet-delivered cognitive-behavioural therapy (ICBT) has been demonstrated to be efficacious in the treatment of anxiety and related disorders (ARDs). The aim of the current study was to examine the efficacy of guided and self-guided ICBT for adults diagnosed with ARDs using a meta-analytic synthesis of randomised controlled trials directly comparing the two treatment approaches. Eleven studies (n = 1414) were included. There was a small, but significantly pooled between-group effect size at post-treatment (g = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.03-0.28) favouring guided ICBT. At follow-up, the between-group effect size was small and non-significant (g = 0.13; 95% CI: -0.04-0.30). Gender distribution moderated outcome at post-treatment (higher proportions of females resulted in a smaller between-group effect size). Type of support provided in the guided-treatment arm moderated treatment outcome at follow-up (those receiving synchronous support had a larger between-group effect size). Amount of guidance in the guided-treatment arm moderated effect sizes at post-treatment and follow-up (more guidance leading to larger between-group effect sizes). Automated reminders, disorder type, and treatment length did not moderate outcomes. The results suggest that guided and self-guided ICBT interventions result in similar outcomes, however guided interventions may be marginally more effective in the short term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilyan T Oey
- Discipline of Clinical Psychology, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sarah McDonald
- Discipline of Clinical Psychology, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Laura McGrath
- Discipline of Clinical Psychology, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Blake F Dear
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Bethany M Wootton
- Discipline of Clinical Psychology, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
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Axelsson E, Österman S, Hedman-Lagerlöf E. Joint factor analysis and approximate equipercentile linking of common trait health anxiety measures: a cross-sectional study of the 14-, 18- and 64-item health anxiety inventory, the illness attitude scale, and the 14-item Whiteley Index. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:658. [PMID: 37674135 PMCID: PMC10483785 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05151-7] [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: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on health anxiety has bloomed in recent years, but summaries of the literature are complicated by the use of dissimilar self-report questionnaires. Furthermore, these instruments have rarely been administered in parallel, and especially not in clinical samples. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between five widespread health anxiety measures, and to draft guidelines for the conversion of different sum scores. METHODS Clinical trial participants with principal pathological health anxiety (n = 335) and a sample of healthy volunteers (n = 88) completed the 14-item Whiteley Index (WI-14), the Illness Attitude Scale (IAS), and the 14-, 18-, and 64-item Health Anxiety Inventory (the HAI-64, HAI-18, and HAI-14). Cross-sectional data from all participants were pooled (N = 423) and we conducted a joint factor analysis and approximate equipercentile linking of the WI-14, IAS, HAI-64, HAI-18, and HAI-14. RESULTS Inter-scale correlations were high (rs ≥ 0.90 and ≥ 0.88 in adjusted analyses), and the scree plot of the joint factor analysis spoke for a unifactorial solution where 89/105 items (85%) had loadings ≥ 0.40. Most items at the core of this broad trait health anxiety factor pertained to the worry about health, the fear of having or developing a serious disease, and to some extent bodily preoccupation. We present a cross-walk table of observed equipercentile linked sum scores. CONCLUSIONS This study speaks clearly in favor of the WI-14, IAS, HAI-64, HAI-18, and HAI-14 all tapping into the same trait health anxiety construct, the core of which appears to concern the worry about health, the fear of having or developing a serious disease, and to some extent bodily preoccupation. Based on recently reported cut-offs for the HAI-14, a reasonable cutoff for pathological health anxiety in a psychiatric setting probably lies around 7-8 on the WI-14, 52-53 on the IAS, 82-83 on the HAI-64, and 26-27 on the HAI-18. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01966705, NCT02314065.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erland Axelsson
- Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Liljeholmen Primary Health Care Center, Region Stockholm, Liljeholmstorget 7, Stockholm, SE-117 94, Sweden.
- Academic Primary Health Care Center, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Susanna Österman
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erik Hedman-Lagerlöf
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Gustavsberg Primary Health Care Center, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
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8
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Axelsson E, Hedman-Lagerlöf E. Unwanted outcomes in cognitive behavior therapy for pathological health anxiety: a systematic review and a secondary original study of two randomized controlled trials. Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2023; 23:1001-1015. [PMID: 37614181 DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2023.2250915] [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: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is effective for pathological health anxiety, but little is known about unwanted outcomes. AREAS COVERED We investigated unwanted outcomes in the form of adverse events, overall symptom deterioration, and dropouts in CBT for pathological health anxiety based on a systematic review of 19 randomized controlled trials (PubMed, PsycInfo, and OATD; last updated 2 June 2023; pooled N = 2188), and then a secondary original study of two randomized controlled trials (pooled N = 336). In the systematic review, 10% of participants in CBT reported at least one adverse event and 17% dropped out. Heterogeneity was substantial. In the original investigation, 17% reported at least one adverse event, 0-10% met criteria for overall symptom deterioration, and 10-19% dropped out. In guided Internet-delivered CBT, dropouts were more common with lower education and lower credibility/expectancy ratings. Higher adherence was associated with a larger reduction in health anxiety. EXPERT OPINION Unwanted effects are routinely seen in CBT for pathological health anxiety, but, under typical circumstances, appear to be acceptable in light of the treatment's efficacy. There is a need for more consistent methods to improve our understanding adverse events, dropouts, and overall symptom deterioration, and how these outcomes can be prevented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erland Axelsson
- Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
- Liljeholmen Primary Health Care Center, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Academic Primary Health Care Center, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erik Hedman-Lagerlöf
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Solna, Sweden
- Gustavsberg Primary Health Care Center, Region Stockholm, Gustavsberg, Sweden
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9
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Validity and clinical utility of distinguishing between DSM-5 somatic symptom disorder and illness anxiety disorder in pathological health anxiety: Should we close the chapter? J Psychosom Res 2023; 165:111133. [PMID: 36624001 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2022.111133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the validity and clinical utility of distinguishing between DSM-5 somatic symptom disorder (SSD) and illness anxiety disorder (IAD) in pathological health anxiety: the excessive and recurrent fear of, or preoccupation with, having or developing a serious health condition. METHODS We compared SSD to IAD in pathological health anxiety (N = 334) with regard to concurrent, antecedent, and predictive validators. This was primarily a cross-sectional study, though we studied the effect of CBT longitudinally. Because we were interested in the discriminatory value of SSD and IAD over and above trait health anxiety, we used trait health anxiety as a covariate. RESULTS SSD (68%; 228/334) vs. IAD (32%; 106/334) differences were mostly non-significant and small in sociodemographics, core clinical characteristics, apparent course, etiological attribution, and physician visits (gs = -0.18-0.20; RRs = 0.84-1.09; IRRs = 0.87-0.99). However, SSD was associated with a significantly higher somatic symptom burden (gs = 0.20-0.72), more psychologist visits (IRR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.24-3.28), and slightly higher disability (g = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.03-0.42). There was no significant difference in symptom reduction during CBT (g = -0.16, 95% CI: -0.37-0.05). CONCLUSION Although not all differences between SSD and IAD in pathological health anxiety seem to be explained by the level of trait health anxiety, the SSD vs. IAD distinction appears to convey little useful information in pathological health anxiety. Tentatively, considering the well-documented clinical characteristics and effective clinical interventions, it is probably most helpful to regard pathological health anxiety as a de facto anxiety or perhaps obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorder, regardless of the DSM-5 diagnosis of SSD or IAD.
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10
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Hennemann S, Böhme K, Kleinstäuber M, Ruckes C, Baumeister H, Daniel Ebert D, Küchler AM, Witthöft M. Is Therapist Support Needed? Comparing Therapist- and Self-Guided Internet-Based CBT for Somatic Symptom Distress (iSOMA) in Emerging Adults. Behav Ther 2022; 53:1205-1218. [PMID: 36229117 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2022.06.006] [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: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Persistent somatic symptoms of varying etiology are very common in emerging adults and can lead to distress and impairment. Internet-delivered interventions could help to prevent the burden and chronicity of persistent somatic symptoms. This study investigated the impact of therapist guidance on the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral Internet intervention for somatic symptom distress (iSOMA) in emerging adults, as a secondary analysis of a two-armed randomized controlled trial. We included 149 university students (83.2% female, 24.60 yrs) with varying degrees of somatic symptom distress who were either allocated to the 8-week intervention with regular, written therapeutic guidance (iSOMA guided) or to the control group (waitlist), which was afterwards crossed over to receive iSOMA with guidance-on-demand (iSOMA-GoD). Primary outcomes were somatic symptom distress (assessed by the PHQ-15) and psychobehavioral symptoms of the somatic symptom disorder (assessed by the SSD-12) at pre- and post-treatment. Secondary outcomes included depression, anxiety, and disability. Both treatments showed statistically significant pre-post improvements in primary (iSOMA-guided: d = 0.86-0.92, iSOMA-GoD: d = 0.55-0.63) and secondary outcomes. However, intention-to-treat analysis revealed non-significant between-group effects for all outcomes (ps ≥ .335), after controlling for confounding variables, and effect sizes were marginal (d = -0.06 to 0.12). Overall, our findings indicate that Internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy with regular guidance is not unequivocally superior to guidance-on-demand in alleviating somatic symptom distress and associated psychopathology in emerging adults. As a next step, non-inferiority studies are needed to test the robustness of these findings and their impact on clinical populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maria Kleinstäuber
- Utah State University, Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services
| | - Christian Ruckes
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Trials, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
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11
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Inhibitory Learning-Based Exposure Therapy for Patients With Pathological Health Anxiety: Results From a Single Case Series Study. COGNITIVE AND BEHAVIORAL PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpra.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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12
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Hybelius J, Gustavsson A, Af Winklerfelt Hammarberg S, Toth-Pal E, Johansson R, Ljótsson B, Axelsson E. A unified Internet-delivered exposure treatment for undifferentiated somatic symptom disorder: single-group prospective feasibility trial. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2022; 8:149. [PMID: 35854392 PMCID: PMC9294766 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-022-01105-0] [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: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure-based psychological treatment appears to have beneficial effects for several patient groups that commonly report distress related to persistent somatic symptoms. Yet exposure-based treatment is rarely offered in routine care. This may be because existing treatment protocols have been developed for specific symptom clusters or specific unwanted responses to somatic symptoms, and many clinics do not have the resources to offer all these specialised treatments in parallel. In preparation for a randomised controlled trial, we investigated the feasibility of a new and unified Internet-delivered exposure treatment (OSF.io: cnbwj) for somatic symptom disorder regardless of somatic symptom domain (e.g. cardiopulmonary, fatigue, gastrointestinal, pain), combination of unwanted emotions (e.g. anger, anxiety, fear, shame) and whether somatic symptoms are medically explained or not. We hypothesised that a wide spectrum of subgroups would show interest, that the treatment would be rated as credible, that adherence would be adequate, that the measurement strategy would be acceptable and that there would be no serious adverse events. METHODS Single-group prospective cohort study where 33 self-referred adults with undifferentiated DSM-5 somatic symptom disorder took part in 8 weeks of unified Internet-delivered exposure treatment delivered via a web platform hosted by a medical university. Self-report questionnaires were administered online before treatment, each week during treatment, post treatment and 3 months after treatment. RESULTS Participants reported a broad spectrum of symptoms. The Credibility/Expectancy mean score was 34.5 (SD = 7.0, range: 18-47). Participants completed 91% (150/165) of all modules and 97% of the participants (32/33) completed at least two exposure exercises. The average participant rated the adequacy of the rationale as 8.4 (SD = 1.5) on a scale from 0 to 10. The post-treatment assessment was completed by 97% (32/33), and 84% (27/32) rated the measurement strategy as acceptable. The Client Satisfaction Questionnaire mean score was 25.3 (SD = 4.7, range: 17-32) and no serious adverse events were reported. Reductions in subjective somatic symptom burden (the Patient Health Questionnaire 15; d = 0.90) and symptom preoccupation (the somatic symptom disorder 12; d = 1.17) were large and sustained. CONCLUSIONS Delivering a unified Internet-delivered exposure-based treatment protocol for individuals with undifferentiated somatic symptom disorder appears to be feasible. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04511286 . Registered on August 13, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonna Hybelius
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.,Liljeholmen Primary Health Care Center, Region Stockholm, Liljeholmstorget 7, Stockholm, 117 63, Sweden.,Academic Primary Health Care Center, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden.,Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Anton Gustavsson
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sandra Af Winklerfelt Hammarberg
- Liljeholmen Primary Health Care Center, Region Stockholm, Liljeholmstorget 7, Stockholm, 117 63, Sweden.,Academic Primary Health Care Center, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden.,Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Eva Toth-Pal
- Liljeholmen Primary Health Care Center, Region Stockholm, Liljeholmstorget 7, Stockholm, 117 63, Sweden.,Academic Primary Health Care Center, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden.,Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Robert Johansson
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.,Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Brjánn Ljótsson
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erland Axelsson
- Liljeholmen Primary Health Care Center, Region Stockholm, Liljeholmstorget 7, Stockholm, 117 63, Sweden. .,Academic Primary Health Care Center, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden. .,Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden. .,Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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13
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Schaeuffele C, Homeyer S, Perea L, Scharf L, Schulz A, Knaevelsrud C, Renneberg B, Boettcher J. The unified protocol as an internet-based intervention for emotional disorders: Randomized controlled trial. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270178. [PMID: 35816479 PMCID: PMC9273095 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The Unified Protocol (UP) as a transdiagnostic intervention has primarily been applied in the treatment of anxiety disorders and in face-to-face-settings. The current study investigated the efficacy of a 10-week Internet-based adaptation of the UP for anxiety, depressive, and somatic symptom disorders. The trial was registered under DRKS00014820 at the German Clinical Trial Registry, DRKS. Participants (n = 129) were randomized to treatment or waitlist control. Significant treatment effects were found for symptom distress, satisfaction with life, positive/negative affect and markers of anxiety, depression, and somatic symptom burden (within-group Hedges’ g = 0.32–1.38 and between-group g = 0.20–1.11). Treatment gains were maintained at 1- and 6-month-follow-up. Subgroup analyses showed comparable effects in participants with anxiety and depressive disorders. 26.6% dropped out of treatment and 35.38% did not provide post-treatment assessments. The results strengthen the application of the UP as an Internet-based treatment for alleviating symptom distress across emotional disorders. More research on the applicability for single disorders is needed and avenues to improve adherence and attrition rates should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Schaeuffele
- Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Sophie Homeyer
- Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Luis Perea
- Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lisa Scharf
- Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ava Schulz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Babette Renneberg
- Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johanna Boettcher
- Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Psychologische Hochschule Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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14
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Vivian K, Strodl E, Kitamura H, Johnson L. Memory reconsolidation therapy for comorbid bulimia nervosa and traumatic memories: a case series study. CLIN PSYCHOL-UK 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/13284207.2022.2065913] [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]
Affiliation(s)
- Katie Vivian
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Queensland, Australia
| | - Esben Strodl
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Queensland, Australia
| | - Haruka Kitamura
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Queensland, Australia
| | - Luke Johnson
- School of Medicine/Division of Psychology, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
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15
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Hennemann S, Witthöft M, Kleinstäuber M, Böhme K, Baumeister H, Ebert DD, Probst T. Somatosensory amplification moderates the efficacy of internet-delivered CBT for somatic symptom distress in emerging adults: Exploratory analysis of a randomized controlled trial. J Psychosom Res 2022; 155:110761. [PMID: 35182889 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2022.110761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE While studies mainly provide positive evidence for the efficacy of internet-delivered cognitive-behavioral therapy (ICBT) for various persistent somatic symptoms, it remains largely unclear for whom these interventions work or not. This exploratory analysis aimed to identify moderators for the outcome between ICBT for somatic symptom distres and a waitlist control group (WL) in a vulnerable target group of emerging adults. METHODS Based on data from a randomized controlled trial on 156 university students with varying degrees of somatic symptom distress who were allocated to either an eight-week, therapist guided ICBT (iSOMA) or to the WL, we examined pretreatment demographic characteristics, health-related variables (e.g., somatic symptom duration), mental distress (e.g., depression, anxiety) and cognitive-emotional factors (emotional reactivity, somatosensory amplification) as candidate moderators of the outcome, somatic symptom distress (assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire, PHQ-15) from pre- to posttreatment. RESULTS Somatosensory amplification (assessed by the Somatosensory Amplification Scale, SSAS) moderated the outcome in favor of iSOMA (B = -0.17, SE = 0.08, p = 0.031), i.e., higher pretreatment somatosensory amplification was associated with better outcome in the active compared to the control intervention. No significant moderation effects were found among demographic characteristics, health-related variables, or mental distress. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that an internet-delivered CBT for somatic symptom distress should be preferred over no active treatment particularly in individuals with moderate to high levels of somatosensory amplification, which as a next step should be tested against further treatments and in clinical populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00014375).
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Affiliation(s)
- Severin Hennemann
- Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Department of Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy and Experimental Psychopathology, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Michael Witthöft
- Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Department of Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy and Experimental Psychopathology, Mainz, Germany
| | - Maria Kleinstäuber
- Utah State University, Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services, Department of Psychology, Logan (Utah), USA
| | - Katja Böhme
- Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Department of Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy and Experimental Psychopathology, Mainz, Germany
| | - Harald Baumeister
- Ulm University, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Ulm, Germany
| | - David Daniel Ebert
- Technical University of Munich, Department of Sport and Health Sciences, München, Germany
| | - Thomas Probst
- Danube University Krems, Department for Psychotherapy and Biopsychosocial Health, Krems, Austria
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16
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Risør BW, Frydendal DH, Villemoes MK, Nielsen CP, Rask CU, Frostholm L. Cost Effectiveness of Internet-Delivered Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Patients with Severe Health Anxiety: A Randomised Controlled Trial. PHARMACOECONOMICS - OPEN 2022; 6:179-192. [PMID: 34997899 PMCID: PMC8864054 DOI: 10.1007/s41669-021-00319-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health anxiety is a prevalent and debilitating disorder associated with extensive use of healthcare services and reduced quality of life (QoL). Regional variability in specialised clinics or specialist healthcare providers limits access to evidence-based treatment, which may be overcome by internet-delivered Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (iACT). OBJECTIVE This study investigated the cost effectiveness of iACT for severe health anxiety in adults. METHODS Based on a Danish randomised controlled trial (March 2016-March 2017), the economic evaluation compared costs and effects between iACT and an active control condition (iFORUM). Effectiveness was measured using self-report questionnaires. The cost analysis applied a societal perspective. Resource use and healthcare costs were extracted from the Danish National Registries. Linear regression analysis was applied using change in costs/effectiveness outcomes as the dependant variable. Time, group, and interaction between time and group were independent variables. The primary outcome was the proportion of clinically significant improvements, defined as a ≥ 25% reduction in two measures of health anxiety. The probability of cost effectiveness was presented in a cost-effectiveness acceptability curve for a range of threshold values for willingness to pay. RESULTS No significant differences were detected in healthcare costs between groups; however, the iACT group significantly improved in all effectiveness outcomes. The economic analysis showed that, from the healthcare perspective, iACT was associated with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of €33 per additional case of clinically significant improvement compared with iFORUM and that, from the societal perspective, iACT dominated iFORUM because it was more effective and less expensive. CONCLUSIONS We found no statistically significant differences in costs between groups; however, iACT for severe health anxiety may be cost effective, as evidenced by significant differences in effect. TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER Clinicaltrials.gov, no. NCT02735434.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Wulff Risør
- DEFACTUM, Central Denmark Region, Olof Palmes Allé 15, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark.
| | - Ditte Hoffmann Frydendal
- The Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, University City 21 and 23, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | | | - Camilla Palmhøj Nielsen
- DEFACTUM, Central Denmark Region, Olof Palmes Allé 15, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Ulrikka Rask
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul Jensens Boulevard 175, Entrance K, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Incuba Skejby, Building 2, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 82, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Lisbeth Frostholm
- The Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, University City 21 and 23, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Incuba Skejby, Building 2, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 82, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
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17
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Musiat P, Johnson C, Atkinson M, Wilksch S, Wade T. Impact of guidance on intervention adherence in computerised interventions for mental health problems: a meta-analysis. Psychol Med 2022; 52:229-240. [PMID: 34802474 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721004621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Web-based interventions are increasingly used for the prevention, treatment and aftercare of mental disorders. A crucial factor to the efficacy of such online programmes is adherence to the intervention content and procedure. It has been frequently suggested that adherence in web-based interventions is low and little is known about which factors influence adherence. To increase intervention uptake and completion, studies increasingly include interventions with some form of guidance. Guided interventions have been shown to have higher efficacy, however, evidence for the impact on adherence is limited and mixed. This meta-analysis explored the impact of human guidance on intervention completion in web-based mental health interventions. A total of 22 studies were included with interventions primarily targeting symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders. Results showed that guidance significantly increases the average amount of intervention completion [g = 0.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.18-0.40] and the proportion of intervention completers [log odds ratio (OR) = 0.50, 95% CI 0.34-0.66] with small effects. On average, full completion rates were 12% higher in guided intervention groups. This meta-analysis demonstrated that guidance in web-based mental health interventions does increase adherence, but more research is required to better understand the specific mechanisms between guidance, adherence and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Musiat
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Catherine Johnson
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Simon Wilksch
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Tracey Wade
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
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18
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Sharrock MJ, Mahoney AE, Haskelberg H, Millard M, Newby JM. The uptake and outcomes of Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy for health anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Anxiety Disord 2021; 84:102494. [PMID: 34763219 PMCID: PMC8570415 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2021.102494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Internet cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) for health anxiety has demonstrated efficacy but has not been evaluated during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study presents the first evaluation of the uptake and outcomes of iCBT for health anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS THIS WAY UP is an Australian digital mental health service which delivers iCBT interventions to community members. We compared the uptake of THIS WAY UP's iCBT course for health anxiety in an Australian adult sample who started the course before the pandemic (12th September 2019-11 th March 2020) to during the pandemic (12th March to 11th June 2020). The course was accessible to Australian adults over 18 years old, with no inclusion criteria. Outcomes included course registrations and commencements, lesson and course completion, and self-reported health anxiety (Short Health Anxiety Inventory), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item) and distress (Kessler-10). RESULTS From March to June 2020, we observed significant increases in course registrations (N = 238 vs N = 1057); and course commencements (N = 126 vs. N = 778). Large, significant improvements in health anxiety (g = 0.89), and distress (K10: g = 0.91), and medium improvements in depression (g = 0.55) were found. Course completion during COVID was 30.5%. CONCLUSIONS iCBT improved health anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic, and provides scalable intervention that can address increased demands for mental health services in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria J. Sharrock
- Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales at St Vincent’s Hospital, 390 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia
| | - Alison E.J. Mahoney
- Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales at St Vincent’s Hospital, 390 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia,School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia,Corresponding author at: Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales at St Vincent’s Hospital, 390 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia
| | - Hila Haskelberg
- Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales at St Vincent's Hospital, 390 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia.
| | - Michael Millard
- Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales at St Vincent's Hospital, 390 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia; School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia.
| | - Jill M. Newby
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia,Black Dog Institute, Hospital Road, Randwick, New South Wales 2031, Australia,Corresponding author at: School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
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19
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Hoffmann D, Rask CU, Hedman-Lagerlöf E, Jensen JS, Frostholm L. Efficacy of internet-delivered acceptance and commitment therapy for severe health anxiety: results from a randomized, controlled trial. Psychol Med 2021; 51:2685-2695. [PMID: 32404226 PMCID: PMC8579157 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291720001312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health anxiety is common, disabling and costly due to patients' extensive use of health care services. Internet-delivered treatment may overcome barriers of accessibility to specialized treatment. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of internet-delivered acceptance and commitment therapy (iACT). METHODS A randomized, controlled trial of iACT versus an internet-delivered discussion forum (iFORUM), performed in a Danish university hospital setting. Patients self-referred and underwent video-diagnostic assessment. Eligible patients (≥18 years) with health anxiety were randomized to 12 weeks of intervention. The randomization was blinded for the assessor. The primary outcome was between-group unadjusted mean differences in health anxiety symptoms measured by the Whiteley-7 Index (WI-7, range 0-100) from baseline to 6-month follow-up (6-MFU) using intention to treat and a linear mixed model. The study is registered at clinicaltrials.gov, number NCT02735434. RESULTS A total of 151 patients self-referred, and 101 patients were randomized to iACT (n = 53) or iFORUM (n = 48). A mean difference in change over time of 19.0 points [95% confidence interval (CI) 10.8-27.2, p < 0.001] was shown on the WI-7, and a large standardized effect size of d = 0.80 (95% CI 0.38-1.23) at 6-MFU. The number needed to treat was 2.8 (95% CI 1.8-6.1, p < 0.001), and twice as many patients in iACT were no longer clinical cases (35% v. 16%; risk ratio 2.17, 95% CI 1.00-4.70, p = 0.050). Adverse events were few and insignificant. CONCLUSIONS iACT for health anxiety led to sustained effects at 6-MFU. The study contributes to the development of easily accessible treatment options and deserves wider application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ditte Hoffmann
- The Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Noerrebrogade 44, bldg. 2C, 1, 8000Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Ulrikka Rask
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 175, ent. K, 8200Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Blvd. 82, 8200, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Erik Hedman-Lagerlöf
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Tomtebodavägen 18A, 5, 171 77Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jens Søndergaard Jensen
- The Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Noerrebrogade 44, bldg. 2C, 1, 8000Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Lisbeth Frostholm
- The Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Noerrebrogade 44, bldg. 2C, 1, 8000Aarhus C, Denmark
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Tyrer P, Wang D, Crawford M, Dupont S, Cooper S, Nourmand S, Lazarevic V, Philip A, Tyrer H. Sustained benefit of cognitive behaviour therapy for health anxiety in medical patients (CHAMP) over 8 years: a randomised-controlled trial. Psychol Med 2021; 51:1714-1722. [PMID: 32174296 DOI: 10.1017/s003329172000046x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health anxiety is an under-recognised but a frequent cause of distress. It is particularly common in general hospitals. METHODS We carried out an 8-year follow-up of medical out-patients with health anxiety (hypochondriasis) enrolled in a randomised-controlled trial in five general hospitals in London, Middlesex and Nottinghamshire. Randomisation was to a mean of six sessions of cognitive behaviour therapy adapted for health anxiety (CBT-HA) or to standard care in the clinics. The primary outcome was a change in score on the Short Health Anxiety Inventory, with generalised anxiety and depression as secondary outcomes. Of 444 patients aged 16-75 years seen in cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, neurology and respiratory medicine clinics, 306 (68.9%) were followed-up 8 years after randomisation, including 36 who had died. The study is registered with controlled-trials.com, ISRCTN14565822. RESULTS There was a significant difference in the HAI score in favour of CBT-HA over standard care after 8 years [1.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.25-3.40, p = 0.023], between group differences in generalised anxiety were less (0.54, 95% CI -0.29 to 1.36), p = 0.20, ns), but those for depression were greater at 8 years (1.22, 95% CI 0.42-2.01, p < 0.003) in CBT-HA than in standard care, most in standard care satisfying the criteria for clinical depression. Those seen by nurse therapists and in cardiology and gastrointestinal clinics achieved the greatest gains with CBT-HA, with greater improvement in both symptoms and social function. CONCLUSIONS CBT-HA is a highly long-term effective treatment for pathological health anxiety with long-term benefits. Standard care for health anxiety in medical clinics promotes depression. Nurse therapists are effective practitioners.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Tyrer
- Centre for Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - D Wang
- Department of Statistics, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - M Crawford
- Centre for Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - S Dupont
- Central Northwest London Foundation NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - S Cooper
- Centre for Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - S Nourmand
- Centre for Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - V Lazarevic
- Centre for Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - A Philip
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - H Tyrer
- Centre for Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK
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21
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Stech EP, Chen AZ, Sharrock MJ, Grierson AB, Upton EL, Mahoney AEJ, Grisham JR, Newby JM. Internet-delivered exposure therapy versus internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for panic disorder: A pilot randomized controlled trial. J Anxiety Disord 2021; 79:102382. [PMID: 33774558 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2021.102382] [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: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
AIM To compare the efficacy and acceptability of internet-delivered exposure therapy for panic disorder, to multi-component internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) that included controlled breathing, cognitive restructuring and exposure. METHODS Participants with panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia, were randomized to internet-delivered exposure therapy (n = 35) or iCBT (n = 34). Both programs were clinician guided, with six lessons delivered over eight weeks. Outcomes included panic disorder and agoraphobia symptom severity, as well as depression symptom severity, functional impairment and days out of role. RESULTS Participants in both conditions displayed a large reduction in panic disorder symptom severity (ds >1.30) from pre- to post-treatment. Participants in both conditions displayed medium to large reduction in agoraphobia and depression symptom severity, functional impairment and days out of role. Effects were maintained at three- and six-month follow-up. There was no significant difference between the interventions in clinical outcomes, adherence or treatment satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS Internet-delivered exposure therapy appeared to be as acceptable and efficacious as more established iCBT, despite including less strategies. However, a fully powered replication is now needed to compare the two approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen P Stech
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia.
| | - Aileen Z Chen
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Maria J Sharrock
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Ashlee B Grierson
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Emily L Upton
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Alison E J Mahoney
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Jessica R Grisham
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Jill M Newby
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia; Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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22
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Fallon BA, Basaraba C, Pavlicova M, Ahern DK, Barsky AJ. Differential Treatment Response Between Hypochondriasis With and Without Prominent Somatic Symptoms. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:691703. [PMID: 34819881 PMCID: PMC8606807 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.691703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Health anxiety may exist with or without prominent somatic symptoms, but the impact of somatic symptoms on treatment response is unclear. The study objective was to examine this question further as symptom burden may impact choice of type of treatment. Methods: This exploratory study used a unique database from a prior trial of 193 individuals with DSM-IV hypochondriasis who had been randomly assigned to either cognitive behavioral therapy, fluoxetine, combined therapy, or placebo. Two subgroups were newly defined-no/low somatic burden (n = 42) and prominent somatic burden (n = 151). Response was defined by ≥30% improvement in hypochondriasis. Results: Among high somatic hypochondriacal participants, compared to placebo, the odds of being a responder were significantly greater among those who received fluoxetine, either alone (OR = 4.46; 95% CI: 1.38, 14.41) or with cognitive behavioral therapy (OR = 3.56; 95% CI: 1.19, 10.68); the estimated odds were not significantly different for those receiving cognitive behavioral therapy alone (OR = 1.81; 95% CI: 0.59, 5.54). In contrast, among low somatic hypochondriacal participants, compared to placebo, the observed odds of being a responder were similar in magnitude and direction for those who received cognitive behavioral therapy, either alone (OR = 3.00; 95% CI: 0.38, 23.68) or in combination with fluoxetine (OR = 3.60; 95% CI: 0.62, 21.03), compared to the odds for those receiving fluoxetine alone (OR = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.14, 5.65). High somatic hypochondriacal individuals assigned to any fluoxetine group had significantly greater odds of being a responder than those who had not received fluoxetine (OR = 2.70; 95% CI: 1.33, 5.48). Low somatic hypochondriacal individuals assigned to any cognitive behavioral therapy group had significantly greater odds of being a responder than those who had not received cognitive behavioral therapy (OR = 8.03; 95% CI: 1.41, 45.67). Conclusion: These findings indicate that somatic symptom burden may be important in guiding treatment selection among individuals with marked health anxiety, as hypochondriacal individuals with high somatic burden responded more often to fluoxetine while those with low somatic burden responded more often to cognitive behavioral therapy. Systematic replication with larger studies is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian A Fallon
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States
| | - Cale Basaraba
- Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States
| | - Martina Pavlicova
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - David K Ahern
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Arthur J Barsky
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
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23
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Sauer KS, Witthöft M. Krankheitsängste und Hypochondrische Störung. FORTSCHRITTE DER NEUROLOGIE-PSYCHIATRIE 2020; 88:730-744. [PMID: 33187009 DOI: 10.1055/a-1165-7461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Fears of getting a severe disease (health anxiety) are widespread and their pathological manifestation as Hypochondriacal disorder (ICD-10) is cost-intensive for the health care system. In recent years advances in the research on and development of effective psychotherapeutic treatments have been made. Cognitive-behavioral therapy concepts currently are treatments of choice for Hypochondriacal disorder.
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24
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Treatment barriers, preferences and histories of individuals with symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder. Behav Cogn Psychother 2020; 49:582-595. [PMID: 33161929 DOI: 10.1017/s1352465820000843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with mental health concerns face many barriers when accessing psychological treatment. Even when patients overcome these barriers, they often do not receive an evidence-based treatment. Although the current literature highlights these issues clearly across psychological disorders, the research is limited in relation to body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). AIM The aim of this study was to examine psychological treatment barriers, treatment delivery preferences and treatment histories of individuals with symptoms of BDD. METHOD A total of 122 participants with clinically significant BDD symptoms (94% female; mean age = 34.19 years, SD = 10.86) completed the cross-sectional study. RESULTS The most frequently reported barriers to accessing psychological treatment for individuals with BDD symptoms were the cost of treatment (41%) and the belief that the symptoms did not warrant treatment (36%). Although 69% of treatment-seeking participants reported previously receiving cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for BDD, only 13% of participants appeared to receive best-practice CBT. The preferred modality of future psychological treatment delivery was face-to-face treatment with a therapist once a week (63%), rather than accelerated or remote treatment approaches. CONCLUSIONS The study suggests that there are significant barriers to accessing CBT for BDD. Reducing these barriers, as well as increasing consumer mental health literacy, is required to improve treatment access and treatment outcomes for individuals with BDD.
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25
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Axelsson E, Hedman-Lagerlöf E. Response to letter to the editor on 'Cognitive behavior therapy for health anxiety: systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical efficacy and health economic outcomes'. Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2020; 20:685-687. [PMID: 32998586 DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2020.1831240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Erland Axelsson
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erik Hedman-Lagerlöf
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm, Sweden.,Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm, Sweden
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26
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Menon V, Kar SK, Tripathi A, Nebhinani N, Varadharajan N. Cyberchondria: conceptual relation with health anxiety, assessment, management and prevention. Asian J Psychiatr 2020; 53:102225. [PMID: 32585634 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2020.102225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
There is a need to synthesize available information on the emerging construct of cyberchondria to guide evidence informed practice. With this in mind, electronic search of databases including MEDLINE via PubMed, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect and Google scholar were carried out from inception till March 2020 to identify relevant English language peer reviewed articles related to cyberchondria. Generated abstracts were grouped according to their thematic focus and summarized. A total of 49 articles were reviewed. Articles directly evaluating cyberchondria were very few and most of the treatment evidence was extrapolated from trials on health anxiety. Cyberchondria appears to be a phenomenologically overlapping entity with, yet distinguishable from, health anxiety and there may be merit in studying the two constructs separately. Four validated self-assessment measures for cyberchondria are available in literature. Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) delivered either physically or through the internet (iCBT) have been found to be effective for both health anxiety and cyberchondria. Pharmacologic strategies for health anxiety have mainly involved the use of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, with mean effective dosages higher than for depression/anxiety. Prevention of cyberchondria needs to focus on appropriate harm reduction strategies as well as supply and demand side measures. Internet based CBT therapies hold promise for management of cyberchondria. This finding must be considered preliminary due to limited evidence. Further study is required to establish the diagnostic validity of cyberchondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Menon
- Dept of Psychiatry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, 605006, India.
| | - Sujita Kumar Kar
- Dept of Psychiatry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226003, India
| | - Adarsh Tripathi
- Dept of Psychiatry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226003, India
| | - Naresh Nebhinani
- Dept of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, 342005, India
| | - Natarajan Varadharajan
- Dept of Psychiatry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, 605006, India
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27
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Axelsson E, Andersson E, Ljótsson B, Björkander D, Hedman-Lagerlöf M, Hedman-Lagerlöf E. Effect of Internet vs Face-to-Face Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Health Anxiety: A Randomized Noninferiority Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry 2020; 77:915-924. [PMID: 32401286 PMCID: PMC7221860 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2020.0940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Health anxiety is a common and often chronic mental health problem associated with distress, substantial costs, and frequent attendance throughout the health care system. Face-to-face cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is the criterion standard treatment, but access is limited. OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that internet-delivered CBT, which requires relatively little resources, is noninferior to face-to-face CBT in the treatment of health anxiety. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This randomized noninferiority clinical trial with health economic analysis was based at a primary care clinic and included patients with a principal diagnosis of health anxiety who were self-referred or referred from routine care. Recruitment began in December 10, 2014, and the last treatment ended on July 23, 2017. Follow-up data were collected up to 12 months after treatment. Analysis began October 2017 and ended March 2020. INTERVENTIONS Patients were randomized (1:1) to 12 weeks of internet-delivered CBT or to individual face-to-face CBT. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Change in health anxiety symptoms from baseline to week 12. Analyses were conducted from intention-to-treat and per-protocol (completers only) perspectives, using the noninferiority margin of 2.25 points on the Health Anxiety Inventory, which has a theoretical range of 0 to 54. RESULTS Overall, 204 patients (mean [SD] age, 39 [12] years; 143 women [70%]) contributed with 2386 data points on the Health Anxiety Inventory over the treatment period. Of 204 patients, 102 (50%) were randomized to internet-delivered CBT, and 102 (50%) were randomized to face-to-face CBT. The 1-sided 95% CI upper limits for the internet-delivered CBT vs face-to-face CBT difference in change were within the noninferiority margin in the intention-to-treat analysis (B = 0.00; upper limit: 1.98; Cohen d = 0.00; upper limit: 0.23) and per-protocol analysis (B = 0.01; upper limit: 2.17; Cohen d = 0.00; upper limit: 0.25). The between-group effect was not moderated by initial symptom level, recruitment path, or patient treatment preference. Therapists spent 10.0 minutes per patient per week in the online treatment vs 45.6 minutes for face-to-face CBT. The net societal cost was lower in the online treatment (treatment period point difference: $3854). There was no significant group difference in the number of adverse events, and no serious adverse event was reported. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this trial, internet-delivered CBT appeared to be noninferior to face-to-face CBT for health anxiety, while incurring lower net societal costs. The online treatment format has potential to increase access to evidence-based treatment for health anxiety. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02314065.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erland Axelsson
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden,Gustavsberg Academic Primary Care Clinic, Gustavsberg, Sweden
| | - Erik Andersson
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Brjánn Ljótsson
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden,Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Maria Hedman-Lagerlöf
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden,Gustavsberg Academic Primary Care Clinic, Gustavsberg, Sweden
| | - Erik Hedman-Lagerlöf
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden,Gustavsberg Academic Primary Care Clinic, Gustavsberg, Sweden,Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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28
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Newby JM, O’Moore K, Tang S, Christensen H, Faasse K. Acute mental health responses during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0236562. [PMID: 32722711 PMCID: PMC7386645 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 240] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The acute and long-term mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are unknown. The current study examined the acute mental health responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in 5070 adult participants in Australia, using an online survey administered during the peak of the outbreak in Australia (27th March to 7th April 2020). Self-report questionnaires examined COVID-19 fears and behavioural responses to COVID-19, as well as the severity of psychological distress (depression, anxiety and stress), health anxiety, contamination fears, alcohol use, and physical activity. 78% of respondents reported that their mental health had worsened since the outbreak, one quarter (25.9%) were very or extremely worried about contracting COVID-19, and half (52.7%) were worried about family and friends contracting COVID-19. Uncertainty, loneliness and financial worries (50%) were common. Rates of elevated psychological distress were higher than expected, with 62%, 50%, and 64% of respondents reporting elevated depression, anxiety and stress levels respectively, and one in four reporting elevated health anxiety in the past week. Participants with self-reported history of a mental health diagnosis had significantly higher distress, health anxiety, and COVID-19 fears than those without a prior mental health diagnosis. Demographic (e.g., non-binary or different gender identity; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status), occupational (e.g., being a carer or stay at home parent), and psychological (e.g., perceived risk of contracting COVID-19) factors were associated with distress. Results revealed that precautionary behaviours (e.g., washing hands, using hand sanitiser, avoiding social events) were common, although in contrast to previous research, higher engagement in hygiene behaviours was associated with higher stress and anxiety levels. These results highlight the serious acute impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of respondents, and the need for proactive, accessible digital mental health services to address these mental health needs, particularly for those most vulnerable, including people with prior history of mental health problems. Longitudinal research is needed to explore long-term predictors of poor mental health from the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill M. Newby
- School of Psychology, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Black Dog Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kathleen O’Moore
- Black Dog Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Samantha Tang
- Black Dog Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Helen Christensen
- Black Dog Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kate Faasse
- School of Psychology, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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29
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Hamdan W, Al Duaijy L, Al Sawy Y. Effectiveness of bibliotherapy in alleviating examination stress on college students: a quasi-experimental trial. Health Info Libr J 2020; 38:172-181. [PMID: 32452161 DOI: 10.1111/hir.12312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Examination stress is a prevalent mental health disorder among college students in response to academic life. OBJECTIVES The study aimed to explore cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and study skills training based bibliotherapy as an effective way to help female undergraduates to better cope with examination stress. METHODS A total of 121 students were randomly allocated to an experimental group or control group. Students in the experimental group used self-help materials, as a bibliotherapy intervention, over 16 weeks. Students in the control group received no treatment. The students' examination stress levels were assessed, before and after the intervention using the Revised Test Anxiety scale. Data collected were investigated and analysed using t-tests. RESULTS There was a significant decrease in examination stress scores of students from the experimental group as compared with the control group. DISCUSSION The intervention model efficiently diminished the symptoms of examination stress of undergraduates in practice. Findings can be used as a reference for developing non-clinical techniques to overcome examination anxiety. CONCLUSION Findings have revealed that combined CBT with academic skills improvement based bibliotherapy may be efficient in lowering examination stress for female undergraduates. Librarians can contribute to improving the health of their societies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walaa Hamdan
- Department of Libraries and Information, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Libraries, Documentation and Information, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Lamia Al Duaijy
- Department of Libraries and Information, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yaser Al Sawy
- Department of Information Technology, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia.,Faculty of Economics and Political Science, Cairo University, Giza City, Egypt
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30
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Maass U, Kühne F, Maas J, Unverdross M, Weck F. Psychological Interventions for Health Anxiety and Somatic Symptoms. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR PSYCHOLOGIE-JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1027/2151-2604/a000400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. This study examined the effectiveness of psychological interventions for severe health anxiety (SHA) regarding somatic symptoms (SS) and health anxiety (HA). The databases Web of Science, EBSCO, and CENTRAL were searched on May 15, 2019, May 16, 2019, and August 5, 2019, respectively. Eighteen randomized controlled trials ( N = 2,050) met the inclusion criteria (i.e., hypochondriasis, illness anxiety disorder or somatic symptom disorder with elevated HA being assessed with validated interviews; use of standardized outcome measures). Two reviewers independently evaluated the studies’ risk of bias using the Revised Cochrane Risk-of-Bias Tool for randomized trials (RoB-2) tool. Overall, psychological interventions were significantly more effective than waitlist, treatment-as-usual, or placebo post-treatment ( gSS = 0.70, gHA = 1.11) and at follow-up ( gSS = 0.33, gHA = 0.70). CBT outperformed other psychological interventions or pharmacotherapy for HA post-treatment (Hedge’s gHA = 0.81). The number of sessions did not significantly predict the effect sizes. In sum, psychological interventions were effective for SHA, but the generalizability of the results for SS is limited, because only two high-quality trials contributed to the comparisons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Maass
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Potsdam, Germany
| | - Franziska Kühne
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Potsdam, Germany
| | - Jana Maas
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Potsdam, Germany
| | - Maria Unverdross
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Potsdam, Germany
| | - Florian Weck
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Potsdam, Germany
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Shedden-Mora MC, Kuby A, Tönnies J, Piontek K, Löwe B. Stepped, Collaborative, Coordinated Care for Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders (Sofu-Net). ZEITSCHRIFT FUR PSYCHOLOGIE-JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1027/2151-2604/a000405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. To improve early detection and adequate treatment for patients with somatic symptom and related disorders (SSRD), we implemented Sofu-Net, a stepped, collaborative, and coordinated health care network. This mixed-methods study aimed to evaluate Sofu-Net from the health care professionals’ perspective. Network partners (primary care physicians (PCPs), psychotherapists, inpatient mental health clinics) completed an evaluation survey. Following, qualitative analysis of focus groups explored facilitating factors and barriers of Sofu-Net. Of 66 network partners who completed the survey (response 83.5%), the majority was satisfied with Sofu-Net, and perceived improvements regarding management, early detection, and referral to mental health care. Both survey and focus groups identified interdisciplinary collaboration and diagnostic screening as most relevant facilitating factors. Important barriers to implementation included challenges in patient referral and structural factors. Necessary prerequisites for future stepped collaborative care for SSRD include structures facilitating diagnosis, inter-professional collaboration and referral, availability of mental health care, inclusion of comorbidities, and adequate reimbursement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meike C. Shedden-Mora
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Amina Kuby
- Department of Nursing and Management, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Justus Tönnies
- Clinic for General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Medical Center Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katharina Piontek
- Institute for Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Bernd Löwe
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Kosic A, Lindholm P, Järvholm K, Hedman-Lagerlöf E, Axelsson E. Three decades of increase in health anxiety: Systematic review and meta-analysis of birth cohort changes in university student samples from 1985 to 2017. J Anxiety Disord 2020; 71:102208. [PMID: 32172210 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2020.102208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Health anxiety can be defined as a multifaceted trait that is primarily characterised by a fear of, or preoccupation with, serious illness. Whereas low levels of health anxiety can be helpful, clinically significant levels are associated with personal suffering and substantial societal costs. As general anxiety is probably on the rise, and the Internet has increased access to health-related information, it is commonly speculated that health anxiety has increased over the past decades. We tested this hypothesis based on a systematic review and meta-analysis of birth cohort mean health anxiety in Western university student samples from 1985 to 2017. Sixty-eight studies with 22 413 student participants were included. The primary analysis indicated that the mean score on the Illness Attitudes Scales had increased by 4.61 points (95 % CI: 1.02, 8.20) from 1985 to 2017. The percentage of general population Internet users in the study year of data collection was not predictive of student mean health anxiety. In conclusion, this study corroborates the hypothesis of an increase in health anxiety, at least in the student population, over the past decades. However, this increase could not be linked to the introduction of the Internet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Kosic
- Department of Psychology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Peo Lindholm
- Department of Psychology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Erik Hedman-Lagerlöf
- Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erland Axelsson
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Newby JM, Haskelberg H, Hobbs MJ, Mahoney AEJ, Mason E, Andrews G. The effectiveness of internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy for health anxiety in routine care. J Affect Disord 2020; 264:535-542. [PMID: 31780130 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.11.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Randomised controlled trials have shown that internet-delivered cognitive behavioural treatment (iCBT) is an effective treatment for health anxiety, but the effectiveness of these programs in routine care has not been investigated. This study examined the effectiveness of iCBT for health anxiety symptoms in routine care settings in the community. METHODS Using an open-trial design, we investigated adherence to, and effectiveness of a 6-lesson iCBT program for health anxiety symptoms amongst individuals (n = 391, mean age 41 years, 64% female) who enrolled in the program either self-guided (n = 312) or under the supervision of community clinicians (general practitioners, psychologists and other allied health professionals) (n = 79). Primary outcome was health anxiety severity on the Short Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI), and secondary outcomes were depression severity on the Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item (PHQ-9) (depression) and distress (Kessler-10: K-10). RESULTS Adherence to the iCBT program was modest (45.6% in the clinician-supervised group, 33.0% in the unguided group), but within-subjects effect sizes were large (SHAI: g = 1.66, 95%CI: 1.45-1.88; PHQ-9: g = 1.12, 95%CI: 0.92-1.32; K-10: g = 1.35, 95%CI: 1.15-1.56). LIMITATIONS No control group, lack of follow-up data. CONCLUSIONS iCBT is an effective treatment for health anxiety symptoms in routine care, but methods to increase adherence are needed to optimise benefits to participants. Randomised controlled effectiveness trials with long-term follow-up are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill M Newby
- Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia; School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, NSW, Australia.
| | - Hila Haskelberg
- Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Megan J Hobbs
- Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia; School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, NSW, Australia
| | - Alison E J Mahoney
- Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Mason
- Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Gavin Andrews
- Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia; School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, NSW, Australia
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Newby JM, McElroy E. The impact of internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy for health anxiety on cyberchondria. J Anxiety Disord 2020; 69:102150. [PMID: 31739276 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2019.102150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Cyberchondria refers to an emotional-behavioural pattern whereby excessive online searches lead to increased anxiety about one's own health status. It has been shown to be associated with health anxiety, however it is unknown whether existing cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) interventions targeting health anxiety also improve cyberchondria. This study aimed to determine whether internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) for severe health anxiety led to improvements in self-reported cyberchondria and whether improvements in cyberchondria were associated with improvements in health anxiety observed during treatment. Methods: We analysed secondary data from a randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing an iCBT group (n = 41) to an active control group who underwent psychoeducation, monitoring and clinical support (n = 41) in health anxious patients with a DSM-5 diagnosis of Illness Anxiety Disorder and/or Somatic Symptom Disorder. The iCBT group showed a significantly greater reduction in cyberchondria compared to the control group, with large differences at post-treatment on the Cyberchondria Severity Scale Total scale (CSS; Hedges g = 1.09), and the Compulsion, Distress, Excessiveness subscales of the CSS (g's: 0.8-1.13). Mediation analyses showed improvements in health anxiety in the iCBT group were mediated by improvements in all of the CSS subscales, except for the Mistrust subscale. Conclusions: Internet CBT for health anxiety improves cyberchondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill M Newby
- School of Psychology, UNSW Sydney, 1302 Mathews Building, Randwick, NSW, 2052, Australia; Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression (CRUfAD), School of Psychiatry, UNSW Sydney at St Vincent's Hospital, 390 Victoria Street Darlinghurst, NSW, Sydney, 2010, Australia.
| | - Eoin McElroy
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK
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Axelsson E, Hesser H, Andersson E, Ljótsson B, Hedman-Lagerlöf E. Mediators of treatment effect in minimal-contact cognitive behaviour therapy for severe health anxiety: A theory-driven analysis based on a randomised controlled trial. J Anxiety Disord 2020; 69:102172. [PMID: 31864217 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2019.102172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is efficacious for severe health anxiety, but little is known about mechanisms. We analysed putative mediators of change based on 13 weekly assessments in a randomised controlled trial (N = 132) of exposure-based minimal-contact CBT (guided Internet-delivered CBT, unguided Internet-delivered CBT and bibliotherapy) vs. a waitlist control for severe health anxiety. We hypothesised that the effect of CBT on health anxiety would be mediated by non-reactivity to inner experiences, health anxiety behaviours and perceived competence. We also explored somatosensory amplification. In parallel process growth models, non-reactivity, health anxiety behaviours and perceived competence - but not somatosensory amplification - were influenced by CBT and associated with health anxiety. Random intercepts cross-lagged panel models were used to study within-individual ordering of change. None of the putative mediators systematically predicted subsequent changes in health anxiety. Rather, changes in health anxiety predicted subsequent changes in all putative mediators. In summary, CBT influenced health anxiety behaviours, non-reactivity to inner experiences and perceived competence, and these variables were associated with the outcome. However, their role as mediators was not corroborated because we found no evidence that changes in these variables predicted subsequent changes in health anxiety. We encourage further research into mediators of CBT for health anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erland Axelsson
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Hugo Hesser
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; Center for Health and Medical Psychology, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Erik Andersson
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Brjánn Ljótsson
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erik Hedman-Lagerlöf
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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36
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Axelsson E, Hedman-Lagerlöf E. Cognitive behavior therapy for health anxiety: systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical efficacy and health economic outcomes. Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2019; 19:663-676. [DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2019.1703182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Erland Axelsson
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erik Hedman-Lagerlöf
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Managing fibromyalgia syndrome in pregnancy no bridges between USA and EU. Arch Womens Ment Health 2019; 22:711-721. [PMID: 30607517 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-018-0933-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The first aim of this article is to analyze the risk/benefit ratio of using psychotropic drugs approved in some countries for treating fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) during pregnancy. Assessing the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions is the second scope of this article, in order to help clinicians to manage FMS in pregnancy in those countries were no drugs are approved for treating the disease. Following the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews, a literature search was conducted on PubMed and Google Scholar. Separate literature searches were performed for the three psychotropic drugs approved in the USA for treating FMS, psychotherapy, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Perinatal duloxetine exposure is associated with increased risk of gestational and perinatal complications. With regards pregabalin, available information suggests that the drug is not devoid of structural teratogenicity potential. No data are available for milnacipran. Duloxetine and pregabalin should be only given to pregnant women diagnosed with severe forms of FMS after carefully weighing the benefits and risks for the mother-fetus dyad. On the other hand, we have to consider that the proportion of women who discontinue psychotropic drugs during pregnancy is as high as 85.4%. This figure raises further questions about adequate alternative treatment of FMS during the perinatal period. Moreover, neither duloxetine nor milnacipran or pregabalin have been approved by the EMEA for the treatment of FMS. Unfortunately, psychological treatment of FMS in perinatal women are not yet tested and data on TMS are conflicting.
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Silva Moreira P, Chaves P, Dias R, Dias N, Almeida PR. Validation of Wireless Sensors for Psychophysiological Studies. SENSORS 2019; 19:s19224824. [PMID: 31698694 PMCID: PMC6891453 DOI: 10.3390/s19224824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
James One (MindProber Labs) is a wireless psychophysiological device comprising two sensors: one measuring electrodermal activity (EDA), the other photoplethysmography (PPG). This paper reports the validation of James One’s EDA sensor by comparing its signal against a research grade polygraph. Twenty participants were instructed to perform breathing exercises to elicit the modulation of EDA and heart rate, while the physiological signal was captured simultaneously on James One and a Biopac MP36. The resulting EDA and PPG records collected from both systems were comprehensively compared. Results suggest that James One captures EDA signal with a quality comparable to a research grade equipment, this constituting a reliable means of capturing data while minimizing setup time and intrusiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Silva Moreira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s, PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- MindProber Labs, 4450-102 Porto, Portugal; (P.C.); (R.D.); (N.D.); (P.R.A.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Pedro Chaves
- MindProber Labs, 4450-102 Porto, Portugal; (P.C.); (R.D.); (N.D.); (P.R.A.)
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ruben Dias
- MindProber Labs, 4450-102 Porto, Portugal; (P.C.); (R.D.); (N.D.); (P.R.A.)
| | - Nuno Dias
- MindProber Labs, 4450-102 Porto, Portugal; (P.C.); (R.D.); (N.D.); (P.R.A.)
- 2Ai-Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave, Campus do IPCA, 4750-810 Barcelos, Portugal
| | - Pedro R Almeida
- MindProber Labs, 4450-102 Porto, Portugal; (P.C.); (R.D.); (N.D.); (P.R.A.)
- School of Criminology, Faculty of Law, University of Porto, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal
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Li D, Kong J, Yang Y, Wang S, Wu J, Chao J. Group cognitive behavioural therapy of physical and psychological menopausal symptoms of Chinese women, delivered via Internet and mobile phone versus face to face: A protocol for a randomized non-inferiority trial. Maturitas 2019; 129:23-29. [PMID: 31547909 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2019.08.005] [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: 05/05/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Menopause syndrome generally includes psychological problems. Group treatment delivered via the Internet and mobile phone (imGT) may improve women's physiological and psychological conditions. OBJECTIVE To investigate the efficacy of group cognitive behavioural therapy of menopause-related mood swings and quality of life, delivered face to face or via the Internet and mobile phone. METHODS This protocol is for a randomized controlled clinical trial with a sample of 140 menopausal women divided into 2 groups: imGT and face-to-face group treatment (ffGT). The primary outcome will be the improvement in the menopausal symptoms of the two groups, as assessed by the Greene Climacteric Scale. The secondary outcomes will be: quality of life, assessed by the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire; insomnia, assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory; anxiety, assessed by the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale; and therapeutic alliance, assessed by the Working Alliance Inventory-Short Revised and Client Sat-is-fac-tion Qes-tion-naire-8. imGT will be performed once a week for 1.5 h for 10 weeks with a daily 'Punched-in' on the WeChat app; ffGT will be performed once a week for 1.5 h for 10 weeks. All outcomes will be assessed at baseline, at a post-intervention evaluation (week 10), and at a follow-up evaluation (week 22). DISCUSSION This study will be the first clinical trial to examine the effects of imGT on menopausal women in China. If imGT is found to be non-inferior to ffGT, it will facilitate access to menopausal health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Li
- Southeast University, China
| | - Jing Kong
- Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, China
| | - Ying Yang
- Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, China
| | - Suli Wang
- Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, China
| | - Jiangping Wu
- Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, China
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When Imagination Becomes a Disease: Dealing With Hypochondriacal Patients in Clinical Practice. Ochsner J 2019; 19:70-73. [PMID: 31258417 DOI: 10.31486/toj.18.0123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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Abstract
Illness anxiety disorder is a primary disorder of anxiety about having or developing a serious illness. The core feature is the cycle of worry and reassurance seeking regarding health, as opposed to a focus on relief of distress caused by somatic symptoms (as in Somatic Symptom Disorder). Clinically significant health anxiety is common, with estimates ranging up to 13% in the general adult population. There are evidence-based treatments, including psychopharmacology and cognitive behavioral therapy, that can significantly alleviate symptoms. An understanding of the core psychopathology and clinical features of illness anxiety disorder is essential to fostering a working alliance with patients with health anxiety, as is the maintenance of an empathic, curious, and nonjudgmental stance toward their anxiety. Collaboration between medical providers is essential to avoid the pitfalls of excess testing and medical treatment.
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Pitron V, Ranque B, Vulser H, Rotgé JY, Limosin F, Lemogne C. [Functional somatic syndromes: A comprehensive cognitive model]. Rev Med Interne 2019; 40:466-473. [PMID: 31160125 DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2019.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Functional somatic syndromes are frequent in general and specialized medicine practices. Several treatments can be useful. However, the treatment program is often hampered by patients' reluctance to acknowledge the diagnosis because of erroneous lay representations. Recent advances in cognitive science offer a new understanding of the pathophysiology of functional somatic disorders, making this diagnosis more acceptable for patients and caregivers. Simply explained with practical examples, the Bayesian model in particular provides some insights into the underlying cognitive mechanisms of functional somatic syndromes and their treatments. Advantages of this approach are twofold: it is consistent with current scientific knowledge and it can facilitate the physician-patient relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Pitron
- UMR 8129, ENS/EHESS/CNRS, IEC, PSL, Instit Jean-Nicod, 29, rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France; Service de psychiatrie et d'addictologie de l'adulte et du sujet âgé, hôpitaux universitaires Paris Ouest, AP-HP, 20, rue Leblanc, 75015 Paris, France.
| | - B Ranque
- Service de médecine interne, hôpitaux universitaires Paris Ouest, AP-HP, 20, rue Leblanc, 75015 Paris, France; Faculté de médecine, université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 12, rue de l'École de médecine, 75005 Paris, France
| | - H Vulser
- Service de psychiatrie et d'addictologie de l'adulte et du sujet âgé, hôpitaux universitaires Paris Ouest, AP-HP, 20, rue Leblanc, 75015 Paris, France; Faculté de médecine, université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 12, rue de l'École de médecine, 75005 Paris, France
| | - J Y Rotgé
- Service de psychiatrie d'adultes, groupe hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, 75013 Paris, France; Équipe neurosciences sociales et affectives, ICM CRICM, CNRS UMR 7225, Inserm S 1127, institut du cerveau et de la moelle épinière, 75013 Paris, France; Sorbonne université, 75006 Paris, France
| | - F Limosin
- Service de psychiatrie et d'addictologie de l'adulte et du sujet âgé, hôpitaux universitaires Paris Ouest, AP-HP, 20, rue Leblanc, 75015 Paris, France; Faculté de médecine, université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 12, rue de l'École de médecine, 75005 Paris, France; Inserm U894, centre psychiatrie et neuroscience, 102-108, rue de la Santé, 75014 Paris, France
| | - C Lemogne
- Service de psychiatrie et d'addictologie de l'adulte et du sujet âgé, hôpitaux universitaires Paris Ouest, AP-HP, 20, rue Leblanc, 75015 Paris, France; Faculté de médecine, université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 12, rue de l'École de médecine, 75005 Paris, France; Inserm U894, centre psychiatrie et neuroscience, 102-108, rue de la Santé, 75014 Paris, France
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Liu J, Gill NS, Teodorczuk A, Li ZJ, Sun J. The efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy in somatoform disorders and medically unexplained physical symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Affect Disord 2019; 245:98-112. [PMID: 30368076 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2018.10.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to update and give an overview of the evidence from published literature that focused on the efficacy of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) in the management of somatoform disorders and medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS). METHODS A comprehensive literature search was carried out through an electronic search of various databases on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Primary outcome was the severity of somatic symptoms. Secondary outcomes were also measured based on severity of anxiety symptoms, severity of depressive symptoms, social functioning, physical functioning, doctor visits and the compliance with CBT, as well as follow-up visits. Effects were summarized by a random effects model using mean differences or odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS A total of 15 RCTs comprising 1671 patients with somatoform disorders or MUPS were enrolled in our systematic review and meta-analysis. The main analysis revealed that CBT could alleviate somatic symptoms: -1.31 (95% CI: -2.23 to -0.39, p = 0.005); anxiety symptoms: -1.89 (95% CI: -2.91 to -0.86; p < 0.001); depressive symptoms: -1.93 (95% CI: -3.56 to -0.31; p = 0.020); improve physical functioning: 4.19 (95% CI: 1.90 to 6.49; p < 0.001). The efficacy of CBT on alleviating somatic symptoms, anxiety and depressive symptoms were sustained on follow-up. CBT may not be effective in reducing the number of doctor visits: -1.23 (95% CI: -2.97 to 0.51; p = 0.166); and improving social functioning: 3.27 (95% CI: -0.08 to 6.63; p = 0.056). The results of subgroup analysis indicated that CBT was particularly beneficial when the duration of session was more than 50 min to reduce the severity of somatic symptoms from pre to post treatment time, when it was group based and applied affective and developed good interpersonal strategy during the treatment. Longer duration and frequency such as more than 10 sessions and 12 weeks treatments had significant effect on reduction of the comorbid symptoms including depression and anxiety, but they may underpin low level of compliance of CBT based treatments. CONCLUSIONS CBT is effective for the treatment of somatoform disorders and MUPS by reducing physical symptoms, psychological distress and disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- The Department of Clinical Psychology & National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Neeraj S Gill
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia; Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrew Teodorczuk
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia; The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Zhan-Jiang Li
- The Department of Clinical Psychology & National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Jing Sun
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia.
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Lindner P, Miloff A, Zetterlund E, Reuterskiöld L, Andersson G, Carlbring P. Attitudes Toward and Familiarity With Virtual Reality Therapy Among Practicing Cognitive Behavior Therapists: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study in the Era of Consumer VR Platforms. Front Psychol 2019; 10:176. [PMID: 30800086 PMCID: PMC6376952 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) is an efficacious treatment for fear and anxiety and has the potential to solve both logistic issues for therapists and be used for scalable self-help interventions. However, VRET has yet to see large-scale implementation in clinical settings or as a consumer product, and past research suggests that while therapists may acknowledge the many advantages of VRET, they view the technology as technically inaccessible and expensive. We reasoned that after the 2016 release of several consumer virtual reality (VR) platforms and associated public acquaintance with VR, therapists' concerns about VRET may have evolved. The present study surveyed attitudes toward and familiarity with VR and VRET among practicing cognitive behavior therapists (n = 185) attending a conference. Results showed that therapists had an overall positive attitude toward VRET (pros rated higher than cons) and viewed VR as applicable to conditions other than anxiety. Unlike in earlier research, high financial costs and technical difficulties were no longer top-rated negative aspects. Average negative attitude was a larger negative predictor of self-rated likelihood of future use than positive attitude was a positive predictor and partially mediated the positive association between VRET knowledge and likelihood of future use, suggesting that promotional efforts should focus on addressing concerns. We conclude that therapist's attitudes toward VRET appear to have evolved in recent years, and no longer appear to constitute a major barrier to implementing the next generation of VR technology in regular clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Lindner
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.,Center for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alexander Miloff
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elin Zetterlund
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Gerhard Andersson
- Center for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Behavioral Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Per Carlbring
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Owens VA, Hadjistavropoulos HD, Schneider LH, Gullickson KM, Karin E, Titov N, Dear BF. Transdiagnostic, internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy for depression and anxiety: Exploring impact on health anxiety. Internet Interv 2019; 15:60-66. [PMID: 30723691 PMCID: PMC6350228 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Health anxiety is associated with significant personal distress and economic cost; as such, widely available and effective treatment options are crucial. Several studies suggest that Internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy (ICBT) programs that specifically target health anxiety are efficacious for this condition. However, no known studies have examined the impact of transdiagnostic ICBT, which emphasizes the acquisition of broad coping skills applicable to a variety of mental health concerns, on symptoms of health anxiety. The current study sought to explore changes in health anxiety symptoms by utilizing data available from a previously published study of 8-week transdiagnostic ICBT. Specifically, changes in symptoms of health anxiety in response to a transdiagnostic ICBT program that targeted broad symptoms of depression and anxiety, were examined in a subsample of individuals who endorsed elevated symptom scores on the Short Health Anxiety Inventory at pre-treatment (n = 72). Following treatment, large reductions in health anxiety symptoms (Cohen's d = 0.91; 20% improvement), depression (Cohen's d = 0.85; reduction = 38%), generalized anxiety (Cohen's d = 1.21; reduction = 42%), and disability (Cohen's d = 0.90; reduction = 35%) were reported. Furthermore, results showed that transdiagnostic ICBT was rated as acceptable to people with high health anxiety symptoms. Despite elevated pre-treatment health anxiety scores, email correspondence between clients and their therapist revealed very few mentions of health anxiety. These findings provide preliminary evidence for transdiagnostic ICBT for symptoms of health anxiety and suggest further research is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Heather D. Hadjistavropoulos
- Department of Psychology, University of Regina, Regina, Canada
- Corresponding author at: University of Regina, Department of Psychology, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK S4S 0A2, Canada.
| | | | | | - Eyal Karin
- eCentreClinic, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nickolai Titov
- eCentreClinic, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Blake F. Dear
- eCentreClinic, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
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Hennemann S, Böhme K, Baumeister H, Bendig E, Kleinstäuber M, Ebert DD, Witthöft M. Efficacy of a guided internet-based intervention (iSOMA) for somatic symptoms and related distress in university students: study protocol of a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e024929. [PMID: 30598489 PMCID: PMC6318514 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-024929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Persistent and distressing somatic symptoms are common in younger age cohorts such as university students. However, the majority does not receive adequate psychosocial care. Internet-based and mobile-based interventions may represent low threshold and effective extensions to reduce somatic and associated mental symptom severity. The planned study aims to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of an internet-based intervention in reducing somatic and psychological symptoms in an international population of university students with somatic symptom burden. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This parallel two-armed randomised controlled trial evaluates an 8-week guided intervention, including web-based consecutive modules based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) principles against a waitlist control group. Guidance will be provided by trained psychologists with weekly written supportive feedback. As part of the 'Studicare' project, the present study aims to recruit n=154 university students indicating somatic symptom burden at baseline in German-speaking universities. Self-report assessments will take place at baseline and after intervention completion (8, 16 weeks after randomisation). The primary outcome will be the severity of somatic symptoms and associated mental distress. Secondary outcomes include depression, (health) anxiety, disability, intervention satisfaction and adherence. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval has been granted. Results from this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER DRKS00014375; Pre-results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Severin Hennemann
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy and Experimental Psychopathology, Institute of Psychology, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Katja Böhme
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy and Experimental Psychopathology, Institute of Psychology, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Harald Baumeister
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Eileen Bendig
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Maria Kleinstäuber
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - David Daniel Ebert
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael Witthöft
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy and Experimental Psychopathology, Institute of Psychology, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Hwang KS, Jang SH, Lee HJ, Lee SY. Reliability and Validity of the Korean Version of Health Anxiety Questionnaire. Psychiatry Investig 2018; 15:976-983. [PMID: 30301306 PMCID: PMC6212705 DOI: 10.30773/pi.2018.07.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Health anxiety can be defined by concern about health in the absence of a pathology. The Health Anxiety Questionnaire (HAQ) based on the cognitive-behavioral model can be useful for evaluating the severity and the structure of health anxiety. This study aims to verify the reliability and validity of Korean version of HAQ (K-HAQ). METHODS For reliability, test-retest reliability and internal consistency were analyzed. For construct validity, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to identify the optimal cut-off score. RESULTS Cronbach's alpha was 0.92, and r value of test-retest reliability was 0.84. In the EFA, 4- and 5-factor model showed cumulative percentile of variance of 60% or more. In the CFA, the 4-factor model was found to be the most appropriate and simplest (χ2 =397.33, df=187, CFI=0.909, TLI=0.888, RMSEA=0.077). In the ROC analysis, the cut-off score was 20 points. CONCLUSION It is expected that K-HAQ can be helpful to evaluate the severity of health anxiety and make therapeutic plans because KHAQ can help explore the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral structure of health anxiety by each factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyu-Sic Hwang
- Department of Psychiatry, Wonkwang University Hospital, Iksan, Republic of Korea.,Wonkwang Brain-Behavior Mental Health Institute, Iksan, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Ho Jang
- Department of Psychiatry, Wonkwang University Hospital, Iksan, Republic of Korea.,Wonkwang Brain-Behavior Mental Health Institute, Iksan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Jin Lee
- Department of Public Health, Wonkwang University Graduate School, Iksan, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Yeol Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Wonkwang University Hospital, Iksan, Republic of Korea.,Wonkwang Brain-Behavior Mental Health Institute, Iksan, Republic of Korea.,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We reviewed research on computer-assisted cognitive-behavior therapy (CCBT) performed in medical settings with the goals of assessing the effectiveness of this newer method of treatment delivery, evaluating the need for clinician support of therapeutic computer programs, and making suggestions for future research and clinical implementation. RECENT FINDINGS The overall results of randomized, controlled trials suggest that CCBT can be an effective treatment for depression in primary care patients and health care anxiety. Also, it can be a useful component of treatment for somatic conditions including irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain. The amount and type of clinician support needed for maximizing effectiveness remains unclear. CCBT offers promise for overcoming barriers to delivering effective psychotherapy in medical settings. We recommend that next steps for researchers include more definitive studies of the influence of clinician support, investigations focused on implementation in clinical practices, cost-benefit analyses, and use of technological advances.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To examine the diagnosis of health anxiety, its prevalence in different settings, public health significance, treatment, and outcome. RECENT FINDINGS Health anxiety is similar to hypochondriasis but is characterized by fear of, rather than conviction of, illness. Lifetime prevalence rates are 6% in the population and as high as 20% in hospital out-patients, leading to greater costs to health services through unnecessary medical contacts. Its prevalence may be increasing because of excessive internet browsing (cyberchondria). Drug treatment with antidepressants has some efficacy but is not well-liked, but psychological treatments, including cognitive behavior therapy, stress management, mindfulness training, and acceptance and commitment therapy, given either individually, in groups, or over the Internet, have all proved efficacious in both the short and longer term. Untreated health anxiety leads to premature mortality. Health anxiety has become an increasing clinical and public health issue at a time when people are being formally asked to take more responsibility in monitoring their own health. More attention by health services is needed.
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Axelsson E, Andersson E, Ljótsson B, Hedman-Lagerlöf E. Cost-effectiveness and long-term follow-up of three forms of minimal-contact cognitive behaviour therapy for severe health anxiety: Results from a randomised controlled trial. Behav Res Ther 2018; 107:95-105. [PMID: 29936239 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2018.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Strategies to increase the availability of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for severe health anxiety (SHA) are needed, and this study investigated the cost-effectiveness and long-term efficacy of three forms of minimal-contact CBT for SHA. We hypothesised that therapist-guided internet CBT (G-ICBT), unguided internet CBT (U-ICBT), and cognitive behavioural bibliotherapy (BIB-CBT) would all be more cost-effective than a waiting-list condition (WLC), as assessed over the main phase of the trial. We also hypothesised that improvements would remain stable up to one-year follow-up. Adults (N = 132) with principal SHA were randomised to 12 weeks of G-ICBT, U-ICBT, BIB-CBT, or WLC. The primary measure of cost-effectiveness was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, or the between-group difference in per capita costs divided by the between-group difference in proportion of participants in remission. The Health anxiety inventory (HAI) was the primary efficacy outcome. G-ICBT, U-ICBT, and BIB-CBT were more cost-effective than the WLC. Over the follow-up period, the G-ICBT and BIB-CBT groups made further improvements in health anxiety, whereas the U-ICBT group did not change. As expected, all three treatments were cost-effective with persistent long-term effects. CBT without therapist support appears to be a valuable alternative to G-ICBT for scaling up treatment for SHA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erland Axelsson
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Erik Andersson
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Brjánn Ljótsson
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erik Hedman-Lagerlöf
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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