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Saulnier KG, Ganoczy D, Grau PP, Sripada RK, Zivin K, Piette JD, Pfeiffer PN. Generalized anxiety disorder screening scores are associated with greater treatment need among Veterans with depression. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 177:31-38. [PMID: 38971054 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.07.003] [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: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Comorbid anxiety and depression predict a poorer prognosis than either disorder occurring alone. It is unclear whether self-reported anxiety symptom scores identify patients with depression in need of more intensive mental health services. This study evaluated how anxiety symptoms predicted treatment receipt and outcomes among patients with new depression diagnoses in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Electronic medical record data from 128,917 VHA patients (71.6% assessed for anxiety, n = 92,237) with new diagnoses of depression were analyzed to examine how Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scores predicted psychotropic medication prescriptions, psychotherapy receipt, acute care service utilization, and follow-up depression symptoms. Patients who reported severe symptoms of anxiety were significantly more likely to receive adequate acute phase and continuation phase antidepressant treatment, daytime anxiolytics/sedatives, nighttime sedative/hypnotics, and endorse more severe depression symptoms and suicidal ideation at follow-up. Patients who reported severe symptoms of anxiety at baseline were less likely to initiate psychotherapy. The GAD-7 may help identify depressed patients who have more severe disease burden and require additional mental health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- K G Saulnier
- VA Serious Mental Illness Treatment Resource and Evaluation Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - D Ganoczy
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - P P Grau
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; VA Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - R K Sripada
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; VA Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - K Zivin
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; VA Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - J D Piette
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; VA Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - P N Pfeiffer
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; VA Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Loo T, Altman M, Grodberg D, La Guardia J, Bravata D. Telebehavioral Health for Caregivers of Children With Behavioral Health Needs to Address Caregiver Strain: Cohort Study. JMIR Pediatr Parent 2024; 7:e59475. [PMID: 39186369 PMCID: PMC11384170 DOI: 10.2196/59475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Behavioral health conditions among children have worsened over the past decade. Caregivers for children with behavioral health conditions are at risk for two types of caregiver strain: (1) an objective strain, that results directly from the child's condition and (2) subjective strain, that arises from the caregiver's feelings regarding these events. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a technology-enabled pediatric and family behavioral health service on caregivers' strain among a commercially insured population. We also explore the common symptom clusters of caregiver strain to better understand the caregiver presentation to inform future care planning. METHODS We examined changes in caregiver strain using the Caregiver Strain Questionnaire-Short Form 7 over the course of their child's web-based behavioral health care between 2021 and 2023 using a pre-post study design. Common caregiver strain symptom clusters were identified using Ward hierarchical agglomerative clustering. RESULTS The majority of children were White 60.8% (1002/1647), female 53.6% (882/1647), and aged between 5 and 9 years (33.7%, 555/1647). Families fall broadly into 4 groups based on what drives caregiver strain the most, namely those experiencing (1) disrupted family relationships and time interruption, (2) missed work, (3) worried about their child's future and feeling tired and sad, and (4) financial strain. Caregiver strain, which was associated with the child's disease severity (P<.001), decreased significantly in all therapeutic groups. CONCLUSIONS Web-based family-oriented behavioral health care can improve caregiver strain and reduce family and time disruptions, missed work, and financial strain. Sources of caregiver strain vary and may be overlooked when relying on the conventional scoring of the Caregiver Strain Questionnaire-Short Form 7.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Myra Altman
- Brightline, Palo Alto, CA, United States
- Clinical Excellence Research Center, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - David Grodberg
- Brightline, Palo Alto, CA, United States
- School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | | | - Dena Bravata
- Brightline, Palo Alto, CA, United States
- Center for Primary Care and Outcomes Research, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
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3
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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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Prochaska JJ, Wang Y, Bowdring MA, Chieng A, Chaudhary NP, Ramo DE. Acceptability and Utility of a Smartphone App to Support Adolescent Mental Health (BeMe): Program Evaluation Study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2023; 11:e47183. [PMID: 37639293 PMCID: PMC10495844 DOI: 10.2196/47183] [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: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescents face unprecedented mental health challenges, and technology has the opportunity to facilitate access and support digitally connected generations. The combination of digital tools and live human connection may hold particular promise for resonating with and flexibly supporting young people's mental health. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to describe the BeMe app-based platform to support adolescents' mental health and well-being and to examine app engagement, usability, and satisfaction. METHODS Adolescents in the United States, aged 13 to 20 years, were recruited via the web and enrolled between September 1 and October 31, 2022. App engagement, feature use, clinical functioning, and satisfaction with BeMe were examined for 30 days. BeMe provides content based on cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, and positive psychology; interactive activities; live text-based coaching; links to clinical services; and crisis support tools (digital and live). RESULTS The average age of the sample (N=13,421) was 15.04 (SD 1.7) years, and 56.72% (7612/13,421) identified with she/her pronouns. For the subsample that completed the in-app assessments, the mean scores indicated concern for depression (8-item Patient Health Questionnaire mean 15.68/20, SD 5.9; n=239), anxiety (7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire mean 13.37/17, SD 5.0; n=791), and poor well-being (World Health Organization-Five Well-being Index mean 30.15/100, SD 16.1; n=1923). Overall, the adolescents engaged with BeMe for an average of 2.38 (SD 2.7) days in 7.94 (SD 24.1) sessions and completed 11.26 (SD 19.8) activities. Most adolescents engaged with BeMe's content (12,270/13,421, 91.42%), mood ratings (13,094/13,421, 97.56%), and interactive skills (10,098/13,421, 75.24%), and almost one-fifth of the adolescents engaged with coaching (2539/13,421, 18.92%), clinical resources (2411/13,421, 17.96%), and crisis support resources (2499/13,421, 18.62%). Overall app engagement (total activities) was highest among female and gender-neutral adolescents compared with male adolescents (all P<.001) and was highest among younger adolescents (aged 13-14 years) compared with all other ages (all P<.001). Satisfaction ratings were generally high for content (eg, 158/176, 89.8% rated as helpful and 1044/1139, 91.66% improved coping self-efficacy), activities (5362/8468, 63.32% helpful and 4408/6072, 72.6% useful in coping with big feelings), and coaching (747/894, 83.6% helpful and 747/894, 83.6% improved coping self-efficacy). Engagement (total activities completed) predicted the likelihood of app satisfaction (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS Many adolescents downloaded the BeMe app and completed multiple sessions and activities. Engagement with BeMe was higher among female and younger adolescents. Ratings of BeMe's content, activities, and coaching were very positive for cognitive precursors aimed at reducing depression and anxiety and improving well-being. The findings will inform future app development to promote more sustained engagement, and future evaluations will assess the effects of BeMe on changes in mental health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith J Prochaska
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Yixin Wang
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Molly A Bowdring
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Amy Chieng
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
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Rubin-Miller L, Henrich N, Peahl A, Moss C, Shah N, Jahnke HR. Utilization of digital prenatal services and management of depression and anxiety during pregnancy: A retrospective observational study. Front Digit Health 2023; 5:1152525. [PMID: 37064214 PMCID: PMC10098336 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2023.1152525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionWe examined how utilization of Maven, a digital healthcare platform that provides virtual prenatal services, is associated with improvements in perceived management of anxiety and depression during pregnancy, and how medical knowledge and support may influence this association.Materials and MethodsIn this retrospective study we used adjusted logistic regression to examine the relationship between digital platform use in pregnancy and perceived mental health management, and how perceived management of mental health is affected by user-reported improvements in medical knowledge and feeling supported by the platform. Effects were evaluated separately among users with and without a mental health condition. Demographics, medical history, and mental health management were self-reported.ResultsOf 5,659 users, 705 (12.5%) reported that Maven helped them manage anxiety and/or depression in the prenatal period. In adjusted models, users who read more articles, sent more messages to care advocates, or had more appointments with providers were more likely to report improved management of mental health in a dose-response manner (e.g., articles read: Q2 aOR 1.31 (95% CI 1.01–1.70), Q3 aOR 1.68 (95% CI 1.30–2.17), Q4 1.99 (95% CI 1.54–2.59)). Improvements in medical knowledge and high perceived support were both associated with better perceived mental health management. Results were similar in users with and without a mental health condition.DiscussionThese results suggest that access to a diverse set of digital resources provides multiple pathways to managing depression and anxiety during pregnancy for those with and without a diagnosed mental health condition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alex Peahl
- Maven Clinic, NewYork, NY, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | | | - Neel Shah
- Maven Clinic, NewYork, NY, United States
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Hannah R. Jahnke
- Maven Clinic, NewYork, NY, United States
- Correspondence: Hannah R. Jahnke
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Chen ZS, Kulkarni P(P, Galatzer-Levy IR, Bigio B, Nasca C, Zhang Y. Modern views of machine learning for precision psychiatry. PATTERNS (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2022; 3:100602. [PMID: 36419447 PMCID: PMC9676543 DOI: 10.1016/j.patter.2022.100602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
In light of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)'s Research Domain Criteria (RDoC), the advent of functional neuroimaging, novel technologies and methods provide new opportunities to develop precise and personalized prognosis and diagnosis of mental disorders. Machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are playing an increasingly critical role in the new era of precision psychiatry. Combining ML/AI with neuromodulation technologies can potentially provide explainable solutions in clinical practice and effective therapeutic treatment. Advanced wearable and mobile technologies also call for the new role of ML/AI for digital phenotyping in mobile mental health. In this review, we provide a comprehensive review of ML methodologies and applications by combining neuroimaging, neuromodulation, and advanced mobile technologies in psychiatry practice. We further review the role of ML in molecular phenotyping and cross-species biomarker identification in precision psychiatry. We also discuss explainable AI (XAI) and neuromodulation in a closed human-in-the-loop manner and highlight the ML potential in multi-media information extraction and multi-modal data fusion. Finally, we discuss conceptual and practical challenges in precision psychiatry and highlight ML opportunities in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Sage Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- The Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New York University Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
| | | | - Isaac R. Galatzer-Levy
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Meta Reality Lab, New York, NY, USA
| | - Benedetta Bigio
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Carla Nasca
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- The Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA
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7
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Graziani G, Aylward BS, Kunkle S, Shih E. Changes in Resilience Following Engagement with A Virtual Mental Health System: A Real World Observational Study (Preprint). JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e37169. [PMID: 35904875 PMCID: PMC9377433 DOI: 10.2196/37169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Objective Methods Results Conclusions
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Emily Shih
- Ginger, San Francisco, CA, United States
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8
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Shih E, Aylward BS, Kunkle S, Graziani G. Association between Care Modality and Utilization with Treatment Response among Members Accessing Virtual Mental Health Services: A Real-World Observational Study (Preprint). JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e36956. [PMID: 35867401 PMCID: PMC9356339 DOI: 10.2196/36956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is a growing bottleneck in mental health care, as the demand for services has outpaced the availability of mental health professionals. Consequently, many health systems have shifted to teletherapy as a scalable approach to increasing accessibility to care. Within these care models, various treatment modalities (eg, coaching and clinical care) are used to deliver support for anxiety and depression. However, more research is needed to better understand the differences in treatment responses. Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the association between different care modalities and the levels of use with symptom score changes for members seeking virtual care services. Methods We conducted an observational study of 4219 members who accessed Ginger, an on-demand mental health service, between September 2020 and September 2021. Using a mobile app, members can access text-based behavioral health coaching and virtual clinical services. This study focused on members with clinically elevated depression or anxiety levels at baseline. Logistic regressions were used to assess the association between care modalities and the levels of use with treatment response in depression and anxiety, using the Patient Health Questionnaire and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment, respectively. Results Of the 4219 members, 1623 (38.47%) demonstrated a full response to depression, and 1684 (39.91%) demonstrated a full response to anxiety. Members who completed care (ie, text-based coaching, virtual clinical therapy, hybrid of coaching, and clinical care) beyond the introductory session showed significantly increased odds of a full response compared with those who completed only limited care. Members who completed a hybrid of care had the highest odds of improvement; the odds of showing a full response in depression were 2.31 times higher (95% CI 1.91-2.80; P<.001) and in anxiety were 2.23 times higher (95% CI 1.84-2.70; P<.001) compared with members who completed limited care. For members who completed only coaching or clinical care, the largest effects were observed among those with high use. For members who completed a hybrid care program, we observed similar treatment responses across all levels of use. Conclusions Our real-world study found that members who completed text-based coaching achieved full treatment responses at similar rates compared with members who completed virtual clinical care and members who completed a hybrid of care. There were no significant differences in the predicted probabilities of full treatment response between coaching and clinical care. Generally, the odds for a full response were highest among members with high use within each care modality; however, there were no differences in full-response treatment odds across levels of use with hybrid care. The results support the utility of digital behavioral health interventions and further highlight text-based coaching protocols as an accessible and suitable option when considering virtual care for treating anxiety and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Shih
- Ginger, San Francisco, CA, United States
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9
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Graziani G, Aylward BS, Fung V, Kunkle S. Changes in healthcare costs following engagement with a virtual mental health system: a matched cohort study of healthcare claims data. PROCEDIA COMPUTER SCIENCE 2022; 206:173-182. [PMID: 36158864 PMCID: PMC9489472 DOI: 10.1016/j.procs.2022.09.096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the pressing need for mental health services. Digital mental health interventions could increase access to care and be an effective approach to reducing anxiety and depression at scale; however, research on their impact on healthcare expenditure is in the nascent stage and requires further investigation. The current study used claims data to examine the associations between use of an on-demand digital mental health platform and healthcare utilization costs compared to a matched control cohort. The study found that there were no significant differences between cohorts in total healthcare costs and pharmacy costs. There was a 16.8% reduction in outpatient costs (p=.08). On-demand digital mental health interventions can serve as a scalable approach to addressing the current mental health demands and potentially lower outpatient costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant Graziani
- Ginger, 116 New Montgomery St Suite 500, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA
| | | | - Vicki Fung
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Mongan Institute for Health Policy 50 Staniford Street Boston MA 02114, USA
| | - Sarah Kunkle
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Mongan Institute for Health Policy 50 Staniford Street Boston MA 02114, USA
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10
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Shih E, Aylward BS, Kunkle S, Graziani G. Health-Related Quality of Life among Members using an On-Demand Behavioral Health Platform: A Pilot Observational Study (Preprint). JMIR Form Res 2021; 6:e35352. [PMID: 35802408 PMCID: PMC9308074 DOI: 10.2196/35352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the well-known adverse health conditions and negative economic outcomes associated with mental health problems, accessing treatment is difficult due to reasons such as availability and cost. As a solution, digital mental health services have flooded the industry, and new studies are quickly emerging that support their potential as an accessible and cost-effective way to improve mental health outcomes. However, many mental health platforms typically use clinical tools such as the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) or General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). Yet, many individuals that seek out care do not have clinical symptomatology and thus, traditional clinical measures may not adequately capture symptom improvement in general well-being. As an alternative, this study used the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) tool from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “Healthy Days” measure. This subjective measure of well-being is an effective way to capture HRQoL and might be better suited as an outcome measure for treatments that include both clinical and subclinical individuals. Objective The purpose of this study was to describe changes in HRQoL in clinical and subclinical members assessing virtual care and to examine the association between text-based behavioral coaching and virtual clinical sessions with changes in HRQoL. Methods A total of 288 members completed the 4-item HRQoL measure at baseline and at 1 month following use of the Ginger on demand behavioral health platform. Baseline anxiety and depression levels were collected using the GAD-7 and PHQ-9, respectively. Results Members completed on average 1.92 (SD 2.16) coaching sessions and 0.91 (SD 1.37) clinical sessions during the assessment month. Paired samples t tests revealed significant reductions in the average number of unhealthy mental health days between baseline (mean 16, SD 8.77 days) and follow-up (mean 13.2, SD 9.02 days; t287=5.73; P<.001), and in the average number of days adversely impacted (meanbaseline 10.9, meanfollow-up 8.19; t287=6.26; P<.001). Both subclinical members (t103=3.04; P=.003) and clinical members (t183=5.5; P<.001) demonstrated significant improvements through reductions in adversely impacted days over a month. Clinical members also demonstrated significant improvements through reductions in unhealthy mental health days (t183=5.82; P<.001). Finally, member engagement with virtual clinical sessions significantly predicted changes in unhealthy mental health days (B=–0.96; P=.04). Conclusions To our knowledge, this study is one of the first to use the HRQoL measure as an outcome in an evaluation of a digital behavioral health platform. Using real-world longitudinal data, our preliminary yet promising results show that short-term engagement with virtual care can be an effective means to improve HRQoL for members with subclinical and clinical symptoms. Further follow-up of reported HRQoL over several months is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Shih
- Ginger, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Graziani G, Kunkle S, Shih E. Resilience in 2021: Descriptive analysis of individuals accessing virtual mental health services (Preprint). JMIR Form Res 2021; 6:e34283. [PMID: 35357309 PMCID: PMC9015774 DOI: 10.2196/34283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Psychological resilience has been extensively studied by developmental researchers, and there is a growing body of literature regarding its role in psychiatry and psychopathology research and practice. This study contributes to this growing literature by providing real-world evidence on the relationship between resilience and clinical symptoms among a large sample of employed Americans. Objective This study aimed to describe resilience levels in individuals accessing Ginger, a virtual mental health system, in addition to the association of resilience with demographic characteristics, baseline depression, and anxiety symptoms. Methods We conducted a retrospective observational study of 9165 members who signed up for Ginger and completed a baseline survey between January 1 and August 5, 2021. We used multivariate regression models to test for associations between baseline resilience and other member characteristics. Results Baseline resilience scores centered on a mean of 23.84 (SD 6.56) and median of 24 (IQR 8) out of 40, with 81.0% (7424/9165) of the sample having low resilience at baseline. Despite having relatively higher resilience scores, members with no or mild depression or anxiety still had low resilience scores on average. Self-reported suicidal ideation was associated with lower resilience. Conclusions Overall, members had low baseline resilience, similar to resilience levels observed in trauma survivors in prior studies. Younger members and those with higher levels of depression and anxiety at intake reported lower levels of resilience at baseline. Notably, members with no or mild depression or anxiety still had low resilience scores on average, suggesting a need for mental health support among individuals who might not typically be recommended for treatment based on traditional clinical assessments, such as the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7). Two suggestions for topics of future research are to develop treatment recommendations based on the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale and to understand the interaction between resilience levels and symptom-based outcome measures, such as the PHQ-9 and the GAD-7.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Emily Shih
- Ginger, San Francisco, CA, United States
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