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Hoeboer CM, Kullberg MLJ, Oprel DA, Schoorl M, van Minnen A, Antypa N, Mouthaan J, de Kleine RA, van der Does W. Impact of three variants of prolonged exposure therapy on comorbid diagnoses in patients with childhood abuse-related PTSD. Cogn Behav Ther 2024; 53:377-393. [PMID: 38411129 PMCID: PMC11090154 DOI: 10.1080/16506073.2024.2318729] [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: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Recent studies indicated that Prolonged Exposure (PE) is safe and effective for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is unclear whether PE also leads to a reduction in comorbid diagnoses. Data from a large randomized controlled trial (N = 149) on the effects of three variants of PE for PTSD were used. We examined the treatment effects on co-morbid diagnoses of depressive, anxiety, obsessive compulsive, substance abuse, psychotic, eating and personality disorders in a sample of patients with PTSD related to childhood abuse. Outcomes were assessed with clinical interviews at baseline, post-treatment and at 6- and 12-month follow-up. All variants of PE led to a decrease from baseline to post-treatment in diagnoses of depressive, anxiety, substance use and personality disorders. Improvements were sustained during follow-up. We found an additional decrease in the number of patients that fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of a depressive disorder between 6- and 12-month follow-up. No significant changes were observed for the presence of OCD, psychotic and eating disorders. Findings suggest that it is effective to treat PTSD related to childhood abuse with trauma-focused treatments since our 14-to-16 weeks PE for PTSD resulted in reductions in comorbid diagnoses of depressive, anxiety, substance use and personality disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris M. Hoeboer
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Danielle A.C. Oprel
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- PsyQ, Parnassia Groep, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Maartje Schoorl
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Agnes van Minnen
- PSYTREC, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Niki Antypa
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Joanne Mouthaan
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Rianne A. de Kleine
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- PsyQ, Parnassia Groep, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Willem van der Does
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- PsyQ, Parnassia Groep, The Hague, The Netherlands
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Brown JC, Kweon J, Sharma P, Siddiqi SH, Isserles M, Ressler KJ. Critically Assessing the Unanswered Questions of How, Where, and When to Induce Plasticity in the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Network with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. Biol Psychiatry 2024:S0006-3223(24)01390-8. [PMID: 38909668 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.06.010] [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: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Extinction of traumatic memory, a primary treatment approach (termed exposure therapy) in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), occurs through relearning and may be subserved at the molecular level by long-term potentiation (LTP) of relevant circuits. In parallel, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is thought to work through LTP-like mechanisms and may provide a novel, safe, and effective treatment for PTSD. Our recent failed randomized controlled trial (1) emphasizes the necessity of correctly identifying cortical targets, directionality of TMS protocol, and role of memory activation. Here we provide a systematic review of TMS for PTSD to further identify how, where, and when TMS treatment should be delivered to alleviate PTSD symptoms. We conducted a systematic review of the literature searching for rTMS clinical trials involving PTSD patients and outcomes. We searched MEDLINE through October 25th, 2023 for "TMS and PTSD" and "transcranial magnetic stimulation and posttraumatic stress disorder." Thirty-one publications met our inclusion criteria (k=17 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), k=14 open label). RCT protocols were varied in TMS protocols, cortical TMS targets, and memory activation protocols. There was no clear superiority across protocols of low-frequency (k=5) vs. high-frequency protocols (k=6), or by stimulation location. Memory provocation or exposure protocols (k=7) appear to enhance response. Overall, TMS appears to be effective in treating PTSD symptoms across a variety of TMS frequencies, hemispheric target differences, and exposure protocols. Disparate protocols may be conceptually harmonized when viewed as potentiating proposed anxiolytic networks or suppressing anxiogenic networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua C Brown
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
| | - Jamie Kweon
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Prayushi Sharma
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shan H Siddiqi
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Moshe Isserles
- The Jerusalem Center for Mental Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Kerry J Ressler
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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3
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Shahzad MN, Ali H. Deep learning based diagnosis of PTSD using 3D-CNN and resting-state fMRI data. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2024; 343:111845. [PMID: 38908302 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2024.111845] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence rate of Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is currently increasing due to wars, terrorism, and pandemic disease situations. Therefore, accurate detection of PTSD is crucial for the treatment of the patients, for this purpose, the present study aims to classify individuals with PTSD versus healthy control. METHODS The resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) scans of 19 PTSD and 24 healthy control male subjects have been used to identify the activation pattern in most affected brain regions using group-level independent component analysis (ICA) and t-test. To classify PTSD-affected subjects from healthy control six machine learning techniques including random forest, Naive Bayes, support vector machine, decision tree, K-nearest neighbor, linear discriminant analysis, and deep learning three-dimensional 3D-CNN have been performed on the data and compared. RESULTS The rs-fMRI scans of the most commonly investigated 11 regions of trauma-exposed and healthy brains are analyzed to observe their level of activation. Amygdala and insula regions are determined as the most activated regions from the regions-of-interest in the brain of PTSD subjects. In addition, machine learning techniques have been applied to the components extracted from ICA but the models provided low classification accuracy. The ICA components are also fed into the 3D-CNN model, which is trained with a 5-fold cross-validation method. The 3D-CNN model demonstrated high accuracies, such as 98.12%, 98.25 %, and 98.00 % on average with training, validation, and testing datasets, respectively. CONCLUSION The findings indicate that 3D-CNN is a surpassing method than the other six considered techniques and it helps to recognize PTSD patients accurately.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Haider Ali
- Department of Statistics, University of Gujrat, Gujrat, Pakistan
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Back SE, Jarnecke AM, Norman SB, Zaur AJ, Hien DA. State of the Science: Treatment of comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders. J Trauma Stress 2024. [PMID: 38857125 DOI: 10.1002/jts.23049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders (SUDs) co-occur at high rates, with research showing that up to nearly 60% of individuals with PTSD also suffer from an alcohol and/or drug use disorder. PTSD/SUD is complex; associated with adverse health, social, and economic outcomes; and can be challenging to treat. Over the past decade, the landscape of treatment research addressing PTSD/SUD has significantly expanded. Ongoing efforts aimed at developing and evaluating novel treatments for PTSD/SUD, encompassing both psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy approaches, are steadily advancing. As such, this State of the Science paper reviews the literature on the latest scientific advances in treating PTSD/SUD. Clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of PTSD/SUD are discussed, along with evidence-based psychotherapies and emerging interventions. Rigorously conducted clinical trials demonstrate that individual, manualized, trauma-focused treatments are the most efficacious psychotherapies to use among individuals with PTSD/SUD. Moreover, patients do not need to be abstinent to initiate or benefit from evidence-based PTSD treatment. To date, no medications have been established for this comorbidity. We highlight ongoing research on novel treatments for PTSD/SUD, such as new forms of integrated trauma-focused psychotherapies, pharmacological augmentation strategies, and technology-based enhancements. Finally, promising future directions for the field are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudie E Back
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Healthcare System, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Amber M Jarnecke
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Sonya B Norman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Angela J Zaur
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Denise A Hien
- Center of Alcohol and Substance Use Studies, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
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Miranda O, Kiehl SM, Qi X, Brannock MD, Kosten T, Ryan ND, Kirisci L, Wang Y, Wang L. Enhancing post-traumatic stress disorder patient assessment: leveraging natural language processing for research of domain criteria identification using electronic medical records. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2024; 24:154. [PMID: 38835009 PMCID: PMC11151516 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-024-02554-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extracting research of domain criteria (RDoC) from high-risk populations like those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is crucial for positive mental health improvements and policy enhancements. The intricacies of collecting, integrating, and effectively leveraging clinical notes for this purpose introduce complexities. METHODS In our study, we created a natural language processing (NLP) workflow to analyze electronic medical record (EMR) data and identify and extract research of domain criteria using a pre-trained transformer-based natural language model, all-mpnet-base-v2. We subsequently built dictionaries from 100,000 clinical notes and analyzed 5.67 million clinical notes from 38,807 PTSD patients from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Subsequently, we showcased the significance of our approach by extracting and visualizing RDoC information in two use cases: (i) across multiple patient populations and (ii) throughout various disease trajectories. RESULTS The sentence transformer model demonstrated high F1 macro scores across all RDoC domains, achieving the highest performance with a cosine similarity threshold value of 0.3. This ensured an F1 score of at least 80% across all RDoC domains. The study revealed consistent reductions in all six RDoC domains among PTSD patients after psychotherapy. We found that 60.6% of PTSD women have at least one abnormal instance of the six RDoC domains as compared to PTSD men (51.3%), with 45.1% of PTSD women with higher levels of sensorimotor disturbances compared to men (41.3%). We also found that 57.3% of PTSD patients have at least one abnormal instance of the six RDoC domains based on our records. Also, veterans had the higher abnormalities of negative and positive valence systems (60% and 51.9% of veterans respectively) compared to non-veterans (59.1% and 49.2% respectively). The domains following first diagnoses of PTSD were associated with heightened cue reactivity to trauma, suicide, alcohol, and substance consumption. CONCLUSIONS The findings provide initial insights into RDoC functioning in different populations and disease trajectories. Natural language processing proves valuable for capturing real-time, context dependent RDoC instances from extensive clinical notes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oshin Miranda
- Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | | | - Xiguang Qi
- Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | | | - Thomas Kosten
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Neal David Ryan
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Levent Kirisci
- University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Yanshan Wang
- University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - LiRong Wang
- Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
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Melani MS, Paiva JM, Mendlowicz MV, Vilete L, Luz MP, Ventura PR, Passos RBF, Berger W. Are There Differences Among Evidence-Based Psychotherapies for Treating Different DSM-5 PTSD Symptom Clusters? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Controlled Clinical Trials. J Nerv Ment Dis 2024; 212:332-343. [PMID: 38810096 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001769] [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] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a heterogeneous disease defined by four Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) symptom clusters: reexperiencing, avoidance, negative alterations in cognitions and mood, and hyperarousal. There are effective evidence-based psychotherapies (EBPs) for PTSD. However, given the variety of PTSD clinical presentations, we conducted the first meta-analysis investigating whether DSM-5 PTSD symptom clusters show different responses to EBPs. We systematically reviewed the literature for controlled clinical trials in five databases, performed a meta-analysis, and evaluated the methodological quality of the studies. We screened 633 studies and included seven. Three showed high risk, two showed some concerns, and one showed a low risk of bias. The symptom clusters do not seem to respond differently to EBPs (SMD cluster B: -0.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.87 to 0.08; cluster C: -0.49; 95% CI, -0.90 to -0.08; cluster D: -0.44; 95% CI, -0.94 to 0.05; cluster E: -0.54; 95% CI, -1.07 to -0.0), even when analyzed by the therapeutic focuses. The findings dovetail nicely with the network theory of PTSD symptom, as although it is a heterogeneous disorder, the EBPs seem to promote a kind of cascade of symptom improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina S Melani
- Department of Psychiatry and Legal Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro
| | - Jéssica M Paiva
- Department of Psychiatry and Legal Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro
| | | | - Liliane Vilete
- Department of Psychiatry and Legal Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro
| | - Mariana P Luz
- Department of Psychiatry and Legal Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro
| | - Paula Rui Ventura
- Department of Psychiatry and Legal Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro
| | | | - William Berger
- Department of Psychiatry and Legal Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro
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Marks M, Brendel RW, Shachar C, Cohen IG. Essentials of Informed Consent to Psychedelic Medicine. JAMA Psychiatry 2024; 81:611-617. [PMID: 38598209 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2024.0184] [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] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Importance Interest in administering psychedelic agents as mental health treatment is growing rapidly. As drugmakers invest in developing psychedelic medicines for several psychiatric indications, lawmakers are enacting legal reforms to speed access globally, and health agencies are preparing to approve these treatments. Meanwhile, US states, such as Oregon and Colorado, are making psychedelics available for supervised use outside the conventional health care system. Observations Despite legal change and potentially imminent regulatory approval in some countries, standards for integrating psychedelics into health care have lagged, including norms for designing and implementing informed consent processes. Informed consent is complicated by the unique features of psychedelics and their means of administration. Because no governments have approved any classic psychedelics for general medical or psychiatric use, only clinical researchers have obtained informed consent from trial participants. Accordingly, there is an unmet need for informed consent processes tailored to the challenges of administering psychedelics in nonresearch settings. Conclusions and Relevance Analysis of the challenges of designing and implementing psychedelic informed consent practices revealed 7 essential components, including the possibility of short- and long-term perceptual disturbances, potential personality changes and altered metaphysical beliefs, the limited role of reassuring physical touch, the potential for patient abuse or coercion, the role and risks of data collection, relevant practitioner disclosures, and interactive patient education and comprehension assessment. Because publicly available informed consent documents for psychedelic clinical trials often overlook or underemphasize these essential elements, sample language and procedures to fill the gap are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mason Marks
- Project on Psychedelics Law and Regulation (POPLAR), Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology, and Bioethics, Harvard Law School, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Florida State University College of Law, Tallahassee, Florida
| | | | - Carmel Shachar
- Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation, Harvard Law School, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - I Glenn Cohen
- Project on Psychedelics Law and Regulation (POPLAR), Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology, and Bioethics, Harvard Law School, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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Dekel S, Papadakis JE, Quagliarini B, Pham CT, Pacheco-Barrios K, Hughes F, Jagodnik KM, Nandru R. Preventing posttraumatic stress disorder following childbirth: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 230:610-641.e14. [PMID: 38122842 PMCID: PMC11168224 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Women can develop posttraumatic stress disorder in response to experienced or perceived traumatic, often medically complicated, childbirth; the prevalence of these events remains high in the United States. Currently, no recommended treatment exists in routine care to prevent or mitigate maternal childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials that evaluated any therapy to prevent or treat childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder. DATA SOURCES PsycInfo, PsycArticles, PubMed (MEDLINE), ClinicalTrials.gov, CINAHL, ProQuest, Sociological Abstracts, Google Scholar, Embase, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched for eligible trials published through September 2023. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Trials were included if they were interventional, if they evaluated any therapy for childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder for the indication of symptoms or before posttraumatic stress disorder onset, and if they were written in English. METHODS Independent coders extracted the sample characteristics and intervention information of the eligible studies and evaluated the trials using the Downs and Black's quality checklist and Cochrane's method for risk of bias evaluation. Meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate pooled effect sizes of secondary and tertiary prevention trials. RESULTS A total of 41 studies (32 randomized controlled trials, 9 nonrandomized trials) were reviewed. They evaluated brief psychological therapies including debriefing, trauma-focused therapies (including cognitive behavioral therapy and expressive writing), memory consolidation and reconsolidation blockage, mother-infant-focused therapies, and educational interventions. The trials targeted secondary preventions aimed at buffering childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder usually after traumatic childbirth (n=24), tertiary preventions among women with probable childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder (n=14), and primary prevention during pregnancy (n=3). A meta-analysis of the combined randomized secondary preventions showed moderate effects in reducing childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms when compared with usual treatment (standardized mean difference, -0.67; 95% confidence interval, -0.92 to -0.42). Single-session therapy within 96 hours of birth was helpful (standardized mean difference, -0.55). Brief, structured, trauma-focused therapies and semi-structured, midwife-led, dialogue-based psychological counseling showed the largest effects (standardized mean difference, -0.95 and -0.91, respectively). Other treatment approaches (eg, the Tetris game, mindfulness, mother-infant-focused treatment) warrant more research. Tertiary preventions produced smaller effects than secondary prevention but are potentially clinically meaningful (standardized mean difference, -0.37; -0.60 to -0.14). Antepartum educational approaches may help, but insufficient empirical evidence exists. CONCLUSION Brief trauma-focused and non-trauma-focused psychological therapies delivered early in the period following traumatic childbirth offer a critical and feasible opportunity to buffer the symptoms of childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder. Future research that integrates diagnostic and biological measures can inform treatment use and the mechanisms at work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Dekel
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
| | | | | | - Christina T Pham
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Kevin Pacheco-Barrios
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Unidad de Investigación para la Generación y Síntesis de Evidencias en Salud, Lima, Peru
| | - Francine Hughes
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Kathleen M Jagodnik
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Rasvitha Nandru
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
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Gros DF, Pavlacic JM, Argyriou E, Acierno R, Hernandez-Tejada MA. Differential relations between breathing retraining, in vivo exposure, and imaginal exposure homework completion and treatment outcomes in veterans receiving prolonged exposure for PTSD. J Clin Psychol 2024; 80:1259-1270. [PMID: 38367254 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Limited research exists that outlines the predictive relevance of the treatment components of prolonged exposure (PE) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on PTSD and depression symptom outcomes. The goal of the present study was to investigate relations between participant completion of breathing retraining, in vivo exposure, and imaginal exposure exercises and symptom outcomes. METHODS A total of 58 participants completed a trial of PE as part of a larger trial on peer involvement and treatment adherence. Diagnostic and self-report measures were completed throughout treatment. Participants also recorded weekly completion of breathing retraining, in vivo exposure, and imaginal exposure exercises. Pearson correlations and hierarchical regression analyses were used to investigate relations between average weekly treatment component completion and treatment outcomes, controlling for relevant variables. RESULTS Although breathing retraining and in vivo exposures were associated with PTSD outcomes in the correlational findings, use of breathing retraining, in vivo exposures, and imaginal exposures were not reliably associated with PTSD symptom outcomes when controlling for other variables in the regression analysis. However, when investigating changes in comorbid symptoms of depression, greater use of breathing retraining was associated with decreased symptoms of depression at posttreatment. CONCLUSIONS Present findings demonstrate the differential relations between participation in various PE treatment components and posttreatment symptom outcomes. The importance of breathing retraining in addressing comorbid depressive symptoms is discussed, with emphasis on potentially increasing relaxation and positive activities more broadly to encourage further treatment benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel F Gros
- Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson VA Healthcare System, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
- Department of Psychology & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Pavlacic
- Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson VA Healthcare System, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
- Department of Psychology & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Evangelia Argyriou
- Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson VA Healthcare System, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
- Department of Psychology & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Ron Acierno
- Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson VA Healthcare System, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
- Louis A. Faillace, MD Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Melba A Hernandez-Tejada
- Louis A. Faillace, MD Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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Kavanaugh BC, Vigne MM, Tirrell E, Luke Acuff W, Fukuda AM, Thorpe R, Sherman A, Jones SR, Carpenter LL, Tyrka AR. Frontoparietal beta event characteristics are associated with early life stress and psychiatric symptoms in adults. Brain Cogn 2024; 177:106164. [PMID: 38670050 PMCID: PMC11193540 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandc.2024.106164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Recent work has found that the presence of transient, oscillatory burst-like events, particularly within the beta band (15-29 Hz), is more closely tied to disease state and behavior across species than traditional electroencephalography (EEG) power metrics. This study sought to examine whether features of beta events over frontoparietal electrodes were associated with early life stress (ELS) and the related clinical presentation. Eighteen adults with documented ELS (n = 18; ELS + ) and eighteen adults without documented ELS (n = 18; ELS-) completed eyes-closed resting state EEG as part of their participation in a larger childhood stress study. The rate, power, duration, and frequency span of transient oscillatory events were calculated within the beta band at five frontoparietal electrodes. ELS variables were positively associated with beta event rate at Fp2 and beta event duration at Pz, in that greater ELS was associated with higher resting rates and longer durations. These beta event characteristics were used to successfully distinguish between ELS + and ELS- groups. In an independent clinical dataset (n = 25), beta event power at Pz was positively correlated with ELS. Beta events deserve ongoing investigation as a potential disease marker of ELS and subsequent psychiatric treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian C Kavanaugh
- E.P. Bradley Hospital, Riverside RI, USA, Brown University; Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence RI, USA.
| | - Megan M Vigne
- Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence RI, USA; Butler Hospital COBRE Center for Neuromodulation, Providence RI, USA
| | - Eric Tirrell
- Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence RI, USA; Butler Hospital COBRE Center for Neuromodulation, Providence RI, USA
| | - W Luke Acuff
- Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence RI, USA; Butler Hospital COBRE Center for Neuromodulation, Providence RI, USA
| | - Andrew M Fukuda
- Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence RI, USA; Butler Hospital COBRE Center for Neuromodulation, Providence RI, USA
| | - Ryan Thorpe
- Brown University, Department of Neuroscience, Providence RI, USA , Providence Veteran's Association Medical Center
| | - Anna Sherman
- Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence RI, USA; Butler Hospital COBRE Center for Neuromodulation, Providence RI, USA
| | - Stephanie R Jones
- Brown University, Department of Neuroscience, Providence RI, USA , Providence Veteran's Association Medical Center; Center for Neurorestoration and Neurotechnology, Providence RI, USA
| | - Linda L Carpenter
- Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence RI, USA; Butler Hospital COBRE Center for Neuromodulation, Providence RI, USA
| | - Audrey R Tyrka
- Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence RI, USA; Butler Hospital COBRE Center for Neuromodulation, Providence RI, USA
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Andrews SR, Harch PG. Systematic review and dosage analysis: hyperbaric oxygen therapy efficacy in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1360311. [PMID: 38882688 PMCID: PMC11179433 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1360311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Studies of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) treatment of mild traumatic brain injury persistent postconcussion syndrome in military and civilian subjects have shown simultaneous improvement in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or PTSD symptoms, suggesting that HBOT may be an effective treatment for PTSD. This is a systematic review and dosage analysis of HBOT treatment of patients with PTSD symptoms. Methods PubMed, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Systematic Review Database were searched from September 18 to November 23, 2023, for all adult clinical studies published in English on HBOT and PTSD. Randomized trials and studies with symptomatic outcomes were selected for final analysis and analyzed according to the dose of oxygen and barometric pressure on symptom outcomes. Outcome assessment was for statistically significant change and Reliable Change or Clinically Significant Change according to the National Center for PTSD Guidelines. Methodologic quality and bias were determined with the PEDro Scale. Results Eight studies were included, all with < 75 subjects/study, total 393 subjects: seven randomized trials and one imaging case-controlled study. Six studies were on military subjects, one on civilian and military subjects, and one on civilians. Subjects were 3-450 months post trauma. Statistically significant symptomatic improvements, as well as Reliable Change or Clinically Significant changes, were achieved for patients treated with 40-60 HBOTS over a wide range of pressures from 1.3 to 2.0 ATA. There was a linear dose-response relationship for increased symptomatic improvement with increasing cumulative oxygen dose from 1002 to 11,400 atmosphere-minutes of oxygen. The greater symptomatic response was accompanied by a greater and severe reversible exacerbation of emotional symptoms at the highest oxygen doses in 30-39% of subjects. Other side effects were transient and minor. In three studies the symptomatic improvements were associated with functional and anatomic brain imaging changes. All 7 randomized trials were found to be of good-highest quality by PEDro scale scoring. Discussion In multiple randomized and randomized controlled clinical trials HBOT demonstrated statistically significant symptomatic improvements, Reliable Changes, or Clinically Significant Changes in patients with PTSD symptoms or PTSD over a wide range of pressure and oxygen doses. The highest doses were associated with a severe reversible exacerbation of emotional symptoms in 30-39% of subjects. Symptomatic improvements were supported by correlative functional and microstructural imaging changes in PTSD-affected brain regions. The imaging findings and hyperbaric oxygen therapy effects indicate that PTSD can no longer be considered strictly a psychiatric disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan R Andrews
- Neuropsychological Services for Children and Adults, Metairie, LA, United States
| | - Paul G Harch
- Section of Emergency and Hyperbaric Medicine, Department of Medicine, LSU Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
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12
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Blakey SM, Rae Olmsted KL, Hirsch S, Asman K, Wallace D, Olmsted MG, Vandermaas-Peeler R, Karg RS, Walters BB. Differential posttraumatic stress disorder symptom cluster response to stellate ganglion block: secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:223. [PMID: 38811568 PMCID: PMC11137131 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02926-8] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Empirically supported treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) exist, but research suggests these therapies are less effective, acceptable, and feasible to deliver to active duty service members (SMs) compared to civilians. Stellate ganglion block (SGB) procedure, in which a local anesthetic is injected around the cervical sympathetic chain or stellate ganglion to temporarily inhibit sympathetic nervous activity, is gaining popularity as an alternative PTSD treatment in military settings. However, it is unknown whether certain PTSD symptoms are more responsive to SGB than others. The current study involved a secondary analysis of data collected from a previous randomized controlled trial of SGB compared to sham (normal saline) injection (N = 113 SMs). PTSD symptoms were assessed via clinical interview and self-report at baseline and 8 weeks post-SGB or sham. Logistic regression analyses showed that the marked alterations in arousal and reactivity PTSD symptom cluster demonstrated the greatest symptom severity reductions after SGB, relative to sham. The reexperiencing cluster also showed pronounced response to SGB in clinician-rated but not self-reported outcomes. Post-hoc item-level analyses suggested that arousal and reactivity cluster findings were driven by reductions in hypervigilance, concentration difficulties, and sleep disturbance, whereas clinician-rated reexperiencing cluster findings were driven by reductions in physiological reactions to trauma cues, emotional reactions to trauma cues, and intrusions. Our findings align with a burgeoning literature positioning SGB as a potential novel or adjunctive PTSD treatment. Results could guide future hypothesis-driven research on mediators of therapeutic change during SGB for PTSD symptoms in SMs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shawn Hirsch
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Kat Asman
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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13
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Gonçalves M, Martinho G, Ghafoori B. Trauma-focused treatments for victims of interpersonal violence: A comparison of treatment interventions and outcomes. Psychother Res 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38805400 DOI: 10.1080/10503307.2024.2353890] [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: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Interpersonal violence represents a critical public health issue globally, with profound psychological impacts on victims. Objective: The main objective of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of different trauma-focused therapies on mental health outcomes of victims of interpersonal violence, at a community mental health clinic. Methods: Employing a secondary data methodology, the research involves 601 participants who reported being victims of sexual assault (49.1%), domestic violence (44.3%) or sexual trafficking (6.7%). The average age of the participants was 35.54 years, with a majority being female (89.8%). Results: Initial assessments revealed distinct symptomatology among the groups; however, by the ninth therapy session, symptom severity converged across the board, surpassing threshold levels for clinical concern. No significant interaction was observed between the type of trauma-focused therapy and the specific trauma encountered, suggesting a beneficial effect of trauma-focused therapies investigated. This uniformity in therapeutic outcomes underscores the potential of trauma-focused therapies to foster psychological healing in victims of diverse forms of interpersonal violence. Conclusions: The findings advocate for the widespread adoption of trauma-focused therapeutic interventions in community settings, emphasizing their role in the recovery of victims, independent of the nature of the trauma or the specific trauma-focused therapeutic model employed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Gonçalves
- Psychology Research Center, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | | | - Bita Ghafoori
- Department of Advanced Studies in Education and Counseling, California; State University Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, USA
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14
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Barhoma M, Carlsson J, Sonne C. Sertraline versus venlafaxine combined with psychotherapy in trauma-affected refugees - a follow-up study on a pragmatic randomised trial. Nord J Psychiatry 2024; 78:353-361. [PMID: 38451197 DOI: 10.1080/08039488.2024.2324357] [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: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on long-term pharmacotherapy for trauma-affected refugees is scarce. The purpose of this follow-up study of a randomised trial was to investigate the effects of sertraline compared to venlafaxine in combination with psychotherapy, 6 and 18 months after end of trial. METHOD The primary outcome was PTSD symptoms, measured by the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ). The secondary outcomes included: Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 (HSCL-25), somatisation items of the Symptoms Checklist-90 (SCL), pain on a visual analogue scale, well-being on the WHO-5, Sheehan Disability Scale, Hamilton Depression and Anxiety scales and Global Assessment of Functioning. Moreover, the shorter version of the Recent Life Events (IRLE) was adopted to obtain information regarding the patients' treatment and life events between the follow-up periods. RESULTS Out of 195 patients eligible for intention-to-treat analyses during trial, 116 participated in the 6-month follow-up and 97 participated in the 18-month follow-up. The results of our intention-to-treat analyses revealed no significant long-term differences between the groups on the primary outcome assessing PTSD symptoms (HTQ). For the secondary outcomes significant differences were found at the 18-month follow-up in favour of venlafaxine assessing symptoms of anxiety, depression and somatisation (HSCL-25 and SCL), although only in intention-to-treat and not per-protocol analyses. CONCLUSIONS No conclusions could be drawn due to conflicting results between our intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Barhoma
- Department of Psychology, University of Leiden, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Competence Centre for Transcultural Psychiatry, Mental Health Centre Ballerup, Mental Health Services of the Capital Region, Ballerup, Denmark
| | - Jessica Carlsson
- Competence Centre for Transcultural Psychiatry, Mental Health Centre Ballerup, Mental Health Services of the Capital Region, Ballerup, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Sonne
- Competence Centre for Transcultural Psychiatry, Mental Health Centre Ballerup, Mental Health Services of the Capital Region, Ballerup, Denmark
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15
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Wehrli JM, Xia Y, Abivardi A, Kleim B, Bach DR. The impact of doxycycline on human contextual fear memory. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024; 241:1065-1077. [PMID: 38334789 PMCID: PMC11031495 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-024-06540-w] [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: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE Previous work identified an attenuating effect of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor doxycycline on fear memory consolidation. This may present a new mechanistic approach for the prevention of trauma-related disorders. However, so far, this has only been unambiguously demonstrated in a cued delay fear conditioning paradigm, in which a simple geometric cue predicted a temporally overlapping aversive outcome. This form of learning is mainly amygdala dependent. Psychological trauma often involves the encoding of contextual cues, which putatively necessitates partly different neural circuits including the hippocampus. The role of MMP signalling in the underlying neural pathways in humans is unknown. METHODS Here, we investigated the effect of doxycycline on configural fear conditioning in a double-blind placebo-controlled randomised trial with 100 (50 females) healthy human participants. RESULTS Our results show that participants successfully learned and retained, after 1 week, the context-shock association in both groups. We find no group difference in fear memory retention in either of our pre-registered outcome measures, startle eye-blink responses and pupil dilation. Contrary to expectations, we identified elevated fear-potentiated startle in the doxycycline group early in the recall test, compared to the placebo group. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that doxycycline does not substantially attenuate contextual fear memory. This might limit its potential for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena M Wehrli
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Yanfang Xia
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Aslan Abivardi
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, FMRIB Building, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Birgit Kleim
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dominik R Bach
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, University College London, Russell Square House, 10-12 Russell Square, London, WC1B 5EH, UK.
- Hertz Chair for Artificial Intelligence and Neuroscience, Transdisciplinary Research Area Life & Health , University of Bonn, Am Probsthof 49, 53121, Bonn, Germany.
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Abstract
The benefits of expressive writing have been explored since at least the 1980s. The effect of expressive bereavement-related writing has been studied primarily in college students, yielding inconclusive results. Nonetheless, recent effective, integrated psychotherapy protocols, targeting complicated and prolonged grief, include writing assignments, typically in the form of letters. The present paper explores how and why letter writing might be effective and meaningful as a therapeutic tool in the context of grief psychotherapy. It describes how working with letters, addressed to the deceased, might help facilitate self-disclosure, promote exposure to what is avoided, confront unfinished business, encourage continuing bonds, and help achieve a coherent narrative around experiences with the loss. As a therapeutic tool, letter writing has the potential to be helpful to many bereaved people, as it is a simple, effective, and meaningful way to access and work with relevant clinical material in the context of psychotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lene Holm Larsen
- Research Department, Danish National Center for Grief, Copenhagen, Denmark
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17
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Malhotra B, Jones LC, Spooner H, Levy C, Kaimal G, Williamson JB. A conceptual framework for a neurophysiological basis of art therapy for PTSD. Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 18:1351757. [PMID: 38711802 PMCID: PMC11073815 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2024.1351757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a heterogeneous condition that affects many civilians and military service members. Lack of engagement, high dropout rate, and variable response to psychotherapy necessitates more compelling and accessible treatment options that are based on sound neuroscientific evidence-informed decision-making. Art therapy incorporates elements proven to be effective in psychotherapy, such as exposure, making it a potentially valuable treatment option. This conceptual paper aims to inform the neurophysiological rationale for the use of art therapy as a therapeutic approach for individuals with PTSD. A narrative synthesis was conducted using literature review of empirical research on the neurophysiological effects of art therapy, with supporting literature on neuroaesthetics and psychotherapies to identify art therapy factors most pertinent for PTSD. Findings were synthesized through a proposed framework based on the triple network model considering the network-based dysfunctions due to PTSD. Art therapy's active components, such as concretization and metaphor, active art engagement, emotion processing and regulation, perspective taking and reframing, and therapeutic alliance, may improve symptoms of PTSD and prompt adaptive brain functioning. Given the scarcity of rigorous studies on art therapy's effectiveness and mechanisms of alleviating PTSD symptoms, the suggested framework offers a neurophysiological rationale and a future research agenda to investigate the impact of art therapy as a therapeutic approach for individuals with PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bani Malhotra
- Department of Creative Arts Therapies, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Laura C. Jones
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Heather Spooner
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc. in support of Creative Forces: NEA Military Healing Arts Network, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Center of Arts in Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Charles Levy
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc. in support of Creative Forces: NEA Military Healing Arts Network, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Girija Kaimal
- Department of Creative Arts Therapies, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - John B. Williamson
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Center for OCD, Anxiety and Related Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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18
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Day S, Hay P, Tannous WK, Fatt SJ, Mitchison D. A Systematic Review of the Effect of PTSD and Trauma on Treatment Outcomes for Eating Disorders. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2024; 25:947-964. [PMID: 37125723 PMCID: PMC10913314 DOI: 10.1177/15248380231167399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
There is growing evidence of prior experiences of trauma and trauma-related symptoms among people with eating disorders; however, there is little understanding as to how post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and exposure to traumatic events affect treatment outcomes. Without this knowledge, eating disorder clinicians are unable to tailor treatment to ensure good outcomes for the large percentage of this population that is affected by PTSD and trauma. This systematic review aimed to identify how PTSD and trauma exposure influence outcomes in eating disorder treatment. Systematic searches of PsycINFO, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Scopus databases identified 16 articles that met the inclusion criteria. The results indicated a negative effect on rates of eating disorder treatment completion and eating disorder psychopathology posttreatment. These findings were evident across studies that investigated the impact of a history of traumatic events as well as studies that investigated the impact of the presence of trauma-related symptoms seen in PTSD. Several methodological limitations were identified in the literature. These include: heterogeneous and unstandardized measures of PTSD and trauma, high attrition rates with follow-up, and insufficient data to enable comparisons by treatment setting, diagnostic presentation, and type of trauma exposure. The findings of this review have implications for future research and clinical care, including the importance of considering PTSD and trauma in assessment, treatment planning, and provision of both trauma-informed care and trauma-focused treatments for individuals with eating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinead Day
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Phillipa Hay
- Translational Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
- Mental Health Services Camden and Campbelltown Hospitals, South West Sydney Local Health District, NSW, Australia
| | - Wadad. Kathy Tannous
- Translational Health Research Institute, School of Business, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Scott J. Fatt
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Deborah Mitchison
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
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19
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Mirabile M, Gnatt I, Sharp JL, Mackelprang JL. Shame and Emotion Dysregulation as Pathways to Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Among Women With a History of Interpersonal Trauma. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2024; 39:1853-1876. [PMID: 37942893 PMCID: PMC10913341 DOI: 10.1177/08862605231211924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Women who have survived interpersonal trauma are at elevated risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and potentially modifiable factors that may be targeted in treatment warrant further investigation. This study examined a pathway from interpersonal trauma to PTSD symptoms via emotion dysregulation and shame in a large non-clinical sample of women. The sample comprised 380 women, aged 18 to 59 years (M = 31.70, standard deviation = 10.06), all of whom had a history of interpersonal trauma. Participants completed the Experience of Shame Scale, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-Short Form, and the Life Events Checklist for DSM-5. A serial and parallel process model with interpersonal trauma as a predictor of PTSD symptoms, emotional dysregulation and facets of shame as intermediary variables, was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Statistics PROCESS Model 81with bias-corrected bootstrap tests of indirect effects. Non-interpersonal trauma was included as a covariate. Interpersonal trauma, emotion dysregulation, and characterological and bodily shame were significantly and directly associated with PTSD symptoms, together explaining 59% of the variation in PTSD symptoms. While emotion dysregulation was associated with behavioral shame, interpersonal trauma was not associated with behavioral shame, nor was behavioral shame associated with PTSD symptoms. Tests of indirect effects supported a pathway from interpersonal trauma to PTSD symptoms via emotion dysregulation and characterological and bodily shame. These findings suggest interventions that are particularly effective at reducing emotion dysregulation and characterological and bodily shame, such as compassion and acceptance-based approaches, may complement evidence-based PTSD interventions when working with women who have survived interpersonal trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Inge Gnatt
- Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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20
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Poli A, Miccoli M. Validation of the Italian version of the Neuroception of Psychological Safety Scale (NPSS). Heliyon 2024; 10:e27625. [PMID: 38533067 PMCID: PMC10963227 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Research on the neuroscience of fear in both humans and non-humans has suggested that a lack of acquisition of safety cues might be a biological hallmark of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Danger perception, and in particular, feeling as one's own life is in danger, is thought to represent a major predictor of PTSD. Persistent danger perception is concurrently associated with a persistence of lack of safety. However, despite several research efforts, no validated psychometric tools exist regarding psychological safety as a unique core construct in the domain of a soothing-contentment system. By including social, compassionate, and bodily components, the Neuroception of Psychological Safety Scale (NPSS), neurophysiologically rooted in the polyvagal theory, aims to specifically assess psychological safety. Originally developed in English, we employed a rather large non clinical sample to validate our Italian translation of the NPSS (n = 338) and the scale was found to retain a three-factor structure. In light of its positive moderate correlations with the Unconditional Self-Kindness Scale (ρ = 0.376) and the Self-Compassion Scale-Short-Form (ρ = 0.481), good convergent validity and robust psychometric properties were shown by the NPSS. The Subjective Traumatic Outlook Questionnaire (ρ = -0.283) and the three subscales of the Body Perception Questionnaire-22-Body Awareness (ρ = -0.103), Supradiaphragmatic Reactivity (ρ = -0.234), and Body Awareness/Subdiaphragmatic Reactivity (ρ = -0.146)-were found to have weak negative correlations with the NPSS, which further demonstrated its good discriminant validity. Eventually, the NPSS was found to show good test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.922; three-week time interval), and its usage is fostered in clinical and research contexts where the evaluation of psychological safety is of relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Poli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Mario Miccoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126, Pisa, Italy
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MacCallum PE, Cooze JB, Ward J, Moore KA, Blundell J. Evaluating the effects of single, multiple, and delayed systemic rapamycin injections to contextual fear reconsolidation: Implications for the neurobiology of memory and the treatment of PTSD-like re-experiencing. Behav Brain Res 2024; 461:114855. [PMID: 38185381 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.114855] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase is known to mediate the formation and persistence of aversive memories. Rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor, administered around the time of reactivation blocks retrieval-induced mTOR activity and de novo protein synthesis in the brains of rodents, while correspondingly diminishing subsequent fear memory. The goal of the current experiments was to further explore rapamycin's effects on fear memory persistence. First, we examined whether mTOR blockade at different time-points after reactivation attenuates subsequent contextual fear memory. We show that rapamycin treatment 3 or 12 h post-reactivation disrupts memory persistence. Second, we examined whether consecutive days of reactivation paired with rapamycin had additive effects over a single pairing at disrupting a contextual fear memory. We show that additional reactivation-rapamycin pairings exacerbates the reconsolidation impairment. Finally, we examined if impaired reconsolidation of a contextual fear memory from rapamycin treatment had any after-effects on learning and recalling a new fear association. We show that rapamycin-impaired reconsolidation does not affect new learning or recall and protects against fear generalization. Our findings improve our understanding of mTOR- dependent fear memory processes, as well as provide insight into potentially novel treatment options for stress-related psychopathologies such as posttraumatic stress disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip E MacCallum
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, 232 Elizabeth Ave, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador A1B 3X9, Canada
| | - Jane B Cooze
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, 232 Elizabeth Ave, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador A1B 3X9, Canada
| | - Joshua Ward
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, 232 Elizabeth Ave, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador A1B 3X9, Canada
| | - Kelsey Am Moore
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, 232 Elizabeth Ave, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador A1B 3X9, Canada
| | - Jacqueline Blundell
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, 232 Elizabeth Ave, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador A1B 3X9, Canada.
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Turkson S, van Rooij SJ, Powers A, Ofotokun I, Norrholm SD, N. Neigh G, Jovanovic T, Michopoulos V. HIV Interacts with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder to Impact Fear Psychophysiology in Trauma-Exposed Black Women. WOMEN'S HEALTH REPORTS (NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.) 2024; 5:231-241. [PMID: 38523844 PMCID: PMC10960165 DOI: 10.1089/whr.2023.0133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Background The prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among people living with HIV (PLWH) is higher than in the general population and can impact health behaviors. The influence of HIV on PTSD psychophysiology requires further investigation due to implications for the treatment of PTSD in PLWH. Objective Utilizing fear-potentiated startle (FPS), we aimed to interrogate the influence of PTSD and HIV on fear responses. Materials and Methods Women (18-65 years of age) recruited from the Women's Interagency HIV Study in Atlanta, GA (n = 70, 26 without HIV and 44 with HIV), provided informed consent and completed a semistructured interview to assess trauma exposure and PTSD symptom severity. Participants also underwent an FPS paradigm to assess fear acquisition and extinction: Psychophysiological indices that measure how individuals learn new fear and then subsequently attempt to suppress this fear. Results Women with PTSD, who did not have HIV, exhibited a greater startle response compared to women without PTSD or HIV during late acquisition to both the danger cue, reinforced conditioned stimulus (CS+, p = 0.013)), and the safety cue, non-reinforced conditioned stimulus (CS-, p = 0.046)), whereas women living with HIV (WLH) and PTSD demonstrated blunted fear responses compared to women with PTSD only. During extinction, WLH comorbid with PTSD exhibited an increased fear response during the extinction period in comparison to all other groups (p = 0.023). Women without PTSD demonstrated a reduction in the fear response during extinction regardless of HIV status. Conclusion Our findings indicate that HIV further modifies fear psychophysiology in WLH with comorbid PTSD, highlighting the importance of considering HIV status in conjunction with PTSD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susie Turkson
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Sanne J.H. van Rooij
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Abigail Powers
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ighovwerha Ofotokun
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Grady Health System, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Seth D. Norrholm
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Gretchen N. Neigh
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Tanja Jovanovic
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Vasiliki Michopoulos
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Dirven BCJ, van Melis L, Daneva T, Dillen L, Homberg JR, Kozicz T, Henckens MJAG. Hippocampal Trauma Memory Processing Conveying Susceptibility to Traumatic Stress. Neuroscience 2024; 540:87-102. [PMID: 38220126 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.01.007] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
While the majority of the population is ever exposed to a traumatic event during their lifetime, only a fraction develops posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Disrupted trauma memory processing has been proposed as a core factor underlying PTSD symptomatology. We used transgenic Targeted-Recombination-in-Active-Populations (TRAP) mice to investigate potential alterations in trauma-related hippocampal memory engrams associated with the development of PTSD-like symptomatology. Mice were exposed to a stress-enhanced fear learning paradigm, in which prior exposure to a stressor affects the learning of a subsequent fearful event (contextual fear conditioning using foot shocks), during which neuronal activity was labeled. One week later, mice were behaviorally phenotyped to identify mice resilient and susceptible to developing PTSD-like symptomatology. Three weeks post-learning, mice were re-exposed to the conditioning context to induce remote fear memory recall, and associated hippocampal neuronal activity was assessed. While no differences in the size of the hippocampal neuronal ensemble activated during fear learning were observed between groups, susceptible mice displayed a smaller ensemble activated upon remote fear memory recall in the ventral CA1, higher regional hippocampal parvalbuminneuronal density and a relatively lower activity of parvalbumininterneurons upon recall. Investigation of potential epigenetic regulators of the engram revealed rather generic (rather than engram-specific) differences between groups, with susceptible mice displaying lower hippocampal histone deacetylase 2 expression, and higher methylation and hydroxymethylation levels. These finding implicate variation in epigenetic regulation within the hippocampus, as well as reduced regional hippocampal activity during remote fear memory recall in interindividual differences in susceptibility to traumatic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart C J Dirven
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Medical Imaging, Anatomy, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Lennart van Melis
- Department of Medical Imaging, Anatomy, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Teya Daneva
- Department of Medical Imaging, Anatomy, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Lieke Dillen
- Department of Medical Imaging, Anatomy, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Judith R Homberg
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Tamas Kozicz
- Department of Medical Imaging, Anatomy, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Center for Individualized Medicine, Department of Clinical Genomics, and Biochemical Genetics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; University of Pecs Medical School, Department of Anatomy, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Marloes J A G Henckens
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Contractor AA, Blumenthal H, Rosenfield D, Shea MT, Taylor DJ, Fentem A, Vingren JL. Study protocol and rationale for a pilot randomized clinical trial comparing processing of positive memories technique with supportive counseling for PTSD. Contemp Clin Trials 2024; 138:107455. [PMID: 38253251 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2024.107455] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research indicates that positive memories have a role in posttraumatic stress disorder's (PTSD) symptomatology and treatment. Following treatment development guidelines, a novel PTSD intervention - Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) - was developed and subsequently examined for its effects and feasibility in pilot studies. Extending this research, the proposed pilot randomized clinical trial with PPMT and Supportive Counseling (SC) arms will examine PPMT's effects on PTSD severity and biomarkers of stress systems' dysregulation (awakening salivary alpha amylase [sAA] and cortisol concentrations); examine mechanistic targets (affect) underlying PPMT's effects; and refine PPMT. We hypothesize that the PPMT arm will report greater decreases in PTSD severity and greater decreases in awakening sAA/cortisol ratio compared to the SC arm; and that improved affect (more positive affect and less negative affect) will mediate associations between intervention arm and changes in PTSD severity. METHODS We will recruit 70 individuals aged 18-65 years with PTSD. They will be randomized to 5 weekly therapy sessions of PPMT or SC, and will be assessed at baseline, weekly during treatment, 1-week post-treatment, and 3-months post-treatment. Primary outcomes are past-week PTSD severity, past-week positive and negative affect levels, and feedback data on PPMT's feasibility, format, and content. The secondary outcome is the awakening sAA/cortisol ratio. Statistical analyses include mixed-effect models and within-subjects cross-lag longitudinal mediation analyses. CONCLUSION Study results will advance knowledge of trauma interventions by examining effects and feasibility of a novel PTSD intervention, and by elucidating potential mechanisms underlying PPMT's effects. Clinical Trials #: NCT05523453.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ateka A Contractor
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Terrill Hall, Denton, TX, 76201, United States of America.
| | - Heidemarie Blumenthal
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Terrill Hall, Denton, TX, 76201, United States of America
| | - David Rosenfield
- Department of Psychology, Southern Methodist University, Expressway Tower, Dallas, TX, 75275, United States of America
| | - M Tracie Shea
- Box G-BH, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States of America
| | - Daniel J Taylor
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, 1503 W University Blvd, Tuscon, AZ 85721, United States of America
| | - Andrea Fentem
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Terrill Hall, Denton, TX, 76201, United States of America
| | - Jakob L Vingren
- Department of Kinesiology, Health Promotion and Recreation, University of North Texas, Denton TX 76203, United States of America
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25
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Hien DA, Papini S, Saavedra LM, Bauer AG, Ruglass LM, Ebrahimi CT, Fitzpatrick S, López-Castro T, Norman SB, Killeen TK, Back SE, Morgan-López AA. Project harmony: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of psychotherapy and pharmacologic trials for comorbid posttraumatic stress, alcohol, and other drug use disorders. Psychol Bull 2024; 150:319-353. [PMID: 37971855 PMCID: PMC10939977 DOI: 10.1037/bul0000409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analyses (NMA) of psychotherapy and pharmacologic treatments for individuals with co-occurring posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol or other drug use disorder (AOD). A comprehensive search spanning 1995-2019 yielded a pool of 39 studies for systematic review, including 24 randomized controlled trials for the NMA. Study interventions were grouped by target of treatment (PTSD + AOD, PTSD-only, and AOD-only) and approach (psychotherapy or medication). Standardized mean differences (SMD) from the NMA yielded evidence that at the end of treatment, integrated, trauma-focused therapy for PTSD + AOD was more effective at reducing PTSD symptoms than integrated, non-trauma-focused therapy (SMD = -0.30), AOD-focused psychotherapy (SMD = -0.29), and other control psychotherapies (SMD = -0.43). End-of-treatment alcohol use severity was less for AOD medication compared to placebo medication (SMD = -0.36) and trauma-focused therapy for PTSD + placebo medication (SMD = -0.67), and less for trauma-focused psychotherapy + AOD medication compared to PTSD medication (SMD = -0.53), placebo medication (SMD = -0.50), and trauma-focused psychotherapy + placebo medication (SMD = -0.81). Key limitations include the small number of studies in the NMA for pharmacologic treatments and the lack of demographic diversity apparent in the existing literature. Findings suggest room for new studies that can address limitations in study sample composition, sample sizes, retention, and apply new techniques for conducting comparative effectiveness in PTSD + AOD treatment. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise A Hien
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Center of Alcohol and Substance Use Studies, Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, Rutgers University-New Brunswick
| | | | | | - Alexandria G Bauer
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Center of Alcohol and Substance Use Studies, Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, Rutgers University-New Brunswick
| | | | - Chantel T Ebrahimi
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Center of Alcohol and Substance Use Studies, Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, Rutgers University-New Brunswick
| | | | | | - Sonya B Norman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego
| | - Therese K Killeen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina
| | - Sudie E Back
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina
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26
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Gaffey AE, Spatz ES. Psychological Health and Ischemic Heart Disease in Women: A Review of Current Evidence and Clinical Considerations across the Healthspan. Curr Atheroscler Rep 2024; 26:45-58. [PMID: 38240928 PMCID: PMC11219074 DOI: 10.1007/s11883-023-01185-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Psychological health encompasses a constellation of negative and positive factors-i.e., psychosocial stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, loneliness and social isolation, anger and hostility, optimism, and a sense of purpose. This narrative review presents current evidence at the intersection of psychological health, risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD), and IHD-related outcomes, with an emphasis on associations in women. RECENT FINDINGS For women, relations between psychological health and IHD reflect important sex and gender differences in biological and psychosocial factors. Although efforts devoted to understanding psychological health and IHD risk have varied by psychological factor-scientific evidence is strongest for psychosocial stress and depression, while anxiety, trauma, and positive psychological factors warrant more investigation-less optimal psychological health is consistently associated with an earlier and greater risk of IHD morbidity and mortality in women. Still, many past prospective studies of psychological factors and IHD risk had a limited representation of women, did not include analyses by sex, or failed to account for other influential, sex-specific factors. Thus, there are multiple pathways for further, rigorous investigation into psychological health-IHD associations, mechanisms, and empirically supported psychological interventions to mitigate IHD risk among women. Given the robust evidence linking psychological health with women's risk for IHD, implementing routine, brief, psychological screening is recommended. Significant life events, developmental milestones specific to women, and IHD diagnoses or events could cue further psychological assessment and referral, efforts which will mutually strengthen the evidence for integrated psychological and IHD care and delivery of such care to this vulnerable group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison E Gaffey
- Department of Internal Medicine (Section of Cardiovascular Medicine), Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA.
| | - Erica S Spatz
- Department of Internal Medicine (Section of Cardiovascular Medicine), Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, USA
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27
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Twamley J, Hamer O, Hill J, Kenyon R, Twamley H, Casey R, Zhang J, Williams A, Clegg A. Exploring the perceptions of former ICU patients and clinical staff on barriers and facilitators to the implementation of virtual reality exposure therapy: A qualitative study. Nurs Crit Care 2024; 29:313-324. [PMID: 36458458 DOI: 10.1111/nicc.12868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Virtual reality (VR) as a digital technology has developed rapidly, becoming more realistic, portable, sensory and easier to navigate. Although studies have found VR to be effective for many clinical applications, patients and clinicians have described several barriers to the successful implementation of this technology. To remove barriers for implementation of VR in health care, a greater understanding is needed of how VR can integrate into clinical environments, particularly complex settings such as an intensive care unit. AIM This study aimed to explore the perceived barriers and facilitators for the implementation of VR exposure therapy for intensive care patients and clinical staff. STUDY DESIGN A qualitative study using an Interpretative Description approach was undertaken. Semi-structured focus groups were conducted with 13 participants: nine patients and four health care professionals. Focus groups explored barriers and facilitators of using virtual reality (VR) exposure therapy in intensive care. Thematic analysis was employed to produce codes and themes. RESULTS In total, eight themes describing the perceived barriers and facilitators to implementing VR exposure therapy were identified. Four themes related to the perceived barriers of implementing VR exposure therapy in intensive care were identified: psychological, sensory, environmental and staff competency and confidence. There were a further four themes related to the perceived facilitators to the implementation of VR exposure therapy: staff training, patient capacity, orientation to technology and support during the intervention. CONCLUSIONS This study identified novel barriers and facilitators that could be expected when implementing VR exposure therapy for patients' post-intensive care unit stay. The findings suggest that psychological barriers of fear and apprehension were expected to provoke patient avoidance of exposure therapy. Perceived barriers for staff focused on preparedness to deliver the VR exposure therapy and a lack of technological competence. Both patients and staff stated that a comprehensive induction, orientation and training could facilitate VR exposure therapy, improving engagement. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE This study has identified that with appropriate staff training, resources, and integration into current patient care pathways, VR exposure therapy may be a valuable intervention to support patient recovery following critical illness. Prior to undertaking VR exposure therapy, patients often need reassurance that side-effects can be managed, and that they can easily control their virtual exposure experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Twamley
- Centre for Health Research and Innovation, NIHR Lancashire Clinical Research Facility, Chorley, UK
| | - Oliver Hamer
- Synthesis, Economic Evaluation and Decision Science (SEEDS) Group, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| | - James Hill
- Synthesis, Economic Evaluation and Decision Science (SEEDS) Group, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| | - Roger Kenyon
- Critical care survivor, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| | - Huw Twamley
- Intensive Care Department, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Chorley, UK
| | - Rob Casey
- Digital Therapy Solutions to empower Stroke, Dementia, Parkinson's Rehabilitation, DancingMind Pte Ltd, London, England, United Kingdom
| | | | - Alexandra Williams
- Intensive Care Department, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Chorley, Lancashire, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Clegg
- Synthesis, Economic Evaluation and Decision Science (SEEDS) Group, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
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28
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Meyer K, Schoofs N, Hildebrandt A, Bermpohl F, Priebe K. What to think or how to think - is symptom reduction in posttraumatic symptomatology associated with change in posttraumatic cognitions or perseverative thinking? A latent change score model approach. Psychother Res 2024:1-16. [PMID: 38412334 DOI: 10.1080/10503307.2024.2316009] [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: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) report changes in what they think of the world and themselves, referred to as posttraumatic cognitions, and changes in how they think, reflected in increased perseverative thinking. We investigated whether pre-post therapy changes in the two aspects of thinking were associated with pre-post therapy changes in posttraumatic symptom severity. METHOD 219 d clinic patients with posttraumatic stress symptoms received trauma-focused psychotherapy with cognitive behavioral and metacognitive elements. The posttraumatic cognitions inventory (PTCI), the perseverative thinking questionnaire (PTQ), and the Davidson trauma scale (DTS) were applied at two occasions, pre- and post-therapy. Using latent change score models, we investigated whether change in PTCI and change in PTQ were associated with change in DTS and its subscales. We then compared the predictive value of PTQ and PTCI in joint models. RESULTS When jointly modeled, change in overall DTS score was associated with change in both PTCI and PTQ. Concerning DTS subscales, reexperiencing and avoidance were significantly associated with change in PTCI, but not in PTQ. CONCLUSION Results indicate that both aspects of cognition may be valuable targets of psychotherapy. A focus on posttraumatic cognitions might be called for in patients with severe reexperiencing and avoidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Meyer
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Psychiatric University Clinic of the Charité at St. Hedwig-Hospital, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nikola Schoofs
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Psychiatric University Clinic of the Charité at St. Hedwig-Hospital, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrea Hildebrandt
- Department of Psychology, Psychological Methods and Statistics, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Berlin, Germany
| | - Felix Bermpohl
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Psychiatric University Clinic of the Charité at St. Hedwig-Hospital, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kathlen Priebe
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Psychiatric University Clinic of the Charité at St. Hedwig-Hospital, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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29
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Dickins KA. Improving Traumatic Stress with Justice-Impacted Women and Women Experiencing Homelessness: A Pilot Study of Narrative Exposure Therapy. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2024; 45:121-141. [PMID: 37616593 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2023.2238091] [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] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We sought to investigate the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of a brief, manualized trauma-focused intervention aimed at improving PTSD symptoms in persons with complex PTSD, Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET). DESIGN Using a mixed methods approach, we tested the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of NET in a sample of trauma-affected women in traumatogenic circumstances: justice-impacted women in prison and women experiencing homelessness in a shelter. We quantitatively assessed data using a single sample, pre-/post-intervention design. We qualitatively assessed self-described symptom change and opportunities for intervention adaptation using a content analysis approach. METHODS Sixteen trauma-affected participants completed the intervention protocol. NET interventionists included one nurse practitioner, one registered nurse, and one nursing student. All NET participants attended pre-/post-intervention visits and active NET sessions. In-depth interviews were conducted at pre- and post-intervention, alongside a diagnostic battery. RESULTS NET was both highly feasible and acceptable among participants. Participants significantly improved on the intervention-specific outcome of PTSD symptoms, as well as somatic symptom burden, with large effect sizes. Participants also improved on subjective self-described symptom change. Participants offered recommendations regarding opportunities to enhance population-specific intervention acceptability. CONCLUSIONS Results from this pilot study are consistent with previous evidence demonstrating that NET facilitates improvements in women with traumatic stress. Findings of high feasibility, acceptability, and impact supports the use of NET in JW and WEH. Integrating participant recommendations to optimize acceptability may further support scalability and reach of NET. Replication with a larger sample and within a randomized controlled design is required to definitively determine effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten A Dickins
- Department of Community, System and Mental Health Nursing, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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30
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Duke G, Yotter CN, Sharifian B, Duke G, Petersen S. The effectiveness of microcurrent neurofeedback on depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and quality of life. J Am Assoc Nurse Pract 2024; 36:100-109. [PMID: 37682024 PMCID: PMC10836789 DOI: 10.1097/jxx.0000000000000945] [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: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The world faces a mental health crisis with elevated rates of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress, leaving a profound impact on daily quality of life (QOL). Current treatments show varying degrees of efficacy and carry burdensome challenges. Evidence exists for use of an innovative neurotechnology to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but the science is lacking for use in the general population. PURPOSES The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the effects of microcurrent neurofeedback on depression, anxiety, PTSD symptoms, and QOL in adults. METHODOLOGY This was a one-group, exploratory pilot study that tested outcomes of depression, anxiety, PTSD risk, suicide risk, and QOL in 20 adults using convenience sampling. IASIS microcurrent neurofeedback (I-MCN) was the intervention that was delivered twice a week for 10 weeks; data collection was baseline, 5 weeks, and 10 weeks. RESULTS Depression, anxiety, PTSD risk, and QOL improved significantly by the 10th and 20th session; suicidal risk showed nonsignificant reduction. Use of a more feasible interventional procedure established a foundation for use in clinical settings for the population. CONCLUSIONS Using a more simpler procedure than what was used in a previous study reflected positive outcomes earlier and sustained over 10 weeks. This safe and effective technology carries rare but easily overcome adverse effects and could be an alternative to existing treatments or treatment-resistant conditions. IMPLICATIONS Advanced practice nurses can apply the evidence to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Randomized controlled trials and testing on diverse populations are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Duke
- School of Nursing, The University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, Texas
| | | | | | - Gary Duke
- Trinity Integrative Care, LLC, Tyler, Texas
| | - Sandra Petersen
- School of Nursing, The University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, Texas
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31
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Somohano VC, Cameron D, Lewis M, Denneson LM, Lovejoy TI, O'Neil ME. Characterizing and Comparing Evidence-Based Psychotherapy Utilization Among Veterans with Co-occurring PTSD and Substance Use Disorder. Subst Use Misuse 2024; 59:425-431. [PMID: 38111167 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2275566] [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: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Objective: The current study sought to describe a nationally representative sample of Veterans diagnosed with co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorder (SUD) who initiated and completed evidence-based psychotherapy (EBP) for PTSD, and explored whether completion rates differed by SUD subtype. Methods: Using electronic health record data from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Corporate Data Warehouse, Veterans with a dual diagnosis of PTSD and SUD who initiated either Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) or Prolonged Exposure (PE) between January 01, 2019 and July 16, 2019 were identified (N = 2,996). Logistic analyses were employed to determine whether there were differences in EBP completion rates among Veterans with an alcohol use disorder (AUD; n = 1,383) versus all other SUDs (n = 1,613). Results: On average, Veterans were 45 years old, and identified as male, White, and non-Hispanic. Logistic regression analyses revealed there was not a significant difference between Veterans with AUD only and other SUDs in the probability of completing EBP treatment, OR = 1.02, 95% CI =0.87, 1.17, p = 0.79. Conclusions: No differences in EBP completion rates were observed between SUD subtypes, indicating that EBPs for PTSD are tolerated well for individuals with various types of SUDs and may be offered as treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa C Somohano
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Healthcare System, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - David Cameron
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Healthcare System, Portland, Oregon, USA
- School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Meaghan Lewis
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Healthcare System, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Lauren M Denneson
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Healthcare System, Portland, Oregon, USA
- School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Travis I Lovejoy
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Healthcare System, Portland, Oregon, USA
- School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Maya E O'Neil
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Healthcare System, Portland, Oregon, USA
- School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR
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32
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Rothärmel M, Mekaoui L, Kazour F, Herrero M, Beetz-Lobono EM, Lengvenyte A, Holtzmann J, Raynaud P, Cuenca M, Bulteau S, de Maricourt P, Husson T, Olié E, Gohier B, Sauvaget A, Gaillard R, Richieri R, Szekely D, Samalin L, Guillin O, Moulier V, El-Hage W, Laurin A, Berkovitch L. Esketamine-induced post-traumatic stress disorder flashbacks during treatment-resistant depression indication: is it just a side effect? MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.01.09.24300998. [PMID: 38293161 PMCID: PMC10827260 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.09.24300998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Background Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe and frequent affection that is highly comorbid to major depressive disorder. Comorbid PTSD and depression are usually treatment-resistant, with a high risk of functional impairment and suicide. Esketamine nasal spray is a recent validated treatment for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), but its efficacy on comorbid TRD-PTSD remains insufficiently documented. In particular, flashbacks can occur during esketamine administration and their influence on clinical outcomes is unknown. Objectives Our main objective was to describe esketamine-induced traumatic flashbacks and their impact on clinical trajectories within a sample of patients with comorbid TRD-PTSD. Methods We retrospectively collected clinical data of patients receiving esketamine nasal spray for TRD with comorbid PTSD who experienced at least one flashback of their trauma during esketamine sessions across 11 psychiatric departments. Results Between February 2020 and March 2023, 22 adult patients with TRD met inclusion criteria. In sixteen patients (72.7%) flashbacks disappeared as the sessions progressed. In six patients (27.3%), esketamine treatment was stopped because of persistent flashbacks. When esketamine was continued, clinical response was observed both for depression and PTSD (depression response rate: 45.5% and remission rate: 22.7%; PTSD response rate: 45.5% and remission: 18.2%). Limitations The retrospective design of the study and the absence of a comparator group are the main limitations of our study. Conclusions Our results suggest that the occurrence of esketamine-induced traumatic flashbacks does not hinder clinical response. On the contrary, when managed appropriately and combined with targeted psychotherapy, it could even contribute to positive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maud Rothärmel
- University Department of Psychiatry, Therapeutic Centre of Excellence, Institute of Psychiatry – Rouvray Hospital Centre, Sotteville-lès-Rouen, France
| | - Lila Mekaoui
- Mental and Brain Illness Clinic, Sainte-Anne Hospital, GHU Paris – Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Paris, France
| | - François Kazour
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, CHU Angers, Angers, France
| | - Morgane Herrero
- Department of Psychiatry, CHU Saint Etienne, Saint Etienne, France
| | | | - Aiste Lengvenyte
- Department of Emergency Psychiatry and Post-Acute Care, CHU Montpellier, France; IGF, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Jérôme Holtzmann
- Service de Psychiatrie de l’Adulte, Centre Expert Dépression Résistante FondaMental, CHU de Grenoble, hôpital Nord, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Macarena Cuenca
- University Department of Psychiatry, Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire Psychiatrie Paris 15, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Paris, Paris, France
| | - Samuel Bulteau
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, MethodS in Patients-centered outcomes and HEalth Research, SPHERE, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - Pierre de Maricourt
- University Department of Psychiatry, Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire Psychiatrie Paris 15, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Paris, Paris, France
| | - Thomas Husson
- University Department of Psychiatry, Therapeutic Centre of Excellence, Institute of Psychiatry – Rouvray Hospital Centre, Sotteville-lès-Rouen, France
| | - Emilie Olié
- Department of Emergency Psychiatry and Post-Acute Care, CHU Montpellier, France; IGF, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Bénédicte Gohier
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, CHU Angers, Angers, France
| | - Anne Sauvaget
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, MethodS in Patients-centered outcomes and HEalth Research, SPHERE, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - Raphaël Gaillard
- University Department of Psychiatry, Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire Psychiatrie Paris 15, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Paris, Paris, France
| | - Raphaëlle Richieri
- Service Universitaire de santé mentale et physique, Centre Expert Dépression Résistante, CHU Sainte-Marguerite, APHM, Université Aix-Marseille, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Centrale Marseille, Institut Fresnel, Marseille, France
| | - David Szekely
- Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace, Service de psychiatrie, Principauté de Monaco
| | - Ludovic Samalin
- Department of Psychiatry, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, University of Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Clermont Auvergne INP, Institut Pascal (UMR 6602), Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Olivier Guillin
- University Department of Psychiatry, Therapeutic Centre of Excellence, Institute of Psychiatry – Rouvray Hospital Centre, Sotteville-lès-Rouen, France
- CHU Rouen, Normandy University, Rouen, France
| | - Virginie Moulier
- University Department of Psychiatry, Therapeutic Centre of Excellence, Institute of Psychiatry – Rouvray Hospital Centre, Sotteville-lès-Rouen, France
- Unité de Recherche Clinique (URC), EPS Ville Evrard, Neuilly-sur-Marne, France
| | - Wissam El-Hage
- Centre Régional de Psychotraumatologie, Centre Hospitalier Régional
- Universitaire (CHRU) de Tours, Tours, France, 3 INSERM U1253 Imagerie et Cerveau (iBrain), Tours, France
| | - Andrew Laurin
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, MethodS in Patients-centered outcomes and HEalth Research, SPHERE, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - Lucie Berkovitch
- University Department of Psychiatry, Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire Psychiatrie Paris 15, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Paris, Paris, France
- Paris Cité University, Paris, France
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 40 Temple Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, United States
- Saclay CEA Centre, Neurospin, Gif-Sur-Yvette Cedex, France
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Xia Y, Wehrli J, Abivardi A, Hostiuc M, Kleim B, Bach DR. Attenuating human fear memory retention with minocycline: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:28. [PMID: 38233395 PMCID: PMC10794420 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02732-2] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Pavlovian fear conditioning is widely used as a pre-clinical model to investigate methods for prevention and treatment of anxiety and stress-related disorders. In this model, fear memory consolidation is thought to require synaptic remodeling, which is induced by signaling cascades involving matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9). Here we investigated the effect of the tetracycline antibiotic minocycline, an inhibitor of MMP-9, on fear memory retention. We conducted a pre-registered, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in N = 105 healthy humans (N = 70 female), using a configural fear conditioning paradigm. We administered a single dose of minocycline before configural fear memory acquisition and assessed fear memory retention seven days later in a recall test. To index memory retention, we pre-registered fear-potentially startle (FPS) as our primary outcome, and pupil dilation as the secondary outcome. As control indices of memory acquisition, we analyzed skin conductance responses (SCR) and pupil dilation. We observed attenuated retention of configural fear memory in individuals treated with minocycline compared to placebo, as measured by our primary outcome. In contrast, minocycline did not affect fear memory acquisition or declarative contingency memory. Our findings provide in-vivo evidence for the inhibition of fear memory consolidation by minocycline. This could motivate further research into primary prevention, and given the short uptake time of minocycline, potentially also secondary prevention of PTSD after trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfang Xia
- Computational Psychiatry Research, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Transdisciplinary Research Area Life and Health, Hertz Chair for Artificial Intelligence and Neuroscience, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Jelena Wehrli
- Computational Psychiatry Research, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Aslan Abivardi
- Computational Psychiatry Research, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Madalina Hostiuc
- Computational Psychiatry Research, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Birgit Kleim
- Computational Psychiatry Research, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dominik R Bach
- Computational Psychiatry Research, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Transdisciplinary Research Area Life and Health, Hertz Chair for Artificial Intelligence and Neuroscience, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging & Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research, University College London, London, UK.
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Rhodes JR, Tedeschi RG, Moore BA, Alldredge CT, Elkins GR. Posttraumatic growth-oriented peer-based training among U.S. veterans: evaluation of post-intervention and long-term follow-up outcomes. Front Psychol 2024; 14:1322837. [PMID: 38250126 PMCID: PMC10797000 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1322837] [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: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Exposure to trauma among U.S. military veterans occurs at a high rate, often resulting in continued difficulty with emotional adjustment and a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The present study provides data from 184 U.S. military veterans who completed a manualized posttraumatic-growth oriented training program during an integrative seven-day retreat. Methods Data was collected at baseline, after program completion, and at 18-month follow-up. Results Results on primary outcomes indicated significant increases, with medium to large effect sizes, in growth related outcomes. Specifically, there was a significant increase in scores by 54% on the posttraumatic growth outcome measure (PTGI-X) from baseline (M = 50.2, SD = 31.1) to endpoint (M = 77.4, SD = 29.6), t(183) = -8.78, p < 0.001. Also, results indicate that immediately following training (Day 7), participants reported a significant decrease of 49% on the PCL-5 from baseline (M = 39.7, SD = 17.6) to endpoint (M = 20.1, SD = 13.2), t(183) = 11.75, p < 0.001. Depression subscale scores decreased by 60% from baseline (M = 8.0, SD = 5.2) to endpoint (M = 3.2, SD = 3.0), t(183) = 10.68, p < 0.001; Anxiety scores decreased by 28% from baseline (M = 5.8, SD = 4.3) to endpoint (M = 4.2, SD = 3.5), t(183) = 4.08, p < 0.001; and Stress scores decreased by 50% from baseline (M = 10.0, SD = 4.4) to endpoint (M = 5.0, SD = 3.3), t(183) = 12.21, p < 0.001. Eighteen-month follow-up data was available for 74 participants and indicated that all significant changes in growth-related outcomes were maintained. Further, all significant changes in symptomatology-related outcomes were also maintained at follow-up. Discussion These findings demonstrate both the immediate and the long-lasting impact of an integrative posttraumatic growth-oriented training program on psychological growth and PTSD symptom reduction among U.S. military veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua R. Rhodes
- Department of Psychology, Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX, United States
| | - Richard G. Tedeschi
- Boulder Crest Institute for Posttraumatic Growth, Bluemont, VA, United States
| | - Bret A. Moore
- Boulder Crest Institute for Posttraumatic Growth, Bluemont, VA, United States
| | - Cameron T. Alldredge
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States
| | - Gary R. Elkins
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States
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Burback L, Brémault-Phillips S, Nijdam MJ, McFarlane A, Vermetten E. Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A State-of-the-art Review. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:557-635. [PMID: 37132142 PMCID: PMC10845104 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666230428091433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This narrative state-of-the-art review paper describes the progress in the understanding and treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Over the last four decades, the scientific landscape has matured, with many interdisciplinary contributions to understanding its diagnosis, etiology, and epidemiology. Advances in genetics, neurobiology, stress pathophysiology, and brain imaging have made it apparent that chronic PTSD is a systemic disorder with high allostatic load. The current state of PTSD treatment includes a wide variety of pharmacological and psychotherapeutic approaches, of which many are evidence-based. However, the myriad challenges inherent in the disorder, such as individual and systemic barriers to good treatment outcome, comorbidity, emotional dysregulation, suicidality, dissociation, substance use, and trauma-related guilt and shame, often render treatment response suboptimal. These challenges are discussed as drivers for emerging novel treatment approaches, including early interventions in the Golden Hours, pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions, medication augmentation interventions, the use of psychedelics, as well as interventions targeting the brain and nervous system. All of this aims to improve symptom relief and clinical outcomes. Finally, a phase orientation to treatment is recognized as a tool to strategize treatment of the disorder, and position interventions in step with the progression of the pathophysiology. Revisions to guidelines and systems of care will be needed to incorporate innovative treatments as evidence emerges and they become mainstream. This generation is well-positioned to address the devastating and often chronic disabling impact of traumatic stress events through holistic, cutting-edge clinical efforts and interdisciplinary research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Burback
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | | | - Mirjam J. Nijdam
- ARQ National Psychotrauma Center, Diemen, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Eric Vermetten
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, USA
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McIntosh R, Hoogerwoerd H, Ahmad SS, Michel C, Dillon K, Kumar M, Ironson G. A 4-session written emotional disclosure intervention lowers 6-month sympathoadrenal urinary output in persons living with HIV. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 159:106403. [PMID: 37839156 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106403] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We previously reported that a brief guided written emotional disclosure (WED) intervention resulted in significant reductions in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomology in women, but not men, living with HIV. Levels of 24-hour urinary output of epinephrine (E) and norepinephrine (NE) are shown to be elevated in persons diagnosed with PTSD. The current study tested whether there was an effect for the 4-week WED intervention on 6-month change in urinary E and NE output amongst persons living with HIV. METHOD Fourteen women and 11 men living with HIV randomized to four 30-min expressive writing sessions of either trauma writing or daily events writing in the parent trial were included based upon collection of urine specimens at baseline, 1-, and 6-months after the intervention. Total volume (µg) and concentration (µg/ml) of urinary E and NE were derived from the specimens as study outcomes. RESULTS Four repeated measures analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) were performed to evaluate study outcomes using trauma- versus daily-writing as the between-subject factors and collection time point as the within-subject factor, controlling for age and sex. A group x time interaction was observed wherein the trauma writing treatment group showed a significantly greater decrease in total urinary output, F(2, 46) = 4.03, p = .03, and concentration, F(2, 46) = 4.74, p = .01 of epinepherine. Post-hoc analyses revealed the interaction effect for the total, F(2, 22) = 4.82, p = .03, and concentration, F(2, 22) = 7.57, p = .005, of urinary E output over 6-months was significant for women. Interactions were not observed in urinary NE output. CONCLUSIONS Significant reductions in the total output and concentration of urinary E were found up to 6-months following initiation of a 4-session guided written emotional disclosure intervention. Profiles of sympathoadrenal activity and response to expressive writing differ between men and women living with HIV. Futher research is need to characterize the putative pathways linking sympathoadrenal response to upstream neurobiological function and downstream inflammatory-immune status in women living with HIV and PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger McIntosh
- Department of Psychology, Health Division, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Brain Resilience Embodiment Affect and Translational Health (B.R.E.A.T.H.) Laboratory, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
| | - Hannah Hoogerwoerd
- Department of Psychology, Health Division, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Brain Resilience Embodiment Affect and Translational Health (B.R.E.A.T.H.) Laboratory, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Salman S Ahmad
- Department of Psychology, Health Division, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Cassandra Michel
- Brain Resilience Embodiment Affect and Translational Health (B.R.E.A.T.H.) Laboratory, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Dillon
- Department of Psychology, Health Division, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Brain Resilience Embodiment Affect and Translational Health (B.R.E.A.T.H.) Laboratory, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Mahendra Kumar
- Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Gail Ironson
- Department of Psychology, Health Division, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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Karakurt G, Baier AL, Bowling AR, Singuri S, Oguztuzun C, Bolen S. Systematic review and data synthesis on the treatment of sexual violence victimization by an intimate partner. JOURNAL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY 2024; 50:71-94. [PMID: 37746922 DOI: 10.1111/jmft.12670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to conduct a systematic review and synthesis on the treatment of sexual violence victimization by an intimate partner evaluating specifically the impact of treatment on mental health outcomes of female sexual intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors. We followed the Cochrane Handbook for Systemic Reviews of Interventions guidelines for the process of conducting systematic reviews. We were unable to conduct meta-analyses due to the substantial heterogeneity of the interventions for IPV. A qualitative summary of 6 controlled studies identified no benefit to the treatment of sexual coercion, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, or anxiety for female sexual IPV survivors. However, we are limited by a paucity of data for each outcome on this subject. In conclusion, sexual coercion is a complex issue that has adverse effects on mental health and the well-being of the survivors. More research is needed that investigates what kind of interventions are effective for this specific population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunnur Karakurt
- Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Allison L Baier
- Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- National Center for PTSD Women's Health Sciences Division at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Srinidhi Singuri
- Cleveland Clinic, Lerner School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Cerag Oguztuzun
- Department of Computer and Data Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Shari Bolen
- Department of Medicine, Center for Health Care Research and Policy, MetroHealth Medical Center Campus of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Kavanaugh BC, Parade S, Seifer R, McLaughlin NCR, Tirrell E, Festa EK, Oberman LM, Novick AM, Carpenter LL, Tyrka AR. Childhood stress, gender, and cognitive control: Midline theta power. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 169:298-306. [PMID: 38070470 PMCID: PMC10997405 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.11.046] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of psychiatric symptoms is a common consequence of childhood stress exposure. However, there are a dearth of reliable clinical hallmarks or physiological biomarkers to predict post-trauma symptom emergence. The objective of this study was to examine if childhood stressors and stress-related symptoms are associated with altered midline theta power (MTP) during cognitive control demands, and how these associations interact with gender and early adversity. N = 53 children (ages 9-13 years old) from a longitudinal study of children maltreated during early childhood and non-maltreated children participated in this study. EEG recorded neural activity during a Zoo-Themed Go/No-Go task. Stress-related symptoms, recent stressful events, and other adversity experiences were identified. MTP was analyzed with clinical variables in a series of follow-up analyses. The number of stressors in the past six months was negatively correlated with MTP in those with low preschool adversity, but not in those with high preschool adversity. MTP was higher in girls than in boys, and the associations of MTP with stressors and symptoms were moderated by gender. MTP was negatively associated with stressors in the past six months in girls, while in boys, MTP was associated with stress-related symptoms. Childhood stressful events were associated with reduced MTP during cognitive control demands, and this was finding was moderated by gender and early life adversity. These preliminary findings suggest that boys and girls may process stressful experiences in distinct ways, and preschool adversity may potentially blunt the interaction between current stress and neural dynamics. However, ongoing investigation is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian C Kavanaugh
- E. P. Bradley Hospital, United States; Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, Brown University, United States.
| | - Stephanie Parade
- E. P. Bradley Hospital, United States; Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, Brown University, United States
| | - Ronald Seifer
- Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States
| | - Nicole C R McLaughlin
- Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, Brown University, United States; Butler Hospital, United States
| | - Eric Tirrell
- Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, Brown University, United States; Butler Hospital, United States
| | - Elena K Festa
- Department of Department of Cognitive, Linguistic, and Psychological Sciences, Brown University, United States
| | | | - Andrew M Novick
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, United States
| | - Linda L Carpenter
- Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, Brown University, United States; Butler Hospital, United States
| | - Audrey R Tyrka
- Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, Brown University, United States; Butler Hospital, United States
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Zaretsky TG, Jagodnik KM, Barsic R, Antonio JH, Bonanno PA, MacLeod C, Pierce C, Carney H, Morrison MT, Saylor C, Danias G, Lepow L, Yehuda R. The Psychedelic Future of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:636-735. [PMID: 38284341 PMCID: PMC10845102 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x22666231027111147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can occur following exposure to a traumatic experience. An estimated 12 million U.S. adults are presently affected by this disorder. Current treatments include psychological therapies (e.g., exposure-based interventions) and pharmacological treatments (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)). However, a significant proportion of patients receiving standard-of-care therapies for PTSD remain symptomatic, and new approaches for this and other trauma-related mental health conditions are greatly needed. Psychedelic compounds that alter cognition, perception, and mood are currently being examined for their efficacy in treating PTSD despite their current status as Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)- scheduled substances. Initial clinical trials have demonstrated the potential value of psychedelicassisted therapy to treat PTSD and other psychiatric disorders. In this comprehensive review, we summarize the state of the science of PTSD clinical care, including current treatments and their shortcomings. We review clinical studies of psychedelic interventions to treat PTSD, trauma-related disorders, and common comorbidities. The classic psychedelics psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and DMT-containing ayahuasca, as well as the entactogen 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and the dissociative anesthetic ketamine, are reviewed. For each drug, we present the history of use, psychological and somatic effects, pharmacology, and safety profile. The rationale and proposed mechanisms for use in treating PTSD and traumarelated disorders are discussed. This review concludes with an in-depth consideration of future directions for the psychiatric applications of psychedelics to maximize therapeutic benefit and minimize risk in individuals and communities impacted by trauma-related conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamar Glatman Zaretsky
- James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kathleen M. Jagodnik
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert Barsic
- James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Josimar Hernandez Antonio
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Philip A. Bonanno
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carolyn MacLeod
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Charlotte Pierce
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hunter Carney
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Morgan T. Morrison
- James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Charles Saylor
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - George Danias
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lauren Lepow
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rachel Yehuda
- James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Exposure-based treatments for childhood abuse-related post-traumatic stress disorder in adults: a health-economic evaluation. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2023; 14:2171752. [PMID: 37052103 PMCID: PMC9930771 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2023.2171752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Prolonged exposure (PE) is an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).Objective: This study aimed to analyse the cost-effectiveness of three exposure-based treatments in patients with childhood abuse-related PTSD.Method: A net-benefit analysis was conducted alongside a pragmatic randomized controlled trial with participants (N = 149) randomized to three conditions: PE (n = 48), intensified PE (i-PE, n = 51), and phase-based PE [Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR) + PE, n = 50]. Assessments took place at baseline (T0), post-treatment (T3), 6 month follow-up (T4), and 12 month follow-up (T5). Costs stemming from healthcare utilization and productivity losses were estimated using the Trimbos/iMTA questionnaire for Costs associated with Psychiatric Illness. Quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were based on the 5-level EuroQoL 5 Dimensions (EQ-5D-5L) using the Dutch tariff. Missing values of costs and utilities were multiply imputed. To compare i-PE to PE and STAIR + PE to PE, pair-wise unequal-variance t-tests were conducted. Net-benefit analysis was used to relate costs to QALYs and to draw acceptability curves.Results: Intervention costs did not differ across the three treatment conditions. Total medical costs, productivity losses, total societal costs, and EQ-5D-5L-based QALYs did not differ between treatment conditions either (all p > .10). At the relevant €50,000/QALY threshold, the probability of one treatment being more cost-effective than another was 32%, 28%, and 40% for PE, i-PE, and STAIR-PE, respectively.Conclusion: Three equally effective treatments were compared and no differences in cost-effectiveness between treatments were found. Therefore, we advocate the implementation and adoption of any of the treatments and endorse shared decision making.
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Theodoratou M, Kougioumtzis GA, Yotsidi V, Sofologi M, Katsarou D, Megari K. Neuropsychological Consequences of Massive Trauma: Implications and Clinical Interventions. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:2128. [PMID: 38138231 PMCID: PMC10744839 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59122128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic events, especially massive trauma resulting from catastrophic incidents, wars, or severe abuse can elicit significant neuropsychological alterations, with profound implications for cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. This mini-review delineates the primary neural changes post-trauma and underscores the importance of timely neuropsychological and clinical interventions. Specific brain regions, including the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, undergo physiological changes that can lead to memory impairments, attention deficits, and emotional disturbances. PTSD, a commonly diagnosed condition post-trauma, exemplifies the intricate relationship between trauma and memory processing. Furthermore, the concept of neuroplasticity, the brain's inherent ability to adapt and rewire, offers hope for recovery. Current clinical interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and biofeedback, leverage this neuroplastic potential to foster healing. The review underscores the vital importance of early intervention to mitigate long-term neuropsychological impacts, emphasizing the role of timely and targeted clinical interventions. The synthesis of this knowledge is crucial for clinicians, allowing for informed therapeutic approaches that holistically address both the physiological and psychological dimensions of trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Theodoratou
- Department of Psychology, School of Health Sciences, Neapolis University Pafos, Paphos 8042, Cyprus; (G.A.K.); (M.S.); (D.K.)
- Department of Social Sciences, Hellenic Open University, 263 35 Patras, Greece;
| | - Georgios A. Kougioumtzis
- Department of Psychology, School of Health Sciences, Neapolis University Pafos, Paphos 8042, Cyprus; (G.A.K.); (M.S.); (D.K.)
- Department of Social Sciences, Hellenic Open University, 263 35 Patras, Greece;
- Department of Turkish Studies and Modern Asian Studies, Faculty of Economic and Political Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 72 Athens, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Yotsidi
- Department of Social Sciences, Hellenic Open University, 263 35 Patras, Greece;
- Department of Psychology, Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, 157 72 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Sofologi
- Department of Psychology, School of Health Sciences, Neapolis University Pafos, Paphos 8042, Cyprus; (G.A.K.); (M.S.); (D.K.)
- Laboratory of Psychology, Department of Early Childhood Education, School of Education, University of Ioannina, 451 10 Ioannina, Greece
- Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences, University Research Centre of Ioannina (U.R.C.I.), 451 10 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Dimitra Katsarou
- Department of Psychology, School of Health Sciences, Neapolis University Pafos, Paphos 8042, Cyprus; (G.A.K.); (M.S.); (D.K.)
- Department of Preschool Education Sciences and Educational Design, Faculty of Humanities, University of the Aegean, 811 00 Mytilene, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Megari
- City College, University of York, Europe Campus, 546 26 Thessaloniki, Greece;
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, UOWM, 531 00 Florina, Greece
- School of Psychology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Ben-Azu B, Adebayo OG, Moke EG, Omogbiya AI, Oritsemuelebi B, Chidebe EO, Umukoro E, Nwangwa EK, Etijoro E, Umukoro E, Mamudu EJ, Chukwuma C. Geraniol attenuates behavioral and neurochemical impairments by inhibitions of HPA-axis and oxido-inflammatory perturbations in mice exposed to post-traumatic stress disorder. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 168:165-175. [PMID: 37913743 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.10.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Geraniol is an acyclic isoprenoid monoterpenoid analogue that has been shown to elicit neuroprotective functions, primarily through its ability to stimulate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory systems. An increase in inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress exacerbate activation hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA), leading to neurochemical dysfunction, which has important roles in the pathogenesis of post-traumatic disorder (PTSD), a mental health disorder characterized of post-trauma-induced intense fear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-PTSD-like effects and underlying mechanisms of geraniol against single-prolonged-stress (SPS)-induced PTSD in mice. Following concomitant exposure to SPS (triple-paradigm traumatic events) and isolation for 7 days, mice (n = 9) were treated with geraniol (50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) or fluoxetine (10 mg/kg, p.o.) from days 8-21. Mice were assessed for behavioral changes. Neurochemical changes, inflammatory, oxido-nitrergic markers, adrenal weight, serum glucose and corticosterone concentrations were assayed. Geraniol inhibits SPS-induced anxiety- and depressive-like features as well as behavioral despair in the depression paradigms. SPS-induced locomotor and memory impairments were also abated by geraniol treatment similarly to fluoxetine. SPS-induced adrenal hypertrophy and increased blood glucose and corticosterone concentrations, were attenuated by the geraniol treatment. Elevated levels of TNF-α and IL-6, and malondialdehyde, nitrite, acetylcholinesterase enzyme were reduced by geraniol. Geraniol also increased glutathione, superoxide-dismutase, and catalase levels as well as dopamine, serotonin concentrations and GABAergic glutamic acid decarboxylase enzyme activity in the striatum, prefrontal cortex and hippocampus in the PTSD-mice relative to SPS control. In conclusion, geraniol attenuates behavioral impairments and neurochemical dysregulations by inhibitions of HPA-axis and oxido-inflammatory perturbations in mice exposed to PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benneth Ben-Azu
- DELSU Joint Canada-Israel Neuroscience and Biopsychiatry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria.
| | - Olusegun G Adebayo
- Neurophysiology Unit, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port-Harcourt, River State, Nigeria
| | - Emuesiri G Moke
- DELSU Joint Canada-Israel Neuroscience and Biopsychiatry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria
| | - Adrian I Omogbiya
- DELSU Joint Canada-Israel Neuroscience and Biopsychiatry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria
| | - Benjamin Oritsemuelebi
- DELSU Joint Canada-Israel Neuroscience and Biopsychiatry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria
| | - Emmanuel O Chidebe
- DELSU Joint Canada-Israel Neuroscience and Biopsychiatry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria
| | - Emuesiri Umukoro
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria
| | - Eze K Nwangwa
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria
| | - Emmanuel Etijoro
- DELSU Joint Canada-Israel Neuroscience and Biopsychiatry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria
| | - Emmanuel Umukoro
- DELSU Joint Canada-Israel Neuroscience and Biopsychiatry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria
| | - Elizabeth J Mamudu
- DELSU Joint Canada-Israel Neuroscience and Biopsychiatry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria
| | - Chineye Chukwuma
- DELSU Joint Canada-Israel Neuroscience and Biopsychiatry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria
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43
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Kwak HY, Leem J, Seung HB, Kwon CY, Jeong HS, Kim SH. Acupuncture Therapy for Military Veterans Suffering from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Related Symptoms: A Scoping Review of Clinical Studies. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2957. [PMID: 37998449 PMCID: PMC10671227 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11222957] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Military personnel in combat face a high risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this study, a protocol-based scoping review was conducted to identify the current status of research on the efficacy of acupuncture for treating combat-related PTSD in military personnel. A literature search was conducted across 14 databases in November 2022, and data from the included studies were collected and descriptively analyzed. A total of eight studies were included. Participants were assessed for core PTSD symptoms using the PTSD Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 and the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale, as well as related symptoms, such as sleep issues. Although the efficacy of acupuncture has been substantiated in numerous studies, certain metrics did not exhibit improvement. Auricular acupuncture was the most commonly used treatment (50%) followed by manual acupuncture (25%) and a combination of both (25%). Shenmen and Kidney points were frequently targeted at auricular acupoints. The treatment period varied between 5 days and 2 months. While adverse events were reported in two of the fifty-five patients in the intervention group and in four of the sixty-four patients in the control group in the randomized controlled trial studies, no fatal adverse events were reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Yong Kwak
- Republic of Korea Army, Capital Defense Command, Gwacheon-daero, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08801, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jungtae Leem
- Research Center of Traditional Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, 460 Iksan-daero, Iksan 54538, Republic of Korea;
| | - Hye-bin Seung
- College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, 1, Hanuidae-ro, Gyeongsan 38578, Republic of Korea;
| | - Chan-Young Kwon
- Department of Oriental Neuropsychiatry, College of Korean Medicine, Dong-Eui University, Busan 47227, Republic of Korea;
| | - Hye-Seon Jeong
- Department of Clinical Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemoon-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea;
| | - Sang-Ho Kim
- Department of Neuropsychiatry of Korean Medicine, Pohang Korean Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Daegu Haany University, Pohang 37685, Republic of Korea
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Fradley MF, Kathryn Allison M, Steely Smith MK, Bossard M, Zielinski MJ. Justice-Involved, Sexually Victimized Women's Perspectives on the Acceptability of Receiving Trauma-Focused Therapy in Prison. Violence Against Women 2023; 29:2964-2985. [PMID: 37674415 DOI: 10.1177/10778012231200480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Incarcerated women report high rates of sexual victimization. Interviews with 63 previously incarcerated women survivors of sexual violence explored perceptions toward receiving trauma-focused therapy while incarcerated and postrelease trauma-focused therapy utilization. Nearly all participants (97%) recommended that trauma-focused therapy be available to incarcerated women. Most believed that prisons are acceptable places to receive trauma-focused therapy, without qualification (65%); some reported mixed feelings or indicated acceptability but identified factors that would increase acceptability (33%). Notably, most were currently experiencing trauma-related symptoms, but few had attended trauma-focused therapy following release. Findings indicate that access to prison-based trauma-focused therapy is necessary and acceptable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marley F Fradley
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - M Kathryn Allison
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Mollee K Steely Smith
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - MeeSoh Bossard
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Melissa J Zielinski
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
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Sloan DM, Marx BP, Acierno R, Messina M, Muzzy W, Gallagher MW, Litwack S, Sloan C. Written Exposure Therapy vs Prolonged Exposure Therapy in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry 2023; 80:1093-1100. [PMID: 37610727 PMCID: PMC10448372 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2023.2810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Importance Evidence-based treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) exist, but all require 8 to 15 sessions and thus are less likely to be completed than brief treatments. Written exposure therapy (WET) is a brief and efficacious treatment that has not been directly compared with prolonged exposure therapy (PE), a more time-intensive, exposure-based treatment. Objective To determine whether WET is noninferior to PE in treating PTSD among veterans. Design, Setting, and Participants A randomized noninferiority clinical trial was conducted between September 9, 2019, and April 30, 2022. Participants were 178 veterans with PTSD presenting to 1 of 3 Veterans Affairs medical centers. Inclusion criteria consisted of a primary diagnosis of PTSD and stable medication. Exclusion criteria included current psychotherapy for PTSD, high suicide risk, active psychosis, unstable bipolar disorder, and severe cognitive impairment. Independent evaluations were conducted at baseline and 10, 20, and 30 weeks after the first treatment session. Data were analyzed from January 1 to March 31, 2023. Interventions Participants assigned to WET (n = 88) received five to seven 45- to 60-minute sessions. Participants assigned to PE (n = 90) received eight to fifteen 90-minute sessions. The WET sessions included 30 minutes of writing-based imaginal exposure conducted in session, whereas PE sessions included 40 minutes of in-session imaginal exposure and between-session in vivo exposures. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was change in PTSD symptom severity measured with the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) from baseline to the 20-week assessment; noninferiority was defined as a less than 10-point difference between the 2 treatment groups. Difference in treatment dropout was also examined. Results Of the 178 participants, 134 (75.3%) were men, and the mean (SD) age was 44.97 (13.66) years. In terms of race, 37 participants (20.8%) were Black, 112 (62.9%) were White, 11 (6.2%) were more than 1 race, and 18 (10.1%) were of other race (including American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander [some participants did not specify their race when selecting the category "other"]); in terms of ethnicity, 19 participants (10.7%) were Hispanic. Changes in PTSD symptom severity from baseline to all subsequent assessments among individuals randomized to WET were noninferior relative to individuals randomized to PE. The largest difference between treatments was observed at 10 weeks and was in favor of WET (mean difference, 2.42 [95% CI, 0.35-1.46] points). Participants were significantly less likely to drop out of WET compared with PE (11 [12.5%] vs 32 [35.6%]; χ2 = 12.91; Cramer V = 0.27). Conclusions and Relevance In this study, WET was noninferior to PE in PTSD symptom change and was associated with significantly less attrition. Findings suggest that WET may transcend previously observed barriers to PTSD treatment for both patients and clinicians. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03962504.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise M. Sloan
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts
- Behavioral Science Division, National Center for PTSD, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Brian P. Marx
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts
- Behavioral Science Division, National Center for PTSD, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ron Acierno
- Faillace Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Sciences Center Houston, Houston
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Michael Messina
- William S. Middleton VA Medical Center, Madison, Wisconsin
- University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison
| | - Wendy Muzzy
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
| | | | - Scott Litwack
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Colleen Sloan
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
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Clark SL, Dodd CG, Taylor L, Stewart S, Yang N, Shahidullah JD, Guzick AG, Richmond R, Aksan N, Rathouz PJ, Rousseau JF, Newport DJ, Wagner KD, Nemeroff CB. Characterizing patterns of substance use in trauma exposed youth. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 167:1-9. [PMID: 37778242 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.09.020] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Previous work investigating the impact of childhood trauma on substance use and co-occurring psychiatric disorders has primarily been conducted in adults or on specific trauma types. This limits understanding of traumas impact in childhood and how different types of traumas play a role. We sought to characterize substance use in a sample of trauma-exposed youth in the context of psychiatric comorbidities. METHOD 1152 youth from the Texas Childhood Trauma Research Network (TX-CTRN) that were exposed to at least one trauma meeting DSM-5 Criterion A were assessed for current substance use and psychiatric diagnoses. Latent class analysis was used to identify patterns of substance use. To characterize these patterns, we examined if demographics, number of trauma types experienced, or childhood psychiatric disorders predicted class membership. RESULTS We identified four primary patterns of substance use: Non-use (66.1%), predominantly alcohol use (19.7%), predominantly cannabis use (4.5%), and polysubstance use (9.7%). Compared to the non-users, polysubstance users tended to be older, Non-Hispanic White, have experienced more types of trauma. They were also more likely to have fulfilled diagnostic criteria for suicidality and ADHD. Comparisons among the substance using classes were more nuanced. CONCLUSION The findings highlight the need for universal assessments of trauma, substance misuse, and mental health symptoms in youth as the presence or absence of their co-occurrence has implications for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cody G Dodd
- University of Texas Medical Branch, United States
| | - Leslie Taylor
- University of Texas Health Science Center, United States
| | | | | | | | | | - Robyn Richmond
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, United States
| | - Nazan Aksan
- University of Texas at Austin, United States
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Feinstein D. Using energy psychology to remediate emotional wounds rooted in childhood trauma: preliminary clinical guidelines. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1277555. [PMID: 37920741 PMCID: PMC10619750 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1277555] [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: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood, such as violence, abuse, severe neglect, or mental health problems in caregivers. The negative physical and mental health consequences of severe or multiple ACEs provide a major challenge for the health care community. Psychotherapies that utilize a mind-body approach in treating ACE-related conditions are seen by their proponents as having advantages for bringing healing and restoration compared with talk, introspective, interpersonal, and exposure therapies that do not intervene at the body level, as famously encapsulated by Bessel van der Kolk's observation that "the body keeps the score." A mind-body approach whose use has been rapidly increasing in clinical settings as well as on a self-help basis is called "energy psychology." Energy psychology combines conventional therapeutic techniques such as cognitive restructuring and psychological exposure with the stimulation of acupuncture points (acupoints) by tapping on them. A review of the development, efficacy, and plausible mechanisms of energy psychology is presented, and several strengths are enumerated, such as how integrating acupoint tapping into conventional exposure methods enhances the speed and power of outcomes. The impact of energy psychology protocols on the three brain networks most centrally involved with ACEs is also examined. Finally, recommendations are offered for using an energy psychology approach at each stage of therapy with individuals who have endured severe or multiple ACES, from establishing a therapeutic alliance to assessment to treatment to follow-up.
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48
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Contractor AA, Rafiuddin HS, Kaur K, Asnaani A. Asian Indians in the United States and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Interventions: A Narrative Literature Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2023; 24:2395-2411. [PMID: 35543662 DOI: 10.1177/15248380221097435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Topic. Limited research has examined trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Asian Indians in the U.S. Thus, we (1) synthesize literature on trauma, PTSD, disparities in treatment for PTSD, the burden of untreated PTSD, and culturally-adapted (CA) PTSD interventions; and (2) discuss recommendations for clinicians/researchers working with this population.Method. We searched two databases using keywords related to Asian Indians, PTSD, and interventions. Of 238 identified articles, we used content from 26 articles to inform our review.Findings. Asian Indians report traumatic experiences before, during, or after immigration to the U.S. and consequential PTSD symptoms. Further, Asian Indians in the U.S. are disproportionately impacted by socio-cultural and economic determinants of poor mental health (e.g., shame/stigma associated with seeking mental health services, few culturally-responsive services), which may contribute to the under-reporting of PTSD and (interpersonal) traumas and less willingness to seek treatment. Additionally, CA PTSD interventions tailored to Asian Indians in the U.S. have not been developed. Socio-cultural considerations that can inform CA PTSD interventions for Asian Indians include: causal conditions (e.g., culturally-rooted beliefs about trauma/PTSD), intervening conditions/barriers (e.g., emotional inhibition), and mitigating/coping strategies (e.g., religious/spiritual practices, cultural idioms of distress). These considerations influence clinician/treatment preferences (e.g., solution-oriented and structured therapy, less emotional exposure). Lastly, we outline recommendations for clinicians/researchers: (1) need for national studies on trauma, PTSD, treatment utilization, and the burden of untreated PTSD; (2) consideration of immigration-related experiences influencing PTSD; (3) consideration of socio-cultural elements for CA PTSD interventions; and (4) need for culturally-valid PTSD assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hanan S Rafiuddin
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Kiran Kaur
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Anu Asnaani
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
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49
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Kim G, Kim H, Park J, Kang HS, Kim S, Kim S. A Caring Program for Health Promotion among Women Who Have Experienced Trauma: A Quasi-Experimental Pilot Study. J Korean Acad Nurs 2023; 53:500-513. [PMID: 37977561 DOI: 10.4040/jkan.22120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Women are more vulnerable to post-traumatic stress (PTS) than men, causing several health problems. Nurses should understand and work with women who have experienced trauma and provide interventions to promote their physical, social, and mental health. METHODS This quasi-experimental pilot study used a one-group pre-test/post-test design. Data were collected from 14 women recruited between December 2019 and May 2020 from a self-sufficiency support center in South Korea for sexually-exploited women who had experienced trauma. The program consisted of six one-on-one intervention sessions per week for six weeks. Each session averaged 60~120 minutes. Participants were assessed at pre-test, post-test, and one-month follow-up. Changes in outcome variables over time were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank and Friedman tests. RESULTS The caring program for health promotion was divided into six sessions: understanding the self, sharing traumatic events and negative emotions, reframing the meaning of traumatic events, identifying thoughts and physical and emotional responses, developing health promotion activities, and maintaining a positive attitude during the process of change. As a result of the caring program, PTS (F = 36.33, p < .001), depression (F = 24.45, p < .001), health-promoting behaviors (F = 7.06, p =.004), and self-esteem (F = 19.74, p < .001) among the participants differed significantly at pre-test, post-test, and follow-up. CONCLUSION This study provides foundational information for the implementation of a theory-driven program by nurses in clinical and community settings to provide comprehensive care for women who have experienced trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goun Kim
- College of Nursing and Research Institute of Nursing Science, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Korea
- Brain Korea 21 FOUR Project, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Heejung Kim
- College of Nursing and Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeongok Park
- College of Nursing and Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hee Sun Kang
- Red Cross College of Nursing, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soojin Kim
- College of Nursing, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Sunah Kim
- College of Nursing and Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.
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50
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Mortimer AR, Mortimer RB. Psychological First Aid for Wilderness Trauma: Interventions for Expedition or Search and Rescue Team Members. Wilderness Environ Med 2023; 34:346-353. [PMID: 37105845 DOI: 10.1016/j.wem.2023.02.009] [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: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
When exposed to actual or threatened death or serious injury in austere settings, expedition members are at risk of acute stress reactions, as are search and rescue members involved with extricating the patient. Acute stress reactions are a normal response to significant trauma and commonly resolve on their own. If they do not, they can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a set of persistent symptoms that cause significant effects on the person's life. Medication has a limited preventive role in the field for treatment of stress partly because so few are trained to administer it. Contrastingly, psychological first aid can be performed by lay team members with minimal training. Psychological first aid consists of interventions attempting to encourage feelings of safety, calm, self-efficacy, connection, and hope. These are interventions that provide guidance to not make the situation emotionally worse and might have a preventive effect on later development of PTSD. They are valuable in the field not only for the patient but also for affected team members as well as for search and rescue team members who may be indirectly affected by the trauma and experience repercussions later.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda R Mortimer
- Department of Psychology, California State University, Fresno, Fresno, CA
| | - Roger B Mortimer
- Fresno Medical Education Program, Department of Family Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.
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