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Bisby MA, Balakumar T, Scott AJ, Titov N, Dear BF. An online therapist-guided ultra-brief treatment for depression and anxiety: a randomized controlled trial. Psychol Med 2024; 54:902-913. [PMID: 37655527 DOI: 10.1017/s003329172300260x] [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: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are many barriers to engaging in current psychological treatments, including time, cost, and availability. Ultra-brief treatments overcome some of these barriers by delivering therapeutic information and skills using significantly less time than standard-length treatments. We developed a therapist-guided online ultra-brief treatment for depression and anxiety and compared it to an existing 8-week, 5-lesson therapist-guided standard-length treatment and a waitlist control. METHODS In a randomized controlled trial, adults with self-reported depression or anxiety were randomized (1:1:1) to the ultra-brief treatment, standard-length treatment, or waitlist control. The primary outcomes were depression symptoms and anxiety symptoms assessed at baseline, 5-weeks later, 9-weeks later (primary timepoint), and 3-months later. The trial was prospectively registered. RESULTS Between 7 February 2022, and 16 August 2022, 242 participants were enrolled in the ultra-brief treatment (n = 85), standard-length treatment (n = 80), and waitlist control (n = 77). Participants were mostly women with an average age of 48.56 years. At 9-weeks post-baseline, participants in the ultra-brief treatment group reported significantly lower depression (between groups d = 0.41) and anxiety (d = 0.53) than the waitlist control. The ultra-brief treatment was non-inferior for anxiety at both 9-weeks and 3-months follow-up. Non-inferiority for depression was observed at 9-weeks. CONCLUSIONS The online ultra-brief treatment resulted in significant reductions in depression and anxiety that were non-inferior to a longer treatment course after 9-weeks. Remotely delivered ultra-brief treatments have the potential to provide accessible and effective care for those who cannot, or would prefer not to, access longer psychological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madelyne A Bisby
- eCentreClinic, School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tanya Balakumar
- eCentreClinic, School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Amelia J Scott
- eCentreClinic, School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nickolai Titov
- MindSpot Clinic, MQ Health, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Blake F Dear
- eCentreClinic, School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
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Muthukumaraswamy SD. Overcoming blinding confounds in psychedelic randomized controlled trials using biomarker driven causal mediation analysis. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2023; 16:1163-1173. [PMID: 37947758 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2023.2279736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is great interest in the use of psychedelic-assisted therapies to treat a range of mental health conditions and initial randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have generated positive results. However, the effect sizes reported in psychedelic RCTs are likely inflated due to expectancy effects due to the de-blinding of both participants and study personnel to treatment allocation caused by the distinctive psychoactive effects of psychedelic drugs. AREAS COVERED An introduction to causal inference for RCTs, the underlying assumptions, and potential confounders along with graphical illustrations is provided. It is proposed that causal mediation analysis using objectively measured mediating biomarkers could be used to identify causal pathways between treatment and outcome in psychedelic RCTs, even with de-blinding of participants and give greater confidence as to the mechanistic basis and efficacy of psychedelic therapies. EXPERT OPINION It is argued that psychedelic therapies should not be approved as licensed medicines until causal pathways are clearly established between treatment and outcome. Potential downsides of doing so include, future indication expansion based on low quality clinical trial evidence, the approval of other therapies based on similarly low-quality evidence, and the potential for efficacy to change over time after approvals has been granted.
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Samantaray NN, Mishra A, Singh AR, Sudhir PM, Singh P. Anxiety sensitivity as a predictor, and non-specific therapeutic factors as predictors and mediators of CBT outcome for obsessive-compulsive disorder in a naturalistic mental health setting. J Affect Disord 2023; 324:92-101. [PMID: 36584701 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.12.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We examined the unique predictive strength of anxiety sensitivity (AS) and the role of expectancy, credibility, and therapeutic alliance (TA) as predictors and mediators of cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) outcomes in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). METHOD The current study is a prospective cohort study. Participants (N = 116) were treatment-seeking individuals with a primary diagnosis of OCD. Independent raters assessed patients on Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (YBOCS) and Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 at baseline, post-intervention, and three-month follow-up. Participants responded to the Credibility and Expectancy questionnaire and Working Alliance Inventory-Short revised at baseline, first-session, and mid-session. RESULTS The individual addition of AS, end-of-first-session credibility and expectancy, mid-session credibility and expectancy, and therapeutic alliance predicted significant CBT outcomes. There was a moderate positive correlation between baseline OCD severity and the global score of AS, but a weak one with AS dimensions. Both expectancy and credibility significantly improved from baseline to end-of-first-session treatment. End-of-first and third-session outcome expectancies, not credibility, have significant, indirect effects on OCD CBT outcomes. CONCLUSIONS AS, within-session credibility and expectancies and TA independently predict CBT outcomes. Within-sessions outcome expectancies mediate CBT outcomes in OCD, not credibility. Expectancy and credibility both include state-like elements that can be influenced to enhance the outcomes of CBT. Proposals for reducing treatment barriers in CBT for OCD are offered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narendra Nath Samantaray
- Dept. of Clinical Psychology, School of Medical and Paramedical Science, Mizoram University, Aizawl 796004, India.
| | - Abinash Mishra
- Dept. of Clinical Psychology, Mental Health Institute (Centre of Excellence), SCB Medical College & Hospital, Cuttack 753007, India
| | | | - Paulomi M Sudhir
- Department of Clinical Psychology, National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru 560029, India
| | - Preeti Singh
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru Memorial Medical College, Raipur 492001, India
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4
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Bäumer AV, Fürer L, Birkenberger C, Wyssen A, Steppan M, Zimmermann R, Gaab J, Kaess M, Schmeck K. The impact of outcome expectancy on therapy outcome in adolescents with borderline personality disorder. Borderline Personal Disord Emot Dysregul 2022; 9:30. [PMID: 36464739 PMCID: PMC9721041 DOI: 10.1186/s40479-022-00200-1] [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: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Outcome expectancy has been found to be a significant predictor of psychotherapy outcome. However, given that severity, chronicity and comorbidity are moderators of outcome expectancy, it is important to provide evidence of whether the same holds true in clinical conditions marked by these attributes, such as in borderline personality disorder (BPD). The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of patients' outcome expectancy in adolescents undergoing early intervention for BPD using pre-post difference of psychosocial functioning as outcome. METHODS Forty-four adolescent BPD patients were treated with Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A) or Adolescent Identity Treatment (AIT). We investigated the effect of outcome expectancy on outcome with type of treatment as moderator. Based on the relevant literature, we assess the correlation between outcome expectancy and pretreatment symptomatology, namely BPD severity, personality functioning, childhood trauma and depression. RESULTS The results showed a significant effect of expectancy on outcome (stand. β = 0.30, p = 0.020) above autoregression. ANOVA analysis revealed no difference between the two treatments. Further, results indicate that pretreatment symptomatology, i.e., depression, childhood trauma and personality functioning dimensions self-direction and intimacy, are associated with early treatment expectancy. CONCLUSION Outcome expectancy as a common factor plays a key role in successful psychotherapy with adolescent BPD patients. Elevated pretreatment depression, childhood trauma and impairment in personality functioning dimensions self-direction and intimacy are risk factors associated with lower expectancy. Low outcome expectancy should be addressed in early psychotherapy to improve the therapeutical process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Valeska Bäumer
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Research Department, University Psychiatric Clinics, University of Basel, Wilhelm Klein-Strasse 27, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Lukas Fürer
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Research Department, University Psychiatric Clinics, University of Basel, Wilhelm Klein-Strasse 27, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Carolin Birkenberger
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Wyssen
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin Steppan
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Research Department, University Psychiatric Clinics, University of Basel, Wilhelm Klein-Strasse 27, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ronan Zimmermann
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Research Department, University Psychiatric Clinics, University of Basel, Wilhelm Klein-Strasse 27, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland.,Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jens Gaab
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michael Kaess
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Klaus Schmeck
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Research Department, University Psychiatric Clinics, University of Basel, Wilhelm Klein-Strasse 27, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
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Abstract
With the extensive public, commercial and scientific interest from what has been widely termed the psychedelic renaissance, it is important that the scientific practices and results obtained from its implementation into medicine are put under a critical microscope. While there are numerous works on the potential benefits and applications of psychedelics as medicines, relatively little has been written about the challenges this field will face when incorporated into modern medical practice. Indeed, as a new or at least revived area of investigation, psychedelic medicine has a particular set of challenges which need to be addressed. In this viewpoint, we identify a number of these challenges. First, challenges related to the design of individual research studies are discussed, particularly focusing on current practices surrounding blinding, expectancy, the use of therapy and sources of bias. Second, the broader context of the research environment is considered, including how medical science typically establishes evidence, funding bodies and the impact of psychedelics being scheduled at odds with their risk profile. Finally, we describe challenges relating to the implementation of psychedelic therapies into modern medicine, considering the social and economic context. Alongside, we provide suggestions for what could be included into current research protocols to mitigate these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Forsyth
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Rachael L Sumner
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Arina GA, Dobrushina OR, Shvetsova ET, Osina ED, Meshkov GA, Aziatskaya GA, Trofimova AK, Efremova IN, Martunov SE, Nikolaeva VV. Infra-Low Frequency Neurofeedback in Tension-Type Headache: A Cross-Over Sham-Controlled Study. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:891323. [PMID: 35669204 PMCID: PMC9164298 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.891323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary headaches are highly prevalent and represent a major cause of disability in young adults. Neurofeedback is increasingly used in the treatment of chronic pain; however, there are few studies investigating its efficacy in patients with headaches. We report the results of a cross-over sham-controlled study on the efficacy of neurofeedback in the prophylactic treatment of tension-type headache (TTH). Participants received ten sessions of infra-low frequency electroencephalographic neurofeedback and ten sessions of sham-neurofeedback, with the order of treatments being randomized. The study also included a basic psychotherapeutic intervention — a psychoeducational session performed before the main study phases and emotional support provided throughout the study period. The headache probability was modeled as a function of the neurofeedback and sham-neurofeedback sessions performed to date. As a result, we revealed a strong beneficial effect of neurofeedback and no influence of the sham sessions. The study supports the prophylactic use of infra-low frequency neurofeedback in patients with TTH. From a methodological point of view, we advocate for the explicit inclusion of psychotherapeutic components in neurofeedback study protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina A. Arina
- Faculty of Psychology, M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga R. Dobrushina
- International Institute of Psychosomatic Health, Moscow, Russia
- Research Center of Neurology, Moscow, Russia
- *Correspondence: Olga R. Dobrushina,
| | | | - Ekaterina D. Osina
- Faculty of Psychology, M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | | | | | - Alexandra K. Trofimova
- Federal State Budgetary Institution “Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies” of the Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
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Khaleghi A, Mohammadi MR, Shahi K, Nasrabadi AM. Computational Neuroscience Approach to Psychiatry: A Review on Theory-driven Approaches. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE 2022; 20:26-36. [PMID: 35078946 PMCID: PMC8813324 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.2022.20.1.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Translating progress in neuroscience into clinical benefits for patients with psychiatric disorders is challenging because it involves the brain as the most complex organ and its interaction with a complex environment and condition. Dealing with such complexity requires powerful techniques. Computational neuroscience approach to psychiatry integrates multiple levels and types of simulation, analysis and computation according to the different types of computational models to enhance comprehending, prediction and treatment of psychiatric disorder. This approach comprises two approaches: theory-driven and data-driven. In this review, we focus on recent advances in theory-driven approaches that mathematically and mechanistically examine the relationships between disorder-related changes and behavior at different level of brain organization. We discuss recent progresses in computational neuroscience models that relate to psychiatry and show how principles of neural computational modeling can be employed to explain psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Khaleghi
- Psychiatry and Psychology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Mohammadi
- Psychiatry and Psychology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kian Shahi
- Psychiatry and Psychology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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8
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Wunram HL, Hamacher S, Oberste M, Neufang S, Belke L, Jänicke F, Graf C, Schönau E, Bender S, Fricke O. Influence of motivational placebo-related factors on the effects of exercise treatment in depressive adolescents. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2022; 31:1-14. [PMID: 33709258 PMCID: PMC9343287 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-021-01742-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Recent meta-analyses reveal a moderate effect of physical activity (PA) in the treatment of adolescent depression. However, not only the underlying neurobiological mechanisms, also the influences of placebo-related motivational factors (beliefs and expectancies in sporting, enjoyment and prior sports experiences), are still unclear. Based on the data of our prior study "Mood Vibes", we hypothesized that placebo-inherent factors like positive prior sports experiences and motivational factors, (positive beliefs, expectancies, and enjoyment related to PA), would increase the effects of an add-on exercise-therapy in juvenile depression. From 64 included depressed adolescents, 41 underwent an intensive add-on PA-therapy. Motivational factors were assessed using sport-specific scales. The changes in depression scores under treatment were rated by self-rating scale (German "Childhood Depression Inventory", (DIKJ)). A mixed model for repeated measures (MMRM) was used to analyze the effects of the different motivational variates on DIKJ. While prior sports experiences had no impact, motivational factors showed a significant effect on PA-induced changes in DIKJ scores (p = 0.002). The demotivated participants improved less, whereas it was sufficient to be neutral towards sporting to benefit significantly more. Motivational placebo-related factors (beliefs, expectancies and enjoyment regarding PA) affected the outcomes of an exercise treatment in depressed adolescents. Yet, a neutral mindset was sufficient to profit more from PA. Prior sporting in the sense of positive conditioning and as a protective factor did not play a role. Knowledge about these influences could in a second step help to develop tailored therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidrun Lioba Wunram
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Psychosomatic and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Stefanie Hamacher
- Department of Medical Statistics, Informatics and Epidemiology (IMSIE), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Max Oberste
- Department of Medical Statistics, Informatics and Epidemiology (IMSIE), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department for Molecular and Cellular Sports Medicine, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Susanne Neufang
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Luisa Belke
- Children’s Hospital Amsterdam Street, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Christine Graf
- Institute of Movement and Neuroscience, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Eckhard Schönau
- Children’s Hospital, University Hospital of Cologne and UniReha®, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Stephan Bender
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Psychosomatic and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Oliver Fricke
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Child Neurology, Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Herdecke and Chairs of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
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9
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Muthukumaraswamy SD, Forsyth A, Lumley T. Blinding and expectancy confounds in psychedelic randomized controlled trials. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2021; 14:1133-1152. [PMID: 34038314 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2021.1933434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: There is increasing interest in the potential for psychedelic drugs such as psilocybin, LSD and ketamine to treat several mental health disorders, with a growing number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) being conducted to investigate the therapeutic effectiveness of psychedelics.Areas covered: We review previous literature on expectancy effects and blinding in the context of psychedelic RCTs - literature which strongly suggest that psychedelic RCTs might be confounded by de-blinding and expectancy. We conduct systematic reviews of psychedelic RCTs using Medline, PsychInfo and EMBASE (Jan 1990 - Nov 2020) and show that currently reported psychedelic RCTs have generally not reported pre-trial expectancy, nor the success of blinding procedures.Expert opinion: While psychedelic RCTs have generally shown promising results, with large effect sizes reported, we argue that treatment effect sizes in psychedelic RCTs are likely over-estimated due to de-blinding of participants and high levels of response expectancy. We suggest that psychedelic RCTs should routinely measure de-blinding and expectancy. Careful attention should be paid to clinical trial design and the instructions given to participants to allow these confounds to be reduced, estimated and removed from effect size estimates. We urge caution in interpreting effect size estimates from extant psychedelic RCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Forsyth
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Thomas Lumley
- Department of Statistics, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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10
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Kuzminskaite E, Lemmens LHJM, van Bronswijk SC, Peeters F, Huibers MJH. Patient Choice in Depression Psychotherapy: Outcomes of Patient-Preferred Therapy Versus Randomly Allocated Therapy. Am J Psychother 2021; 74:103-111. [PMID: 34521212 DOI: 10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.20200042] [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: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patient choice is recognized as a factor that influences clinical outcomes and treatment evaluation in mental health care. However, research on how having a choice affects patients with depression has been rare. This Dutch study examined whether patients randomly selected to choose between two types of depression psychotherapy benefited more from treatment than patients randomly assigned to an intervention. METHODS Data were derived from a trial of outpatients with depression who were randomly assigned to cognitive therapy (CT), interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), or a 2-month waitlist control condition followed by the patient's choice of CT or IPT. Treatment groups were combined into a no-choice condition (N=151), with the waitlist as the choice condition (N=31). Multilevel regression was used to compare depression severity (measured with the Beck Depression Inventory-II [BDI-II]) and general psychological distress (measured with the Brief Symptom Inventory [BSI]) posttreatment and at the 5-month follow-up. Differences in patients' pretreatment expectations, beliefs about treatment credibility, and posttreatment evaluation were examined. RESULTS No significant differences in clinical outcomes were found between the choice and no-choice conditions (mean difference: BDI-II posttreatment=-0.55, 95% confidence interval [CI]=-5.25 to 4.15; follow-up=2.10, 95% CI=-4.01 to 8.20; BSI posttreatment=-1.89, 95% CI=-15.35 to 11.58; follow-up=3.13, 95% CI=-12.32 to 18.57). Patients in both groups reported comparable scores on pretreatment expectations, credibility beliefs, and posttreatment evaluation. Neither expectations nor credibility beliefs were predictive of clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Our findings did not support the value of patient choice. Considering the exploratory nature of the trial, future studies designed to examine the effects of choice in depression treatment are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Kuzminskaite
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam (Kuzminskaite, Huibers); Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam (Kuzminskaite); Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands (Lemmens, van Bronswijk, Peeters); Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (Huibers)
| | - Lotte H J M Lemmens
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam (Kuzminskaite, Huibers); Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam (Kuzminskaite); Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands (Lemmens, van Bronswijk, Peeters); Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (Huibers)
| | - Suzanne C van Bronswijk
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam (Kuzminskaite, Huibers); Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam (Kuzminskaite); Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands (Lemmens, van Bronswijk, Peeters); Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (Huibers)
| | - Frenk Peeters
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam (Kuzminskaite, Huibers); Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam (Kuzminskaite); Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands (Lemmens, van Bronswijk, Peeters); Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (Huibers)
| | - Marcus J H Huibers
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam (Kuzminskaite, Huibers); Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam (Kuzminskaite); Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands (Lemmens, van Bronswijk, Peeters); Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (Huibers)
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11
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Peterson BS, West AE, Weisz JR, Mack WJ, Kipke MD, Findling RL, Mittman BS, Bansal R, Piantadosi S, Takata G, Koebnick C, Ashen C, Snowdy C, Poulsen M, Arora BK, Allem CM, Perez M, Marcy SN, Hudson BO, Chan SH, Weersing R. A Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial (SMART) study of medication and CBT sequencing in the treatment of pediatric anxiety disorders. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:323. [PMID: 34193105 PMCID: PMC8243307 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03314-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment of a child who has an anxiety disorder usually begins with the question of which treatment to start first, medication or psychotherapy. Both have strong empirical support, but few studies have compared their effectiveness head-to-head, and none has investigated what to do if the treatment tried first isn't working well-whether to optimize the treatment already begun or to add the other treatment. METHODS This is a single-blind Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial (SMART) of 24 weeks duration with two levels of randomization, one in each of two 12-week stages. In Stage 1, children will be randomized to fluoxetine or Coping Cat Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). In Stage 2, remitters will continue maintenance-level therapy with the single-modality treatment received in Stage 1. Non-remitters during the first 12 weeks of treatment will be randomized to either [1] optimization of their Stage 1 treatment, or [2] optimization of Stage 1 treatment and addition of the other intervention. After the 24-week trial, we will follow participants during open, naturalistic treatment to assess the durability of study treatment effects. Patients, 8-17 years of age who are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, will be recruited and treated within 9 large clinical sites throughout greater Los Angeles. They will be predominantly underserved, ethnic minorities. The primary outcome measure will be the self-report score on the 41-item youth SCARED (Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders). An intent-to-treat analysis will compare youth randomized to fluoxetine first versus those randomized to CBT first ("Main Effect 1"). Then, among Stage 1 non-remitters, we will compare non-remitters randomized to optimization of their Stage 1 monotherapy versus non-remitters randomized to combination treatment ("Main Effect 2"). The interaction of these main effects will assess whether one of the 4 treatment sequences (CBT➔CBT; CBT➔med; med➔med; med➔CBT) in non-remitters is significantly better or worse than predicted from main effects alone. DISCUSSION Findings from this SMART study will identify treatment sequences that optimize outcomes in ethnically diverse pediatric patients from underserved low- and middle-income households who have anxiety disorders. TRIAL REGISTRATION This protocol, version 1.0, was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov on February 17, 2021 with Identifier: NCT04760275 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley S. Peterson
- grid.239546.f0000 0001 2153 6013Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA ,grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Department of Psychiatry, Keck School of Medicine at The University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Amy E. West
- grid.239546.f0000 0001 2153 6013Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA ,grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - John R. Weisz
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, USA
| | - Wendy J. Mack
- grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine at The University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Michele D. Kipke
- grid.239546.f0000 0001 2153 6013Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA ,grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA ,grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine at The University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Robert L. Findling
- grid.224260.00000 0004 0458 8737Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA
| | - Brian S. Mittman
- grid.414895.50000 0004 0445 1191Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Ravi Bansal
- grid.239546.f0000 0001 2153 6013Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA ,grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Steven Piantadosi
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XBrigham And Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Glenn Takata
- grid.239546.f0000 0001 2153 6013Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA ,grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Corinna Koebnick
- grid.414895.50000 0004 0445 1191Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Ceth Ashen
- Children’s Bureau of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Christopher Snowdy
- grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Department of Psychiatry, Keck School of Medicine at The University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Marie Poulsen
- grid.239546.f0000 0001 2153 6013Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA ,grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Bhavana Kumar Arora
- grid.239546.f0000 0001 2153 6013Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA ,grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Courtney M. Allem
- grid.239546.f0000 0001 2153 6013Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Marisa Perez
- Hathaway-Sycamores Child and Family Services, Altadena, USA
| | - Stephanie N. Marcy
- grid.239546.f0000 0001 2153 6013Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA ,grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Bradley O. Hudson
- grid.239546.f0000 0001 2153 6013Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA ,grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | | | - Robin Weersing
- grid.263081.e0000 0001 0790 1491SDSU-UC San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, USA
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12
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Kuzminskaite E, Lemmens LHJM, van Bronswijk SC, Peeters F, Huibers MJH. Patient Choice in Depression Psychotherapy: Outcomes of Patient-Preferred Therapy Versus Randomly Allocated Therapy. Am J Psychother 2021:appiapt202020200042. [PMID: 34029118 DOI: 10.1176/appi.apt.2020.2020.0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patient choice is recognized as a factor that influences clinical outcomes and treatment evaluation in mental health care. However, research on how having a choice affects patients with depression has been rare. This Dutch study examined whether patients randomly selected to choose between two types of depression psychotherapy benefited more from treatment than patients randomly assigned to an intervention. METHODS Data were derived from a trial of outpatients with depression who were randomly assigned to cognitive therapy (CT), interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), or a 2-month waitlist control condition followed by the patient's choice of CT or IPT. Treatment groups were combined into a no-choice condition (N=151), with the waitlist as the choice condition (N=31). Multilevel regression was used to compare depression severity (measured with the Beck Depression Inventory-II [BDI-II]) and general psychological distress (measured with the Brief Symptom Inventory [BSI]) posttreatment and at the 5-month follow-up. Differences in patients' pretreatment expectations, beliefs about treatment credibility, and posttreatment evaluation were examined. RESULTS No significant differences in clinical outcomes were found between the choice and no-choice conditions (mean difference: BDI-II posttreatment=-0.55, 95% confidence interval [CI]=-5.25 to 4.15; follow-up=2.10, 95% CI=-4.01 to 8.20; BSI posttreatment=-1.89, 95% CI=-15.35 to 11.58; follow-up=3.13, 95% CI=-12.32 to 18.57). Patients in both groups reported comparable scores on pretreatment expectations, credibility beliefs, and posttreatment evaluation. Neither expectations nor credibility beliefs were predictive of clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Our findings did not support the value of patient choice. Considering the exploratory nature of the trial, future studies designed to examine the effects of choice in depression treatment are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Kuzminskaite
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam (Kuzminskaite, Huibers); Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam (Kuzminskaite); Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands (Lemmens, van Bronswijk, Peeters); Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (Huibers)
| | - Lotte H J M Lemmens
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam (Kuzminskaite, Huibers); Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam (Kuzminskaite); Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands (Lemmens, van Bronswijk, Peeters); Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (Huibers)
| | - Suzanne C van Bronswijk
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam (Kuzminskaite, Huibers); Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam (Kuzminskaite); Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands (Lemmens, van Bronswijk, Peeters); Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (Huibers)
| | - Frenk Peeters
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam (Kuzminskaite, Huibers); Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam (Kuzminskaite); Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands (Lemmens, van Bronswijk, Peeters); Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (Huibers)
| | - Marcus J H Huibers
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam (Kuzminskaite, Huibers); Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam (Kuzminskaite); Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands (Lemmens, van Bronswijk, Peeters); Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (Huibers)
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13
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Finsrud I, Nissen-Lie HA, Vrabel K, Høstmælingen A, Wampold BE, Ulvenes PG. It's the therapist and the treatment: The structure of common therapeutic relationship factors. Psychother Res 2021; 32:139-150. [PMID: 33938407 DOI: 10.1080/10503307.2021.1916640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Prior research has established that common therapeutic relationship factors are potent predictors of change in psychotherapy, but such factors are typically studied one at a time and their underlying structure when studied simultaneously is not clear. We assembled empirically validated relationship factors (e.g., therapist empathy; patient expectations; agreement about goals) into a single instrument and subjected it to factor analysis. Method: The instrument was applied to patients (N = 332) undergoing intensive psychotherapy of different types for depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and childhood trauma in an inpatient specialized mental health setting. In order to examine the psychometric properties of the scale, we used half the sample (N=164) to conduct exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and parallel analysis before we tested the solution using exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) on the second half of the sample (N=168). Measurement invariance analysis was conducted to examine the stability of the factor structure. Results: The analysis yielded two factors, which were termed 1. "Confidence in the therapist" and 2. "Confidence in the treatment." Discussion: When assessed simultaneously, patients differentiate between their evaluation of the therapist and of the treatment. The results indicate that there is substantial overlap among previously established relationship factors.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03503981.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingvild Finsrud
- Modum Bad Research Institute, Vikersund, Norway.,Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Karianne Vrabel
- Modum Bad Research Institute, Vikersund, Norway.,Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Bruce E Wampold
- Modum Bad Research Institute, Vikersund, Norway.,University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
| | - Pål G Ulvenes
- Modum Bad Research Institute, Vikersund, Norway.,Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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14
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Lackner JM, Quigley BM, Radziwon C, Vargovich A. IBS Patients' Treatment Expectancy and Motivation Impacts Quality of the Therapeutic Alliance With Provider: Results of the IBS Outcome Study. J Clin Gastroenterol 2021; 55:411-421. [PMID: 32301832 PMCID: PMC7694872 DOI: 10.1097/mcg.0000000000001343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the absence of a satisfactory medical or dietary treatment, the quality of the therapeutic alliance between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients and their provider is deemed critical to managing refractory IBS. Surprisingly, little research has been conducted on the nature of the therapeutic alliance, factors that influence it, or practical strategies to improve it. This study sought to identify actionable variables that impact therapeutic alliance in patients with refractory IBS. METHODS Subjects included a total of 436 Rome III-diagnosed IBS patients (80% female, mean age=41.39 y) who completed a battery of clinical measures at the beginning of the acute treatment phase of an National Institutes of Health (NIH) behavioral trial. Pretreatment candidate predictor variables were organized into 4 categories: sociodemographic, extraintestinal, interpersonal, clinical (eg, symptom severity, pain intensity), cognitive (eg, treatment motivation, expectancy for improvement). Alliance was assessed by patient and clinician-rated measures of the Working Alliance Inventory after first treatment session. RESULTS Patient reports of alliance were most strongly and consistently predicted by patient access to interpersonal support [β=0.16; 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.07-0.25], motivation for IBS symptom improvement (β=0.12; 95% CI=0.02-0.21), and expectancy of IBS symptom improvement (β=0.35; 95% CI=0.25-0.44). Therapist ratings of alliance also were predicted by patient expectancy of IBS symptom improvement (β=0.16; 95% CI=0.05-0.26). CONCLUSION When managing IBS, a focus on dynamic factors of treatment motivation, social support, and treatment expectancy may be useful in improving the quality of the therapeutic alliance between patient and clinical gastroenterologist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M. Lackner
- Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
| | - Brian M. Quigley
- Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
| | - Chris Radziwon
- Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
| | - Alison Vargovich
- Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
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15
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Miloff A, Carlbring P, Hamilton W, Andersson G, Reuterskiöld L, Lindner P. Measuring Alliance Toward Embodied Virtual Therapists in the Era of Automated Treatments With the Virtual Therapist Alliance Scale (VTAS): Development and Psychometric Evaluation. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e16660. [PMID: 32207690 PMCID: PMC7139418 DOI: 10.2196/16660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Automated virtual reality exposure therapies (VRETs) are self-help treatments conducted by oneself and supported by a virtual therapist embodied visually and/or with audio feedback. This simulates many of the nonspecific relational elements and common factors present in face-to-face therapy and may be a means of improving adherence to and efficacy of self-guided treatments. However, little is known about alliance toward the virtual therapist, despite alliance being an important predictor of treatment outcome. OBJECTIVE In this study, we aimed to evaluate the first alliance instrument developed for use with embodied virtual therapists in an automated treatment format-the Virtual Therapist Alliance Scale (VTAS)-by (1) assessing its psychometric properties, (2) verifying the dimensionality of the scale, and (3) determining the predictive ability of the scale with treatment outcome. METHODS A psychometric evaluation and exploratory factor analysis of the VTAS was conducted using data from two samples of spider-fearful patients treated with VRET and the help of an embodied, voice-based virtual therapist (n=70). Multiple regression models and bivariate correlations were used to assess the VTAS relationship with treatment outcome, according to self-reported fear and convergence with presence and user-friendliness process measures. RESULTS The VTAS showed a sound two-factor solution composed of a primary factor covering task, goal, and copresence; adequate internal consistency; and good convergent validity, including moderate correlation (r=.310, P=.01) with outcomes over follow-up. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary results suggest that alliance toward a virtual therapist is a significant predictor of treatment outcome, favors the importance of a task-goal over bond-factor, and should be explored in studies with larger sample sizes and in additional forms of embodiment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Miloff
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per Carlbring
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Gerhard Andersson
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lena Reuterskiöld
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Philip Lindner
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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16
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Curkovic M, Kosec A. Significance of Participants' Expectations in Managing the Placebo Effect in Antidepressant Research. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:713. [PMID: 31632308 PMCID: PMC6779768 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marko Curkovic
- Department for Diagnostics and Intensive Care, University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapce, Zagreb, Croatia.,School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Andro Kosec
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Center Sestre milosrdnice, Zagreb, Croatia
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