scholarly journals Treating Depression Mindfully in a Day Hospital: a Randomised Controlled Pilot Study

Mindfulness ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 384-400 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alice E. Buxton ◽  
Carina Remmers ◽  
Hans-Peter Unger ◽  
Nicole Plinz ◽  
Johannes Michalak

Abstract Objectives Recent preliminary evidence suggests that mindfulness-based programmes may be beneficial in the treatment of patients suffering from current depression. Due to the heterogeneity of patients with this diagnosis, a specialisation in treatment concepts for subgroups of patients may be beneficial. Methods This randomised controlled pilot study investigated the effectiveness of an eight-week mindfulness-based day hospital treatment for patients with current depression and work-related conflicts (MDT-DH) under naturalistic conditions. Eighty-one currently depressed patients with work-related conflicts were randomly assigned to either MDT-DH (including personalised psychopharmacological treatment if necessary) or a waitlist condition including a psychopharmacological consultation (PCC). Outcomes were assessed at post-treatment and at 8-month follow-up. The primary outcome was depression severity (Beck Depression Inventory) at post-treatment. Secondary outcomes were work ability (Work Ability Index) and mindfulness (Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills). Results A multilevel analysis revealed that compared with patients in PCC, patients in the MDT-DH group showed a greater reduction in depression severity, higher work ability and heightened levels of mindfulness after 8 weeks than patients in the PCC group. These improvements were stable during the 8-month follow-up period. Conclusions Findings of the present pilot study suggest that a treatment concept involving intensive training in mindfulness can be successfully established in a day hospital and leads to clinically meaningful reductions in depression severity and increases in work ability in patients suffering from current depression. The generalisability of the findings may be limited due to small sample size, selective patient group and study design.

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lotte Janssen ◽  
Cornelis C. Kan ◽  
Pieter J. Carpentier ◽  
Bram Sizoo ◽  
Sevket Hepark ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundThere is a high need for evidence-based psychosocial treatments for adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to offer alongside treatment as usual (TAU). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is a promising psychosocial treatment. This trial investigated the efficacy of MBCT + TAU v. TAU in reducing core symptoms in adults with ADHD.MethodsA multicentre, single-blind, randomised controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02463396). Participants were randomly assigned to MBCT + TAU (n = 60), an 8-weekly group therapy including meditation exercises, psychoeducation and group discussions, or TAU only (n = 60), which reflected usual treatment in the Netherlands and included pharmacotherapy and/or psychoeducation. Primary outcome was ADHD symptoms rated by blinded clinicians. Secondary outcomes included self-reported ADHD symptoms, executive functioning, mindfulness skills, self-compassion, positive mental health and general functioning. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, post-treatment, 3- and 6-month follow-up. Post-treatment effects at group and individual level, and follow-up effects were examined.ResultsIn MBCT + TAU patients, a significant reduction of clinician-rated ADHD symptoms was found at post-treatment [M difference = −3.44 (−5.75, −1.11), p = 0.004, d = 0.41]. This effect was maintained until 6-month follow-up. More MBCT + TAU (27%) than TAU participants (4%) showed a ⩽30% reduction of ADHD symptoms (p = 0.001). MBCT + TAU patients compared with TAU patients also reported significant improvements in ADHD symptoms, mindfulness skills, self-compassion and positive mental health at post-treatment, which were maintained until 6-month follow-up. Although patients in MBCT + TAU compared with TAU reported no improvement in executive functioning at post-treatment, they did report improvement at 6-month follow-up.ConclusionsMBCT might be a valuable treatment option alongside TAU for adult ADHD aimed at alleviating symptoms.


2020 ◽  
pp. 026921552095434
Author(s):  
Naglaa Abdelhaleem ◽  
Samar Taher ◽  
Menna Mahmoud ◽  
Ahmad Hendawy ◽  
Maged Hamed ◽  
...  

Objective: To evaluate the evidence of using Action Observation Therapy in the rehabilitation of children with Cerebral Palsy. Study design: Systematic review with meta-analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials. Methods: For the purpose of identifying relevant studies, six databases were searched from inception until July 2020. The methodological quality was assessed by Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. The outcomes were classified within the framework of the International Classification of Functioning. A pooled meta-analysis was performed on studies that demonstrated homogeneity. Results: Twelve randomised controlled trials with 307 participants were included with six of them were included in the meta-analysis. Non-significant difference between the groups was demonstrated by meta-analysis. Results of capacity assessed in post treatment and follow up evaluation were (0.06, –0.22 to 0.34, 95% (CI); P = 0.69 and (–0.35, –0.96 to 0.27, 95% (CI); P = 0.27); respectively. Actual performance in post-treatment and follow up were (0.10, –0.22 to 0.48, 95% (CI); P = 0.62) and (0.01, –0.40 to 0.41, 95% (CI); P = 0.97); respectively. Perceived performance evaluated using (ABILHAND-KIDS) were (0.30, –0.28 to 0.89, 95% (CI); P = 0.31) and (0.15, –0.43 to 0.73, 95% (CI); P = 0.61) for post treatment and follow up; respectively. Overall effect on activity domain was (0.08, –0.11 to 0.28, 95% (CI); P = 0.86) immediately and (0.04, –0.33 to 0.26, 95% (CI); P = 0.49) at follow-up; respectively. Conclusion: No evidence of benefit had been found to draw a firm conclusion regarding the effectiveness of action observation therapy in the rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy due to limitations in methodological quality and variations between studies.


2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 102-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Triptish Bhatia ◽  
Sati Mazumdar ◽  
Joel Wood ◽  
Fanyin He ◽  
Raquel E. Gur ◽  
...  

BackgroundYoga and physical exercise have been used as adjunctive intervention for cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia (SZ), but controlled comparisons are lacking.AimsA single-blind randomised controlled trial was designed to evaluate whether yoga training or physical exercise training enhance cognitive functions in SZ, based on a prior pilot study.MethodsConsenting, clinically stable, adult outpatients with SZ (n=286) completed baseline assessments and were randomised to treatment as usual (TAU), supervised yoga training with TAU (YT) or supervised physical exercise training with TAU (PE). Based on the pilot study, the primary outcome measure was speed index for the cognitive domain of ‘attention’ in the Penn computerised neurocognitive battery. Using mixed models and contrasts, cognitive functions at baseline, 21 days (end of training), 3 and 6 months post-training were evaluated with intention-to-treat paradigm.ResultsSpeed index of attention domain in the YT group showed greater improvement than PE at 6 months follow-up (p<0.036, effect size 0.51). In the PE group, ‘accuracy index of attention domain showed greater improvement than TAU alone at 6-month follow-up (p<0.025, effect size 0.61). For several other cognitive domains, significant improvements were observed with YT or PE compared with TAU alone (p<0.05, effect sizes 0.30–1.97).ConclusionsBoth YT and PE improved attention and additional cognitive domains well past the training period, supporting our prior reported beneficial effect of YT on speed index of attention domain. As adjuncts, YT or PE can benefit individuals with SZ.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 68
Author(s):  
Daniel J. Lamport ◽  
Szu-Yun Wu ◽  
Jenni Drever-Heaps ◽  
Orla Hugueniot ◽  
Daniel J. W. Jones ◽  
...  

The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the U.K. Change4Life Sugar Swaps campaign for improving nutritional intake in a small sample of families prior to the 2015 nationwide launch. A total of 49 participants from 14 families received information and materials during a two-week intervention period in November 2014 encouraging them to swap high sugar foods and drinks for low sugar alternatives. Daily dietary intake was reported with online food diaries over four stages, each two weeks in length: (i) baseline (no information provided), (ii) intervention when Sugar Swaps materials were accessible, (iii) immediate follow-up, and (iv) one year on from baseline. Data were analysed for sugar, glucose, fructose, sucrose, lactose, fat, saturated fat, carbohydrate, protein, salt, fibre, vitamin C, and energy. During the intervention, significant daily reductions of 32 g sugar, 11 g fat, and 236 kcal for each family member were observed, among others, and 61% of benefits achieved during the intervention period were maintained at immediate follow-up. Encouragingly, for children, reductions in sugar, sucrose, fat, saturated fat, carbohydrate, and energy were observed one year on. The Sugar Swaps Campaign is potentially an effective public health intervention for improving short- and long-term dietary behaviour for the whole family.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene Delgado-Suárez ◽  
Yolanda López-del-Hoyo ◽  
Javier García-Campayo ◽  
Adrián Pérez-Aranda ◽  
Marta Modrego-Alarcón ◽  
...  

Background: Most programmes developed to reduce aggressive attitudes among teenagers are based on cultivating nonviolence, a construct that has been related to compassion and, more indirectly, mindfulness. This study aims at testing the efficacy of ‘Unlearning’, a mindfulness and compassion-based programme, for reducing aggressive attitudes in adolescents.Method: A sample of 164 students from three high schools in Zaragoza (Spain) participated in the study. They were randomly assigned to (1) ‘Unlearning’, or (2) relaxation programme. Three assessment points were established: baseline, post-treatment and a 4-month follow-up. The outcome variables were the subscales of the ‘Attitudes Toward Social Aggression Scale’. Mindfulness and compassion were assessed as secondary outcomes.Results: ‘Unlearning’ did not produce changes in the primary outcomes, but significant effects were observed post-treatment in self-compassion; and in the follow-up, in self-compassion and mindfulness. The control group did not experience any change post-treatment, but a significant effect in mindfulness was observed in the follow-up. The intergroup analyses indicated that ‘Unlearning’ improved self-compassion, both post-treatment (t = −2.48, p = 0.014) and after 4-months (t = −2.03, p = 0.044), although these results were not statistically significant after correcting for multiple comparisons.Conclusion: ‘Unlearning’ did not produce significant reductions in aggressive attitudes compared to the control group. The low baseline levels may have hindered the efficacy of the interventions. ‘Unlearning’ showed potential to improve self-compassion, which is related to nonviolence, and this may have positive implications for the adolescents. Future interventions should include teachers and families to enhance the effectiveness of the programmes.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Medha Satyarengga ◽  
Kashif M Munir

Abstract Objective: Transcutaneous Magnetic Stimulation (TCMS) is reported to be an effective treatment in multiple neurologic conditions such as migraine headaches, lower back pain, and post-traumatic peripheral neuropathic pain1-3. The efficacy and safety of TCMS for diabetic peripheral neuropathy is not known. We evaluated whether TCMS is effective and safe in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Method: Eight patients with a previous diagnosis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and baseline numerical pain-rating scale (NPRS) of 5 or greater in both feet were enrolled. NPRS scale was set from 0 to 10, 0 represents no pain and 10 representing the most severe pain. Each patient was treated with a single session of TCMS applied first on the plantar then the dorsal surface of both feet. Magnetic pulses (1.2 Tesla) were delivered every 6 seconds for 5 minutes in each foot on the plantar and dorsal surfaces, respectively. NPRS was repeated post-treatment over the course of 28-days follow-up period. Results: The mean baseline NPRS was 5.8 (± 1.0). Immediately post-treatment, mean NPRS improved to 1.3 (± 1.9), a 77.7 (± 36.5) % decrease. Mean NPRS at 7 and 28 days of follow-up was 2.9 (± 2.8) and 4.1 (± 3.3), respectively. These represent a 53.2(± 42.4) % improvement at 7 days and 30.5(±52.4) % improvement at 28 days of follow-up compared to baseline NPRS. None of the patients reported significant discomfort during the treatment, and no major side effects were observed during the study period. Conclusion: In this pilot study of patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, TCMS appears to be a safe and effective alternative in providing temporary pain relief. Longer and more frequent treatment sessions need to be explored to see if these can increase the effective duration. References: 1. Barker AT, Shields K. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: Basic Principles and Clinical Applications in Migraine. Headache. 2017 Mar;57(3):517-524. 2. Leung A, Fallah A, Shukla S. Transcutaneous Magnetic Stimulation (tMS) in Alleviating Post-Traumatic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain States: A Case Series. Pain Medicine. 2014 Jul; 15(7): 1196-1199. 3. Lim YH, Song JM, Choi EH, Lee JW. Effects of Repetitive Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation on Patients with Acute Low Back Pain: A Pilot Study. Ann Rehabil Med. 2018 Apr; 42(2): 229-238.


2013 ◽  
Vol 203 (2) ◽  
pp. 126-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Willem Kuyken ◽  
Katherine Weare ◽  
Obioha C. Ukoumunne ◽  
Rachael Vicary ◽  
Nicola Motton ◽  
...  

BackgroundMindfulness-based approaches for adults are effective at enhancing mental health, but few controlled trials have evaluated their effectiveness among young people.AimsTo assess the acceptability and efficacy of a schools-based universal mindfulness intervention to enhance mental health and well-being.MethodA total of 522 young people aged 12–16 in 12 secondary schools either participated in the Mindfulness in Schools Programme (intervention) or took part in the usual school curriculum (control).ResultsRates of acceptability were high. Relative to the controls, and after adjusting for baseline imbalances, children who participated in the intervention reported fewer depressive symptoms post-treatment (P = 0.004) and at follow-up (P = 0.005) and lower stress (P = 0.05) and greater well-being (P = 0.05) at follow-up. The degree to which students in the intervention group practised the mindfulness skills was associated with better well-being (P<0.001) and less stress (P = 0.03) at 3-month follow-up.ConclusionsThe findings provide promising evidence of the programme's acceptability and efficacy.


Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 3416-3416 ◽  
Author(s):  
Davi d J Kuter ◽  
Ghulam Mufti ◽  
Barbara Bain ◽  
Robert Hasserjian ◽  
Mark Rutstein

Abstract Introduction: Romiplostim is an investigational Fc-peptide fusion protein (peptibody) that stimulates platelet production by a mechanism similar to endogenous thrombopoietin and is being investigated for its ability to treat patients with chronic ITP. Some degree of reticulin deposition is often a normal finding in bone marrow, and increased reticulin has been detected in patients treated with thrombopoietin mimetics (Kuter et al, Br J Haem 2007). We analyzed bone marrow biopsy samples from ITP patients at baseline and after romiplostim treatment for the presence and degree of reticulin. Methods: Baseline and post-treatment samples were analyzed from two sets of bone marrow data: (1) a prospective study in which both baseline (pre-treatment) and follow-up (post-treatment) samples were taken, and (2) a retrospective study of spontaneously reported observations of reticulin occurring across all romiplostim clinical trials. Assessments were made from aspirate smears, core biopsies, reticulin stains, trichrome stains, and written reports. Only patients with evaluable baseline and post-treatment samples are included in this report. Reticulin was graded according to the following scale: 0 (absent), 1 (fine fibers), 2 (diffuse fine fiber network), 3 (diffuse fiber network with scattered coarse fibers), and 4 (areas of collagen). Grade 0–2 reticulin can be found in bone marrow from healthy individuals, and reticulin grades 1 to 2 have been described in the bone marrow of 66% of ITP patients (Mufti et al, ASH 2006). Results: Six of 10 prospective study patients had both evaluable baseline and follow-up samples. Reticulin grades in all 6 samples at baseline were 0–1. Only 1 patient demonstrated an increase in reticulin (from 0–1 to 1–2 after 3 months of romiplostim). Higher degrees of reticulin deposition (grades >2) were not observed, and trichrome staining demonstrated absence of collagen in all 6 cases. Baseline and follow-up bone marrow samples were available in 5 of 9 retrospective study patients, including one patient from the prospective study in whom reticulin was also spontaneously reported following romiplostim administration. In these 5 patients, the baseline reticulin grade was 0 to 1 in all cases and increased after treatment in all but one case. Reticulin typically decreased soon after discontinuation of romiplostim. Two patients were exposed to drug doses exceeding those used in current clinical studies (≥ 10 μg/kg). One patient showed minimal collagen deposition (reticulin grade 4) that was absent in a further follow-up sample after treatment discontinuation. Conclusion: Increased reticulin was observed in the bone marrow of some romiplostim-treated patients and typically decreased soon after drug withdrawal. There was no evidence that romiplostim exposure led to development of chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis or other clonal disorders in this small sample of patients. Table 1. Reticulin scores in bone marrow samples from ITP patients before and following romiplostim therapy Reticulin Assessment (Weeks after initiating romiplostim) Follow-up during treatment Follow-up after treatment discontinuation Age, Years Prior Splenectomy, Y/N Max Dose, μg/kg Baseline (prior to romiplostim treatment) 1 2 3 1 2 A Reticulin in this patient was also spontaneously reported and included in the retrospective analysis B A focal area of possible collagen deposition was seen on trichrome stain. Prospective study cases 70 Y 7 0–1 1–2 (wk 15) - - - - 43 Y 2 0–1 0–1 (wk 37) - - - - 42 Y 4 0–1 1 (wk 13) - - - - 55 Y 3 0–1 0–1 (wk 34) - - - - 83 N 2 0–1 0–1 (wk 13) - - - - 53 Y 7 0–1A 0–1A (wk 35) - - - - Retrospective study cases of spontaneously reported reticulin 40 Y 9 0–1, focal 2 3 (wk 5) - - 1–2 (wk 17) - 31 Y 18 0 2–3 (wk 26) - - 1–2 (wk 34) 1 (wk 46) 58 Y 15 0–1 1–3B (wk 31) 2–3 (wk 51) 1–2 (wk 67) - - 37 Y 9 1 4 (wk 26) - - 1–2 (wk 38) -


2001 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roisin Haslam

Acupuncture is becoming a common technique within the physiotherapy profession as a treatment modality for pain relief; however, few randomised controlled trials have been undertaken to assess the effectiveness of acupuncture, particularly in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip. Therefore, a randomised trial to compare the effectiveness of acupuncture with advice and exercises on the symptomatic treatment of OA of the hip was carried out. Thirty-two patients awaiting a total hip arthroplasty were randomly allocated to either the experimental group, (A), to have six sessions of acupuncture each lasting up to 25 minutes, or the control group, (B), to be given advice and exercises for their hip over a six week period. Group A consisted of three men and 13 women, and group B consisted of four men and eight women. The average age in group A was 66 years and in group B it was 68 years. Patients were assessed for pain and functional ability, using a modified version of the WOMAC questionnaire, pre-treatment, immediately post-treatment and at eight weeks post-treatment. The pre-treatment WOMAC scores in the two groups were similar (p=0.85). There was a significant improvement in group A (decrease in WOMAC score) immediately post-treatment (p=0.002) and this was maintained at the eight-week follow-up (p=0.03). There were no significant changes in group B. When the changes in WOMAC scores were compared between groups, a significantly greater improvement was found between pre-treatment and immediately post-treatment in group A, compared with group B (p=0.02). The changes between pre-treatment and the eight-week follow-up also showed a significant improvement in group A compared with group B (p=0.03). In conclusion, this trial supports the hypothesis that acupuncture is more effective than advice and exercises in the symptomatic treatment of OA of the hip.


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