Internet-delivered Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Depressive Symptoms: An Exploratory Examination of Therapist Behaviours and their Relationship to Outcome and Therapeutic Alliance

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (6) ◽  
pp. 625-639 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luke H. Schneider ◽  
Heather D. Hadjistavropoulos ◽  
Y. Nichole Faller
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Therapeutic Alliance ◽  
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Symptom Improvement ◽  
Behaviour Therapy ◽  
Self Disclosure ◽  
Cognitive Behaviour ◽  
The Impact

Background: A previous study of therapist-assisted Internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy (ICBT) for generalized anxiety (Paxling et al., 2013) identified eight distinct therapist behaviours in ICBT (task reinforcement, self-efficacy shaping, task prompting, alliance bolstering, psychoeducation, empathetic utterances, deadline flexibility, and self-disclosure). It is unknown how generalizable these behaviours are across ICBT programs. Aims: We systematically examined the frequency of these eight therapist behaviours and additional newly identified behaviours in e-mails sent to patients during the course of ICBT for depressive symptoms. We also conducted exploratory analyses to examine relationships between therapist behaviours, symptom improvement, and therapeutic alliance. Method: Data was obtained from a previously published open trial (Hadjistavropoulos et al., 2014). A total of 1013 e-mails sent from therapists (n = 24) to patients (n = 41) during ICBT for depressive symptoms were analyzed. Therapist behaviours were correlated with symptom change scores and ratings of therapeutic alliance at mid- and post-treatment. Results: Therapist behaviours described by Paxling et al. were reliably identified in the e-mails using qualitative content analysis; the frequencies of these behaviours differed, however, from the Paxling et al. study and three additional therapist behaviours were identified (administrative statements, questionnaire feedback, asking clarifying questions). Several therapist behaviours (e.g. administrative statements, task prompting) were associated with lower symptom improvement at post-treatment. Questionnaire feedback and task reinforcement were associated with higher patient ratings of therapeutic alliance. Conclusions: The study provides partial support for the generalizability of therapist-assistance across ICBT programs. Experimental research is needed to examine the impact of varying therapist-assistance on patient outcomes.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Adolescents with Body Dysmorphic Disorder: A Case Series

2012 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 452-461 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgina Krebs ◽  
Cynthia Turner ◽  
Isobel Heyman ◽  
David Mataix-Cols
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Young People ◽  
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy ◽  
Body Dysmorphic Disorder ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Response Prevention ◽  
Exposure And Response Prevention ◽  
Behaviour Therapy ◽  
Cognitive Behaviour

Background: Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is relatively common in adolescents and can have serious negative consequences. However, the treatment of BDD in young people has received virtually no empirical attention to date, and the evidence-base for cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) in this population is limited to a small number of single case reports. Aims: This study aimed to investigate treatment outcomes associated with CBT, primarily consisting of exposure and response prevention, in a group of young people with BDD. Method: Six adolescents with a diagnosis of BDD received a course of developmentally appropriate CBT for BDD with parental involvement. BDD and depressive symptoms were evaluated at pre-treatment, post-treatment and at 3- or 6-month follow-up, using the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale for BDD (BDD-YBOCS) and the Beck Depression Inventory-Youth, respectively. Results: Scores on the BDD-YBOCS indicated a 44% improvement in BDD symptoms at post-treatment and a 57% improvement at follow-up for the group. Considering response as a ≥30% reduction in BDD-YBOCS score, four of the six adolescents were classified as treatment responders. Improvements in depressive symptoms were observed among the treatment responders, but not the non-responders. Conclusions: These findings indicate the potential efficacy of CBT, including exposure and response prevention for adolescents with BDD, and highlight the need for further controlled trials.

scholarly journals 663 Improved Sleep After a Brief Intervention for Insomnia Mediates Improvements in Depression Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic

SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A259-A259
Author(s):  
Kathleen O’Hora ◽  
Mateo Lopez ◽  
Allison Morehouse ◽  
Andrea Cordero ◽  
Raquel Osorno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Symptom Severity ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Symptom Improvement ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Insomnia Symptom ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Insomnia Symptoms ◽  
Rate Of Improvement

Abstract Introduction The COVID-19 Pandemic and mitigation efforts have led to drastic increases in acute insomnia symptoms, which left untreated may contribute to increased risk for other negative mental health outcomes, including depression. However, the impact of treating acute insomnia symptoms on future depression outcomes remains unknown. Moreover, whether sleep improvements as a result of an insomnia treatment mediate subsequent reduction of depression symptoms similarly remains unknown. Methods At this writing, 44 individuals experiencing insomnia symptoms (Insomnia Severity Index; ISI ≥ 10) that began during the COVID-19 pandemic have been randomized to receive a brief, telehealth Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBTI) waitlist control. Treatment was delivered in 4 sessions over a 5-week period. CBTI is the gold-standard behavioral intervention for chronic insomnia and has been applied successfully via telemedicine. Outcome measures were depressive symptoms as measured by the Patient Health Questionnare-9 (PHQ-9) minus the sleep item and insomnia symptom severity as measured by the ISI. Both outcome measures were collected at baseline (week 0), throughout treatment phase (weeks 2–6), and at the post-treatment (week 7). Linear mixed models determined the impact of treatment on depression and insomnia symptom severity. Mediation was tested using the MacArthur framework. Results There was a significant Group x Time interaction, with CBTI leading to a greater rate of improvement in ISI (b = -1.14, p < 0.001) and PHQ-9 (b = -0.61, p = 0.002) than the control. Critically, the rate of improvement in insomnia symptoms to the last session of treatment, was associated with the subsequent improvement in depressive symptoms post-treatment (b = 2.06, p = 0.017). In contrast, depressive symptom improvement was not associated with insomnia symptom improvement (b = 4.28, p = 0.102). Conclusion This preliminary data suggests that brief CBTI can reduce pandemic onset insomnia and other depressive symptoms. The preliminary mediation results further suggest that sleep may be an important treatment target for reducing situational depressive symptoms and supports the need to examine the physiological mechanisms of sleep using high-density EEG in a larger sample. Support (if any):

scholarly journals Culture and therapist self-disclosure

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Phiri ◽  
Shanaya Rathod ◽  
Mary Gobbi ◽  
Hannah Carr ◽  
David Kingdon
Keyword(s):  
Drop Out ◽  
List Type ◽  
Behaviour Therapy ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Self Disclosure ◽  
Psychological Therapies ◽  
Cognitive Behaviour ◽  
Lay Members ◽  
Poor Outcomes ◽  
The Impact

AbstractCognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) as a treatment for schizophrenia and psychotic-related disorders has been shown to have significantly greater drop-out rates in clients of black and minority ethnic (BME) groups. This has resulted in poor outcomes in treatments. Our recent qualitative study thus aimed to develop culturally sensitive CBT for BME clients. The study consisted of individual in-depth 1:1 interviews with patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizo-affective, delusional disorders or psychosis (n = 15) and focus groups with lay members (n = 52), CBT therapists (n = 22) and mental health practitioners (n = 25) on a data set of 114 participants. Several themes emerged relating to therapist awareness on culturally derived behaviours, beliefs and attitudes that can influence client response and participation in therapy. The current paper aims to explore one of these themes in greater detail, i.e. client-initiated therapist self-disclosure (TSD). Using thematic analysis, the paper highlights key elements of TSD and how this could impact on therapist’s reactions towards TSD, the therapeutic alliance and ultimately, the outcomes of therapy. The findings appear to show that TSD has significant relevance in psychological practice today. Some BME client groups appear to test therapists through initiating TSD. It is not the content of TSD they are testing per se, but how the therapist responds. Consequently, this requires therapists’ cognisance and sensitive responses in a manner that will nurture trust and promote rapport. Further investigation in this area is suggested with a recommendation for guidelines to be created for clinicians and training.Key learning aims(1)To develop a dialogue and practice with confidence when addressing issues of self-disclosure with diverse populations.(2)To appreciate the impact therapist self-disclosure has in early stages of engagement, in particular when working with patients from BME communities.(3)To understand the impact and role of self-disclosure as initiated by patients.(4)To increase therapist awareness on cultural differences in self-disclosure and develop ways to address this in therapy.(5)To challenge therapists to adapt psychological therapies to diverse cultures and be cognisant that ‘one size does not fit all’.

The Impact of Health Anxiety in Multiple Sclerosis: A Replication and Treatment Case Series

2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 148-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil Carrigan ◽  
Leon Dysch ◽  
Paul M. Salkovskis
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Physical Disability ◽  
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy ◽  
Health Anxiety ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Behaviour Therapy ◽  
Cognitive Behaviour ◽  
The Impact

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is commonly associated with psychological complications. Previous research by Hayter and colleagues (2016) found that in patients with MS, health anxiety (HA) can account for part of the variance in quality of life (QoL) independent of physical and cognitive impairment caused by the disease. MS patients with HA perceived their intact physical and cognitive performance as impaired relative to those without HA and attributed the impairment to MS. These misperceptions might be useful targets in the treatment of HA in MS using cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). Aims: Study 1 sought to replicate the main findings from Hayter et al. (2016). Study 2 examined the impact of HA-focused CBT in a case series. Method: In Study 1, twenty participants with MS were screened for HA and assigned to either a high or low HA group. They completed assessments of cognitive and physical functioning before rating their performance on these tasks, followed by measures of QoL, mood and physical disability. Four participants in the high HA group subsequently received six sessions of CBT using a consecutive AB case series in Study 2. Results: Study 1 replicated the main findings from the earlier study. In Study 2, three of the four patients who received treatment showed substantial improvements in HA and mood and all showed improvement in QoL. Conclusion: Given the high rates of HA in MS patients and its impact on QoL, this case series suggests that a brief CBT intervention could significantly improve patients’ wellbeing.

Treating anxiety and depression in young adults: A randomised controlled trial comparing clinician-guided versus self-guided Internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy

2017 ◽  
Vol 52 (7) ◽  
pp. 668-679 ◽  
Author(s):  
Blake F Dear ◽  
Vincent J Fogliati ◽  
Rhiannon Fogliati ◽  
Bareena Johnson ◽  
Olivia Boyle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Behaviour Therapy ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Cognitive Behaviour

Background: Internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy may increase access by young adults to evidence-based treatments for anxiety and depression. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of an Internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy intervention designed for adults aged 18–24 years, when delivered in clinician-guided versus self-guided formats. Design: The intervention, the Mood Mechanic Course, is a transdiagnostic treatment that simultaneously targets symptoms of anxiety and depression using cognitive and behavioural skills. The brief intervention comprised four lessons, delivered over 5 weeks. Following a brief telephone interview, young adults ( n = 191) with symptoms of anxiety and depression were randomly allocated to either (1) clinician-guided treatment ( n = 96) or (2) self-guided treatment ( n = 95). Results: At post treatment, large reductions (average improvement; clinician guided vs self-guided) were observed in symptoms of anxiety (44% vs 35%) and depression (40% vs 31%) in both groups. Significant improvements were also observed in general psychological distress (33% vs 29%), satisfaction with life (18% vs 15%) and disability (36% vs 29%). No marked or consistent differences in clinical outcomes emerged between conditions at post-treatment, at 3-month or 12-month follow-up. Satisfaction was high with both treatment formats, but slightly higher for clinician-guided treatment. Conclusion: These results indicate the potential of carefully developed Internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy interventions for young adults with anxiety and depression provided in either self or therapist-guided format. Further large-scale research is required to determine the short- and long-term advantages and disadvantages of different models of support.

scholarly journals A pilot randomized controlled trial of time-intensive cognitive–behaviour therapy for postpartum obsessive–compulsive disorder: effects on maternal symptoms, mother–infant interactions and attachment

2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (8) ◽  
pp. 1478-1488 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. L. Challacombe ◽  
P. M. Salkovskis ◽  
M. Woolgar ◽  
E. L. Wilkinson ◽  
J. Read ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Successful Treatment ◽  
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Behaviour Therapy ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Cognitive Behaviour ◽  
Healthy Control ◽  
The Impact

BackgroundThere is increasing recognition that perinatal anxiety disorders are both common and potentially serious for mother and child. Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) can be triggered or exacerbated in the postpartum period, with mothers reporting significant effects on parenting tasks. However, there is little evidence concerning their effective treatment or the impact of successful treatment on parenting.MethodA total of 34 mothers with OCD and a baby of 6 months old were randomized into either time-intensive cognitive–behaviour therapy (iCBT) or treatment as usual (TAU). iCBT took place after randomization at 6 months postpartum and was completed by 9 months. Maternal symptomatology, sensitivity in mother–infant interactions and parenting were assessed at baseline and reassessed at 12 months postpartum. At 12 months attachment was also assessed using Ainsworth's Strange Situation Procedure. A healthy control group of mothers and infants (n = 37) underwent the same assessments as a benchmark.ResultsiCBT was successful in ameliorating maternal symptoms of OCD (controlled effect size = 1.31–1.90). However, mother–infant interactions were unchanged by treatment and remained less sensitive in both OCD groups than a healthy control group. The distribution of attachment categories was similar across both clinical groups and healthy controls with approximately 72% classified as secure in each group.ConclusionsiCBT is an effective intervention for postpartum OCD. Sensitive parenting interactions are affected by the presence of postpartum OCD and this is not improved by successful treatment of OCD symptoms. However, the overall attachment bond appears to be unaffected. Longitudinal studies are needed to explore the impact of postpartum OCD as the child develops.

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