scholarly journals Effectiveness of the unified protocol for treating co-morbid health anxiety and depression: an empirical case study

Author(s):  
Chris Gaskell ◽  
Ben Hague ◽  
Stephen Kellett

Abstract Aims: The unified protocol (UP) is indicated when patients present with co-morbidity, but no studies have previously investigated the effectiveness of the UP with co-morbid health anxiety and depression. Method: An A/B single case design evaluated outcomes for a 27-year-old male presenting with health anxiety and co-morbid depression. Following a 21-day assessment-baseline period containing three sessions, the manualised UP was delivered across a 42-day period containing seven intervention sessions. Four idiographic measures (occurrence and duration of health checking, sleep duration and food intake satisfaction) were collected daily throughout, and two nomothetic measures were collected at four time points. Results: All sessions were attended. Number of health checking episodes reduced from four per day to two per day. A 59 minute per day reduction in time spent health checking occurred, and sleep increased by 100 minutes per night. There was little apparent change in terms of food intake satisfaction. There was a reliable and clinically significant reduction in depression. Discussion: Further testing of the effectiveness of the UP with co-morbid health anxiety and depression in true single case experimental designs is now indicated.

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 163-174
Author(s):  
Takashi Mitamura

This case study illustrates a clinical behavior analytic intervention for a female client with emetophobia, the fear of vomiting. Clinical behavior analysis is a recently developing branch of empirically supported psychotherapy, derived from behavior analysis. This case study presents modified case formulations and changed intervention strategies according to the results of repeated measuring. The intervention was six sessions and three gradual follow-up sessions; the effect of the intervention was monitored by a single-case design. The intervention strategies were changed from symptom-focused interventions, which are based on exposure, to value-focused gradual follow-up sessions. The client’s phobia and depression were alleviated through the intervention and gradual follow-up phases. Moreover, her value-based activities increased through the gradual follow-up phase. The Reliable Change Indexes (RCIs) were calculated to evaluate changes between the intervention and follow-up phases. There were large and clinically significant decreases on measures. The results highlight the utility of repeated measuring and importance of a value-focused approach.


2021 ◽  
Vol 06 (04) ◽  
pp. 1-1
Author(s):  
Sue Anne Fuller ◽  
◽  
Peta Stapleton ◽  

A 37-year-old female with a history of complex trauma, anxiety and depression was treated with Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) supplemented with guided imagery within the first 24 hours of having a stroke that affected the right side. CT scans indicated a haemorrhage and brain clot. Surgery was delayed as another seizure was expected. Interventions occurred during COVID-19 restrictions. The patient then engaged in 90 minutes of EFT every day over the course of a week while in hospital. After seven days she was discharged, and there were significant reductions in depression, anxiety and pain, and mobility returned. Upon discharge the patient had evident improvement in balance and coordination and successfully completed a driving test within the weeks that followed. Subsequent CT scans reveal very little scaring or evidence of the stroke, blood pressure remained stable, and no medication was warranted. This case study presents the practitioner’s perspective of the sessions provided.


2017 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 185-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robin Parks Ennis ◽  
Kristine Jolivette ◽  
Mickey Losinski

In this study, we investigated the effects of choice of writing prompt on the number of story elements included in written narratives. The investigation took place in a residential facility for students with emotional and behavioral disorders. Participants included six female students in a mixed-grade-level course (students had just completed Grades 7–10). A withdrawal single-case research design was planned for each participant. However, the study was abandoned after only initial baseline and intervention phases because choice of writing prompt appeared to have null or countertherapeutic effects on the number of story elements written. Potential explanations for why these findings are inconsistent with other studies using choice making, including considerations of the file drawer effect for studies with null findings, are presented. Limitations and future directions also are discussed.


2014 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 119-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ben Hague ◽  
Shonagh Scott ◽  
Stephen Kellett

Background: Despite the prevalence of co-morbid anxiety and depression in older adults, evaluation of suitable clinical models is rare. Aims: This study tested the acceptability and effectiveness of a transdiagnostic approach to treating co-morbid anxiety and depression in an older adults in a routine clinical setting. Method: In an A/B single case experimental design, a patient completed five daily ideographic measures of anxiety and depression across baseline and treatment and the HADS at five time points over time, including 3-month follow-up. The 8-session treatment was transdiagnostic CBT informed by the Unified Protocol. Results: All sessions were attended. Significant baseline-treatment improvements were found for daily structure, mood, confidence and worry, with large associated effect sizes. The HADS showed that the patient met recovery criteria by the end of treatment, with some evidence of anxious relapse at follow-up. Conclusion: Transdiagnostic CBT offers promise as a treatment approach to mixed anxiety and depression in older adults. The model needs to be further tested using more rigorous and suitably powered methodologies.


2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 151-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J. Chandler ◽  
Charlotte Swift ◽  
Wendy Goodman

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the use of cognitive behavioural approaches to treat a gentleman with a learning disability who had been reported to the police for allegedly making contact with children using social media in an attempt to initiate a romantic relationship using a single case design. Design/methodology/approach An 11 session cognitive behavioural intervention was employed, comprising of index offence analysis, challenging distorted cognitions related to the offence, developing an internal focus for responsibility and psychoeducation with regards to “staying safe” online. Findings Follow up data demonstrated no improvements in victim empathy, nor in agreement ratings in terms of key cognitions associated with responsibility for offending behaviour. Research limitations/implications Whilst treatment efficacy was not established, this case study raises important questions that go beyond the single case design. Whilst the gentleman reported becoming “safer” in terms of initiating contact with unknown people via social media, this could not be substantiated, and is indicative of the cardinal difficulty of monitoring online recidivism. Generalisability of findings to the wider learning disability population is limited by a single case design. Originality/value This is the first published case study to the authors knowledge to evaluate cognitive behavioural approaches to reduce antisocial internet related behaviour in a forensic learning disability setting. Findings of considered within the context of the concept of minimisation of offending behaviour, the concept of “counterfeit deviance”, and also how best to measure therapeutic change within this population.


2011 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 305-320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Wakefield ◽  
Dave Smith

Imagery is one of the most widely-researched topics in sport psychology. Recent research has been focused on how imagery works and how to apply it to have the greatest possible performance effect. However, the amount of imagery needed to produce optimal effects has been under-researched, particularly in relation to the PETTLEP model of imagery (Holmes & Collins, 2001). This study examined the effects of differing frequencies of PETTLEP imagery on bicep curl performance, using a single-case design. Following a baseline period, participants completed PETTLEP imagery 1×/week, 2×/week, or 3×/week in a counterbalanced pattern. Results indicated that PETTLEP imagery had a positive effect on performance. In addition, as the frequency of imagery increased, a larger performance effect was apparent. These results support the notion that PETTLEP imagery can lead to strength gains if performed at least 1× per week, but that completing imagery more frequently may be more effective.


2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allison K. Siroky ◽  
John S. Carlson ◽  
Aimee Kotrba

Selective Mutism (SM) is a rare but potentially debilitating disorder characterized by a lack of speech in certain settings where speaking is expected. This study examined the effectiveness of a shortened version (12 sessions over 18 weeks) of Integrated Behavior Therapy for Selective Mutism (IBTSM; Bergman, 2013) in increasing speech and relieving anxiety for two four-year-old males with SM via a replicated single-case design. Treatment effectiveness, integrity, and acceptability were measured at baseline, throughout treatment, and at a three-month follow-up. Treatment integrity was excellent for both cases. SM severity ratings decreased from baseline to end-of-treatment, and again at follow-up, for each case. Verbal communication increased at end-of-treatment and follow-up, and significant decreases in social anxiety were seen across both cases by the three-month follow-up. Parents rated the shortened IBTSM as highly acceptable, effective, and efficient. Future studies should explore the effectiveness of varying lengths of IBTSM.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 150
Author(s):  
Raden Mas Try Ananto Djoko Wicaksono

The research aims to analyze corporate social responsibility (CSR) on social media in PT Tip Top during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Social media usage in corporate social responsibility activities allows the creation of an interactive horizontal dialogue between the company and stakeholders. The research would find out how PT Tip Top Supermarket implements Corporate Social Responsibility on Social Media. The research uses qualitative research methods with a case study approach. The author uses ‘holistic single case’ design. This research uses three sources of evidence, including direct observation, document analysis, and literature review. This research indicates that the CSR program on online media at PT Tip Top leads to the concept of corporate social marketing.


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