scholarly journals Simulating the computational mechanisms of cognitive and behavioral psychotherapeutic interventions: insights from active inference

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan Smith ◽  
Michael Moutoussis ◽  
Edda Bilek
Keyword(s):  
Behavior Change ◽  
Avoidance Behavior ◽  
Behavioral Interventions ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Cognitive Restructuring ◽  
Strong Interactions ◽  
Active Inference ◽  
Cognitive Interventions ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
The Individual

AbstractCognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) leverages interactions between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. To deepen understanding of these interactions, we present a computational (active inference) model of CBT that allows formal simulations of interactions between cognitive interventions (i.e., cognitive restructuring) and behavioral interventions (i.e., exposure) in producing adaptive behavior change (i.e., reducing maladaptive avoidance behavior). Using spider phobia as a concrete example of maladaptive avoidance more generally, we show simulations indicating that when conscious beliefs about safety/danger have strong interactions with affective/behavioral outcomes, behavioral change during exposure therapy is mediated by changes in these beliefs, preventing generalization. In contrast, when these interactions are weakened, and cognitive restructuring only induces belief uncertainty (as opposed to strong safety beliefs), behavior change leads to generalized learning (i.e., “over-writing” the implicit beliefs about action-outcome mappings that directly produce avoidance). The individual is therefore equipped to face any new context, safe or dangerous, remaining in a content state without the need for avoidance behavior—increasing resilience from a CBT perspective. These results show how the same changes in behavior during CBT can be due to distinct underlying mechanisms; they predict lower rates of relapse when cognitive interventions focus on inducing uncertainty and on reducing the effects of automatic negative thoughts on behavior.

scholarly journals Simulating the computational mechanisms of cognitive and behavioral psychotherapeutic interventions: Insights from active inference

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan Smith ◽  
Michael Moutoussis ◽  
Edda Bilek
Keyword(s):  
Behavior Change ◽  
Avoidance Behavior ◽  
Behavioral Change ◽  
Behavioral Interventions ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Cognitive Restructuring ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Strong Interactions ◽  
Active Inference ◽  
Cognitive Interventions

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) leverages interactions between thoughts, feelings, and actions. In this paper, we use neurocomputational modelling to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms underlying these interactions and how therapeutic interventions can produce behavioral change through different mechanisms in different cases. We describe an active inference model that allows formal simulations of interactions between cognitive interventions (i.e., cognitive restructuring) and behavioral interventions (i.e., exposure) in producing adaptive behavior change (i.e., reducing maladaptive avoidance behavior). Using the example of Spider Phobia, we show simulations indicating that when conscious beliefs about safety/danger have strong interactions with affective/behavioral outcomes, behavioral change during exposure therapy is mediated by changes in these beliefs, preventing generalization. In contrast, when these interactions are weakened, behavior change leads to generalized learning (i.e., “over-writing” the implicit beliefs about action-outcome mappings that directly produce avoidance). The individual is therefore equipped to face any new context, safe or dangerous, remaining in a content state without the need for avoidance behavior – increasing resilience from a CBT perspective. However, this beneficial effect only held if cognitive restructuring induced uncertain beliefs about whether the spider is safe or not, but not when it first induced strong beliefs in safety. These results show how the same changes in behavior during CBT can be due to distinct underlying mechanisms, and predict lower rates of relapse when cognitive interventions focus on inducing uncertainty and on reducing the effects of automatic negative thoughts on behavior.

scholarly journals Finding an easy way to harmonize: a review of advances in clinical research and combination strategies of EZH2 inhibitors

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chen Li ◽  
Yan Wang ◽  
Yueqing Gong ◽  
Tengrui Zhang ◽  
Jiaqi Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Preclinical Studies ◽  
Combination Therapies ◽  
Tumor Treatment ◽  
Antitumor Effects ◽  
Therapeutic Modalities ◽  
Combination Strategies ◽  
Anti Cancer ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
The Individual

AbstractEnhancer of zeste homolog 2 inhibitors (EZH2i) have garnered increased attention owing to their anticancer activity by targeting EZH2, a well-known cancer-promoting factor. However, some lymphomas are resistant to EZH2i, and EZH2i treatment alone is ineffective in case of EZH2-overexpressing solid tumors. The anti-cancer efficacy of EZH2i may be improved through safe and effective combinations of these drugs with other treatment modalities. Preclinical evidence indicates that combining EZH2i with other therapies, such as immunotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and endocrine therapy, has complementary or synergistic antitumor effects. Therefore, elucidating the underlying mechanisms of the individual constituents of the combination therapies is fundamental for their clinical application. In this review, we have summarized notable clinical trials and preclinical studies using EZH2i, their progress, and combinations of EZH2i with different therapeutic modalities, aiming to provide new insights for tumor treatment.

Training commercial energy users in behavior change: A case study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sea Rotmann ◽  
Beth Karlin
Keyword(s):  
Behavior Change ◽  
Behavioral Interventions ◽  
Professional Training ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Behavioral Science ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Commercial Sector ◽  
Great Opportunity ◽  
Behavior Change Interventions ◽  
Commercial Energy

Within the commercial sector, energy managers and building operators have a large impact over their organizations’ energy use. However, they mostly focus on technology solutions and retrofits, rather than human or corporate behaviors, and how to change them. This gap in targeted commercial sector research and behavioral interventions provides a great opportunity which is currently not being addressed. This paper presents a field research pilot where an empirical behavior change research process was applied and taught to commercial energy users in Ontario, Canada. This course served to fill an identified market gap and to improve commercial energy managers’ literacy in behavioral science theory and techniques. A needs assessment identified a clear gap in behavioral training for energy managers, and high interest in the course further proved out the market opportunity for professional training on how to design, implement and evaluate behavior change interventions. Evaluation results identified positive feedback in terms of course reaction, self-reported learning and behavioral outcomes, and tangible results when course participants returned to work to apply their learnings. Evaluation results suggest that such training fills a vital gap in the current Strategic Energy Management (SEM) landscape, and could unlock significant savings in the commercial energy sector.

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hassan Majeed ◽  
Charles Stanfa ◽  
Donna Sudak
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Behavioral Activation ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Cognitive Restructuring ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
Psychiatric Illnesses ◽  
Empirically Supported ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an empirically supported psychotherapy shown to be effective and durable for the treatment of a variety of psychiatric illnesses. It is problem focused and conceptually driven. Cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, exposure, and developing good action plans for out-of-session practice are tools that benefit patients for a lifetime. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the literature that supports the use of CBT, introduce the key elements of the therapeutic approach, and illustrate them with case examples. The structure of the session and the CBT approach to the therapeutic alliance are highlighted in the text.  This review contains 23 tables, and 59 references. Key words: Cognitive-behavioral therapy, cognitive restructuring, collaboration, behavioral activation, exposure

scholarly journals Magnetic Transitions in the Co-Modified Mn2Sb System

Inorganics ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johanna Wilden ◽  
Andreas Hoser ◽  
Mamuka Chikovani ◽  
Jörg Perßon ◽  
Jörg Voigt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phase Transition ◽  
Magnetic Moments ◽  
Induction Melting ◽  
Magnetic Structures ◽  
Co Substitution ◽  
First Order Phase Transition ◽  
Phase Transition Temperatures ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
The Individual ◽  
First Order Phase

Mn2Sb is ferrimagnetic below its Curie temperature (TC) and passes through a spin flip transition with decreasing temperature. The Co substitution induces an additional first-order phase transition from the ferrimagnetic (FRI) to an antiferromagnetic (AFM) state. This phase transition is connected to a sizable magnetocaloric effect (MCE). To understand the underlying mechanisms, the temperature dependence of structural and magnetic changes was analyzed. At the same time, the influence of the Co substitution was explored. Three Mn2−xCoxSb (x = 0.1, 0.15, 0.2) compounds were synthesized by cold crucible induction melting. Neutron powder diffraction was performed to determine the magnetic structures and to obtain the individual magnetic moments on both symmetrically independent Mn sites. In combination with the temperature-dependent magnetization measurements, the magnetic phase transition temperatures were identified. In the low-temperature range, additional antiferromagnetic peaks were detected, which could be indexed with a propagation vector of (0 0 ½). In Mn1.9Co0.1Sb at 50 K and in Mn1.8Co0.2Sb at 200 K, a co-existence of the FRI and the AFM state was observed. The pure AFM state only occurs in Mn1.8Co0.2Sb at 50 K.

scholarly journals Stimulus Level during Endurance Training: Effects on Lactate Kinetics in Untrained Men

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Tuttor ◽  
Simon von Stengel ◽  
Michael Hettchen ◽  
Wolfgang Kemmler
Keyword(s):  
Interval Training ◽  
Stimulus Level ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Time To Exhaustion ◽  
Lactate Kinetics ◽  
High Intensity Interval ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Total Workload ◽  
Continuous Running

Background/Objective. Not only but particularly due to their time efficiency, High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is becoming increasingly popular in fitness-oriented endurance sports. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a HIIT running program versus a Moderate Intensity Continuous Exercise (MICE) training running program (16 weeks each) on lactate kinetics in untrained males. Methods. 65 healthy but untrained males (30-50 years, BMI: 27.2 ± 3.7kg/m2) were randomly assigned to either an HIIT (n=33) or a waiting-control/MICE group (n=32). HIIT consisted of intervals and intense continuous running bouts at or above the individual anaerobic threshold (IANS, 95-110% of IANS-HR), while MICE focused on continuous running at 70-82.5% IANS-HR. Both programs were adjusted for “total workload”. Study endpoints were time to IANS and time from IANS till “time to exhaustion” (TTE) as assessed by stepwise treadmill test. Results. In both exercise groups time to reach IANS (MICE: 320 ± 160 s versus HIIT: 198 ± 118 s) increased significantly (p<.001), with the groups differing significantly (p<.001). Time from IANS until TTE was prolonged significantly among the HIIT group (27 ± 66s, p=.030), while among the MICE group a significant reduction of time from IANS until TTE (59 ± 109s; p=.017) was determined. Between-group difference is significant (p=.003) for this parameter. In both groups TTE increased significantly (HIIT: 27.2 ± 17.7% versus MICE: 29.0 ± 19.4%, both p<.001) at a similar level (p=.279). Conclusion. HIIT and MICE protocols, when adjusted for total workload, similarly increased running performance in untrained male subjects; however, the underlying mechanisms differ fundamentally. Due to its effects on aerobic and anaerobic performance improvement, HIIT can be recommended for untrained individuals as a time-efficient alternative or complementary training method to MICE. However, our protocol did not confirm the general superiority of HIIT versus MICE on the key endurance parameter “time to exhaustion” that has been reported by other comparative exercise studies.

scholarly journals Self-guided cognitive behavioral therapy apps: Can they help? Systematic assessment of features, functionality, and congruence with evidence (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Martinengo ◽  
Anne-Claire Stona ◽  
Konstadina Griva ◽  
Paola Dazzan ◽  
Carmine Maria Pariante ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Management ◽  
Data Security ◽  
Suicide Risk ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Cognitive Restructuring ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Systematic Assessment ◽  
Health Apps

BACKGROUND Mental health disorders affect one in ten people globally, of which around 300 million are affected by depression. At least half of affected people remain untreated. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment but access to specialized providers, habitually challenging, has worsened with COVID-19. Internet-based CBT (iCBT) is effective and a feasible strategy to increase access to treatment for people with depression. Mental health apps may further assist in facilitating self-management for people affected by depression but accessing the right app might be cumbersome given the large number and wide variety of apps offered by public app marketplaces. OBJECTIVE To systematically assess features, functionality, data security and congruence with evidence of self-guided CBT-based apps available in major app stores, suitable for users suffering from depression. METHODS A systematic assessment of self-guided CBT-based apps available in Google Play and Apple’s App Store was conducted. Apps launched or updated since August 2018 were identified through a systematic search in 42matters using CBT-related terms. Apps meeting inclusion criteria were downloaded and assessed using a Samsung Galaxy J7 Pro (Android 9) and iPhone 7 (iOS 13.3.1). Apps were appraised using a 182-question checklist developed by the research team, comprising apps’ general characteristics, CBT-related features, including six evidence-based CBT techniques as informed by a CBT manual, CBT competences framework and a literature review of iCBT clinical trial protocols (psychoeducation, behavioral activation, cognitive restructuring, problem solving, relaxation, and exposure for comorbid anxiety), and technical aspects and quality assurance. Results were reported as a narrative review, using descriptive statistics. RESULTS The initial search yielded 3006 apps, of which 98 apps met inclusion criteria and were systematically assessed. There were 20 wellbeing apps, 65 mental health apps and 13 depression apps. Twenty-eight apps offered at least four evidence-based CBT techniques, particularly depression apps. Cognitive restructuring was the most common technique, offered by 77/98 apps. Only a third of apps offered suicide- risk management resources while less than 20% of apps offered COVID-19-related information. Most apps included a privacy policy, but only a third of apps presented it before account creation. Eighty percent of privacy policies stated sharing data with third party service providers. Half of app development teams included academic institutions or healthcare providers. CONCLUSIONS Only few self-guided CBT-based apps offer comprehensive CBT programs or suicide risk management resources. Sharing of users’ data is widespread, highlighting shortcomings in the health app market governance. To fulfill their potential, self-guided CBT-based apps should follow evidence-based clinical guidelines, be patient-centered and enhance users’ data security. CLINICALTRIAL NA

scholarly journals An ontology to support evidence-based Functional Behavioral Assessments

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Davide Taibi ◽  
Giuseppe Chiazzese ◽  
Gianluca Merlo ◽  
Luciano Seta
Keyword(s):  
Functional Assessment ◽  
Data Exchange ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Behavioral Assessment ◽  
Open Data ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Behavioural Treatment ◽  
Target Behaviour ◽  
Behavioral Assessments ◽  
The Individual

The term Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) refers to a set of multiple assessment strategies aimed to identify specific antecedents and consequences that maintain a target behaviour (Du Paul, 1996). In the context of FBA, standards and protocols to support the data exchange between researchers, health professionals and therapist are under-represented. Moreover, there is a need for sharing common actions and assessment practices in order to improve the application of the FBA. To meet these goals, we propose the definition of an FBA ontology as a tool to describe three specific aspects related to individual, behavioural and assessment data in different contexts of everyday life such as school, family and social environments. The individual data include: diagnoses, medications, school information, discipline referrals and other events, thus providing a comprehensive overview of the individuals and the network of support people with specific roles that collaborates on the individual’s care. The behavioural data include the description of an individual´s target behaviour, and information about places and settings in which the behaviour occurs. The assessment gathers structural behavioural data collections, according to systematic direct observation, and in compliance to the ABC model (antecedents, behavior, and consequences) commonly used in the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for identifying behavioural functions, and designing intervention plans. This data is relevant in supporting statistical analysis in order to evaluate the efficacy of the behavioural treatments. Moreover, the FBA ontology provides a complete model that enables integration and interlinking with other Linked Open Data datasets and repositories thus supporting the sharing of appropriate resources such as behavioural patterns, effective intervention strategies, and behavioural treatments. Finally, the ontology provides the basis for the designing of software applications to support the functional assessment processes. This ontology has been applied in the framework of the WHAAM (Web Health Application for ADHD Monitoring) project, aimed to promote the FBA approach to the behavioural treatment of ADHD children. References: DuPaul, G. J., & Ervin, R. A. (1996). Functional assessment of behaviors related to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Linking assessment to intervention design. Behavior Therapy, 27(4).

scholarly journals Rewriting One Patient’s Story of Disrupted Sleep

2019 ◽  
pp. 161-172
Author(s):  
Samantha Domingo ◽  
Michelle L. Drerup
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Treatment Adherence ◽  
Relaxation Training ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Cognitive Restructuring ◽  
Sleep Hygiene ◽  
Sleep Restriction ◽  
Insomnia Disorder

This chapter covers treatment options for individuals with chronic insomnia disorder. We describe the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-i) and various modalities of delivery of the treatment. CBT-i is an alternative treatment for insomnia that has been demonstrated to be as successful as pharmacological therapies in the short term, and more effective in the long term. CBT-i comprises sleep restriction, stimulus control, relaxation training, sleep hygiene, and cognitive restructuring. The authors examine group CBT-i as a way to increase social support and enhance treatment adherence. Computerized CBT-i is a newer option to provide increased access to this treatment.

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