scholarly journals Emotion regulation-enhanced group treatment for gambling disorder: a non-randomized pilot trial

2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Viktor Månsson ◽  
Olof Molander ◽  
Per Carlbring ◽  
Ingvar Rosendahl ◽  
Anne H. Berman
Keyword(s):  
Emotion Regulation ◽  
Group Treatment ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Gambling Disorder ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Pre Treatment

Abstract Background Despite the association of Gambling Disorder (GD) with poor mental health, treatment options generally lack components targeting emotional difficulties. This study investigated the feasibility and acceptability of adding strategies of emotion regulation to an eight-session weekly group treatment. Method This non-randomized pilot study recruited 21 treatment-seeking adults with GD, (mean age = 36.3, 19% females) from addiction care. In a mixed methods design, measures of within-group changes in self-reported symptoms of GD were complemented with thematic analysis of post-treatment interviews regarding the feasibility of the treatment. Results Within-group scores on the Gambling Symptoms Assessment Scale (G-SAS) showed a 47% decrease (β: -0.1599, 95% CI: − 0.2526 to − 0.0500) from pre-treatment to 12-month follow-up, with Hedges’ g = 1.07 (CI: 0.57–1.60). The number of GD-symptoms according to the Structured Clinical Interview for Gambling Disorder (SCI-GD) decreased from 7.0 (SD = 1.60) at pre-treatment to 2.1 (SD = 2.36) at 12-month follow-up. Participants completed an average of 6.3 sessions and rated the intervention high in satisfaction and acceptability. Feasibility interviews showed no noticeable negative effects or ethical issues. Furthermore, helpful components in the treatment were: increased awareness of emotional processes and strategies to deal with difficult emotions. Conclusions Adding emotion regulation strategies in the treatment of GD is feasible and acceptable and warrants further investigation in a controlled trial. Trial registration This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier NCT03725735).

scholarly journals Oral dexamethasone for the prevention of acute migraine recurrence in pediatric patients presenting to the emergency department with migraine

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 251581631880415
Author(s):  
Serena L Orr ◽  
Lawrence Richer ◽  
Nick Barrowman ◽  
Roger Zemek
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Recruitment Rate ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Oral Dexamethasone ◽  
Safety Outcomes

Objective: To assess the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial protocol that aims to determine the efficacy and safety of oral dexamethasone compared to placebo for the prevention of migraine recurrence in children and adolescents visiting the pediatric emergency department (ED) with migraine. Methods: This study was a two-arm, parallel-group, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind pilot trial of patients presenting to the pediatric ED with migraine. Eligible participants were randomized at 1:1 ratio to receive either oral dexamethasone 0.6 mg/kg (maximum 15 mg) or matched placebo as a single dose. Efficacy and safety outcomes were assessed at discharge, 48 h and 7 days after discharge. The primary outcome of the trial was feasibility and was assessed through participant recruitment rate, follow-up completion rates, participant satisfaction ratings and comparison of enrolled versus non-enrolled participants. Efficacy and safety outcomes were not analyzed given that this was a pilot study. Results: Twelve participants were enrolled over the 6-month recruitment period. This represents 60% of the planned sample size and a 10.5% recruitment rate. No other feasibility issues were identified and patients expressed high satisfaction rates with their treatment: 90.9% were satisfied with their treatment at discharge and at 48-h follow-up and 81.8% were satisfied with their treatment at 7-day follow-up (81.8%). There were no significant differences observed when comparing enrolled participants to those not enrolled. Conclusion: This pilot randomized controlled trial is the first to assess dexamethasone in the pediatric ED for the prevention of migraine recurrence. The protocol is feasible but recruitment in a single center was lower than expected. Future pediatric ED migraine studies may use innovative or pragmatic trial designs to maximize feasibility from a recruitment standpoint.

Personalized attention control therapy for PTSD: effectiveness and moderators of outcome in a randomized controlled trial

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Adva Segal ◽  
Daniel S. Pine ◽  
Yair Bar-Haim
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Outcome ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Attention Control ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Control Therapy ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
Attentional Interference

Abstract Background Previous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) suggest that attention control therapy (ACT), targeting aberrant fluctuations of attention toward and away from threats in patients with PTSD, may be effective in reducing symptoms. The current RCT examined whether the use of personalized-trauma stimuli enhances ACT efficacy in patients with PTSD. Additional moderators of treatment outcome were tested on an exploratory basis. Methods Sixty patients with PTSD were randomly assigned to either personalized ACT, non-personalized ACT, or a control condition. Changes in symptoms were examined across pre-treatment, post-treatment, and a 3-month follow-up. Attentional interference was examined pre- and post-treatment. Baseline clinical and cognitive indices as well as the time elapsed since the trauma were tested as potential moderators of treatment outcome. Results A significant reduction in clinical symptoms was noted for all three conditions with no between-group differences. Attention bias variability decreased following ACT treatment. Personalized ACT was more effective relative to the control condition when less time had elapsed since the trauma. Baseline clinical and cognitive indices did not moderate treatment outcome. Conclusions In this RCT of patients with PTSD, ACT was no more effective in reducing PTSD symptoms than a control condition. The data also suggest a potential benefit of personalized ACT for patients who experienced their trauma more recently.

scholarly journals Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Nightmares for Patients with Persecutory Delusions (Nites): An Assessor-Blind, Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

2019 ◽  
pp. 070674371984742 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bryony Sheaves ◽  
Emily A. Holmes ◽  
Stephanie Rek ◽  
Kathryn M. Taylor ◽  
Alecia Nickless ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Serious Adverse Events ◽  
Persecutory Delusions ◽  
Treatment As Usual ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural

Objective:Nightmares are relatively common in patients experiencing psychosis but rarely assessed or treated. Nightmares may maintain persecutory delusions by portraying fears in sensory-rich detail. We tested the potential benefits of imagery-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for nightmares on nightmare severity and persecutory delusions.Method:This assessor-blind parallel-group pilot trial randomized 24 participants with nightmares and persecutory delusions to receive CBT for nightmares delivered over 4 weeks in addition to treatment as usual (TAU) or TAU alone. Assessments were at 0, 4 (end of treatment), and 8 weeks (follow-up). Feasibility outcomes assessed therapy uptake, techniques used, satisfaction, and attrition. The primary efficacy outcome assessed nightmare severity at week 4. Analyses were intention to treat, estimating treatment effect with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).Results:All participants offered CBT completed therapy (mean [SD], 4.8 [0.6] sessions) with high satisfaction, and 20 (83%) participants completed all assessments. Compared with TAU, CBT led to large improvements in nightmares (adjusted mean difference = −7.0; 95% CI, –12.6 to –1.3; d = –1.1) and insomnia (6.3; 95% CI, 2.6 to 10.0; d = 1.4) at week 4. Gains were maintained at follow-up. Suicidal ideation was not exacerbated by CBT but remained stable to follow-up, compared with TAU, which reduced at follow-up (6.8; 95% CI, 0.3 to 3.3; d = 0.7). CBT led to reductions in paranoia (–20.8; 95% CI, –43.2 to 1.7; d = –0.6), although CIs were wide. Three serious adverse events were deemed unrelated to participation (CBT = 2, TAU = 1).Conclusions:CBT for nightmares is feasible and may be efficacious for treating nightmares and comorbid insomnia for patients with persecutory delusions. It shows promise on paranoia but potentially not on suicidal ideation.

scholarly journals Does craving for cocaine mediate cocaine use? Analysis of a randomized controlled pilot trial of memory-focused cognitive therapy

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 204380871986071 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camille Goetz ◽  
Tim Meynen ◽  
Luke Mitcheson ◽  
Nick Grey ◽  
Brian Eastwood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emotion Regulation ◽  
Cognitive Therapy ◽  
Psychological Intervention ◽  
Behavioral Control ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Cocaine Use ◽  
Medication Therapy ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Cocaine Craving

Cocaine use disorder (CUD) is a debilitating psychopathology, with no recommended medication therapy or specific psychological intervention. Memory-focused cognitive therapy (MFCT) is a novel psychotherapy for CUD, theorized to modify and reconsolidate cocaine craving-related memories for cognitive and behavioral control. A pilot randomized controlled trial indicated that this therapy is associated with reduced craving and cocaine use. With an 80% confidence interval (CI) set for null hypothesis testing, we conducted an exploratory causal mediation analysis with confounder adjustment to determine whether increased cocaine abstinence following MFCT is mediated by reduced craving experience and increased emotion regulation. Participant data on the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale did not meet screening evaluation as a potential mediator. Cocaine craving (assessed by the frequency version of the Craving Experiences Questionnaire) was associated with a total treatment effect of MFCT on cocaine abstinence at follow-up (1.499; 80% CI 1.114 to 1.970; p = .012). A significant natural indirect effect indicated that reductions in cocaine use were strongly mediated by reduced frequency of craving experience (1.753; 80% CI: 1.334 to 2.936; p < .0001). This study provides exploratory evidence in support of the theoretical action for MFCT and underscores the importance of craving as a therapeutic target.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for College Students With ADHD

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 388-399 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yingqi Gu ◽  
Guangxing Xu ◽  
Yi Zhu
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Cognitive Therapy ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Neuropsychological Performance ◽  
Adhd Symptoms ◽  
Mental Health Clinics ◽  
Health Clinics ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
Students With Adhd

Objective: Between 2% and 8% of college students meet criteria for ADHD, with increased incidence in recent decades. There are very few clinical trials conducted on the meaningful intervention of ADHD in college. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) effectively treats college students with ADHD and could be more feasibly applied in college mental health clinics. Method: Fifty-four undergraduates with ADHD between ages 19 and 24 were randomized to receive either MBCT or wait-list (WL) during a 6-week intervention phase. ADHD symptoms, neuropsychological performance, and related outcomes were assessed at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 3-month follow-up. Results: Participants receiving MBCT group showed greater treatment response rates (57%-71% vs. 23%-31%) and experience less anxiety and depression, and greater levels of mindfulness; MBCT participants show greater improvement on neuropsychological performance. Conclusion: MBCT may be a useful intervention for college students with ADHD, improving participants’ ADHD symptoms, mindfulness, and sustained attention.

scholarly journals Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic pain in multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial protocol

Trials ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dawn M. Ehde ◽  
Kevin N. Alschuler ◽  
Melissa A. Day ◽  
Marcia A. Ciol ◽  
Makena L. Kaylor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Average Pain Intensity ◽  
Average Pain ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
Management Approaches

Abstract Background Chronic pain is one of the most prevalent and disabling symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). Individuals with MS are interested in nonpharmacologic pain management approaches. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is efficacious in improving MS-related pain outcomes. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is a promising, alternative approach. Little is known about moderators of these treatments’ outcomes, however. This article describes the study protocol for the first randomized controlled trial comparing MBCT, CBT, and usual care and examining treatment effect moderators in individuals with chronic pain and MS. Methods We will conduct a single-center, randomized, single blind, parallel-group trial comparing MBCT, CBT, and usual care in adults with MS and chronic pain. Both interventions will be delivered via eight group sessions using videoconferencing technology. Primary (average pain intensity) and secondary outcomes (including pain interference, depressive symptoms, fatigue, and sleep) will be assessed pre-treatment, mid-treatment, post-treatment, and at 6-month follow up. Potential treatment moderators will be assessed pre-treatment. We hypothesize that participants randomly assigned to MBCT or CBT will report significantly greater reductions in average pain intensity than participants assigned to usual care at post-treatment (primary study endpoint) and 6-month follow up. We also hypothesize that mindfulness, pain catastrophizing, and behavioral activation pre-treatment will moderate response to both active treatments, but not response to usual care. Discussion Findings will provide important new information about the efficacy and moderators of two nonpharmacologic pain management approaches delivered using technology to overcome common barriers to treatment access. The knowledge gained may lead to better patient-treatment matching and, ultimately, better pain treatment outcomes in MS. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03782246. Registered on 20 December 2018.

scholarly journals Micro-level de-coupling of negative affect and binge eating in relationship to macro-level outcomes in binge eating disorder treatment

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Kathryn E. Smith ◽  
Tyler B. Mason ◽  
Lauren M. Schaefer ◽  
Lisa M. Anderson ◽  
Vivienne M. Hazzard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emotion Regulation ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Negative Affect ◽  
Binge Eating ◽  
Binge Eating Disorder ◽  
Behavioral Treatment ◽  
Future Research ◽  
End Of Treatment ◽  
Pre Treatment

Abstract Background While negative affect reliably predicts binge eating, it is unknown how this association may decrease or ‘de-couple’ during treatment for binge eating disorder (BED), whether such change is greater in treatments targeting emotion regulation, or how such change predicts outcome. This study utilized multi-wave ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to assess changes in the momentary association between negative affect and subsequent binge-eating symptoms during Integrative Cognitive Affective Therapy (ICAT-BED) and Cognitive Behavior Therapy Guided Self-Help (CBTgsh). It was predicted that there would be stronger de-coupling effects in ICAT-BED compared to CBTgsh given the focus on emotion regulation skills in ICAT-BED and that greater de-coupling would predict outcomes. Methods Adults with BED were randomized to ICAT-BED or CBTgsh and completed 1-week EMA protocols and the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) at pre-treatment, end-of-treatment, and 6-month follow-up (final N = 78). De-coupling was operationalized as a change in momentary associations between negative affect and binge-eating symptoms from pre-treatment to end-of-treatment. Results There was a significant de-coupling effect at follow-up but not end-of-treatment, and de-coupling did not differ between ICAT-BED and CBTgsh. Less de-coupling was associated with higher end-of-treatment EDE global scores at end-of-treatment and higher binge frequency at follow-up. Conclusions Both ICAT-BED and CBTgsh were associated with de-coupling of momentary negative affect and binge-eating symptoms, which in turn relate to cognitive and behavioral treatment outcomes. Future research is warranted to identify differential mechanisms of change across ICAT-BED and CBTgsh. Results also highlight the importance of developing momentary interventions to more effectively de-couple negative affect and binge eating.

scholarly journals 45 Cognitive rehabilitation in neuro-oncology: Program development and evaluation

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (S3) ◽  
pp. S9-S9
Author(s):  
NM Richard ◽  
WP Mason ◽  
D Shultz ◽  
N Laperriere ◽  
BA Millar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Tumor ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Cognitive Rehabilitation ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Management Training ◽  
Strategy Training ◽  
Family Quality Of Life ◽  
Tumor Patients

Background: Brain tumors present unique challenges to patient and family quality of life (QOL). Cognitive dysfunction is common and functionally limiting, with no established treatments. These studies evaluate feasibility and preliminary efficacy of behavioral interventions developed for neuro-oncology patients. Study 1: A randomized controlled trial (N=25 primary brain tumor patients) compared an adapted version of Goal Management Training (GMT, a neuroscience-based integration of mindfulness and strategy training) and a newly-designed supportive psychoeducational intervention (Brain Health Program, BHP) to standard of care. Each intervention comprised 8 individual sessions and at-home practice between sessions. GMT patients’ executive functions improved immediately (p=.077, d=1.13), with maintenance at 4-month follow-up (p=.046, d=1.09). Both intervention groups reported improvements in everyday cognitive functioning immediately (p=.049; d’s GMT=0.43, BHP=0.79) and at follow-up (p=.001; d’s GMT=0.22, BHP=1.01). BHP patients also reported improved mood (p’s=.026 & .012, d’s=0.61 & 0.62). Study 2: Following a needs assessment about cognitive concerns and QOL in brain metastases patients (N=109) and caregivers (N=31), we developed a novel, brief (3 sessions + homework) Cognitive Support Program to provide education and strategy-training in key areas of concern: executive functions, memory, and communication. Options include caregiver co-training, and in-person or web-based delivery. Preliminary data from a pilot trial in progress demonstrate objective and subjective improvements. Conclusions: Cognitive rehabilitation may be a feasible and effective option for primary or metastatic brain tumor patients, addressing a need that is largely unmet in standard cancer care. Further development and larger trials appear warranted, with capacity for remote delivery recommended.

Recovery, relapse, or else? Treatment outcomes in gambling disorder from a multicenter follow-up study

2017 ◽  
Vol 43 ◽  
pp. 28-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
K.W. Müller ◽  
K. Wölfling ◽  
U. Dickenhorst ◽  
M.E. Beutel ◽  
J. Medenwaldt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Impairment ◽  
Gambling Disorder ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Treatment Programs ◽  
Additional Parameter ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Follow Up Study ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
One Year

AbstractPurpose:Gambling disorder is associated with various adverse effects. While data on the immediate effectiveness of treatment programs are available, follow-up studies examining long-term effects are scarce and factors contributing to a stable therapy outcome versus relapse are under-researched.Materials and methods:Patients (n = 270) finishing inpatient treatment for gambling disorder regularly participated in a prospective multicenter follow-up study (pre-treatment, post-treatment, 12-month follow-up). Criteria for gambling disorder, psychopathology, functional impairment were defined as endpoints. Changes in personality were defined as an additional parameter.Results:At follow-up, three groups were identified: subjects maintaining full abstinence (41.6%), patients still meeting criteria for gambling disorder (29.2%), and subjects still participating in gambling without meeting the diagnostic criteria for gambling disorder (29.2%). Every group had improvements in functional impairment, abstinent subjects showed the lowest psychopathology. Significant decreases in neuroticism and increases in both extraversion and conscientiousness were found among abstinent subjects but not in patients still meeting criteria for gambling disorder.Discussion:One year after treatment, a considerable percentage of patients kept on gambling but not all of them were classified with gambling disorder leading to the question if abstinence is a necessary goal for every patient.Conclusions:The changes of personality in abstinent patients indicate that after surmounting gambling disorder a subsequent maturing of personality might be a protective factor against relapse.

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