scholarly journals Utilisation and predictors of use of exposure therapy in the treatment of anxiety, OCD and PTSD in an Australian sample: a preliminary investigation

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Moses ◽  
Craig Gonsalvez ◽  
Tanya Meade
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Anxiety Disorders ◽  
Professional Training ◽  
Exposure Therapy ◽  
Preliminary Investigation ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Clinical Practices ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Level Of Training

Abstract Background Cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) is known to be an effective treatment for the anxiety and related disorders, with exposure therapy being a key component of this treatment package. However, research on the use of exposure therapy in clinical practice has presented mixed results, potentially due to differences in samples and training programs across countries. The present study aimed to extend upon existing research by examining the use and predictors of use of exposure therapy in a sample of psychologists working in clinical practice in Australia who treat clients with an anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Methods One hundred registered psychologists (Mage = 40.60; SD = 10.78; range 23 to 71 years; 84% female) participated in an online study investigating their clinical practices. Results Results suggested that while the general use of exposure therapy is high, the use of disorder specific techniques was considerably lower, particularly for anxiety disorders and PTSD but not OCD. Psychology registration status and level of training were positively associated with use of exposure therapy as was the experience in treating anxiety disorders. Conclusions These findings suggest that further or ongoing professional training may be required to optimize the use of disorder specific techniques.

TMS in the study and treatment of anxiety disorders

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Greenberg ◽  
Sarah H. Lisanby
Keyword(s):  
Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Anxiety Disorders ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Systematic Testing ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Current State ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Disorder Treatment

A few studies of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) as an anxiety disorder treatment have been reported. In treatment studies, the focal application of TMS in the treatment of anxiety disorders has been guided by the present understanding of the neurocircuitry underlying these disorders. This article reviews the current state of the literature on the uses of TMS in the study and treatment of anxiety disorders, and discusses the implications for understanding their patho-etiology. Investigation of the possible therapeutic effects of repetitive TMS in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or any anxiety disorder remains at a preliminary stage. There have been promising initial observations in OCD, which require systematic testing in controlled studies. As far as PTSD is concerned, the available data suggest that additional TMS work is required. The observations need to be replicated in controlled settings to determine whether this approach will have value in treating anxiety disorders.

scholarly journals The association of personality disorders with the prospective 7-year course of anxiety disorders

2010 ◽  
Vol 41 (5) ◽  
pp. 1019-1028 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. B. Ansell ◽  
A. Pinto ◽  
M. O. Edelen ◽  
J. C. Markowitz ◽  
C. A. Sanislow ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Panic Disorder ◽  
Anxiety Disorders ◽  
Personality Disorders ◽  
Prognostic Significance ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Compulsive Disorder

BackgroundThis study prospectively examined the natural clinical course of six anxiety disorders over 7 years of follow-up in individuals with personality disorders (PDs) and/or major depressive disorder. Rates of remission, relapse, new episode onset and chronicity of anxiety disorders were examined for specific associations with PDs.MethodParticipants were 499 patients with anxiety disorders in the Collaborative Longitudinal Personality Disorders Study, who were assessed with structured interviews for psychiatric disorders at yearly intervals throughout 7 years of follow-up. These data were used to determine probabilities of changes in disorder status for social phobia (SP), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder and panic disorder with agoraphobia.ResultsEstimated remission rates for anxiety disorders in this study group ranged from 73% to 94%. For those patients who remitted from an anxiety disorder, relapse rates ranged from 34% to 67%. Rates for new episode onsets of anxiety disorders ranged from 3% to 17%. Specific PDs demonstrated associations with remission, relapse, new episode onsets and chronicity of anxiety disorders. Associations were identified between schizotypal PD with course of SP, PTSD and GAD; avoidant PD with course of SP and OCD; obsessive-compulsive PD with course of GAD, OCD, and agoraphobia; and borderline PD with course of OCD, GAD and panic with agoraphobia.ConclusionsFindings suggest that specific PD diagnoses have negative prognostic significance for the course of anxiety disorders underscoring the importance of assessing and considering PD diagnoses in patients with anxiety disorders.

Ketamine’s dose-related effects on anxiety symptoms in patients with treatment refractory anxiety disorders

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (10) ◽  
pp. 1302-1305 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Glue ◽  
Natalie J Medlicott ◽  
Sarah Harland ◽  
Shona Neehoff ◽  
Bridie Anderson-Fahey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Anxiety Disorders ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Treatment Resistant ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Resistant Depression

The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist ketamine has rapid onset activity in treatment-resistant depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. Due to similarities in brain network activity in depression and anxiety disorders, we hypothesized that ketamine might also be active in other refractory anxiety disorders. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of ketamine in 12 patients with refractory generalized anxiety disorder and/or social anxiety disorder who were not currently depressed, using an ascending single dose study design (0.25, 0.5, 1 mg/kg administered subcutaneously) at weekly intervals. Within 1 h of dosing, patients reported reduced anxiety, which persisted for up to seven days. A dose-response profile was noted for anxiolytic effects, dissociative side effects, and changes in blood pressure and heart rate, with minor changes at 0.25 mg/kg, and progressively greater and more durable changes at the higher doses. Ten of 12 patients were treatment responders at 0.5–1 mg/kg. Ketamine was safe and well tolerated in this population. Ketamine may be a potential therapeutic alternative for patients with refractory generalized anxiety disorder/social anxiety disorder. Along with its demonstrated effectiveness in patients with treatment-resistant depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, these data raise the intriguing possibility that ketamine may have broad efficacy in disorders characterized by negative emotional states, and that these disorders may share a common precipitating neurobiology.

Prevalence of current anxiety disorders in people with bipolar disorder during euthymia: a meta-analysis

2016 ◽  
Vol 47 (6) ◽  
pp. 1107-1115 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Pavlova ◽  
R. H. Perlis ◽  
O. Mantere ◽  
C. M. Sellgren ◽  
E. Isometsä ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bipolar Disorder ◽  
Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Anxiety Disorders ◽  
Diagnostic Criteria ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Increase Risk

BackgroundAnxiety disorders are highly prevalent in people with bipolar disorder, but it is not clear how many have anxiety disorders even at times when they are free of major mood episodes. We aimed to establish what proportion of euthymic individuals with bipolar disorder meet diagnostic criteria for anxiety disorders.MethodWe performed a random-effects meta-analysis of prevalence rates of current DSM-III- and DSM-IV-defined anxiety disorders (panic disorder, agoraphobia, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, specific phobia, obsessive–compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety disorder not otherwise specified) in euthymic adults with bipolar disorder in studies published by 31 December 2015.ResultsAcross 10 samples with 2120 individuals with bipolar disorder, 34.7% met diagnostic criteria for one or more anxiety disorders during euthymia [95% confidence interval (CI) 23.9–45.5%]. Direct comparison of 189 euthymic individuals with bipolar disorder and 17 109 population controls across three studies showed a 4.6-fold increase (risk ratio 4.60, 95% CI 2.37–8.92, p < 0.001) in prevalence of anxiety disorders in those with bipolar disorder.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that anxiety disorders are common in people with bipolar disorder even when their mood is adequately controlled. Euthymic people with bipolar disorder should be routinely assessed for anxiety disorders and anxiety-focused treatment should be initiated if indicated.

scholarly journals Anxiety and DSM-5

2015 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 245-246 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Anxiety Disorders ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Clinical Neuroscience ◽  
Developmental Approach ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Dsm 5 ◽  
Considerable Impact ◽  
Post Traumatic

The DSM-5 process, and the publication of DSM-5 in 2013, have had a considerable impact on the classification of anxiety disorders. Major changes included the reorganization of the chapter structure, individual groupings of disorders within each chapter from a life span viewpoint, and the use of specifiers. The DSM-5 chapter on anxiety disorders does not include obsessive-compulsive disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder. The chapter itself now reflects a developmental approach. The text of each disorder has been enhanced with short sections on development and course, risk and prognostic factors, etc. It is expected that the reformulation of anxiety disorders in DSM-5 will lead to greater precision in a variety of ways, as illustrated in the papers in this issue of Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience. In summary, these changes in the way we classify anxiety disorders reflect our best view on the clinical empirical data and should prove useful in the assessment of specific anxiety disorders.

scholarly journals Neuroimaging in anxiety disorders

2011 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 453-461 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Anxiety Disorders ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Panic Attacks ◽  
Functional Neuroanatomy ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Fear And Anxiety ◽  
Neuroimaging Techniques

Over the last few years, neuroimaging techniques have contributed greatly to the identification of the structural and functional neuroanatomy of anxiety disorders. The amygdala seems to be a crucial structure for fear and anxiety, and has consistently been found to be activated in anxiety-provoking situations. Apart from the amygdala, the insula and anterior cinguiate cortex seem to be critical, and ail three have been referred to as the "fear network." In the present article, we review the main findings from three major lines of research. First, we examine human models of anxiety disorders, including fear conditioning studies and investigations of experimentally induced panic attacks. Then we turn to research in patients with anxiety disorders and take a dose look at post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Finally, we review neuroimaging studies investigating neural correlates of successful treatment of anxiety, focusing on exposure-based therapy and several pharmacological treatment options, as well as combinations of both.

scholarly journals Cognitive behavioral therapy in anxiety disorders: current state of the evidence

2011 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 413-421 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Anxiety Disorders ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Current State ◽  
Meta Analyses

A plethora of studies have examined the efficacy and effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for adult anxiety disorders. In recent years, several meta-analyses have been conducted to quantitatively review the evidence of CBT for anxiety disorders, each using different inclusion criteria for studies, such as use of control conditions or type of study environment. This review aims to summarize and to discuss the current state of the evidence regarding CBT treatment for panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Overall, CBT demonstrates both efficacy in randomized controlled trials and effectiveness in naturalistic settings in the treatment of adult anxiety disorders. However, due to methodological issues, the magnitude of effect is currently difficult to estimate. In conclusion, CBT appears to be both efficacious and effective in the treatment of anxiety disorders, but more high-quality studies are needed to better estimate the magnitude of the effect.

Brain blood flow in anxiety disorders

1997 ◽  
Vol 171 (4) ◽  
pp. 346-350 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. V. Lucey ◽  
Durval C. Costa ◽  
Gwen Adshead ◽  
Martin P. Deahl ◽  
Geraldo Busatto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Flow ◽  
Anxiety Disorders ◽  
Brain Blood Flow ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Caudate Nuclei ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Left Caudate ◽  
Post Traumatic

BackgroundWe compared regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in three groups of patients with DSM–III–R anxiety disorders.MethodFifteen patients with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), 15 with panic disorder with agoraphobia (PA), and 16 with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a similar group of healthy controls were assessed on brain-dedicated high-resolution SPET.ResultsMANOVA revealed significant rCBF differences between diagnostic groups (F=4.4; d.f.=3, 57; P=0.007) and between cerebral regions (F=6.4; d.f.=1, 57; P=0.01) in OCD and PTSD compared with PA and healthy controls, limited to bilateral superior frontal cortices and right caudate nuclei. Whole brain blood flow correlated positively with anxiety (r=0.24, n=46, P=0.05). Beck depression scores correlated significantly negatively with left caudate rCBF (r= –0.24, n=46, P=0.05) and right caudate rCBF (r= –0.31, n=46, P=0.02). PTSD syndrome severity correlated significantly negatively with the left caudate (r=-0.49, n=16. P=0.03) and with right caudate rCBF (r=-0.7, n=16, P=0.001)ConclusionsFunctional rCBF differences in anxiety disorders could relate to repetitive, intrusive, distressing mental activity, prominent in both OCD and PTSD.

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