scholarly journals Using Psychological Artificial Intelligence (Tess) to Relieve Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety: Randomized Controlled Trial

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. e64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Russell Fulmer ◽  
Angela Joerin ◽  
Breanna Gentile ◽  
Lysanne Lakerink ◽  
Michiel Rauws
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Unlimited Access ◽  
Group 1

Background Students in need of mental health care face many barriers including cost, location, availability, and stigma. Studies show that computer-assisted therapy and 1 conversational chatbot delivering cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) offer a less-intensive and more cost-effective alternative for treating depression and anxiety. Although CBT is one of the most effective treatment methods, applying an integrative approach has been linked to equally effective posttreatment improvement. Integrative psychological artificial intelligence (AI) offers a scalable solution as the demand for affordable, convenient, lasting, and secure support grows. Objective This study aimed to assess the feasibility and efficacy of using an integrative psychological AI, Tess, to reduce self-identified symptoms of depression and anxiety in college students. Methods In this randomized controlled trial, 75 participants were recruited from 15 universities across the United States. All participants completed Web-based surveys, including the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS) at baseline and 2 to 4 weeks later (T2). The 2 test groups consisted of 50 participants in total and were randomized to receive unlimited access to Tess for either 2 weeks (n=24) or 4 weeks (n=26). The information-only control group participants (n=24) received an electronic link to the National Institute of Mental Health’s (NIMH) eBook on depression among college students and were only granted access to Tess after completion of the study. Results A sample of 74 participants completed this study with 0% attrition from the test group and less than 1% attrition from the control group (1/24). The average age of participants was 22.9 years, with 70% of participants being female (52/74), mostly Asian (37/74, 51%), and white (32/74, 41%). Group 1 received unlimited access to Tess, with daily check-ins for 2 weeks. Group 2 received unlimited access to Tess with biweekly check-ins for 4 weeks. The information-only control group was provided with an electronic link to the NIMH’s eBook. Multivariate analysis of covariance was conducted. We used an alpha level of .05 for all statistical tests. Results revealed a statistically significant difference between the control group and group 1, such that group 1 reported a significant reduction in symptoms of depression as measured by the PHQ-9 (P=.03), whereas those in the control group did not. A statistically significant difference was found between the control group and both test groups 1 and 2 for symptoms of anxiety as measured by the GAD-7. Group 1 (P=.045) and group 2 (P=.02) reported a significant reduction in symptoms of anxiety, whereas the control group did not. A statistically significant difference was found on the PANAS between the control group and group 1 (P=.03) and suggests that Tess did impact scores. Conclusions This study offers evidence that AI can serve as a cost-effective and accessible therapeutic agent. Although not designed to appropriate the role of a trained therapist, integrative psychological AI emerges as a feasible option for delivering support. Trial Registration International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number: ISRCTN61214172; https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN61214172.

scholarly journals Using Psychological Artificial Intelligence (Tess) to Relieve Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Russell Fulmer ◽  
Angela Joerin ◽  
Breanna Gentile ◽  
Lysanne Lakerink ◽  
Michiel Rauws
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Unlimited Access ◽  
Group 1

BACKGROUND Students in need of mental health care face many barriers including cost, location, availability, and stigma. Studies show that computer-assisted therapy and 1 conversational chatbot delivering cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) offer a less-intensive and more cost-effective alternative for treating depression and anxiety. Although CBT is one of the most effective treatment methods, applying an integrative approach has been linked to equally effective posttreatment improvement. Integrative psychological artificial intelligence (AI) offers a scalable solution as the demand for affordable, convenient, lasting, and secure support grows. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the feasibility and efficacy of using an integrative psychological AI, Tess, to reduce self-identified symptoms of depression and anxiety in college students. METHODS In this randomized controlled trial, 75 participants were recruited from 15 universities across the United States. All participants completed Web-based surveys, including the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS) at baseline and 2 to 4 weeks later (T2). The 2 test groups consisted of 50 participants in total and were randomized to receive unlimited access to Tess for either 2 weeks (n=24) or 4 weeks (n=26). The information-only control group participants (n=24) received an electronic link to the National Institute of Mental Health’s (NIMH) eBook on depression among college students and were only granted access to Tess after completion of the study. RESULTS A sample of 74 participants completed this study with 0% attrition from the test group and less than 1% attrition from the control group (1/24). The average age of participants was 22.9 years, with 70% of participants being female (52/74), mostly Asian (37/74, 51%), and white (32/74, 41%). Group 1 received unlimited access to Tess, with daily check-ins for 2 weeks. Group 2 received unlimited access to Tess with biweekly check-ins for 4 weeks. The information-only control group was provided with an electronic link to the NIMH’s eBook. Multivariate analysis of covariance was conducted. We used an alpha level of .05 for all statistical tests. Results revealed a statistically significant difference between the control group and group 1, such that group 1 reported a significant reduction in symptoms of depression as measured by the PHQ-9 (P=.03), whereas those in the control group did not. A statistically significant difference was found between the control group and both test groups 1 and 2 for symptoms of anxiety as measured by the GAD-7. Group 1 (P=.045) and group 2 (P=.02) reported a significant reduction in symptoms of anxiety, whereas the control group did not. A statistically significant difference was found on the PANAS between the control group and group 1 (P=.03) and suggests that Tess did impact scores. CONCLUSIONS This study offers evidence that AI can serve as a cost-effective and accessible therapeutic agent. Although not designed to appropriate the role of a trained therapist, integrative psychological AI emerges as a feasible option for delivering support. CLINICALTRIAL International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number: ISRCTN61214172; https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN61214172.

scholarly journals Effect of leg wrapping technique on prevention of spinal induced hypotension and fetal acidosis during cesarean section: Randomized controlled trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 70
Author(s):  
Samah Nasser Abd El-Aziz El-Shora ◽  
Amina Mohamed Rashad El-Nemer
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Cesarean Section ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Induced Hypotension ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Wrapping Technique

Background and aim: Hypotension during cesarean section (CS) under spinal anesthesia has been a subject of scientific study for more than 50 years and the search for the most effective strategy to achieve hemodynamic stability remains challenging. Aim: The study was carried out to apply leg wrapping technique for the prevention of spinal-induced hypotension (SIH) during CS.Methods: Randomized Controlled Trial design was utilized at cesarean delivery operating room Mansoura General Hospital in El-Mansoura City during the period from May 2018 to November 2018. A purposive sample of 88 pregnant women, assigned randomly to an intervention group (n = 44) in which their legs wrapped with elastic crepe bandage and control group (n = 44) in which no wrapping was done. Data collected for maternal, neonatal hemodynamic and signs of hypotension, the feasibility of application and cost analysis.Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the incidence of SIH and Ephedrine use among both groups (18.20% in leg wrapping group whereas 75% in control group). In addition, neonatal acidosis and NICU admission were less among leg wrapping group (11.40%, 9.10% respectively). Economically, leg wrapping technique was cost effective compared to the cost of the hospital regimen for treating SIH and admission to (NICU).Conclusion and recommendations: Leg wrapping technique was cost effective and an efficient method for decreasing SIH, neonatal acidosis and Ephedrine administration. It is recommended to apply leg wrapping technique in maternal hospitals' protocol of care for decreasing SIH during CS.

The effectiveness of a web-based psycho-education program in a community in Selangor, Malaysia: A randomized controlled trial (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sherina Mohd-Sidik ◽  
Siti Fatimah Kader Maideen ◽  
Lekhraj Rampal ◽  
Firdaus Mukhtar
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Significant Difference

BACKGROUND Background Mental health problems namely depression and anxiety are the most common problems in the community. Often patients do not seek professional care due to the stigma attached to it. OBJECTIVE The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a web-based psycho-education program in managing mild depression and anxiety. Methods METHODS A two-arm randomized controlled trial of a single blinded, parallel study comparing a four weeks of web-based psycho-education intervention program versus a wait list control group was carried out. The intervention program consisted of four sessions, with each session accessed on a weekly basis. Participants aged 18 years and above, who have participated in the first phase of this study, having access to internet and who are internet literate were invited to participate in the study. By using a random number table, 119 eligible and consented participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention or the control group using random number table. The primary outcomes were depression and anxiety score while the secondary outcome was mental health literacy score, which were all assessed at baseline, week 5 and week 12. Analysis was based on intention to treat analysis. RESULTS Significant difference in the mental health literacy score between the intervention and the control group was observed, F (1,117) = 20.149, p<0.001, n2=0.142. No significant difference was found in the depression (p= 0.361) and anxiety scores (p= 0.797). CONCLUSIONS The psycho-education intervention was effective in increasing the mental health literacy of the participants. CLINICALTRIAL The trial is registered in International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial, ISRCTN 39656144.

scholarly journals Methylprednisolone or dexamethasone, which one is superior corticosteroid in the treatment of hospitalized COVID-19 patients: a triple-blinded randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Keivan Ranjbar ◽  
Mohsen Moghadami ◽  
Alireza Mirahmadizadeh ◽  
Mohammad Javad Fallahi ◽  
Vahid Khaloo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Clinical Status ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Length Of Hospital Stay ◽  
Ordinal Scale ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Group Data ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background Although almost a year has passed since the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak and promising reports of vaccines have been presented, we still have a long way until these measures are available for all. Furthermore, the most appropriate corticosteroid and dose in the treatment of COVID-19 have remained uncertain. We conducted a study to assess the effectiveness of methylprednisolone treatment versus dexamethasone for hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Methods In this prospective triple-blinded randomized controlled trial, we enrolled 86 hospitalized COVID-19 patients from August to November 2020, in Shiraz, Iran. The patients were randomly allocated into two groups to receive either methylprednisolone (2 mg/kg/day; intervention group) or dexamethasone (6 mg/kg/day; control group). Data were assessed based on a 9-point WHO ordinal scale extending from uninfected (point 0) to death (point 8). Results There were no significant differences between the groups on admission. However, the intervention group demonstrated significantly better clinical status compared to the control group at day 5 (4.02 vs. 5.21, p = 0.002) and day 10 (2.90 vs. 4.71, p = 0.001) of admission. There was also a significant difference in the overall mean score between the intervention group and the control group, (3.909 vs. 4.873 respectively, p = 0.004). The mean length of hospital stay was 7.43 ± 3.64 and 10.52 ± 5.47 days in the intervention and control groups, respectively (p = 0.015). The need for a ventilator was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (18.2% vs 38.1% p = 0.040). Conclusion In hospitalized hypoxic COVID-19 patients, methylprednisolone demonstrated better results compared to dexamethasone. Trial registration The trial was registered with IRCT.IR (08/04/2020-No. IRCT20200204046369N1).

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Antipyretic with Tepid Sponging Versus Antipyretic Alone in Febrile Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2018 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-133
Author(s):  
Chetak Kadbasal Basavaraj ◽  
Shyamala Gowri Pocha ◽  
Ravi Mandyam Dhati
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Axillary Temperature ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Significant Difference

Introduction: Fever is the most common presenting complain for which children are brought to the paediatrician.Physical methods are widely used in treating febrile children, tepid sponging being commonly practiced in hospitals along with antipyretics. The objectives of this study were to compare the effectiveness of tepid sponging and antipyretic drug versus antipyretic drug alone in febrile children.Material and Methods: This was a Randomized controlled trial done in JSS Medical College and Hospital. All children under the age of 6 months to 12 years, admitted with axillary temperature of >99oF were included in the study. A total of 500 children were included over two years study period. Children with recorded axillary temperature of >990F were randomized into control and study group by computer generated randomisation. Children in the control group received only paracetamol (15mg/kg) at 5 minutes and combined group received paracetamol and tepid sponging at five minutes. Axillary temperature was monitored every 15 minutes for a period of 2 hours in both the groups.Results: There is no significant difference in reduction of temperature between the two groups by the end of two hours. Children in combined group had a higher level of discomfort than those in only antipyretic group.Conclusion: Tepid sponging does not add to the efficacy of paracetamol in antipyresis and that addition of tepid sponging to antipyretic, results in additional discomfort for the child. This study, therefore, endorses the view that antipyretic alone without tepid sponging should be the modality of therapy in children with fever.  

scholarly journals A randomized controlled trial comparing oxytocin administration before and after placental delivery in the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage in a tertiary care hospital in Bankura district of West Bengal, India

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 1976
Author(s):  
Rahul Kirtania ◽  
Jayita Pal ◽  
Sisir Biswas ◽  
Aditi Aich
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Blood Loss ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Active Management ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Normal Delivery ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean

Background: PPH is the prime cause of maternal mortality worldwide. The incidence of PPH can be drastically combatted by application of uterotonic in active management of third stage labour. Timing of its administration is a matter of concern. This study aimed to assess whether timing of administration of oxytocin would have any impact on incidence or mean blood loss of PPH.Methods: It was a single blinded randomized controlled trial conducted in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bankura Sammilani Medical College for 6 months where 100 antenatal mothers admitted for normal delivery in labour room were allocated randomly in study and control group considering inclusion and exclusion criteria. Incidence of PPH and mean blood loss had been identified clinically by following them for 24 hours.Results: Only 9% of study population had experienced PPH. There was no statistically significant difference in incidence of PPH with difference in timing of administration of oxytocin (p >0.05). But there was statistically significant decrease in mean blood loss if oxytocin was administered before the placental delivery. The mean blood loss with oxytocin administered before placental delivery was 296.8 ml (102.45) and after placental delivery was 452.0 (128.87) ml respectively.Conclusions: Policy makers should keep in mind not only the incidence of PPH, but the mean blood loss amount too in a setting where anaemia in pregnancy is quite prevalent.

scholarly journals The Effect of Writing Therapy on Anxiety in Pregnant Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryam Montazeri ◽  
Khalil Esmaeilpour ◽  
Sakineh Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi ◽  
Sevda Golizadeh ◽  
Mojgan Mirghafourvand
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Writing Therapy ◽  
Randomized Block Design ◽  
Significant Difference

Background: As one of the most enjoyable life experiences, pregnancy may be accompanied by many physiological and psychological changes that make women susceptible to developing mental disorders such as anxiety. Non-pharmacological methods such as writing therapy are among the ways to deal with anxiety. Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the effect of writing therapy on anxiety in women during pregnancy. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 70 pregnant women with a gestational age between 28 - 31 weeks. The participants were assigned to an intervention group and a control group using a randomized block design. The intervention group received three in-person writing therapy-based counseling sessions and two telephone calls between the sessions, while the control group received routine pregnancy care. The Beck anxiety inventory was completed before and six weeks after the intervention. Independent t-test and ANCOVA were used for data analysis. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of socio-demographic variables and baseline anxiety scores. Based on ANCOVA with baseline score adjustment, the mean score of anxiety was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group after the intervention (adjusted mean difference = -6.8; 95%CI = -4.5 to -9.1; P < 0.001). Conclusions: According to the results, writing therapy can reduce anxiety in pregnant women; however, further studies are needed before a definitive conclusion.

Effectiveness of Prompt Mental Health Care: Preliminary results from a randomized controlled trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Knapstad ◽  
L V Lervik ◽  
S M M Saether ◽  
L E Aaroe ◽  
O R F Smith
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Abstract Background Prompt Mental Health Care (PMHC) service is a Norwegian initiative, adapted from the English ‘Improved Access to Psychological Therapy’ (IAPT), aimed at improving access to primary care treatment for anxiety and depression. Thus far, both PMHC and IAPT have been evaluated by cohort studies only. Albeit yielding promising results, the extent to which these are attributable to the treatment thus remains unsettled. This study investigates the effectiveness of PMHC compared to treatment as usual (TAU) at six months follow-up. Methods Randomized controlled trial with parallel assignment in two PMHC sites from November 2015 to March 2018. Participants were 681 adults (aged ≥18 years) considered for admission to PMHC due to anxiety and/or mild to moderate depression. These were randomly assigned on a 70:30 ratio. Main outcomes were recovery rates and changes in symptoms of depression and anxiety between baseline and follow-up. Primary outcome data were available for 73%/67% in the PMHC/TAU group. Sensitivity analyses based on observed patterns of missingness were conducted. Results A reliable recovery rate of 58.5% was observed in the PMHC group and 31.9% in the TAU group, yielding a between-group effect size (ES) of 0.61 [95% CI 0.37-0.85, p&lt;.001]. The differences in degree of improvement between PMHC and TAU yielded an ES of -0.88 [95% CI -1.23-0.43, p &lt; 0.001] for symptoms of depression and -0.60 [95% CI -0.90-0.30, p &lt; 0.001] for symptoms of anxiety in favour of PMHC. All sensitivity analyses pointed in the same direction with small variations in point estimates. Findings were slightly more robust for depressive than anxiety symptoms. Conclusions The PMHC treatment was substantially more effective than TAU in alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression. This adaptation of IAPT is considered a viable supplement to existing health services to increase access of effective treatment for adults who suffer from anxiety and mild to moderate depression. Key messages This study is the first to evaluate the effectiveness of an IAPT-like treatment model in terms of a randomized controlled trial. Prompt Mental Health Care was substantially more effective than TAU in alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety at 6-months follow-up.

scholarly journals A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effectiveness of Court-Type Traditional Thai Massage versus Amitriptyline in Patients with Chronic Tension-Type Headache

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peerada Damapong ◽  
Naowarat Kanchanakhan ◽  
Wichai Eungpinichpong ◽  
Prasobsook Putthapitak ◽  
Pongmada Damapong
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Alternative Therapy ◽  
Pressure Pain Threshold ◽  
Tension Type Headache ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Tissue Hardness ◽  
Tension Type Headaches

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the court-type traditional Thai massage (CTTM) to treat patients with chronic tension-type headaches (CTTHs) comparing with amitriptyline taking. A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Sixty patients diagnosed with CTTH were equally divided into a treatment and a control group. The treatment group received a 45-minute course of CTTM twice per week lasting 4 weeks while the control group was prescribed 25 mg of amitriptyline once a day before bedtime lasting 4 weeks. Outcome measures were evaluated in week 2, week 4 and followed up in week 6 consisting of visual analog scale (VAS), tissue hardness, pressure pain threshold (PPT), and heart rate variability (HRV). The results demonstrated a significant decrease in VAS pain intensity for the CTTM group at different assessment time points while a significant difference occurred in within-group and between-group comparison (P< 0.05) for each evaluated measure. Moreover, the tissue hardness of the CTTM group was significantly lower than the control group at week 4 (P< 0.05). The PPT and HRV of the CTTM group were significantly increased (P< 0.05). CTTM could be an alternative therapy for treatment of patients with CTTHs.

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