scholarly journals The Effect of Quantitative Electroencephalography-Based Neurofeedback Therapy on Anxiety, Depression, and Emotion Regulation in People with Generalized Anxiety Disorder

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 281-290
Author(s):  
Hassan Abdian ◽  
◽  
Mazaher Rezaei ◽  
Zakaria Eskandari ◽  
Shokoufeh Ramezani ◽  
...  

Introduction: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is one of the most common anxiety disorders that has significant adverse effects on social functioning, occupational/academic performance, and daily living. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Quantitative Electroencephalography (QEEG)-based Neurofeedback (NFB) therapy on anxiety, depression, and emotion regulation of people with GAD. Methods: This research is a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test/post-test/follow-up design and a control group. The study participants were 29 college students with GAD living in Zanjan City, Iran, who were selected using a convenience sampling method. Then, they were randomly divided into two groups of intervention (n=15) and control (n=14). The protocol of NFB therapy was designed based on the QEEG method. The intervention group received QEEG-based NFB therapy for 8 weeks (20 sessions, 2 sessions per week, each session for 45 min), while the control group received no intervention. The samples were surveyed and measured by using a 7-item GAD scale, Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS), and Structured Clinical Interview for DSM (SCID) before and after the intervention and then at a 3-month follow-up. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS software V. 22 using univariate ANCOVA and repeated measures ANOVA. Results: The within-subjects effect of time (pre-test, post-test, and follow-up) was statistically significant (P=0.031). The intervention group showed significant changes in the post-test and follow-up phases in comparison with the control group. The anxiety and depression levels of patients reduced significantly (P=0.001), and their emotion regulation improved (P=0.001) after the intervention, and they remained unchanged in the follow-up period. Conclusion: QEEG-based NFB therapy can reduce anxiety and depression and improve emotion regulation in patients with GAD.

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-15
Author(s):  
Yousef Asmari Bardezard ◽  
◽  
Sajad Khanjani ◽  
Esmaeil Mousavi Asl ◽  
Behrouz Dolatshahi ◽  
...  

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the effect of Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) on depression, anxiety, and Difficulty in Emotion Regulation (DER) in women with Binge Eating Disorder (BED). Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study with pre-test/post-test/follow-up design using a control group. Study population consists of all women referred to the obesity clinics in Tehran in 2019. Of these, 40 were selected using a purposive sampling method and were randomly divided into two groups of intervention (n=20) and control (n=20). The intervention group received 10 sessions of EFT, each session for 90 minutes. Data collection tools were the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), and Binge Eating Scale (BES), which were completed before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and repeated measure ANIVA in SPSS v. 21 software. Results: Group EFT significantly reduced the mean anxiety, depression, DER and severity of binge eating after intervention and over the 2-month follow-up period in BED women (P<0.05). Conclusion: The EFT can reduce anxiety, depression, DER and binge eating severity in BED women, and its effect remains constant after two months. It can be useful in the treatment of BED.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheida Jabalameli ◽  
Hamid Taher Neshat Doost ◽  
Mohammad Bagher Kajbaf ◽  
Hossein Molavi

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is one of the most common anxiety disorders. It has been reported that psychological treatments like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is effective for patients with GAD. The purpose of the present research was to investigate the effectiveness of CBT on Quality of Life (QOL) and worry in patients with GAD. A sample of 30 patients with GAD who had been referred to psychiatry offices in Isfahan, Iran were selected and assigned into an experimental group (n=15) and a control group (n=15) randomly.  The experimental group received CBT in 8 weekly sessions. All participants completed the World Health Organization Quality Of Life-Brief (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire and the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) at pretest, posttest and follow up. The results of MANCOVA showed that the mean scores of QOL in the experimental group was significantly higher than the control group at the posttest and follow up (P<0.05) and the mean scores of worry in the experimental group was significantly lower than the control group at the posttest and follow up (P<0.05) It is concluded that CBT can be applied for the patients with GAD as a useful psychological treatment. In general, CBT can improve QOL and decrease worry in patients with GAD.


Neurology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 91 (14) ◽  
pp. e1319-e1327 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeannine Bergmann ◽  
Carmen Krewer ◽  
Klaus Jahn ◽  
Friedemann Müller

ObjectiveTo determine the effects of 2 weeks of intensive robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) on pusher behavior compared to nonrobotic physiotherapy (nR-PT).MethodsIn a single-blind, randomized, controlled trial with 2 parallel arms, we compared 2 weeks of daily RAGT (intervention group) with the same amount of nR-PT (control group). Patients with subacute stroke who had pusher behavior according to the Scale for Contraversive Pushing (SCP) were included. The primary research questions were whether changes in pusher behavior would differ between groups post intervention, and at a follow-up 2 weeks afterward (SCP and Burke Lateropulsion Scale, Class II evidence). Secondary outcomes included the Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment, the Functional Ambulation Classification, and the Subjective Visual Vertical.ResultsThirty-eight patients were randomized. Thereof, 30 patients received the allocated intervention and were included in the analyses. RAGT led to a larger reduction of pusher behavior than nR-PT at post test (SCP: U = 69.00, r = −0.33, p = 0.037; Burke Lateropulsion Scale: U = 47.500, r = −0.50, p = 0.003) and at follow-up (SCP: U = 54.00, r = −0.44, p = 0.008). Pusher behavior had ceased in 6 of 15 participants in the intervention group and 1 of 15 participants in the control group at post test. At follow-up, 9 of 15 and 5 of 15 participants, respectively, no longer exhibited the behavior.ConclusionsTwo weeks of RAGT seems to persistently reduce pusher behavior, possibly by recalibrating the disturbed inner reference of verticality. The potential benefits of RAGT on pusher behavior and verticality perception require further investigation.Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trials Register (registration number: DRKS00003444).Classification of evidenceThis study provides Class II evidence that RAGT is beneficial to reduce pusher behavior in patients with stroke.


2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 726-743 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mei-Hua Kao ◽  
Pi-Feng Hsu ◽  
Sheng-Fang Tien ◽  
Chie-Pein Chen

This study was to examine the effects of support interventions on anxiety, depression, and quality of life in women hospitalized with preterm labor. A randomized, single-blind experimental design was used. Participants were recruited from maternity wards of one medical center in Taiwan. The control group ( n = 103) received routine nursing care, and intervention group ( n = 140) received interventional support during hospitalization. The Beck Anxiety Inventory, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire were used at admission and 2 weeks of hospitalization. For the control group, anxiety and depression scores increased significantly and quality of life decreased 2 weeks after hospitalization. Participants who received 2 weeks of support intervention had significantly lower anxiety and depression scores than controls. Thus, clinical nurses can offer support interventions to improve anxiety and depression for women with preterm labor during hospitalization.


2021 ◽  
Vol In Press (In Press) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elnaz Hajati ◽  
Banafsheh Gharraee ◽  
Fahimeh Fathali Lavasani ◽  
Hojjatollah Farahani ◽  
Asadollah Rajab

Background: The prevalence of diabetes is on the rise, and the lack of regular self-care activities can exacerbate this disease. Therefore, finding effective and short-term treatments is needed for these patients. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of acceptance-based emotion regulation group therapy in controlling diabetes in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: This experimental study included the three stages of pre-test, post-test, and six-month after follow-up, as well as a control group. The statistical sample consisted of 33 patients with type 2 diabetes referred to the Iranian Diabetes Association, of whom 16 patients were allocated to the intervention group and 17 to the control group. The study was conducted in Tehran in 2019 - 2020. Acceptance-based emotion regulation group therapy lasted 14 weeks, during which some aspects of acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical therapy, and emotion-focused treatment were combined and provided to the patients. The questionnaires used were the Summary of Diabetes Self-care activities (SDSCA) and Diabetes Dependent Quality of Life scale. Also, a structured DSM-V clinical interview was performed, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was measured. To analyze the data, mixed design ANOVA was run in SPSS version 21. Results: The findings revealed that the mean difference between pre-test and post-test in the experimental group was significant for the variables of HbA1c, quality of life, and self-care while the mean difference between the post-test and follow-up was not significant for HbA1c (P = 0.17) and quality of life (P = 0.27), indicating the stability of the therapeutic effect after six months of the intervention. Based on the present findings, acceptance-based emotion regulation group therapy led to a decrease in HbA1c and an increase in self-care and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes. Conclusions: Our results showed that acceptance-based emotion regulation group therapy improved self-care, quality of life, and HbA1c in type 2 diabetic patients, so it can be used as a complementary intervention along with medical treatments.


Author(s):  
Gesche Janzarik ◽  
Daniel Wollschläger ◽  
Michèle Wessa ◽  
Klaus Lieb

In this study, a new group intervention program to foster resilience in nursing professionals was tested for efficacy. In total, 72 nurses were recruited and randomised to either an intervention condition or to a wait list control condition. The study had a pre-test, post-test, follow-up design. The eight-week program targeted six resilience factors: cognitive flexibility, coping, self-efficacy, self-esteem, self-care, and mindfulness. Compared to the control group, the intervention group reported a significant improvement in the primary outcome mental health (measured with the General Health Questionnaire) from pre-test (M = 20.79; SD = 9.85) to post-test (M = 15.81; SD = 7.13) with an estimated medium effect size (p = 0.03, η2 = 0.08) at post-test. Further significant improvements were found for resilience and other resilience related outcomes measures. The individual stressor load of the subjects was queried retrospectively in each measurement. Stress levels had a significant influence on mental health. The intervention effect was evident even though the stress level in both groups did not change significantly between the measurements. Follow-up data suggest that the effects were sustained for up to six months after intervention. The resilience intervention reduced mental burden in nurses and also positively affected several additional psychological outcomes.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 188-192
Author(s):  
Masoud Ahmadi ◽  
Masoud Ghasemi ◽  
Mansoureh Shahriari Ahmadi

Background: Generalized anxiety disorder is among the most common psychiatric disorders. We aimed to compare the effectiveness of emotion regulation training and assertiveness training on resilience and clinical symptoms of students with generalized anxiety disorder. Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest study with a control group. The statistical population included all 16-18 years old male high school students in Karaj who were studying in the academic year 2019-2020, of whom 75 were selected by multi-stage random sampling and assigned to two groups of 25. Participants in experimental group 1 received eight sessions of assertiveness training for 60 minutes per week. Participants in experimental group 2 received five sessions of emotion regulation training for 60 minutes per week, and participants in the control group did not receive any intervention. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Resilience questionnaires were used to collect data. Results: Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) showed that both assertiveness and emotion regulation training programs increased resilience and reduced clinical signs of generalized anxiety disorder in the experimental groups (P<0.001). Moreover, there was no significant difference between the effectiveness of the two training programs. Conclusion: It is suggested that assertiveness and emotion regulation training be provided for students and included in their curriculum, to enhance assertiveness and emotion regulation skills.


Author(s):  
Mohammad Oraki ◽  
Hossein Zare ◽  
Ali Hosseinzadeh Ghasemabad

Introduction: The present study was conducted with the aim of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on treatment adherence in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental design with an experimental group and a control group with pre-test, post-test and two-month follow-up. This study was conducted in 2019 in Tehran in the statistical population of people with NAFLD diagnosis. In this study, 30 individuals with NAFLD were purposefully selected and they were randomly assigned to two groups and received a pre-test. Then, the experimental group underwent group intervention of acceptance and commitment therapy during two months of ten sessions while the control group had received the typical routine interventions from medical centers. The Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (Moriski et al., 2008) was conducted in the all of three stages of measurement. In order to analyze the data, repeated measures analysis of variance test with SPSS-16 software was used. Results: The trend of changes in the intervention group compared to the control group in the measurement stages in the treatment adherence to the treatment (F= 4.243, P=0.03) was significantly different (P <0.05) and about 15% of the differences observed in this variable is due to group membership (intervention). To compare these changes over time, Benfron's subtest was used. The difference between pre-test with post-test and follow-up were only significant in the intervention group (P <0.05). Conclusion: Acceptance and commitment-based therapy increases treatment adherence. Therefore, it is suggested that this method be used to increase treatment adherence in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justus Tönnies ◽  
Mechthild Hartmann ◽  
Michel Wensing ◽  
Joachim Szecsenyi ◽  
Frank Peters-Klimm ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Most people suffering from depression and anxiety disorders are solely treated by their primary care physician. Access to specialized mental health care is impeded by patients’ comorbidity and immobility in ageing societies and long waiting times on the providers’ end. Video-based integrated care models may leverage limited resources more efficiently and provide timely specialized care in the primary care environment the patient is already familiar with. OBJECTIVE In an individually randomized controlled trial we aimed to evaluate the feasibility of mental health specialist video consultations with primary care patients with depression and/or anxiety disorder. METHODS Participants were recruited by their primary care physicians during regular practice visits. Eligible patients were required to experience at least moderate symptoms of depression and/or anxiety disorder. Patients were randomized in two groups receiving either treatment as usual as provided by their general practitioner or up to five video consultations conducted by a mental health specialist. Video consultations focused on (1) systematic diagnosis plus proactive monitoring using validated clinical rating scales, (2) the establishment of an effective working alliance and (3) a stepped-care algorithm within integrated care adjusting treatments based on clinical outcomes. Feasibility outcomes were recruitment, rate of loss to follow-up, acceptability of treatment and attendance at sessions. Effectiveness outcomes included depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), burden of specific somatic complaints (Somatic Symptom Disorder-B Criteria Scale, SSD-12), recovery (Recovery Assessment Scale, RAS-G), and perception of chronic illness care (Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care, PACIC–Short Form) – which were measured at baseline and 16 weeks post-allocation by assessors blinded to group allocation. RESULTS Fifty patients with depression and/or anxiety disorder were randomized, 23 to the intervention group and 27 to the treatment-as-usual group. The recruitment yield (number randomized per number screened) and consent rate (number randomized per number eligible) were 50/73 (68.5%) and 50/58 (86.2%), respectively. Concerning acceptability, 20 (87.0%) of the 23 in the intervention group completed the intervention. Of 108 planned video consultations, 102 (94.4%) were delivered. Follow-up rates were 95.7% and 85.2% for the intervention and the control group, respectively. Change from baseline scores at post-measurement for the “No Domination by Symptoms” domain of recovery (RAS-G) were somewhat higher for the intervention group compared to the control group (Mann-Whitney U-Test: rank-biserial r = 0.19 [-0.09; 0.46], P = .18). We did not detect any notable differences between the intervention group and the control group for the other effectiveness outcomes. We did not observe any serious adverse events related to the trial. CONCLUSIONS The intervention and study procedures are feasible for patients, primary care practice staff, and mental health specialists. A sufficiently powered pragmatic trial on mental health specialist video consultations should be conducted to investigate effectiveness in routine care. CLINICALTRIAL German Clinical Trials Register (registration no. DRKS00015812).


2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernanda Demutti Pimpão Martins ◽  
Luciana Pedrosa Leal ◽  
Francisca Márcia Pereira Linhares ◽  
Alessandro Henrique da Silva Santos ◽  
Gerlaine de Oliveira Leite ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the effect of the board game as an educational technology on schoolchildren’s knowledge on breastfeeding. Method: cluster-randomized clinical trial, held in nine schools, with 99 children in the third grade of elementary school (control group = 51 and intervention group = 48). The pretest was conducted in both groups; intervention consisted in the application of the educational technology immediately after pretest to the intervention group; and the post-test was applied on the 7th and 30th days to both groups. For the analysis of children’s knowledge on breastfeeding, we considered the pre- and post-test score means, using the Mann-Whitney test - for comparing the means between groups - and the Wilcoxon test - within the same group. Results: there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in the pretest. In the follow-up, when comparing the groups, there were higher means in the intervention group, on the 7th (19.68 ±1.788) and on the 30th (20.16±1.260) days, with statistically significant difference. Within the intervention group, there was significant increase of the means in the pretest (15.89±3.082) for the 30th day (20.16±1.260). Conclusion: such educational intervention has significantly contributed to the increase in scores of children’s knowledge on breastfeeding for the intervention group. UTN: U1111-1184-7386.


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