Neural predictors of cognitive-behavior therapy outcome in anxiety-related disorders: a meta-analysis of task-based fMRI studies

Background Cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) is a well-established first-line intervention for anxiety-related disorders, including specific phobia, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder/agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Several neural predictors of CBT outcome for anxiety-related disorders have been proposed, but previous results are inconsistent. Methods We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies investigating whole-brain predictors of CBT outcome in anxiety-related disorders (17 studies, n = 442). Results Across different tasks, we observed that brain response in a network of regions involved in salience and interoception processing, encompassing fronto-insular (the right inferior frontal gyrus-anterior insular cortex) and fronto-limbic (the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex-dorsal anterior cingulate cortex) cortices was strongly associated with a positive CBT outcome. Conclusions Our results suggest that there are robust neural predictors of CBT outcome in anxiety-related disorders that may eventually lead (probably in combination with other data) to develop personalized approaches for the treatment of these mental disorders.

Treating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder with Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT): A Case Study

The present case study is about a 23 year’s old married man from a middle socioeconomic status Muslim family residing in Islamabad. He came with the signs of obsessive compulsive disorder such as obsessions, compulsions, superstitious thinking with comorbid depression, low mood, somatic complaints, anxiety, nervousness, tension, isolation and hostility. He was having these symptoms since 2006 to 2021. The present case study was conducted to assess the efficacy of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for individuals suffering with obsessive compulsive disorder. Case study continued for 12 sessions of cognitive behaviors therapy. 3 (1-3) sessions were conducted in initial phase, 5 sessions (4-9) were conducted in middle phase and 3 (10-12) sessions were conducted in termination phase and 2 follow up sessions after termination phase. Patient’s improvement was started in middle phase of the treatment; he seemed hopeful and motivated in getting better. After the end of the middle phase, he was almost symptom free. Further at the termination phase, patient’s symptoms were distinctly reduced and relapse prevention tactics were taught to him for dealing with his obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms in future. It was confirmed that CBT is an efficient therapy to treat obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms and improve well-being.

The Effects of Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Social Skill Training among Schizophrenia with Risk of Violent Behavior

BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia is a condition in which people suffer from impaired ability to think, perceive, and show emotional responses and interact socially. Patients with schizophrenia can experience the risk of violent behavior (RVB). Psychotherapy is needed to deal with the problem. AIM: This study aimed to investigate the effects of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and social skill training (SST) on signs and symptoms of risks of violent behavior (RVB). METHODOLOGY: This study employed a quasi-experimental without a control group. The research samples used purposive sampling were 30 patients with symptoms of risks of violent behavior. Meanwhile, the measurement used the sign and symptom questioners of risks of violent behavior (Z = 0.791). RESULT: This study revealed that signs and symptoms decreased significantly (p < 0.05) from 10.45 to 5.41 after the respondents had obtained the CBT. Moreover, after the respondents had received CBT and SST, the sign and symptoms decreased significantly (p < 0.05) from 5.41 to 0.52. CONCLUSION: This study recommends that the combination of CBT and SST be administered to patients with schizophrenia with risks of violent behavior.