Remote Psychological Interventions for Fear of Cancer Recurrence: Scoping Review

Background Patients with cancer and survivors may experience the fear of cancer recurrence (FCR), a preoccupation with the progression or recurrence of cancer. During the spread of COVID-19 in 2019, patients and survivors experienced increased levels of FCR. Hence, there is a greater need to identify effective evidence-based treatments to help people cope with FCR. Remotely delivered interventions might provide a valuable means to address FCR in patients with cancer. Objective The aim of this study is to first discuss the available psychological interventions for FCR based on traditional cognitive behavioral therapies (CBTs) or contemporary CBTs, in particular, mindfulness and acceptance and commitment therapy, and then propose a possible approach based on the retrieved literature. Methods We searched key electronic databases to identify studies that evaluated the effect of psychological interventions such as CBT on FCR among patients with cancer and survivors. Results Current evidence suggests that face-to-face psychological interventions for FCR are feasible, acceptable, and efficacious for managing FCR. However, there are no specific data on the interventions that are most effective when delivered remotely. Conclusions CBT interventions can be efficacious in managing FCR, especially at posttreatment, regardless of whether it is delivered face to face, on the web, or using a blended approach. To date, no study has simultaneously compared the effectiveness of face-to-face, web-based, and blended interventions. On the basis of the retrieved evidence, we propose the hypothetical program of an intervention for FCR based on both traditional CBT and contemporary CBT, named Change Of Recurrence, which aims to improve the management of FCR in patients with cancer and survivors.

A web-based interface to calculate phonological neighborhood density for words and nonwords in Modern Standard Arabic

The availability of online databases (e.g., Balota et al., 2007) and calculators (e.g., Storkel & Hoover, 2010) has contributed to an increase in psycholinguistic-related research, to the development of evidence-based treatments in clinical settings, and to scientifically supported training programs in the language classroom. The benefit of online language resources is limited by the fact that the majority of such resources provide information only for the English language (Vitevitch, Chan & Goldstein, 2014). To address the lack of diversity in these resources for languages that differ phonologically and morphologically from English, the present article describes an online database to compute phonological neighborhood density (i.e., the number of words that sound similar to a given word) for words and nonwords in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). A full description of how the calculator can be used is provided. It can be freely accessed at https://calculator.ku.edu/density/about.

Dimensions of physical activity as related to child attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms and impairment

In efforts to explore adjunct/alternative treatments for ADHD, this study investigated the associations between dimensions of physical activity (PA) and children’s ADHD symptoms and impairment. Current evidence-based treatments include medication and behaviour management, but there is widespread consensus that more treatment options are desirable. Although there is increasing support for PA as an adjunct/alternative to existing treatment for ADHD, the interplay of specific dimensions of PA has not been studied. Fifty-one parents of children aged 6–12 years with ADHD filled out questionnaires. Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that only some dimensions of PA explained a statistically significant portion of the variance in ADHD symptoms, beyond that explained by typical demographic variables. PA dimensions did not account for a statistically significant portion of ADHD impairment. Refining the measurement of how long children have engaged in PA is a key step in generating evidence for PA as an adjunct or alternate treatment for ADHD, and developing guidelines to manage parental expectations for this treatment in the benefit of their children.

Cholinesterase inhibitors for gait, balance, and fall in Parkinson disease: a meta-analysis

Gait disturbance and imbalance are the major symptoms of Parkinson disease (PD), with fall being the most undesirable consequence. However, few effective evidence-based treatments are available for alleviating these symptoms and preventing falls. Cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) are a well-established treatment for PD dementia with possible impacts on gait, balance, and fall reduction. The present study involved a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to investigate the effects of ChEIs on gait, balance, and fall in patients with PD. We searched for studies using the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. The major outcomes were effects on gait parameters, balance, and fall. This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021254733). Five RCTs were included in the present meta-analysis. ChEIs did not significantly increase gait speed in PD patients (mean difference [MD]: 0.03 m/s, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.02 to 0.07, p = 0.29). However, ChEI treatment significantly decreased step or stride variability during the single task (standard MD: −0.43, 95% CI = −0.79 to −0.06, p = 0.02). Regarding fall and balance, trending but nonsignificant beneficial effects were observed with ChEI treatment. In conclusion, although ChEI treatment did not significantly improve gait speed and reduce fall, it can significantly reduce step or stride variability. Considering that gait disorder is a challenging issue in patients with PD and that ChEIs are generally tolerable, the present meta-analysis may provide more evidence for the benefit of ChEIs on PD gait disturbance as an alternative treatment consideration.

Making implementation programmes better. Mixed-m​ethods case study of an implementation process for two evidence-based brief psychotherapies

Background The Ostrobothnia Depression Programme (ODP) had a hybrid-design incorporating an implementation programme for two evidence-based treatments (EBTs), behavioural activation and motivational interviewing, and a study on their effectiveness. It was carried out regionally in secondary psychiatric care in a Finnish district. We evaluated the ODP through a mixed-methods analysis to extract organization- and programme-related knowledge to make future programmes more effective in terms of sustaining and scaling up the desired programme outcomes. Methods A cross-sectional mixed-methods survey was conducted with the programme addressees 4-5 months after the end of the ODP. The realization of case consultation groups analysed further by interviewing those responsible for them and making use of attendance lists. Results Out of 72 original programme addressees 33 completed the survey. The results showed that the ODP succeeded in initiating the desired change in clinical practices. Case consultations and training videos intended as reinforcers were underutilized. Deficits in the implementation plan and the hybrid design of the ODP jeopardized the maintenance of the implementation outcomes in the long term. Conclusions We discuss our results in light of the Normalization Process Theory (NPT) related sub-processes ‘implementation’, ‘embedding’ and ‘integration’. The complete training intervention in the target EBTs should comprise both workshops and non-optional case consultations. Access to case consultations should be made as convenient as possible. Means to decentralize the clinical support in everyday work should be elaborated in collaboration with the teams. Coaching team leaders to employ evidence-based active managerial practices that are connected e.g. to the concept of ‘transformational leadership’ would likely be fruitful. The original programme plan should be checked for means to sustain and scale up the implementation outcomes after the active programme phase.

PREVENTION OF PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCE USE

Substance use disorder in a severe mode is called addiction, it is a chronic disorder of the brain determined by biological and social factors that have unhealthy consequences to individuals and to community. Understanding substance use disorder has improved our perspectives in the last thirty years due to major advancement in researches related to genetics and neuroscience. In addition to the evolution of new technologies and methods that helped us create advanced prevention techniques and interventions. Methods: PubMed was used to conduct the literature searches, observational and interventional studies focused on adult substance use were obtained. Findings were collected and arranged to cover the main points of epidemiology, neurobiology and prevention. Results: substance-related use patterns have evolved over time, which are informed via peer behaviors, environmental factors, messaging platforms, availability of various substances, and other different variables. Many risk factors in addition to resiliency factors contributed to individual differences in substance use and related results. Prevention methods have achieved mixed results, although many evidence-based treatments were developed for substance use disorder, the results are limited to a moderate level, suggesting the need for additional research to evolve prevention methods and treatment. Conclusion: It is necessary to mention that there is a high demand to identify cost effective prevention methods. The integration of prevention methods and techniques, including interventions at the school, family and society levels, is more likely to achieve the results needed.

Managing Sleep in Adults with ADHD: From Science to Pragmatic Approaches

Background: Sleep disorders and sleep problems commonly occur in adults with ADHD and add to functional impairment. Evidence-based treatments for sleep could improve function in the adult ADHD population. Methods: A literature review was conducted to present the clinical science informing treatment of sleep in adults with ADHD. Results: Six systematic prospective studies of sleep intervention in adults with ADHD were identified. Three of these, all including well-characterized ADHD patients, offered evidence for a significant effect of morning light therapy. Across the studies, preliminary evidence for melatonin, behavioral therapy, and weighted blankets were also found. Implication: Low-risk interventions such as light therapy may improve sleep in adults with ADHD, but many sleep interventions currently in use remain unstudied in the ADHD population. Considerations for evidence-informed practice and future research directions are discussed.