The promise of cognitive behavior therapy for treatment of severe mental disorders: a review of recent developments

Emotional distress and dysregulation as treatment targets to reduce suicide in psychosis: a scoping review

There is a pressing need for effective treatments that address the high rate of suicide observed among people with psychosis. In this scoping review we highlight two suicidogenic treatment targets that have been relatively neglected in people with psychotic disorders: emotional distress and emotion dysregulation. We review the research on these constructs in psychosis and their relationship to suicide in this population, and then make clinical recommendations based on research findings. Emotional distress and emotional dysregulation may be promising treatment targets for suicide among people with psychosis.

Dose‒Response Effects of Patient Engagement on Anxiety and Depression in a Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention: Secondary Analysis of a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial and a Clinical Controlled Trial

Understanding the dose‒response relationship between patient engagement in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and health outcomes is critical for developing and implementing effective CBT programs. In studies of CBT interventions, patient engagement is measured only at a single time point, and outcomes are typically assessed before and after the intervention. Examination of the dose‒response relationship between patient engagement in CBT and outcomes is limited. It is unclear whether a dose‒response relationship exists between patient engagement in on-site CBT intervention and anxiety and depression in people living with HIV (PLWH). If present, does this dose‒response relationship occur early or later in the intervention? This study aimed to address this gap by examining the dose‒response relationships between patient engagement and anxiety and depression in CBT interventions among PLWH. Utilizing data from a pilot randomized trial (10 participants) and a clinical controlled trial (70 participants), our secondary analysis spans baseline, 3-month, and 6-month assessments. Both trials implemented the nurse-led CBT intervention. Cluster analysis identified two groups based on on-site attendance and WeChat activity. Patients with good adherence (6-10 times) of on-site attendance exhibited significantly lower anxiety and depression scores at 3 months (β = 1.220, P = 0.047; β = 1.270, P = 0.019), with no significant differences observed at 6 months. WeChat activity did not significantly influence anxiety or depression scores. The findings highlight a significant short-term dose‒response relationship, endorsing nurse-led CBT interventions for mental health in PLWH. Organizational strategies should focus on incentivizing and facilitating patient engagement, particularly through enhancing WeChat features.

Feasibility, Adherence, and Effectiveness of Blended Psychotherapy for Severe Mental Illnesses: Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Blended psychotherapy (bPT) combines face-to-face psychotherapy with digital interventions to enhance the effectiveness of mental health treatment. The feasibility and effectiveness of bPT have been demonstrated for various mental health issues, although primarily for patients with higher levels of functioning.

OBJECTIVE

This scoping review aims to investigate the feasibility, adherence, and effectiveness of bPT for the treatment of patients with severe mental illnesses (SMIs).

METHODS

Following the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines, we conducted searches in PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and PsycArticles for studies published until March 23, 2023.

RESULTS

Out of 587 screened papers, we incorporated 25 studies encompassing 23 bPT interventions, involving a total of 2554 patients with SMI. The intervention formats and research designs exhibited significant variation. Our findings offer preliminary evidence supporting the feasibility of bPT for SMI, although there is limited research on adherence. Nevertheless, the summarized studies indicated promising attrition rates, spanning from 0% to 37%, implying a potential beneficial impact of bPT on adherence to SMI treatment. The quantity of evidence on the effects of bPT for SMI was limited and challenging to generalize. Among the 15 controlled trials, 4 concluded that bPT interventions were effective compared with controls. However, it is noteworthy that 2 of these studies used the same study population, and the control groups exhibited significant variations.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, our review suggests that while bPT appears promising as a treatment method, further research is necessary to establish its effectiveness for SMI. We discuss considerations for clinical implementation, directions, and future research.

Analysis of post-migration traumatic events influence on immigrants and their personality traits

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to analyse the way immigrants and their personality traits get affected by traumatic events in the post-migration process.

METHODS

This descriptive study was conducted through Google Forms with the involvement of 2,509 immigrants. A descriptive questionnaire, the "IFOMA Post-Migration Post-Traumatic Effect Scale" and the "GADOT Personality Types Determination Scale" were used to collect the research data. Independent samples t-test, one-way ANOVA, and related sample Friedman's two-way analysis tests were used in data analysis.

RESULTS

Immigrants were exposed to significant effects in all sub-dimensions of the Post-Migration Post-Traumatic Effect Scale. Experiencing post-traumatic stress was found to be significantly related to the research parameters, which, respectively, are gender, age, marital status, educational background, legal status, years of living in the current country, employment status, ethnicity, Turkish language proficiency, and post-migration psychological problems (p < 0.05); 42.8% of the immigrants had the Type 9 personality, and all personality types were affected by the Psychological Affection, Physical Affection, Anxiety, and Social Adaptation sub-dimensions, respectively (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

By analysing the impact of migration-induced trauma on immigrants within their society, it can be recommended to implement initiatives specific to immigrants' personality traits and to carry out protective/preventive projects that will minimize immigrants' exposure to trauma and encourage their participation in social adaptation processes.

Efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy for bipolar disorder: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a serious mental illness with a chronic course and significant morbidity and mortality. BD has a lifetime prevalence rate of 1%-1.5% and is characterised by recurrent episodes of mania and depression, or a mixture of both phases. Although it has harmacological and psychotherapeutic treatment, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has shown beneficial effects, but there is not enough clinical information in the current literature.

METHODS

The main aim was to determine the efficacy of CBT alone or as an adjunct to pharmacological treatment for BD. A systematic review of 17 articles was carried out. The inclusion criteria were: quantitative or qualitative research aimed at examining the efficacy of CBT in BD patients with/without medication; publications in English language; and) being 18-65 years of age. The exclusion criteria were: review and meta-analysis articles; articles that included patients with other diagnoses in addition to BD and that did not separate the results based on such diagnoses; and studies with patients who did not meet the DSM or ICD criteria for BD. The PubMed, PsycINFO and Web of Science databases were searched up to 5 January 2020. The search strategy was: "Bipolar Disorder" AND "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy".

RESULTS

A total of 1531 patients both sexes were included. The weighted mean age was 40.703 years. The number of sessions ranged from 8 to 30, with a total duration of 45-120 min. All the studies show variable results in improving the level of depression and the severity of mania, improving functionality, reducing relapses and recurrences, and reducing anxiety levels and the severity of insomnia.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of CBT alone or adjunctive therapy in BD patients is considered to show promising results after treatment and during follow-up. Benefits include reduced levels of depression and mania, fewer relapses and recurrences, and higher levels of psychosocial functioning. More studies are needed.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in Intensive Case Management: A Multimethod Quantitative-Qualitative Study

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to improve clinical outcomes in schizophrenia and severe and persistent mental illness, but access to it remains limited. One potential way to improve access to CBT is to provide it through intensive case management (ICM) teams. A 90-week quality improvement study was designed to assess if CBT could be implemented in ICM teams. Self-selected ICM clinicians (N=8) implemented CBT with their patients (N=40). These clinicians attended weekly seminars (36 h total) and group supervision (1.5 h/wk). Patient outcomes for this group were compared with those of other clinicians who did not attend the seminars [treatment as usual (TAU) clinicians (N=4)] and their patient population (N=49). Prescore and postscore on the Clinical Global Impressions scale and a quality-of-life scale (Montreal Life Skill Survey) were analyzed for completers in both groups (Clinical Global Impressions scores were analyzed for 25 patients in the CBT group and 29 patients in the TAU group). Weekly session reports by clinicians in the CBT group measured CBT interventions, session focus, and satisfaction with CBT. Qualitative data were obtained from clinicians in the CBT group. After 90 weeks, patients in the CBT group had fewer negative symptoms compared with patients in the TAU group. Our qualitative data describe 2 trajectories of patients: those who improved with CBT and those who did not, and they suggest factors that may impact patient trajectories in CBT. This study suggests that CBT can be used effectively in ICM teams working with patients suffering from severe and persistent mental illness.

Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Bipolar Disorder: a Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a serious mental illness with a chronic course and significant morbidity and mortality. BD has a lifetime prevalence rate of 1% to 1.5% and is characterised by recurrent episodes of mania and depression, or a mixture of both phases. Although it has harmacological and psychotherapeutic treatment, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has shown beneficial effects, but there is not enough clinical information in the current literature.

METHODS

The main aim was to determine the efficacy of CBT alone or as an adjunct to pharmacological treatment for BD. A systematic review of 17 articles was carried out. The inclusion criteria were: quantitative or qualitative research aimed at examining the efficacy of CBT in BD patients with/without medication; publications in English language; and) being 18-65 years of age. The exclusion criteria were: review and meta-analysis articles; articles that included patients with other diagnoses in addition to BD and that did not separate the results based on such diagnoses; and studies with patients who did not meet the DSM or ICD criteria for BD. The PubMed, PsycINFO and Web of Science databases were searched up to 5 January 2020. The search strategy was: "Bipolar Disorder" AND "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy".

RESULTS

A total of 1,531 patients both sexes were included. The weighted mean age was 40.703 years. The number of sessions ranged from 8-30, with a total duration of 45-120minutes. All the studies show variable results in improving the level of depression and the severity of mania, improving functionality, reducing relapses and recurrences, and reducing anxiety levels and the severity of insomnia.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of CBT alone or adjunctive therapy in BD patients is considered to show promising results after treatment and during follow-up. Benefits include reduced levels of depression and mania, fewer relapses and recurrences, and higher levels of psychosocial functioning. More studies are needed.

Resilience building for mood disorders: Theoretical introduction and the achievements of the Re-Work program in Japan

Mood disorders are common, tend to recur, cause sickness absence, and lead to economic loss. Since past experiences of mood disorder episodes often increase future vulnerability, it is imperative to assist those mood disorder patients who want to resume working to build resilience to prevent relapse. Paralleling efforts in the West, a resilience-building program utilizing the principles of the Illness Management and Recovery program was first developed in Japan in 1997. The purpose of this survey is to introduce the concept and theory behind the Re-Work program and to review studies that report on program assessment, content, effects and associated factors, and prognosis of participants. A literature search performed with PubMed and Igaku chuou zasshi (Ichushi) identified 30 relevant studies. One of these reported on a tool developed to assess readiness for returning to work. Concerning program content, a group therapy setting and cognitive behavioral therapy were found to be effective. Physical exercise and relaxation techniques may be useful as secondary program components. Several studies report on program effects, but there may be factors that limit these effects. The prognosis for relapse prevention after the resumption of work may be better for Re-Work program participants than for a control group. Further research in this area is needed to confirm program effectiveness and related factors.

Delusions beyond beliefs: a critical overview of diagnostic, aetiological, and therapeutic schizophrenia research from a clinical-phenomenological perspective

Delusions are commonly conceived as false beliefs that are held with certainty and which cannot be corrected. This conception of delusion has been influential throughout the history of psychiatry and continues to inform how delusions are approached in clinical practice and in contemporary schizophrenia research. It is reflected in the full psychosis continuum model, guides psychological and neurocognitive accounts of the formation and maintenance of delusions, and it substantially determines how delusions are approached in cognitive-behavioural treatment. In this Review, we draw on a clinical-phenomenological framework to offer an alternative account of delusion that incorporates the experiential dimension of delusion, emphasising how specific alterations to self-consciousness and reality experience underlie delusions that are considered characteristic of schizophrenia. Against that backdrop, we critically reconsider the current research areas, highlighting empirical and conceptual issues in contemporary delusion research, which appear to largely derive from an insufficient consideration of the experiential dimension of delusions. Finally, we suggest how the alternative phenomenological approach towards delusion could offer new ways to advance current research and clinical practice.

Natural Language Processing Tools for Assessing Progress and Outcome of Two Veteran Populations: Cohort Study From a Novel Online Intervention for Posttraumatic Growth

BACKGROUND

Over 100 million Americans lack affordable access to behavioral health care. Among these, military veterans are an especially vulnerable population. Military veterans require unique behavioral health services that can address military experiences and challenges transitioning to the civilian sector. Real-world programs to help veterans successfully transition to civilian life must build a sense of community, have the ability to scale, and be able to reach the many veterans who cannot or will not access care. Digitally based behavioral health initiatives have emerged within the past few years to improve this access to care. Our novel behavioral health intervention teaches mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy and narrative therapy using peer support groups as guides, with human-facilitated asynchronous online discussions. Our study applies natural language processing (NLP) analytics to assess effectiveness of our online intervention in order to test whether NLP may provide insights and detect nuances of personal change and growth that are not currently captured by subjective symptom measures.

OBJECTIVE

This paper aims to study the value of NLP analytics in assessing progress and outcomes among combat veterans and military sexual assault survivors participating in novel online interventions for posttraumatic growth.

METHODS

IBM Watson and Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count tools were applied to the narrative writings of combat veterans and survivors of military sexual trauma who participated in novel online peer-supported group therapies for posttraumatic growth. Participants watched videos, practiced skills such as mindfulness meditation, told their stories through narrative writing, and participated in asynchronous, facilitated online discussions with peers. The writings, including online postings, by the 16 participants who completed the program were analyzed after completion of the program.

RESULTS

Our results suggest that NLP can provide valuable insights on shifts in personality traits, personal values, needs, and emotional tone in an evaluation of our novel online behavioral health interventions. Emotional tone analysis demonstrated significant decreases in fear and anxiety, sadness, and disgust, as well as increases in joy. Significant effects were found for personal values and needs, such as needing or desiring closeness and helping others, and for personality traits of openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism (ie, emotional range). Participants also demonstrated increases in authenticity and clout (confidence) of expression. NLP results were generally supported by qualitative observations and analysis, structured data, and course feedback.

CONCLUSIONS

The aggregate of results in our study suggest that our behavioral health intervention was effective and that NLP can provide valuable insights on shifts in personality traits, personal values, and needs, as well as measure changes in emotional tone. NLP's sensitivity to changes in emotional tone, values, and personality strengths suggests the efficacy of NLP as a leading indicator of treatment progress.

Non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches for psychiatric disorders: Re-appraisal and insights from zebrafish models

Acute and chronic stressors are common triggers of human mental illnesses. Experimental animal models and their cross-species translation to humans are critical for understanding of the pathogenesis of stress-related psychiatric disorders. Mounting evidence suggests that both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches can be efficient in treating these disorders. Here, we analyze human, rodent and zebrafish (Danio rerio) data to compare the impact of non-pharmacological and pharmacological therapies of stress-related psychopathologies. Emphasizing the likely synergism and interplay between pharmacological and environmental factors in mitigating daily stress both clinically and in experimental models, we argue that environmental enrichment emerges as a promising complementary therapy for stress-induced disorders across taxa. We also call for a broader use of novel model organisms, such as zebrafish, to study such treatments and their potential interplay.

Dissemination of computer-assisted cognitive-behavior therapy for depression in primary care

Computer-assisted cognitive-behavior therapy (CCBT) for depression in primary care will be evaluated in a trial with 240 patients randomly assigned to CCBT or treatment as usual (TAU). The study will disseminate a therapy method found to be effective in psychiatric settings into primary care - a setting in which there have been significant problems in the delivery of adequate, evidence-based treatment for depression. The study will include a high percentage of disadvantaged (low-income) patients - a population that has been largely ignored in previous research in CCBT. There have been no previous studies of CCBT for depression in primary care that have enrolled large numbers of disadvantaged patients. The form of CCBT used in this study is designed to increase access to effective therapy, provide a cost-effective method, and be a sustainable model for wide-spread use in primary care. In order to deliver therapy in a practical manner that can be replicated in other primary care practices, patients with significant symptoms of depression will receive treatment with an empirically supported computer program that builds cognitive-behavior therapy skills. Support for CCBT will be provided by telephone and/or e-mail contact with a care coordinator (CC) instead of face-to-face treatment with a cognitive-behavior therapist. Outcome will be assessed by measuring CCBT completion rate, comprehension of CBT concepts, and satisfaction with treatment, in addition to ratings of depressive symptoms, negative thoughts, and quality of life. The cost-effectiveness analysis and exploration of possible predictors of outcome should help clinicians, health care organizations, and others plan further dissemination of CCBT in primary care.

Improving implementation of evidence based practice for people with psychosis through training the wider workforce: Results of the GOALS feasibility randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

There is a pressing need to improve access to evidence-based practice for people with psychosis. The primary aim of this study was to assess clinical feasibility of a manualised, evidence-based CBT intervention (GOALS) targeting a personalised recovery goal, delivered by the frontline workforce, following brief training. Secondly, we aimed to conduct preliminary statistical analyses of key outcomes and costs.

METHODS

The GOALS study is a feasibility randomised controlled trial (ISRCTN 73188383). 75 participants with current psychosis were recruited and randomly allocated to receive either treatment as usual alone or with GOALS therapy.

RESULTS

Brief training enabled frontline staff to deliver the therapy according to protocol and 74% of therapy participants partially or fully achieved their goals. There were significant improvements with a moderate effect size of 0.56 on goal attainment. However, preliminary statistical analyses found no significant differences between groups on our primary outcome of activity levels or other secondary outcomes Health economic analysis found that point estimates of costs, controlling for baseline costs, implied savings (even including intervention costs), but the difference was not statistically significant.

LIMITATIONS

The study was designed as a feasibility RCT, and therefore the results of secondary estimates of efficacy effects should be treated with caution.

CONCLUSIONS

This approach holds promise in supporting people with psychosis to reach personal recovery goals, cost effectively.

Improvement in Negative Symptoms and Functioning in Cognitive-Behavioral Social Skills Training for Schizophrenia: Mediation by Defeatist Performance Attitudes and Asocial Beliefs

Psychosocial interventions have significant but modest impact on negative symptoms and functioning in schizophrenia. Identifying mechanisms of change in these interventions can inform treatment targets to strengthen these interventions. A number of studies have found associations between dysfunctional attitudes negative symptoms and functioning in schizophrenia. We previously found improvement in experiential negative symptoms and functioning in cognitive-behavioral social skills training (CBSST) in participants with schizophrenia (N = 149), and the present study examined whether improvements in CBSST in that trial were mediated by the group effect on defeatist performance attitudes and asocial beliefs. In multilevel mediation analyses, the effect of treatment group on experiential negative symptoms and functioning was mediated prospectively through defeatist attitudes but asocial beliefs only mediated effects on experiential negative symptoms. The findings suggest that cognitive-behavioral therapy interventions that target dysfunctional attitudes can lead to improvement in negative symptoms and functioning in schizophrenia.

Stress, trauma, and posttraumatic stress disorder in migrants: a comprehensive review

OBJECTIVE

There is growing evidence supporting the association between migration and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Considering the growing population of migrants and the particularities of providing culturally sensitive mental health care for these persons, clinicians should be kept up to date with the latest information regarding this topic. The objective of this study was to critically review the literature regarding migration, trauma and PTSD, and mental health services.

METHODS

The PubMed, SciELO, LILACS, and ISI Web of Science databases were searched for articles published in Portuguese, English, Spanish, or French, and indexed from inception to 2017. The following keywords were used: migration, mental health, mental health services, stress, posttraumatic stress disorder, and trauma.

RESULTS

Migration is associated with specific stressors, mainly related to the migratory experience and to the necessary process of acculturation occurring in adaptation to the host country. These major stressors have potential consequences in many areas, including mental health. The prevalence of PTSD among migrants is very high (47%), especially among refugees, who experience it at nearly twice the rate of migrant workers.

CONCLUSIONS

Mental health professionals must be trained to recognize and provide appropriate care for posttraumatic and/or stress-related disorders among migrants.

Efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy in patients with bipolar disorder: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Although cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is considered a promising adjuvant to pharmacotherapy for treating bipolar disorder (BD), its efficacy is unproven. The present review and meta-analysis evaluated the treatment outcomes of patients with BD treated with CBT plus medication and compared these data with the outcomes of those who received standard care alone.

METHODS

Electronic searches from inception to July 31, 2016, were performed using PubMed, Medline OVID, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, CINAHL plus, and PsycINFO. In the extensive electronic literature search, keywords such as "bipolar disorder," "manic-depressive psychosis," "bipolar affective disorder," "bipolar depression," "cognitive therapy," "cognitive-behavioral therapy," and "psychotherapy" were transformed into MeSH terms, and only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) of relapse rates and Hedges's g, along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), for the mean differences in the levels of depression, mania, and psychosocial functioning were calculated. Further subgroup analyses were conducted according to the characteristics of the CBT approaches, patients, and therapists, if the data were available.

RESULT

A total of 19 RCTs comprising 1384 patients with type I or II BD were enrolled in our systematic review and meta-analysis. The main analysis revealed that CBT could lower the relapse rate (pooled OR = 0.506; 95% CI = 0.278 -0.921) and improve depressive symptoms (g = -0.494; 95% CI = -0.963 to -0.026), mania severity (g = -0.581; 95% CI = -1.127 to -0.035), and psychosocial functioning (g = 0.457; 95% CI = 0.106-0.809).

CONCLUSIONS

CBT is effective in decreasing the relapse rate and improving depressive symptoms, mania severity, and psychosocial functioning, with a mild-to-moderate effect size. Subgroup analyses indicated that improvements in depression or mania are more potent with a CBT treatment duration of ≥90 min per session, and the relapse rate is much lower among patients with type I BD.

Contextual Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies Across the Psychosis Continuum

Abstract. Considering several etiologic, therapeutic, and comorbidity-related factors, a psychosis continuum model has been proposed for the understanding and treatment of psychotic disorders. Within the new emerging treatment approaches, Contextual Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies (CCBT) seem to hold promise for the psychosis continuum. However, considering their novelty for this specific population, the quality of efficacy evidence remains unclear. Objective: To examine, critically analyze, and summarize the results from studies based on therapeutic models within the CCBT approach (Mindfulness and Acceptance-based interventions, Compassion-Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Metacognitive Therapy) for patients with a diagnosis within the psychosis continuum (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder). Methods: Three leading electronic databases (MEDLINE/PUBMED; PsycINFO; Cochrane Library), a grey literature database (OpenGrey), and registered clinical trials (ClinicalTrials.Gov) were searched using combinations of key terms regarding the CCBT models and the diagnosis considered. Reference lists of the relevant studies and reviews were searched. Only Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) were included. The “Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool” was used for quality assessment. Results: A total of 17 articles were included. This review was based on a majority of unclear or low risk of bias studies. Benefits regarding clinical variables such as psychotic symptoms, anxiety and depression, functioning or quality of life were found. Conclusion: Overall the studies supported some benefits of CCBT approaches for the psychosis continuum. The conceptual perspective on treatment has changed, nevertheless the outcomes assessed are still symptom-focused and there is still need for improvement. Methodological considerations and future directions are presented.

Pupillary Responses as a Biomarker of Diminished Effort Associated With Defeatist Attitudes and Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia

BACKGROUND

The hypothesis that defeatist performance attitudes are associated with decreased goal-directed task effort and negative symptoms in consumers with schizophrenia was investigated by using pupillary responses as a biomarker of task effort. Pupillary dilation during cognitive tasks provides a biomarker of effort devoted to the task, with greater dilation indicating greater effort.

METHODS

Defeatist attitudes were assessed in 149 consumers with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and 50 healthy control subjects, and consumers were divided into three groups (tertile split) with respect to severity of defeatist attitudes. Pupillary dilation responses were recorded during a digit-span task with three-, six-, and nine-digit spans.

RESULTS

Effort allocation (pupillary responses) to the task increased as the processing load increased from low (three-digit) to moderate (six-digit) demands in healthy control subjects and consumers with schizophrenia with mild and moderate severity of defeatist attitudes. In contrast, consumers with severe defeatist attitudes did not increase their effort when processing demands increased from low to moderate loads. These consumers showed significantly less effort in the six-digit condition relative to consumers with mild defeatist attitudes. Moreover, consumers with severe defeatist attitudes showed significantly greater severity of negative symptoms relative to consumers with mild defeatist attitudes and negative symptoms were significantly correlated with defeatist attitudes.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest a relationship between defeatist performance attitudes, goal-directed task effort indexed by pupillary responses, and negative symptoms in schizophrenia. The findings have implications for using cognitive therapy to reduce defeatist attitudes that may contribute to diminished effort and negative symptoms in schizophrenia.

A cluster analytic approach to identifying predictors and moderators of psychosocial treatment for bipolar depression: Results from STEP-BD

BACKGROUND

We sought to address how predictors and moderators of psychotherapy for bipolar depression - identified individually in prior analyses - can inform the development of a metric for prospectively classifying treatment outcome in intensive psychotherapy (IP) versus collaborative care (CC) adjunctive to pharmacotherapy in the Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program (STEP-BD) study.

METHODS

We conducted post-hoc analyses on 135 STEP-BD participants using cluster analysis to identify subsets of participants with similar clinical profiles and investigated this combined metric as a moderator and predictor of response to IP. We used agglomerative hierarchical cluster analyses and k-means clustering to determine the content of the clinical profiles. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate whether the resulting clusters predicted or moderated likelihood of recovery or time until recovery.

RESULTS

The cluster analysis yielded a two-cluster solution: 1) "less-recurrent/severe" and 2) "chronic/recurrent." Rates of recovery in IP were similar for less-recurrent/severe and chronic/recurrent participants. Less-recurrent/severe patients were more likely than chronic/recurrent patients to achieve recovery in CC (p=.040, OR=4.56). IP yielded a faster recovery for chronic/recurrent participants, whereas CC led to recovery sooner in the less-recurrent/severe cluster (p=.034, OR=2.62).

LIMITATIONS

Cluster analyses require list-wise deletion of cases with missing data so we were unable to conduct analyses on all STEP-BD participants.

CONCLUSIONS

A well-powered, parametric approach can distinguish patients based on illness history and provide clinicians with symptom profiles of patients that confer differential prognosis in CC vs. IP.

The Psychology of Schizophrenia: Implications for Biological and Psychotherapeutic Treatments

The focus on recent advances in the neurobiology of schizophrenia has pushed aside the psychological understanding of the person with schizophrenia for several decades. However, a useful functional psychology of schizophrenia (in distinction to a psychological approach to symptoms) remains clinically important for several reasons: it is a core part of the bio-psycho-social formulation; it helps us understand and connect with persons with schizophrenia; and it provides a framework by which to organize our treatment efforts (both psychotherapeutic and particularly biological), which can improve adherence and outcomes. A coherent psychological model (the deficit model) based on object relations theory best explains all the biological, psychological, clinical, and sociocultural factors relevant to the understanding and treatment of persons with schizophrenia. A better understanding of a coherent psychology of persons with schizophrenia and provision of psychotherapies improves both the biological and psychotherapeutic treatment of persons with schizophrenia.

European Psychiatric Association Guidance on psychotherapy in chronic depression across Europe

PURPOSE

Patients with chronic depression (CD) by definition respond less well to standard forms of psychotherapy and are more likely to be high utilizers of psychiatric resources. Therefore, the aim of this guidance paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of current psychotherapy for CD. The evidence of efficacy is critically reviewed and recommendations for clinical applications and research are given.

METHODS

We performed a systematic literature search to identify studies on psychotherapy in CD, evaluated the retrieved documents and developed evidence tables and recommendations through a consensus process among experts and stakeholders.

RESULTS

We developed 5 recommendations which may help providers to select psychotherapeutic treatment options for this patient group. The EPA considers both psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy to be effective in CD and recommends both approaches. The best effect is achieved by combined treatment with psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, which should therefore be the treatment of choice. The EPA recommends psychotherapy with an interpersonal focus (e.g. the Cognitive Behavioural Analysis System of Psychotherapy [CBASP]) for the treatment of CD and a personalized approach based on the patient's preferences.

DISCUSSION

The DSM-5 nomenclature of persistent depressive disorder (PDD), which includes CD subtypes, has been an important step towards a more differentiated treatment and understanding of these complex affective disorders. Apart from dysthymia, ICD-10 still does not provide a separate entity for a chronic course of depression. The differences between patients with acute episodic depression and those with CD need to be considered in the planning of treatment. Specific psychotherapeutic treatment options are recommended for patients with CD.

CONCLUSION

Patients with chronic forms of depression should be offered tailored psychotherapeutic treatments that address their specific needs and deficits. Combination treatment with psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy is the first-line treatment recommended for CD. More research is needed to develop more effective treatments for CD, especially in the longer term, and to identify which patients benefit from which treatment algorithm.

Self-images in the present and future: Role of affect and the bipolar phenotype

BACKGROUND

Bipolar Spectrum Disorder (BPSD) is associated with changes in self-related processing and affect, yet the relationship between self-image and affect in the BPSD phenotype is unclear.

METHODS

47 young adults were assessed for hypomanic experiences (BPSD phenotype) using the Mood Disorders Questionnaire. Current and future self-images (e.g. I am… I will be…) were generated and rated for emotional valence, stability, and (for future self-images only) certainty. The relationship between self-image ratings and measures of affect (depression, anxiety and mania) were analysed in relation to the BPSD phenotype.

RESULTS

The presence of the BPSD phenotype significantly moderated the relationship between (1) affect and stability ratings for negative self-images, and (2) affect and certainty ratings for positive future self-images. Higher positivity ratings for current self-images were associated with lower depression and anxiety scores.

LIMITATIONS

This was a non-clinical group of young adults sampled for hypomanic experiences, which limits the extension of the work to clinical levels of psychopathology. This study cannot address the causal relationships between affect, self-images, and BPSD. Future work should use clinical samples and experimental mood manipulation designs.

CONCLUSIONS

BPSD phenotype can shape the relationship between affect and current and future self-images. This finding will guide future clinical research to elucidate BPSD vulnerability mechanisms and, consequently, the development of early interventions.

Enhancing assertive community treatment with cognitive behavioral social skills training for schizophrenia: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

Schizophrenia leads to profound disability in everyday functioning (e.g., difficulty finding and maintaining employment, housing, and personal relationships). Medications can effectively reduce positive symptoms (e.g., hallucinations and delusions), but they do not meaningfully improve daily life functioning. Psychosocial evidence-based practices (EBPs) improve functioning, but these EBPs are not available to most people with schizophrenia. The field must close the research and service delivery gap by adapting EBPs for schizophrenia to facilitate widespread implementation in community settings. Our hybrid effectiveness and implementation study represents an initiative to bridge this divide. In this study we will test whether an existing EBP (i.e., Cognitive Behavioral Social Skills Training (CBSST)) modified to work in practice settings (i.e., Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) teams) commonly available to persons with schizophrenia results in better consumer outcomes. We will also identify key factors relevant to developing future CBSST implementation strategies.

Methods/Design

For the effectiveness study component, persons with schizophrenia will be recruited from existing publicly funded ACT teams operating in community settings. Participants will be randomized to one of the 2 treatments (ACT alone or ACT + Adapted CBSST) and followed longitudinally for 18 months with assessments every 18 weeks after baseline (5 in total). The primary outcome domain is psychosocial functioning (e.g., everyday living skills and activities related to employment, education, and housing) as measured by self-report, testing, and observation. Additional outcome domains of interest include mediators of change in functioning, symptoms, and quality of services. Primary analyses will be conducted using linear mixed-effects models for continuous data. The implementation study component consists of a structured, mixed qualitative-quantitative methodology (i.e., Concept Mapping) to characterize and assess the implementation experience from multiple stakeholder perspectives in order to inform future implementation initiatives.

Discussion

Adapting CBSST to fit into the ACT service delivery context found throughout the United States creates an opportunity to substantially increase the number of persons with schizophrenia who could have access to and benefit from EBPs. As part of the implementation learning process training materials and treatment workbooks have been revised to promote easier use of CBSST in the context of brief community-based ACT visits.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02254733. Date of registration: 25 April 2014.