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Seewer N, Skoko A, Käll A, Andersson G, Luhmann M, Berger T, Krieger T. Efficacy of an Internet-based self-help intervention with human guidance or automated messages to alleviate loneliness: a three-armed randomized controlled trial. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6569. [PMID: 38503870 PMCID: PMC10951227 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57254-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Loneliness is a prevalent and stigmatized phenomenon associated with adverse (mental) health outcomes. However, evidence-based interventions to alleviate loneliness are scarce. This randomized controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov-ID: NCT04655196) evaluated the efficacy of an internet-based cognitive behavioral self-help intervention (ICBT) to reduce loneliness by comparing two intervention groups with guidance or automated messages against a waitlist control group. Adults (N = 243) suffering from loneliness were recruited from the general public and then randomly assigned (2:2:1) to a 10-week ICBT with human guidance (GU) or automated messages (AM) or to a waitlist control group (WL). Loneliness, assessed with the UCLA-9, was the primary outcome. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and 10 weeks (post) and analyzed using mixed-effects models. The pooled intervention conditions resulted in lower loneliness scores at post-assessment than the WL (Cohen's d = 0.57, 95% CI [0.25; 0.89]) and reduced depressive symptoms, social anxiety, social avoidance behavior, and rejection sensitivity (d = 0.32-0.52). The GU group had lower loneliness scores at post-assessment than the AM group (d = 0.42, 95% CI [0.13; 0.70]). ICBT effectively alleviated loneliness, and guidance increased the reduction in loneliness compared to automated messages. Alleviating loneliness with ICBT further seems to reduce the overall burden of psychopathological symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noëmi Seewer
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Andrej Skoko
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anton Käll
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Learning, and Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, 58183, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Gerhard Andersson
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Learning, and Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, 58183, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, 11763, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maike Luhmann
- Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Berger
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Krieger
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
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Zhang W, Yang W, Ruan H, Gao J, Wang Z. Comparison of internet-based and face-to-face cognitive behavioral therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 168:140-148. [PMID: 37907037 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is widely recognized as an effective treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, few patients are able to receive CBT. Internet-based CBT (ICBT) may be able to overcome this problem. In this study, we aimed to compare the efficacy of CBT, therapist-guided ICBT (TG-ICBT), unguided ICBT (UG-ICBT), and none therapist-guided ICBT (NTG-ICBT) by a network meta-analysis. The primary outcome was the mean change in OCD severity measured by the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) or the Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (CY-BOCS). The secondary outcomes included the severity of depressive symptoms, side effects, and cost-effectiveness. A total of 25 trials with 1642 participants were included. We found that the efficacy of CBT was superior to that of TG-ICBT. The mean improvement in Y-BOCS/CY-BOCS scores was higher in CBT group than in UG-ICBT group, but this difference was not statistically significant. The efficacy did not differ significantly between TG-ICBT and UG-ICBT. CBT, TG-ICBT, and UG-ICBT were all more effective than the psychological placebo, waiting list, and pill placebo. In terms of efficacy, CBT combined with drug therapy was better than CBT, TG-ICBT, and UG-ICBT. Sensitivity analyses supported these findings. Based on the current evidence, we recommend TG-ICBT when CBT is not available. However, it is undeniable that UG-ICBT also has the potential to be an effective alternative to CBT. More evidence is needed to support this possibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxuan Zhang
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Weili Yang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, PR China
| | - Hanyang Ruan
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Jian Gao
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China; Institute of Psychological and Behavioral Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, PR China; Shanghai Intelligent Psychological Evaluation and Intervention Engineering Technology Research Center, Shanghai, PR China.
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Snippe L, Boffo M, Galvin H, Willemen R, Pronk T, Dom G, Wiers RW. How We Lost 90% of Participants on a Bad Bet: Results from a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial on Cognitive Bias Modification in Problem Gamblers. J Gambl Stud 2023:10.1007/s10899-023-10263-6. [PMID: 38006537 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-023-10263-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Whilst opportunities to participate in gambling have increased, access to support for problem gamblers is lacking behind. This lack of balance calls for improved and accessible intervention methods. The present double-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) explored the effectiveness of two interventions targeting automatic cognitive processes, known as Attentional Bias Modification (AtBM) and Approach Bias Modification (ApBM). It was hypothesized these interventions would reduce gambling behavior and reduce or reverse targeted biases. Participants (N = 331) were community-recruited Flemish (35%) and Dutch (65%) adult problem gamblers motivated to reduce or stop their gambling who received either six sessions of active training (AtBM or ApBM) or of the corresponding sham-training (sham-AtBM or sham-ApBM). Due to high attrition rates (90.1% up to the intervention phase) the study was terminated before completion, since it would greatly limit the validity of any results. A post hoc qualitative study was performed on a subset of participants to gain insight into contributing factors for the high attrition rate. Issues negatively impacting participants' motivation to complete the program were identified, as well as elements of the program that received approval. The results from this study provide a first insight into the potential of the use of online cognitive bias modification (CBM) interventions in problem gambling (PG). Suggestions and directions for future studies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leroy Snippe
- Addiction Development and Psychopathology (ADAPT) Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 129, 1018 WS, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), University of Antwerp (UAntwerp), Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Marilisa Boffo
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies (DPECS), Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Harriet Galvin
- Addiction Development and Psychopathology (ADAPT) Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 129, 1018 WS, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies (DPECS), Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Thomas Pronk
- Addiction Development and Psychopathology (ADAPT) Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 129, 1018 WS, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Dom
- Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), University of Antwerp (UAntwerp), Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Reinout W Wiers
- Addiction Development and Psychopathology (ADAPT) Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 129, 1018 WS, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Kerber A, Beintner I, Burchert S, Knaevelsrud C. Effects of a Self-Guided Transdiagnostic Smartphone App on Patient Empowerment and Mental Health: Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Ment Health 2023; 10:e45068. [PMID: 37930749 PMCID: PMC10660244 DOI: 10.2196/45068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental disorders impact both individuals and health systems. Symptoms and syndromes often remain undetected and untreated, resulting in chronification. Besides limited health care resources, within-person barriers such as the lack of trust in professionals, the fear of stigmatization, or the desire to cope with problems without professional help contribute to the treatment gap. Self-guided mental health apps may support treatment seeking by reducing within-person barriers and facilitating mental health literacy. Digital mental health interventions may also improve mental health related self-management skills and contribute to symptom reduction and the improvement of quality of life. OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate the effects of a self-guided transdiagnostic app for mental health on help seeking, reduced stigma, mental health literacy, self-management skills, mental health symptoms, and quality of life using a randomized controlled design. METHODS Overall, 1045 participants (recruited via open, blinded, and web-based recruitment) with mild to moderate depression or anxiety-, sleep-, eating-, or somatization-related psychopathology were randomized to receive either access to a self-guided transdiagnostic mental health app (MindDoc) in addition to care as usual or care as usual only. The core features of the app were regular self-monitoring, automated feedback, and psychological courses and exercises. The coprimary outcomes were mental health literacy, mental health-related patient empowerment and self-management skills (MHPSS), attitudes toward help seeking, and actual mental health service use. The secondary outcomes were psychopathological symptom burden and quality of life. Data were collected at baseline and 8 weeks and 6 months after randomization. Treatment effects were investigated using analyses of covariance, including baseline variables as predictors and applying multiple imputation. RESULTS We found small but robust between-group effects for MHPSS (Cohen d=0.29), symptoms burden (Cohen d=0.28), and quality of life (Cohen d=0.19) 8 weeks after randomization. The effects on MHPSS were maintained at follow-up. Follow-up assessments also showed robust effects on mental health literacy and preliminary evidence for the improvement of help seeking. Predictors of attrition were lower age and higher personality dysfunction. Among the non-attritors, predictors for deterioration were less outpatient treatment and higher initial symptom severity. CONCLUSIONS A self-guided transdiagnostic mental health app can contribute to lasting improvements in patient empowerment. Symptoms of common mental disorders and quality of life improved faster in the intervention group than in the control group. Therefore, such interventions may support individuals with symptoms of 1 or more internalizing disorders, develop health-centered coping skills, prevent chronification, and accelerate symptom improvement. Although the effects for individual users are small and predictors of attrition and deterioration need to be investigated further, the potential public health impact of a self-guided intervention can be large, given its high scalability. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00022531; https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00022531.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Kerber
- Department of Clinical-Psychological Intervention, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Sebastian Burchert
- Department of Clinical-Psychological Intervention, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christine Knaevelsrud
- Department of Clinical-Psychological Intervention, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Cohen Rodrigues TR, Breeman LD, Kinik A, Reijnders T, Dusseldorp E, Janssen VR, Kraaijenhagen RA, Atsma DE, Evers AW. Effectiveness of Human-Supported and Self-Help eHealth Lifestyle Interventions for Patients With Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: A Meta-Analysis. Psychosom Med 2023; 85:795-804. [PMID: 37549197 PMCID: PMC10662612 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000001242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE eHealth is a useful tool to deliver lifestyle interventions for patients with cardiometabolic diseases. However, there are inconsistent findings about whether these eHealth interventions should be supported by a human professional, or whether self-help interventions are equally effective. METHODS Databases were searched between January 1995 and October 2021 for randomized controlled trials on cardiometabolic diseases (cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus) and eHealth lifestyle interventions. A multilevel meta-analysis was used to pool clinical and behavioral health outcomes. Moderator analyses assessed the effect of intervention type (self-help versus human-supported), dose of human support (minor versus major part of intervention), and delivery mode of human support (remote versus blended). One hundred seven articles fulfilled eligibility criteria and 102 unique ( N = 20,781) studies were included. RESULTS The analysis showed a positive effect of eHealth lifestyle interventions on clinical and behavioral health outcomes ( p < .001). However, these effects were not moderated by intervention type ( p = .169), dose ( p = .698), or delivery mode of human support ( p = .557). CONCLUSIONS This shows that self-help eHealth interventions are equally effective as human-supported ones in improving health outcomes among patients with cardiometabolic disease. Future studies could investigate whether higher-quality eHealth interventions compensate for a lack of human support.Meta-analysis registration: PROSPERO CRD42021269263 .
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Hadjistavropoulos HD, Reiser SJ, Beahm JD, McCall HC, Dena I, Phillips AR, Scheltgen M, Sekhar S, Cox M, Cramm H, Reid N. Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Tailored to Spouses and Significant Others of Public Safety Personnel: Formative Evaluation Study. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e51088. [PMID: 37756033 PMCID: PMC10568396 DOI: 10.2196/51088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spouses and significant others (SSOs) of public safety personnel (PSP) are affected by the risks and requirements of these occupations. Internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) provides a convenient and accessible treatment format that can be tailored to the needs of SSOs of PSP. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the initial use and client perceptions (eg, likes, helpfulness, and areas for improvement) of a self-guided, transdiagnostic ICBT course designed for Canadian SSOs of PSP and identify opportunities to further tailor ICBT for this group. METHODS SSOs were invited to complete a 5-lesson, self-guided, transdiagnostic ICBT course. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the demographic and clinical characteristics of participants. Content analysis was used to analyze the data from open-ended survey responses and interviews to understand their experiences with ICBT. RESULTS Clients (N=118) endorsed various mental health concerns (eg, depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and relationship concerns) with a range of severity levels. Most clients identified as White (110/116, 94.8%) and women (108/116, 91.5%), with a mean age of 42.03 (SD 9.36) years. Of the 26 clients who were interviewed, 89% (23/26) reported believing that ICBT is helpful and 92% (24/26) reported finding at least 1 skill helpful. Clients provided suggestions for course improvements. On the basis of this feedback and quantitative data, changes were made to areas such as the delivery of materials, content, case stories, and timelines. Overall, the results indicated that many SSOs of PSP had positive perceptions of ICBT tailored to their needs and found several aspects of the course helpful, supporting the continued delivery of tailored ICBT to this population. However, there remains a need for continued promotion of the course and outreach to diverse groups of SSOs of PSP. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this formative evaluation provide insight into the unique experiences and needs of SSOs of PSP and provide preliminary evidence for the use of tailored ICBT to support the mental health of this group in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather D Hadjistavropoulos
- Department of Psychology, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
- PSPNET, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
| | | | - Janine D Beahm
- Department of Psychology, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
- PSPNET, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
| | - Hugh C McCall
- Department of Psychology, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
- PSPNET, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Marilyn Cox
- Department of Family Studies & Gerontology, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Heidi Cramm
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Nathalie Reid
- Child Trauma Research Centre, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
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Käll A, Olsson Lynch C, Sundling K, Furmark T, Carlbring P, Andersson G. Scheduled Support Versus Support on Demand in Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder: Randomized Controlled Trial. Clin Psychol Eur 2023; 5:e11379. [PMID: 38356895 PMCID: PMC10863636 DOI: 10.32872/cpe.11379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Clinician-supported internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) can be an effective treatment option when treating social anxiety disorder (SAD). Unguided ICBT is often found to be less effective. One possible solution to reduce the costs of clinician support is to provide support on demand. In this format of guidance, participants have the option to contact their clinician if needed. In a few studies, this mode of support has been compared favorably to scheduled support. Method Participants in a previously reported controlled trial on SAD who had been in a waitlist control group were randomly allocated to ICBT with either on-demand guidance or scheduled weekly therapist guidance. A total of 99 participants were included. Data were collected weekly on the primary outcome measure, the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale self-report (LSAS-SR), and at pre- and post-treatment for secondary measures. Data were analyzed in accordance with the intention-to-treat principle using mixed-effects models. Results Both groups improved significantly during the treatment according to the LSAS-SR ratings. The groups did not differ in their estimated change during the treatment period, with a between-group effect of d = 0.02, 95% CI [-0.37, 0.43]. Both groups experienced similar improvement also on the secondary outcome measures, with small between-group effect sizes on all outcomes. Conclusions The findings indicate that support on demand can be an effective way of providing guidance in ICBT for SAD, although more research on this topic is needed. A limitation of the study is that it was conducted in 2009, and the findings were in the file drawer. Subsequent published studies support our initial findings, but more research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Käll
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | | | - Kajsa Sundling
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tomas Furmark
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Per Carlbring
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gerhard Andersson
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Blackshaw E, Sefi A, Mindel C, Maher H, De Ossorno Garcia S. Digital mental health outcome monitoring for a structured text-based youth counselling intervention: Demographic profile and outcome change. Psychol Psychother 2023; 96:644-661. [PMID: 36920075 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital mental health interventions comprise a potentially effective and accessible form of support for young people, particularly at times when traditional face-to-face service delivery is reduced, as in the COVID-19 pandemic. AIMS This study assessed the demographic profile of young people using a digital mental health support service and evaluated outcome change over the course of a structured online counselling intervention (synchronous text-chat sessions with a practitioner). MATERIALS AND METHODS The data were collected from 23,260 young people aged between 10 and 25 years engaging with the intervention between April 2019 and June 2021. RESULTS Young people accessing these services had high levels of mental health needs, particularly those identifying with non-binary gender identity. Service users were mostly female, with equitable rates of access for young people from racialised communities. Overall outcome change demonstrated small effect sizes according to the YP-CORE (0.19) and CORE-10 (0.38), which increased to a moderate level when young people remained engaged with a dedicated practitioner for at least seven sessions (0.38, 0.58). Regression analysis illustrated the effect of the number of sessions on outcome change, but this can be also influenced by other variables such as age and gender. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Further research is required to explore ways to engage with young people using digital web-based services for a longer period and to collect and analyse single-session outcome data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Blackshaw
- Department of Psychology, University of Roehampton, London, UK
- Impact and Evaluation, Coram, London, UK
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Micklitz HM, Nagel Z, Jahn S, Oertelt-Prigione S, Andersson G, Sander LB. Digital self-help for people experiencing intimate partner violence: a qualitative study on user experiences and needs including people with lived experiences and services providers. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1471. [PMID: 37533005 PMCID: PMC10394820 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16357-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a prevalent public health issue associated with multiple physical and mental health consequences for survivors. Digital interventions can provide low-threshold support to those experiencing IPV, but existing digital interventions have limited efficacy in improving the safety and mental health of IPV survivors. Digitally adapting an integrative intervention with advocacy-based and psychological content holds promise for increasing the efficacy of digital interventions in the context of IPV. METHODS This study examines the needs, acceptability and usability of an integrative digital intervention for people affected by IPV. We used the think-aloud method and semi-structured interviews with a sample of six people with lived experiences of IPV and six service providers. We analyzed the data using thematic analysis. RESULTS We identified the increasing general acceptance of digital support tools and the limited capacity of the current support system as societal context factors influencing the acceptance of and needs regarding digital interventions in the context of IPV. An integrative digital self-help intervention offers several opportunities to complement the current support system and to meet the needs of people affected by IPV, including the reduction of social isolation, a space for self-reflection and coping strategies to alleviate the situation. However, potentially ongoing violence, varying stages of awareness and psychological capacities, and as well as the diversity of IPV survivors make it challenging to develop a digital intervention suitable for the target group. We received feedback on the content of the intervention and identified design features required for intervention usability. CONCLUSION An integrative digital self-help approach, with appropriate security measures and trauma-informed design, has the potential to provide well-accepted, comprehensive and continuous psychosocial support to people experiencing IPV. A multi-modular intervention that covers different topics and can be personalized to individual user needs could address the diversity of the target population. Providing guidance for the digital intervention is critical to spontaneously address individual needs. Further research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of an integrative digital self-help intervention and to explore its feasibility it in different settings and populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M Micklitz
- Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hebelstraße 29, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Zoë Nagel
- Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stella Jahn
- Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Oertelt-Prigione
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Sex- and Gender-Sensitive Medicine, Medical Faculty OWL, University of Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Gerhard Andersson
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lasse B Sander
- Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hebelstraße 29, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
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Walder N, Berger T, Schmidt SJ. Prevention and Treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder in Adolescents: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial of the Online Guided Self-Help Intervention SOPHIE. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e44346. [PMID: 37342086 DOI: 10.2196/44346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social anxiety symptoms are highly prevalent among adolescents and are associated with poor quality of life and low psychosocial functioning. If untreated, social anxiety often persists into adulthood and increases the risk for comorbid disorders. Therefore, early interventions for social anxiety to prevent negative long-term consequences are critical. However, adolescents rarely seek help and often avoid face-to-face psychotherapeutic interventions due to the perceived lack of autonomy and anonymity. Thus, online interventions represent a promising opportunity to reach adolescents who have social anxiety but do not seek help yet. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the efficacy, moderators, and mediators of an online intervention developed to reduce social anxiety in adolescents. METHODS A total of 222 adolescents aged 11-17 years with subclinical social anxiety (N=166) or with a diagnosis of social anxiety disorder (N=56) are randomly assigned to the online intervention or a care-as-usual control group. The 8-week guided online intervention is based on the Cognitive Model of Social Phobia and evidence-based online interventions for social anxiety adapted to the specific needs of adolescents. The care-as-usual group will be given access to the online intervention after the follow-up assessment. Participants are assessed at baseline, at 4 and 8 weeks post intervention, and at 3-month follow-up assessment on the primary outcome, that is, social anxiety, on secondary outcomes (eg, level of functioning, fear and avoidance, general anxiety, depression, quality of life, self-esteem, and negative effects of the intervention), on potential moderators (eg, therapy motivation, therapy expectancy, and satisfaction with the intervention), and potential mediators (eg, therapeutic alliance and adherence to the intervention). Data will be analyzed based on an intention-to-treat approach and both groups (intervention and care-as-usual) will be compared at each assessment time point. Furthermore, potential mechanisms of change and generalization of intervention effects on daily life are assessed using an ecological momentary assessment procedure that includes items on maintaining mechanisms of social anxiety, social context, and affect. Participants are prompted 3 times a day during the first 8 weeks of the study and again for 2 weeks following the follow-up assessment. RESULTS Recruitment is ongoing; initial results are expected in 2024. CONCLUSIONS Results are discussed considering the potential of online interventions as a low-threshold prevention and treatment option for adolescents with social anxiety and in light of current advances in dynamic modeling of change processes and mechanisms in early intervention and psychotherapy in adolescents. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04782102; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04782102. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/44346.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Walder
- Division of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Berger
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie J Schmidt
- Division of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Carlbring P, Hadjistavropoulos H, Kleiboer A, Andersson G. A new era in Internet interventions: The advent of Chat-GPT and AI-assisted therapist guidance. Internet Interv 2023; 32:100621. [PMID: 37273936 PMCID: PMC10235420 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2023.100621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Per Carlbring
- Stockholm University, Department of Psychology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Annet Kleiboer
- VU Amsterdam, Department of Clinical Neuro- and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Gerhard Andersson
- Linkoping University, Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden
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12
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Mavragani A, Kleiboer A, Neijenhuijs K, Karyotaki E, Wiers R, de Koning L, Jacobi C, Zarski AC, Weisel KK, Cuijpers P, Riper H. Challenges in Recruiting University Students for Web-Based Indicated Prevention of Depression and Anxiety: Results From a Randomized Controlled Trial (ICare Prevent). J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e40892. [PMID: 36515986 PMCID: PMC9798269 DOI: 10.2196/40892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression and anxiety are common mental health conditions in college and university student populations. Offering transdiagnostic, web-based prevention programs such as ICare Prevent to those with subclinical complaints has the potential to reduce some barriers to receiving help (eg, availability of services, privacy considerations, and students' desire for autonomy). However, uptake of these interventions is often low, and accounts of recruitment challenges are needed to complement available effectiveness research in student populations. OBJECTIVE The aims of this study were to describe recruitment challenges together with effective recruitment strategies for ICare Prevent and provide basic information on the intervention's effectiveness. METHODS A 3-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted in a student sample with subclinical symptoms of depression and anxiety on the effectiveness of an individually guided (human support and feedback on exercises provided after each session, tailored to each participant) and automatically guided (computer-generated messages provided after each session, geared toward motivation) version of ICare Prevent, a web-based intervention with transdiagnostic components for the indicated prevention of depression and anxiety. The intervention was compared with care as usual. Descriptive statistics were used to outline recruitment challenges and effective web-based and offline strategies as well as students' use of the intervention. A basic analysis of intervention effects was conducted using a Bayesian linear mixed model, with Bayes factors reported as the effect size. RESULTS Direct recruitment through students' email addresses via the central student administration was the most effective strategy. Data from 35 participants were analyzed (individually guided: n=14, 40%; automatically guided: n=8, 23%; care as usual: n=13, 37%). Use of the intervention was low, with an average of 3 out of 7 sessions (SD 2.9) completed. The analyses did not suggest any intervention effects other than anecdotal evidence (all Bayes factors10≤2.7). CONCLUSIONS This report adds to the existing literature on recruitment challenges specific to the student population. Testing the feasibility of recruitment measures and the greater involvement of the target population in their design, as well as shifting from direct to indirect prevention, can potentially help future studies in the field. In addition, this report demonstrates an alternative basic analytical strategy for underpowered randomized controlled trials. TRIAL REGISTRATION International Clinical Trials Registry Platform NTR6562; https://tinyurl.com/4rbexzrk. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.1186/s13063-018-2477-y.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Annet Kleiboer
- Department of Clinical, Neuro, and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Koen Neijenhuijs
- Department of Research and Business Development, HumanTotalCare, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Eirini Karyotaki
- Department of Clinical, Neuro, and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Reinout Wiers
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Lisa de Koning
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Corinna Jacobi
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Anna-Carlotta Zarski
- Department of Sport and Health Science, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kiona K Weisel
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Friedrich Alexander University, Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Pim Cuijpers
- Department of Clinical, Neuro, and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,International Institute for Psychotherapy, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Heleen Riper
- Department of Clinical, Neuro, and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Rondung E, Humphries SM, Olsson EMG, Sundelin R, Norlund F, Held C, Spaak J, Tornvall P, Lyngå P. Reducing stress and anxiety in patients with myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries or Takotsubo syndrome: A non-randomized feasibility study. Internet Interv 2022; 29:100562. [PMID: 35910688 PMCID: PMC9334337 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2022.100562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM In the aftermath of a myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) or Takotsubo syndrome (TS), patients commonly express high levels of stress and anxiety. Current treatment alternatives rarely address these issues. The planned E-health Treatment of Stress and Anxiety in Stockholm Myocardial Infarction With Non-obstructive Coronaries Study (e-SMINC) aims to evaluate the effects of an internet-based intervention, building on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) by comparison with treatment as usual using an RCT approach. This was a small-scale single arm study designed to test the feasibility of the RCT, addressing uncertainties regarding recruitment, data collection, and intervention delivery. METHODS Participant recruitment and screening took place before discharge from the coronary care unit at a large Swedish hospital. Eligible patients were invited to a nine-step psychologist guided, internet-based CBT intervention. The sample size was set in advance to 10 participants completing the intervention. The recruitment and flow of participants were documented and evaluated in relation to seven pre-defined progression criteria. Self-reports of anxiety (HADS-A), stress (PSS-14), cardiac anxiety (CAQ), posttraumatic stress (IES-6) and quality of life (Rand-36), collected at screening, pre-intervention and post-intervention, were analysed descriptively and by effect sizes (Cohen's d). Individual interviews targeting participant experiences were conducted. RESULTS Six out of seven progression criteria yielded no concerns. Out of 49 patients with a working diagnosis of MINOCA or TS, 31 were eligible for screening, 26 consented to participate, and 14 were eligible with regard to symptoms of stress and/or anxiety. Eleven completed the pre-assessment and were given access the intervention, and 9 completed the intervention. Only the number of patients screened prior to eligibility assessment was slightly lower than expected, indicating possible concerns. Self-reports of anxiety, stress, cardiac anxiety, posttraumatic stress, and quality of life all indicated symptom reduction from pre- to post-intervention, generally showing large effect sizes (d = 0.6-2.6). The general consensus among participants was that the programme was helpful and relevant, and that the personal contact with the psychologist was highly valued. Setting aside time to complete assignments was found critical. CONCLUSION Conducting a full scale RCT was found feasible. Inclusion of more study sites and minor amendments to the protocol and intervention were decided to improve feasibility further. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.govNCT04178434.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabet Rondung
- Department of Psychology and Social Work, Mid Sweden University, 831 25 Östersund, Sweden,Corresponding author.
| | | | | | - Runa Sundelin
- Department of Clinical Science and Education Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden,Department of Cardiology, Södersjukhuset, Sjukhusbacken 10, 118 83 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fredrika Norlund
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Claes Held
- Department of Medical Sciences, Cardiology, Uppsala Clinical Research Center, Uppsala University, 751 83 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jonas Spaak
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Danderyd University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per Tornvall
- Department of Clinical Science and Education Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden,Department of Cardiology, Södersjukhuset, Sjukhusbacken 10, 118 83 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Patrik Lyngå
- Department of Clinical Science and Education Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden,Department of Cardiology, Södersjukhuset, Sjukhusbacken 10, 118 83 Stockholm, Sweden
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