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Smith PJ, Whitson HE, Merwin RM, O’Hayer CV, Strauman TJ. Engineering Virtuous health habits using Emotion and Neurocognition: Flexibility for Lifestyle Optimization and Weight management (EVEN FLOW). Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1256430. [PMID: 38076541 PMCID: PMC10702760 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1256430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Interventions to preserve functional independence in older adults are critically needed to optimize 'successful aging' among the large and increasing population of older adults in the United States. For most aging adults, the management of chronic diseases is the most common and impactful risk factor for loss of functional independence. Chronic disease management inherently involves the learning and adaptation of new behaviors, such as adopting or modifying physical activity habits and managing weight. Despite the importance of chronic disease management in older adults, vanishingly few individuals optimally manage their health behavior in the service of chronic disease stabilization to preserve functional independence. Contemporary conceptual models of chronic disease management and health habit theory suggest that this lack of optimal management may result from an underappreciated distinction within the health behavior literature: the behavioral domains critical for initiation of new behaviors (Initiation Phase) are largely distinct from those that facilitate their maintenance (Maintenance Phase). Psychological factors, particularly experiential acceptance and trait levels of openness are critical to engagement with new health behaviors, willingness to make difficult lifestyle changes, and the ability to tolerate aversive affective responses in the process. Cognitive factors, particularly executive function, are critical to learning new skills, using them effectively across different areas of life and contextual demands, and updating of skills to facilitate behavioral maintenance. Emerging data therefore suggests that individuals with greater executive function are better able to sustain behavior changes, which in turn protects against cognitive decline. In addition, social and structural supports of behavior change serve a critical buffering role across phases of behavior change. The present review attempts to address these gaps by proposing a novel biobehavioral intervention framework that incorporates both individual-level and social support system-level variables for the purpose of treatment tailoring. Our intervention framework triangulates on the central importance of self-regulatory functioning, proposing that both cognitive and psychological mechanisms ultimately influence an individuals' ability to engage in different aspects of self-management (individual level) in the service of maintaining independence. Importantly, the proposed linkages of cognitive and affective functioning align with emerging individual difference frameworks, suggesting that lower levels of cognitive and/or psychological flexibility represent an intermediate phenotype of risk. Individuals exhibiting self-regulatory lapses either due to the inability to regulate their emotional responses or due to the presence of executive functioning impairments are therefore the most likely to require assistance to preserve functional independence. In addition, these vulnerabilities will be more easily observable for individuals requiring greater complexity of self-management behavioral demands (e.g. complexity of medication regimen) and/or with lesser social support. Our proposed framework also intuits several distinct intervention pathways based on the profile of self-regulatory behaviors: we propose that individuals with intact affect regulation and impaired executive function will preferentially respond to 'top-down' training approaches (e.g., strategy and process work). Individuals with intact executive function and impaired affect regulation will respond to 'bottom-up' approaches (e.g., graded exposure). And individuals with impairments in both may require treatments targeting caregiving or structural supports, particularly in the context of elevated behavioral demands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J. Smith
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Heather E. Whitson
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Medicine, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Rhonda M. Merwin
- Department of Psychiatry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - C. Virginia O’Hayer
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Timothy J. Strauman
- Department of Psychiatry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
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Baudinet J, Watson C, Brothwood PL, Parham R, Smith L, Snowden N, Konstantellou A, Hunt K, Simic M. Adolescent experience of radically open dialectical behaviour therapy: a qualitative study. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:466. [PMID: 35836210 PMCID: PMC9281135 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04114-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radically Open Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (RO DBT) is a novel transdiagnostic treatment that targets 'maladaptive overcontrol'; a transdiagnostic cluster of traits associated with excessive emotional and behavioural inhibitory control. Outcomes are promising for adults with a range of psychiatric disorders. No study to date has explored the adolescent experience of RO DBT. METHODS Of the 25 eligible adolescents who received RO DBT between March 2015 and April 2017, 15 (14-17 years) consented and completed a semi-structured interview about their experience of treatment within 1 month of discharge. Interviews were recorded and then transcribed manually. Free text responses were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS The majority (n = 13) had a primary diagnosis of anorexia nervosa, although comorbidity was the norm, with 80.0% having two or more predicted comorbid psychiatric diagnoses. All had received some prior psychological treatment. Four themes were identified from analysis of transcripts: 1) Broadening Horizons, 2) Building Connections, 3) Flexibility, 4) Information Overload. Generally, RO DBT was perceived as helpful in both content and process. The focus on social and broader well-being, rather than specific mental health symptoms, was considered beneficial by many. Adolescents appreciated the group-based format of skills classes and reported benefiting from learning and practicing skills each week. The fourth theme, Information Overload, highlighted that for some, the amount of content felt overwhelming and that it was hard to remember and digest all the information, suggesting that adaptations, or simplifications, may be required to ensure accessibility for adolescents. CONCLUSIONS RO DBT is perceived as a relevant and beneficial new treatment for adolescents with maladaptive overcontrol. The broad treatment focus is perceived as unique and of particular benefit. It is reported to help with general and social functioning and foster cognitive and behavioural flexibility. Nevertheless, the amount and complexity of material was felt to be very large by some and may suggest the need for modified adolescent-specific materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Baudinet
- Maudsley Centre for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders (MCCAED), Maudsley Hospital, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AZ, UK. .,Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AZ, UK.
| | - Charlotte Watson
- grid.439833.60000 0001 2112 9549Maudsley Centre for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders (MCCAED), Maudsley Hospital, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AZ UK
| | | | - Rhian Parham
- grid.37640.360000 0000 9439 0839South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Lindsay Smith
- grid.37640.360000 0000 9439 0839South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Natasha Snowden
- grid.37640.360000 0000 9439 0839South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Anna Konstantellou
- grid.439833.60000 0001 2112 9549Maudsley Centre for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders (MCCAED), Maudsley Hospital, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AZ UK
| | - Katrina Hunt
- grid.37640.360000 0000 9439 0839South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Mima Simic
- grid.439833.60000 0001 2112 9549Maudsley Centre for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders (MCCAED), Maudsley Hospital, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AZ UK
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Baudinet J, Stewart C, Bennett E, Konstantellou A, Parham R, Smith K, Hunt K, Eisler I, Simic M. Radically open dialectical behaviour therapy adapted for adolescents: a case series. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:462. [PMID: 34551741 PMCID: PMC8456700 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03460-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overcontrol is a transdiagnostic cluster of traits associated with excessive psychological, behavioural and social inhibitory control. It is associated with psychiatric diagnoses of depression, restrictive eating disorders and/or obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. Radically Open Dialectical Behaviour Therapy is a transdiagnostic treatment for maladaptive overcontrol. This case series evaluates an adolescent adaption (RO-A) for a transdiagnostic group of adolescents identified as overcontrolled. METHODS Twenty-eight adolescents were consecutively referred for RO-A from two different National and Specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services between June 2017 and February 2020. Baseline self-report measures assessed overcontrol characteristics, relationship and attachment quality and mental health symptoms of depression and eating disorders, which were repeated at discharge. RESULTS Adolescents in this case series reported high rates of depression (78.6%), self-harm (64.3%) and eating disorders (78.6%). Most (85.7%) had two or more mental health diagnoses and all had previous mental health treatments before starting RO-A. The mean number of RO-A sessions attended was 18 group-based skills classes and 21 individual sessions over a mean period of 34 weeks. Significant improvements with medium and large effect sizes were reported in cognitive flexibility (d = 1.63), risk aversion (d = 1.17), increased reward processing (d = .79) and reduced suppression of emotional expression (d = .72). Adolescents also reported feeling less socially withdrawn (d = .97), more connected to others (d = 1.03), as well as more confident (d = 1.10) and comfortable (d = .85) in attachment relationships. Symptoms of depression (d = .71), eating disorders (d = 1.06) and rates of self-harm (V = .39) also significantly improved. Exploratory correlation analyses suggest improvements in overcontrol are moderately to strongly correlated with improvements in symptoms of depression and eating disorders. CONCLUSIONS This case series provides preliminary data that RO-A may be an effective new treatment for adolescents with overcontrol and moderate to severe mental health disorders like depression and eating disorders. RO-A led to improved management of overcontrol, improved relationship quality and reduced mental health symptoms. Further evaluation is indicated by this case series, particularly for underweight young people with eating disorders. More rigorous testing of the model is required as conclusions are only tentative due to the small sample size and methodological limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Baudinet
- Maudsley Centre for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders (MCCAED), Maudsley Hospital, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AZ, UK.
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AF, UK.
| | - Catherine Stewart
- Maudsley Centre for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders (MCCAED), Maudsley Hospital, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AZ, UK
| | - Eleanor Bennett
- Maudsley Centre for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders (MCCAED), Maudsley Hospital, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AZ, UK
| | - Anna Konstantellou
- Maudsley Centre for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders (MCCAED), Maudsley Hospital, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AZ, UK
| | - Rhian Parham
- National and Specialist Child and Adolescent Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Service (N&S CAMHS DBT), Maudsley Hospital, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AZ, UK
| | - Keren Smith
- National and Specialist Child and Adolescent Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Service (N&S CAMHS DBT), Maudsley Hospital, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AZ, UK
| | - Katrina Hunt
- Maudsley Centre for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders (MCCAED), Maudsley Hospital, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AZ, UK
- National and Specialist Child and Adolescent Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Service (N&S CAMHS DBT), Maudsley Hospital, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AZ, UK
| | - Ivan Eisler
- Maudsley Centre for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders (MCCAED), Maudsley Hospital, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AZ, UK
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Mima Simic
- Maudsley Centre for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders (MCCAED), Maudsley Hospital, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AZ, UK
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Isaksson M, Ghaderi A, Wolf-Arehult M, Ramklint M. Psychometric properties of the Eating Disorder Symptom List (EDSL), a brief questionnaire for weekly assessment of eating disorder symptoms. Scand J Psychol 2021; 62:648-654. [PMID: 34291815 DOI: 10.1111/sjop.12765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Frequent assessment of eating disorder (ED) symptoms (e.g., on a weekly basis) may guide treatment planning in clinical services, and be an invaluable tool for improving clinical research. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of a brief eight-item scale designed to assess ED behaviors during the preceding week (Eating Disorder Symptom List: EDSL). Cross-sectional data were collected in a non-clinical community sample (n = 406) and cross-sectional and longitudinal data were gathered in a clinical ED sample before and after treatment with Enhanced Cognitive Behavior Therapy for eating disorders (n = 47) and weekly during treatment with Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (n = 13). The EDSL showed acceptable to good internal consistency (α = 0.72-0.82) and test-retest reliability (r = 0.88). Convergent and divergent validity was satisfactory. Also, the EDSL was sensitive to change and could detect changes between before and after treatment, as well as on a weekly basis. We conclude that the EDSL is a brief scale entailing little patient burden, and that initial analyses of the scale provide preliminary evidence of satisfactory psychometric properties. The scale can be used for repeated measures in ED treatment studies and clinics to assess change or absence of change during treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Isaksson
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ata Ghaderi
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of psychology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Stockholm Centre for Eating Disorders, Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, SE-171 77, Sweden
| | - Martina Wolf-Arehult
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Psychiatry Northwest, Region Stockholm, Clinical Management, PO Box 98, Sollentuna, SE-191 22, Sweden
| | - Mia Ramklint
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Isaksson M, Ghaderi A, Wolf-Arehult M, Öster C, Ramklint M. Sharing and connecting with others - patient experiences of radically open dialectical behavior therapy for anorexia nervosa and overcontrol: a qualitative study. J Eat Disord 2021; 9:29. [PMID: 33663612 PMCID: PMC7931519 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-021-00382-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recovery rates after psychological treatments for anorexia nervosa are low to moderate, and in adults, no treatment outperforms any other. The aim of this study was to evaluate patient experiences of Radically open dialectical behavior therapy (RO DBT), a treatment developed for disorders related to maladaptive overcontrol. METHODS Eleven female patients with anorexia nervosa were interviewed after either treatment completion (eight patients) or drop-out (three patients) from RO DBT. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed with inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS The analysis yielded five main themes: 1) a comprehensive treatment, 2) the benefits of sharing and connecting with others, 3) growing trust, 4) moving toward valued goals - but some remain, and 5) doing well in treatment. CONCLUSION Patients appreciated what they described as a comprehensive treatment and holistic view of their problems, which helped them reduce both maladaptive overcontrol and eating disorder symptoms. Gradually sharing personal experiences both in- and outside therapy was described as essential and led to enhanced social connectedness. TRIAL REGISTRATION The intervention study (Isaksson M, et al. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry. 71, 2021) that preceded this interview study was performed by the first, second, third, and fifth author, preregistered in the ISRCTN registry (no: ISRCTN47156042 ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Isaksson
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Entrance 10, Floor 3B, SE-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Ata Ghaderi
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden.,Stockholm Centre for Eating Disorders, Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm County Council, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martina Wolf-Arehult
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Entrance 10, Floor 3B, SE-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden.,Psychiatry Northwest, Region Stockholm, Clinical Management, PO Box 98, SE-191 22, Sollentuna, Sweden
| | - Caisa Öster
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Entrance 10, Floor 3B, SE-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mia Ramklint
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Entrance 10, Floor 3B, SE-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
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