Development and Evaluation of a Health Behavior Change Clinic in Primary Care: An Interdisciplinary Partnership

Providing effective healthy behavior change interventions within primary care presents numerous challenges. Obesity, tobacco use, and sedentary lifestyle negatively impact the health quality of numerous medical patients, particularly in underserved patient populations with limited resources. Primary Care Behavioral Health (PCBH) models, which incorporate a Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC), can offer point-of-contact psychological consultation, treatment, and also provide opportunities for interdisciplinary psychologist-physician clinical partnerships to pair a BHC's health behavior change expertise with the physician's medical care. Such models can also enhance medical training programs by providing resident physicians with live, case-based learning opportunities when partnered with a BHC to address patient health behaviors. We will describe the development, implementation, and preliminary outcomes of a PCBH psychologist-physician interdisciplinary health behavior change clinic within a Family Medicine residency program. Patient outcomes revealed significant reductions (p < .01) in weight, BMI, and tobacco use. Implications and future directions are discussed.

Toward a synthesis of cognitive behaviour therapy via component analysis of self-regulation

The cognitive behavioural therapies (CBTs) are the choice psychotherapies for many clinicians treating a wide range of adult psychological disorders including various anxieties, mood, substance use, eating, schizophrenia and personality-related. Empirical research in the CBTs is ever increasing, and the accumulating evidence supporting efficacious treatments is substantial and well documented. However, with prolific research comes a seemingly accelerating and worrying trend of purportedly different therapies, and numerous hybrids and combinations of therapies and techniques. For many clinicians this is increasingly confusing and not helpful in clinical practice. This article is a critique of current trends and directions in clinical research, which show signs of limited effectiveness, fragmentation, and obfuscation. An alternative strategy is proposed-examining transdiagnostic therapeutic effects, which appear related to treating pervasive dysregulated emotions, with component analyses of four principal self-regulation components (viz., self-monitoring; functional analysis; identifying values, goals and treatment-plans; and feedback). Such a strategy is likely to lead to a more coherently synthesized and effective CBT.

Back to Basics: Lifestyle Interventions for Adolescent Depression

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After completing this activity, practitioners will be better able to:• Discuss and better understand the recently adopted screening standards for adolescents with depression and the potential advantages of using "lifestyle medicine"• Set up a process for providing effective interventions for the increased number of patients with adolescent depression• Design or update their toolbox of treatment options for adolescents with depression based on the new literature and increased demand.

ABSTRACT

Recently adopted quality standards recommend that pediatricians screen adolescents for depression and that they document follow-up plans for those who screen positive. As a result of these new recommendations, pediatricians and other pediatric providers, as well as psychiatrists and other mental health professionals, may face an increasing number of referrals and a growing need for effective interventions for adolescent depression. Given the widely acknowledged scarcity of traditional mental health resources, the current study reviewed the rapidly expanding array of evidence-based, but nontraditional, interventions applicable to outpatient pediatric and mental health care settings. Many of these interventions come from a lifestyle medicine framework. Lifestyle medicine interventions are congruent with the cultures of pediatrics and outpatient psychiatry, and offer additional evidence-based tools for providers managing adolescent depression. These interventions can be implemented individually or within group or community settings, and may be used in conjunction with more common interventions such as psychotherapy or psychotropic medications.

Behavioural activation for overweight and obese adolescents with low mood delivered in a community setting: feasibility study

BACKGROUND

Mood and weight problems are common in young people, yet few treatments address both conditions concurrently. Behavioural activation (BA) has shown promise as a treatment for adults with comorbid obesity and depression. This study aimed to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a manualised BA treatment targeting weight and mood problems in young people.

METHODS

Young people with low mood and weight difficulties were identified via a school-based screening process. Following a diagnostic interview, young people with clinically significant mood problems and concurrent overweight/obesity were invited to participate. A total of 8-12 sessions of BA were delivered by a graduate therapist to eight adolescents (four male) aged 12-15 years. Weight, mood and functioning were assessed before, during and after treatment, and a semistructured qualitative interview was conducted, along with selected outcome measures at 4 months' follow-up.

RESULTS

Low attrition and positive qualitative feedback suggested the intervention was acceptable. Trends towards a reduction in reported depression symptoms and improved functioning scores were observed at follow-up, with more mixed results for change in body mass index. Of those attending the 4-month follow-up, 57% (4/7) no longer met the screening threshold for major depressive disorder. However, low screening and baseline recruitment rates would pose challenges to executing a larger trial.

CONCLUSIONS

BA delivered by a graduate therapist in a British community setting is an acceptable, feasible treatment for comorbid mood and weight problems in adolescence, and its effectiveness should be evaluated in an adequately powered randomised controlled trial.

Effects of resistance training on depression and cardiovascular disease risk in Black men: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Depression is severely undertreated in Black men. This is primarily because Black men are less likely to seek traditional psychiatric treatment, have less access and more barriers to treatment, and perceive more stigma associated with treatment. Depression contributes to cardiovascular disease (CVD), and Black men have the highest rate of mortality from CVD. Resistance training (RT) can have beneficial effects on both depression and CVD. This study will be the first randomized controlled trial to test the effects of RT on depression and cardiovascular health in a sample of depressed Black men.

METHOD/DESIGN

Fifty Black men with clinically significant symptoms of depression will be randomized to either (a) a 12-week RT or (b) an attention-control group. Behavioral Activation techniques will be used to support adherence to home-based RT goals. Both groups will meet on-site twice/week during the 12-week program, and follow-up assessments will occur at the end-of-treatment and 3 months post-treatment. Qualitative interviews will be conducted after the 3-month follow-up. The objectives of this study are (1) to assess the feasibility and acceptability of recruitment, retention, and intervention procedures, (2) to obtain preliminary evidence of efficacy, and (3) to explore potential mediators of the effects of RT on depression.

DISCUSSION

This study will advance the field of minority men's health by producing new data on the effects of RT for depression, the potential mechanisms of action that may support its use, and its effects on markers of CVD risk in Black men.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03107039).

Mental Illness, Not Obesity Status, is Associated with Food Insecurity Among the Elderly in the Health and Retirement Study

OBJECTIVES

Food insecurity, limited or uncertain access to adequate nutrition, is an increasingly recognized determinant of health outcomes and is often associated with having obesity. It is unclear, however, if this association persists in elderly populations.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 2868 participants' aged 65+ years from the Health and Retirement Study. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess associations between food insecurity and body mass index, demographic characteristics, psychiatric history, and medical history.

RESULTS

Participants with overweight/obesity had a higher prevalence of food insecurity than leaner counterparts, however, weight status was not a significant predictor of food insecurity after multivariate adjustment. Instead, mental illness, current smoking status, and non-White race were all independently associated with food insecurity.

DISCUSSION

Beyond financial status, health care providers are encouraged to use these characteristics to identify elderly patients that may be at risk of food insecurity.

Does Exposure and Response Prevention Behaviorally Activate Patients With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder? A Preliminary Test

Exposure and response prevention (ERP) and behavioral activation (BA) are effective treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and depression, respectively. Patients with OCD often exhibit depression; furthermore, ERP for OCD is associated with reduced depressive symptoms. To our knowledge, no study has examined whether ERP itself functions to behaviorally activate patients with concurrent OCD and depressive symptoms. This prospective study was designed to test the hypotheses that (a) OCD exposure hierarchy completion, increased BA, and depressive symptom reduction would all be related, and (b) pre- to posttreatment changes in BA would mediate the direct effect of OCD hierarchy completion on posttreatment depressive symptoms, even after controlling for pretreatment depressive symptoms, pretreatment BA, pre- to posttreatment reductions in OCD symptoms, treatment duration, and antidepressant medication use. Patients (N = 90) with a primary diagnosis of OCD who received residential ERP for OCD completed a self-report battery at pre- and posttreatment. Exposure hierarchy completion, increases in BA, and decreases in depression were all significantly correlated (rs ranged .33 to .44). The effect of hierarchy completion on posttreatment depressive symptoms was fully mediated by pre- to posttreatment changes in BA. Findings highlight the potential for ERP to exert antidepressant effects by behaviorally activating patients. Limitations, clinical implications, and future directions are discussed.

Associations between TV viewing and depressive symptoms among 60,202 Brazilian adults: The Brazilian national health survey

BACKGROUND

Our aim was to examine associations between depression and time spent in TV viewing in a representative sample of Brazilian adults.

METHODS

Data from the Brazilian National Health Survey (Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde - PNS in Portuguese) (n =60,202; ≥18 years) were used. Time spent TV viewing (h/day) was elicited via interview. Depression was evaluated through the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Chronological age, educational status, employment status, alcohol use, tobacco smoking and body mass index were covariates. Descriptive statistics (mean and 95% confidence interval) and adjusted logistic regression models were applied.

RESULTS

Five or more hours as well as less than 1 h of TV viewing was associated with increased depression (men: <1 h OR = 1.89, 95%CI = 1.40-2.54; ≥5 h OR = 2.69, 95%CI = 1.88-3.83; women: <1 h OR = 1.50, 95%CI = 1.25-1.81; ≥5 h OR = 1.65, 95%CI = 1.35-2.03) when compared to 2-2.99 h of TV viewing.

CONCLUSION

More than 5 h/day seems to be associated with a higher risk for depression among Brazilian adults (except for older adults). Less than 1 h TV viewing might be a measure-of-proxy for a lower socio-economic status, which is a known risk factor for depression.

Facilitators and barriers to modifying dietary and hygiene behaviours as adjuvant treatment in patients with depression in primary care: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Major depression is a highly prevalent condition. Its pathogenesis is related to a wide variety of biological and psychosocial factors and among these is factors related to lifestyle. Lifestyle-based interventions seem to be appropriate strategies as coadjutant treatment. The objective of this study is to explore and identify expectations and experiences of both patients and healthcare professionals that can point to the main barriers and facilitators with regard to the promotion of healthy dietary and hygiene behaviours in patients suffering from major depression.

METHODS

A qualitative design was used to collect information from a wide range of purposefully and theoretically guided samples of depressed patients and health professionals from Primary Care (PC). Both in-depth interviews and discussion groups were used. A standardized protocol was designed to guide the interviews and groups, including the preparation of a topic list to be addressed, with previously tested, open suggestions that could be of interest. A thematic analysis was performed from grounded theory in order to explore, develop and define until saturation the emergent categories of analysis derived from the individual interview and group data.

RESULTS

Both patients as well as PC professionals noted a series of central aspects with respect to the implementation of a programme for the acquisition of healthy dietary and hygiene habits for depressive patients, which may be organized around 'personal', 'programmatic', and 'transversal' aspects. As for the personal aspects, categories regarding 'patient history', and 'disposition' were found; the programmatic aspects included categories such as 'presentation and monitoring', and modification of 'cognitive' and 'behavioural' habits; whereas the transversal aspects comprised the possibilities of 'social support' and defining categories of 'objectives'.

CONCLUSION

The implementation of intervention programmes that combine dietary and hygiene-related factors in patients with depression is complex, given the nature of the disorder itself, and its symptoms such as apathy and feelings of guilt or incompetence. Key issues exist for the success of the intervention, such as the simplicity of guidelines, tailoring through motivational interviewing, prolonged and intense monitoring throughout the different stages of the disorder, and the provision of adequate feedback and social support. PC could be an appropriate level in which to implement these interventions.

Mediation of the bidirectional relations between obesity and depression among women

Past research established that obesity increases risk for development of depression, and depression increases risk for development of obesity. The current study tested physical impairment (difficulty with instrumental activities of daily living), social dysfunction (low social support and high social strain), and emotional eating (using food to cope with stress) as mediators of the bidirectional, longitudinal relations between depression and obesity. A national sample of mid-life adults in the United States (N = 7108) was assessed at three time points over 18 years. Depression predicted increases in obesity, and obesity predicted increases in depression, for women but not for men. Among women, path analyses revealed that physical impairment, social dysfunction, and emotional eating mediated development of obesity from depression, and that physical impairment and emotional eating mediated development of depression from obesity. These results suggest that prevention or treatment of obesity-linked depression and depression-linked obesity in women may need to address multiple connections between these disorders.

LETS Act: a behavioral activation treatment for substance use and depression

Purpose

Substance use disorders (SUDs) often co-occur with major depressive disorder (MDD), yet treatments targeting this comorbidity are limited, especially in resource limited settings where individuals with SUDs often receive treatment.

Design/methodology/approach

Based upon principles of reinforcement and behavioral economic models of substance use, as well as the Brief Behavioral Activation Treatment for Depression (BATD; Lejuez et al., 2011), the Life Enhancement Treatment for Substance Use (LETS ACT; Daughters et al., 2008) was developed to meet the unique needs of patients with MDD-SUD comorbidity.

Findings

The current manuscript presents a summary of the theoretical foundations and key components of LETS ACT.

Originality/value

A specific focus on increasing dissemination via the flexible delivery dependent on patient and treatment setting characteristics is provided throughout.

Prevention of depression through nutritional strategies in high-risk persons: rationale and design of the MooDFOOD prevention trial

BACKGROUND

Obesity and depression are two prevalent conditions that are costly to individuals and society. The bidirectional association of obesity with depression, in which unhealthy dietary patterns may play an important role, has been well established. Few experimental studies have been conducted to investigate whether supplementing specific nutrients or improving diet and food-related behaviors can prevent depression in overweight persons.

METHOD/DESIGN

The MooDFOOD prevention trial examines the feasibility and effectiveness of two different nutritional strategies [multi-nutrient supplementation and food-related behavioral change therapy (FBC)] to prevent depression in individuals who are overweight and have elevated depressive symptoms but who are not currently or in the last 6 months meeting criteria for an episode of major depressive disorder (MDD). The randomized controlled prevention trial has a two-by-two factorial design: participants are randomized to daily multi-nutrient supplement (omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, selenium, B-11 vitamin and D-3 vitamin) versus placebo, and/or FBC therapy sessions versus usual care. Interventions last 12 months. In total 1000 participants aged 18-75 years with body mass index between 25-40 kg/m(2) and with a Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score ≥ 5 will be recruited at four study sites in four European countries. Baseline and follow-up assessments take place at 0, 3, 6, and 12 months. Primary endpoint is the onset of an episode of MDD, assessed according to DSM-IV based criteria using the MINI 5.0 interview. Depressive symptoms, anxiety, food and eating behavior, physical activity and health related quality of life are secondary outcomes. During the intervention, compliance, adverse events and potentially mediating variables are carefully monitored.

DISCUSSION

The trial aims to provide a better understanding of the causal role of specific nutrients, overall diet, and food-related behavior change with respect to the incidence of MDD episodes. This knowledge will be used to develop and disseminate innovative evidence-based, feasible, and effective nutritional public health strategies for the prevention of clinical depression.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov. Number of identification: NCT02529423 . August 2015.

Valued Life Activities, Smoking Cessation, and Mood in Post-Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients

BACKGROUND

Continued engagement in valued life activities is a protective factor for depression and has been linked to readiness to quit smoking in medical populations but has never been examined among acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to investigate relationships among valued life activities, mood, and smoking post-ACS.

METHODS

Participants were 54 post-ACS patients who were smoking before ACS hospitalization. Data on mood, smoking status, engagement in valued activities, restriction of valued activities, and satisfactory replacement of restricted activities was collected 1-12 months post-ACS.

RESULTS

Depressive symptoms were associated with both less valued activity engagement and greater valued activity restriction. Positive affect was associated with greater valued activity engagement and negative affect was associated with greater valued activity restriction. Satisfactory replacement of restricted activities was associated with greater positive affect, fewer depressive symptoms, and quitting smoking post-ACS. The majority of these relationships remained significant after controlling for relevant covariates, including physical functioning.

CONCLUSIONS

Valued activity restriction and engagement may contribute to depressed mood and failure to quit smoking in ACS patients. Psychotherapies that target greater engagement in valued life activities deserve further investigation in ACS patients.

Group Behavioral Activation for Patients With Severe Obesity and Binge Eating Disorder

The aim of the present study was to assess whether behavioral activation (BA) is an efficacious treatment for decreasing eating disorder symptoms in patients with obesity and binge eating disorder (BED). Ninety-six patients with severe obesity and BED were randomized to either 10 sessions of group BA or wait-list control. The study was conducted at an obesity clinic in a regular hospital setting. The treatment improved some aspects of disordered eating and had a positive effect on depressive symptoms but there was no significant difference between the groups regarding binge eating and most other symptoms. Improved mood but lack of effect on binge eating suggests that dysfunctional eating (including BED) is maintained by other mechanisms than low activation and negative mood. However, future studies need to investigate whether effects of BA on binge eating might emerge later than at post-assessment, as in interpersonal psychotherapy for bulimia nervosa.

Physical activity and health outcomes among HIV-infected men who have sex with men: a longitudinal mediational analysis

BACKGROUND

Low physical activity is associated with depression, which may, in turn, negatively impact antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence among HIV-infected individuals; however, prior studies have not investigated the relationships between physical inactivity and ART non-adherence.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to examine the association of physical inactivity, depression, ART non-adherence, and viral load in HIV-infected men who have sex with men.

METHODS

The sample (N = 860) was from a large, multicenter cohort of HIV-infected patients engaged in clinical care.

RESULTS

Across time, depression mediated the relationship between physical inactivity and ART non-adherence (γ = 0.075) and the relationship between physical inactivity and viral load (γ = 0.05). ART non-adherence mediated the relationship between depression and viral load (γ = 0.002) and the relationship between physical inactivity and viral load (γ = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

Low levels of physical activity predicted increased depression and poor ART adherence over time, which subsequently predicted higher viral load.

[Behavioral activation and depression: a contextual treatment approach]

Depression is a widespread psychological disorder that affects approximately one in five North American. Typical reactions to depression include inactivity, isolation, and rumination. Several treatments and psychological interventions have emerged to address this problematic. Cognitive behavioural therapies have received increasingly large amounts of empirical support. A sub-component of cognitive behavioural therapy, behavioural activation, has been shown to in itself effectively treat symptoms of depression. This intervention involves efforts to re-activate the depressed client by having them engage in pleasant, gratifying, leisure, social, or physical activities, thereby counteracting the tendency to be inactive and to isolate oneself. Clients are guided through the process of establishing a list of potentially rewarding social, leisure, mastery-oriented or physical activities, to then establish a gradual hierarchy of objectives to be accomplished over the span of several weeks. Concrete action plans are devised, and solutions to potential obstacles are elaborated. The client is the asked to execute the targeted objective and to record their mood prior to and following the activity. Behavioural activation effectively reverses the downward spiral to depression. Interestingly, studies show that behavioural activation has a positive effect on cognitive activities. It has been shown to reduce rumination and favour cognitive restructuring, without requiring cognitively-based interventions. The advantage of this treatment is therefore that it is simpler to administer in comparison to full-packaged cognitive behavioural therapies, it requires a lesser number of sessions and can be disseminated in a low-intensity format. This article begins by summarizing the origins of the behavioural model of depression, which serves as a basis to the understanding of behavioural activation. This is followed by a detailed explanation of the different phases involved in a behavioural activation intervention. Empirical support for behavioural activation is then presented in regards to depression as well as comorbid physical and psychological health problems. The results of meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials are presented. Behavioural activation is then discussed within the framework of third-wave therapies, discussing the potential role of mindfulness in behavioural activation objectives. Specifically, it is suggested that mindfulness, although not necessarily directly addressed in behavioural activation interventions, is an integral part of this intervention as clients are asked to record their mood and activities and to become cognizant of the relationship between their symptoms of depression and the participation in activities that provide positive reinforcement. This favours self-awareness and allows clients to realize the impact of their actions on their physical and psychological states. In engaging in self-observation and self-recording, and in participating in a variety of tasks and activities, clients are indirectly encouraged to focus on the here and now rather that to succumb to the depressive tendency that is to ruminate. Suggestions are made as to how therapists can include mindfulness-based activities in the behavioural activation hierarchy. It is hypothesized that, due to the calming effect of mindfulness practices on the nervous system, incorporating mindfulness-based activities-such as yoga, tai chi, Qi Gong, or meditation-could for some people enhance the efficacy of behavioural activation interventions and foster a greater sense of well-being. The article concludes by discussing issues that should be addressed in future research. It is suggested that future studies on behavioural activation explore the impacts of incorporating mindfulness-based activities in the behavioural activation hierarchy in comparison to a traditional hierarchy limited to the accomplishment of gratifying or mastery-oriented tasks, social outings, leisure activities and physical activity.

Depression and Disordered Eating in the Obese Person

Three mental health problems commonly associated with obesity are major depression, binge eating disorder (BED), and Night Eating Syndrome (NES). Evidence from both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies support independent relationships between obesity and depression, and between obesity and binge eating. These problems are most prevalent in severely obese individuals (Class III obesity; a body mass index (BMI) of >40kgm(2)), many of whom seek bariatric surgery, and we briefly review whether the presence of pre-operative depression, BED or NES affects post-operative outcomes. Historically depressed individuals have been screened out of weight loss trials due to concerns of worsening mood with weight loss. Such practices have precluded the development of effective treatments for depressed, obese individuals, leaving large numbers of people without appropriate care. We present recent advances in this area, and attempt to answer whether depressed individuals can lose clinically significant amounts of weight, show improvements in mood, and adhere to the demands of a weight loss intervention.

A randomized open trial assessing the feasibility of behavioral activation for pathological grief responding

This study investigated the feasibility of using behavioral activation to treat enduring postbereavement mental health difficulties using a two-arm, multiple baseline design comparing an immediate start group to a delayed start group at baseline, 12-, 24-, and 36-weeks postrandomization. Participants received 12-14 sessions of behavioral activation within a 12-week intervention period starting immediately after the first assessment or after 12weeks for the delayed start group. Prolonged grief, posttraumatic stress, and depression symptoms were assessed as outcomes. Compared with no treatment, behavioral activation was associated with large reductions in prolonged, complicated, or traumatic grief; posttraumatic stress disorder; and depression symptoms in the intent-to-treat analyses. Seventy percent of the completer sample at posttreatment and 75 percent at follow-up responded to treatment with 45 percent at posttreatment and 40 percent at follow-up being classified as evidencing high-end state functioning at 12-week follow-up.

Randomized controlled trial of behavioral treatment for comorbid obesity and depression in women: the Be Active Trial

OBJECTIVE

Depression is associated with increased risk for obesity and worse weight loss treatment outcomes. The purpose of the present study was to test the hypothesis that delivering evidence-based behavior therapy for depression before a lifestyle weight loss intervention improves both weight loss and depression.

DESIGN

In a randomized controlled trial, obese women with major depressive disorder (N=161, mean age=45.9 (s.d.: 10.8) years) were randomized to brief behavior therapy for depression treatment followed by a lifestyle intervention (BA) or a lifestyle intervention only (LI). Follow-up occurred at 6 and 12 months. Main outcome measures included weight loss and depression symptoms.

RESULTS

Intention-to-treat analyses revealed both conditions lost significant weight, but no differences between conditions in weight change at 6 months (BA=-3.0%, s.e.=-0.65%; LI=-3.7%, s.e.=0.63%; P=0.48) or 12 months (BA=-2.6%, s.e.=0.77%; LI=-3.1%, s.e.=0.74%; P=0.72). However, the BA condition evidenced significantly greater improvement in Beck Depression Inventory-II scores relative to the LI condition at both 6 months (BA mean change=-12.5, s.d.=0.85; LI mean change=-9.2, s.d.=0.80, P=0.005) and 12 months (BA mean change=-12.6, s.d.=0.97; LI mean change=-9.9, s.d.=0.93; P=0.045). Participants who experienced depression remission by 6 months (61.2%) lost greater weight (mean=-4.31%; s.e.=0.052) than those who did not (39.7%; mean=-2.47%, s.e.=0.53; P=.001).

CONCLUSION

Adding behavior therapy to a lifestyle intervention results in greater depression remission but does not improve weight loss within 1 year. Improvement in depression is associated with greater weight loss.

Translation of the diabetes prevention program into a community mental health organization for individuals with severe mental illness: a case study

Individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) have significant health disparities. Wellness services embedded in community mental health organizations could lessen these disparities. This case study illustrates the integration of the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) lifestyle intervention into a community mental health organization. The Diffusion of Innovations Theory was used as a model for integration, which included a collaboration between researchers and the organization and qualitative work, culminating in a small pilot of the DPP led by peer specialists to test the feasibility of the DPP in this setting. Fourteen individuals with SMI participated in the 19-week intervention. Three dropped out, but the remaining 11 demonstrated 92% attendance. Weight loss was minimal, but the participants reported benefit and showed continued interest in the intervention. The use of a peer-led DPP in a community mental health organization is feasible and warrants further investigation to demonstrate efficacy.

Theory-driven intervention for changing personality: expectancy value theory, behavioral activation, and conscientiousness

Considerable evidence suggests that personality traits may be changeable, raising the possibility that personality traits most linked to health problems can be modified with intervention. A growing body of research suggests that problematic personality traits may be altered with behavioral intervention using a bottom-up approach. That is, by targeting core behaviors that underlie personality traits with the goal of engendering new, healthier patterns of behavior that, over time, become automatized and manifest in changes in personality traits. Nevertheless, a bottom-up model for changing personality traits is somewhat diffuse and requires clearer integration of theory and relevant interventions to enable real clinical application. As such, this article proposes a set of guiding principles for theory-driven modification of targeted personality traits using a bottom-up approach, focusing specifically on targeting the trait of conscientiousness using a relevant behavioral intervention, Behavioral Activation (BA), considered within the motivational framework of expectancy value theory (EVT). We conclude with a real case example of the application of BA to alter behaviors counter to conscientiousness in a substance-dependent patient, highlighting the EVT principles most relevant to the approach and the importance and viability of a theoretically driven, bottom-up approach to changing personality traits.

Initial open trial of a computerized behavioral activation treatment for depression

This article presents preliminary findings from use of a novel computer program that implements an evidence-based psychological intervention to treat depression based on behavioral activation (BA) therapy. The program is titled "Building a Meaningful Life Through Behavioral Activation". The findings derive from an open trial with moderate to severely depressed individuals (N = 15) in an Intention to Treat sample. Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) analyses revealed significant change over time on Beck Depression Inventory-Second Edition (BDI-II) scores, Revised Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores, and significant contribution to BDI-II score variance by participant age over time, change over time in negative automatic thoughts, and change over time in BA scores. Piecewise HLM analyses revealed that significant change over time was associated uniquely with active treatment and not during 3 weeks of baseline measurement. In addition to treatment-associated significant change on all dependent measures over time, effect sizes were in the moderate to large range. Limitations are small sample size, nonrandomized control, research-recruited patients instead of purely treatment-seeking patients, possible rating bias by independent assessors who had knowledge that participants had received active treatment in this open trial, and the influence of additional services received in the post acute-treatment phase by some participants could have contributed to maintenance of gains reported for that period.

Carer and mental health professional views of a psychosocial treatment for negative symptoms in psychosis: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Trials of complex interventions should be preceded by in-depth piloting of the treatment in order to ensure clear definition of critical components and establish feasibility and acceptability.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to elicit views of extending behavioural activation, an evidence-based treatment for depression, to the negative symptoms observed in psychosis from the perspectives of carers of people with mental health problems and mental health professionals.

DESIGN

Qualitative study.

SETTING

School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work and carer support organisation, North West of England, United Kingdom.

PARTICIPANTS

Fifteen participants were recruited from a local carer support group. Nineteen mental health professionals were recruited from post-registration university based programmes.

METHODS

We used focus groups and semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis using a constant comparative approach was employed to capture key concepts and themes.

RESULTS

There was support for behavioural activation for negative symptoms in psychosis from some mental health workers and many of the carers; however both groups identified barriers to its implementation. Professionals highlighted internal factors, the difficulty in engaging people with negative symptoms in psychosocial treatments and services more broadly while carers identified a number of external, practical barriers. For those who saw some utility in the treatment approach, the benefit of expanding the treatment to include community based sessions as well as formal behavioural activation meetings were recognised. However, a number of mental health professionals remained sceptical as to its potential to reduce negative symptoms. Professional and carer views generally concurred in relation to family involvement, indicating that restricted engagement could be helpful, but that further participation might actually be counterproductive.

CONCLUSIONS

Acceptability for many carers and some professionals was evident and support further evaluation of behavioural activation for negative symptoms. Significant issues to be addressed include the balance of formal talking based sessions and community based sessions to support activation for people with negative symptoms and mental health professional pessimism in relation to this symptom cluster. The current study supports the phased development and careful piloting of complex healthcare interventions before progression to large scale evaluation.

Gender Differences in Depression: Assessing Mediational Effects of Overt Behaviors and Environmental Reward through Daily Diary Monitoring

Gender differences in the prevalence of depression are well documented. To further explore the relation between gender and depression, this study used daily diaries to examine gender differences within thirteen behavioral domains and whether differential frequency of overt behaviors and environmental reward mediated the relationship between gender and depression severity. The sample included 82 undergraduate students [66% females; 84% Caucasian; Mean age = 20.2 years]. Overall, females engaged in a significantly greater breadth of behavioral domains and reported a higher level of environmental reward. Females spent more time in the domains of health/hygiene, spiritual activities, and eating with others. Males spent more time in the domains of physical activity, sexual activity, and hobbies and recreational experiences. Females found social activities, passive/sedentary behaviors, eating with others, and engagement in "other" activities more rewarding. Gender had a significant direct effect on depression severity, with females reporting increased depression. This effect was attenuated by the mediator (total environmental reward) such that to the extent females exhibited increased environmental reward, the gender effect on depression was attenuated. These data support behavioral models of depression, indicate increased reinforcement sensitivity among females, and have clinical relevance in the context of assessment and behavioral activation interventions for depression.

Associations of mood and anxiety disorders with obesity: comparisons by ethnicity

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to compare the associations of mood and anxiety disorders (12 months and past diagnosis) with obesity among ethnically diverse adults.

METHODS

Data from Caucasians, African American, and Latinos in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R), National Latino and Asian American Study (NLAAS), and National Study of American Life (NSAL) were analyzed (n=17,445). Multivariate logistic regression models tested the associations between 12 month and past diagnosis of mood and anxiety disorders with obesity (body mass index ≥ 30kg/m²).

RESULTS

Approximately 52% of the sample was female and 24% obese. Among Caucasians, 12-month mood disorder (OR=1.30, 95% CI=1.05, 1.62), past diagnosis of mood disorder (OR=1.37, 95% CI=1.11, 1.69) and 12-month anxiety disorder (OR=1.40, 95% CI=1.02, 1.68) were associated with greater likelihood of obesity. Among African Americans, past year anxiety disorder (OR=1.63, 95% CI=0.92, 1.67) was associated with greater likelihood of obesity, and a trend toward an association between 12 month mood disorder (OR=1.24, 95% CI=0.92, 1.67) and obesity was observed. Similarly among Latinos, past year anxiety disorder (OR=1.45, 95% CI=1.00, 1.99) was associated with greater likelihood of obesity, and a trend toward an association between 12-month mood disorder (OR=1.26, 95% CI=0.94, 2.01) was observed. Tests of statistical interaction to assess heterogeneity of the associations of mood and anxiety disorders with obesity, comparing African Americans and Latinos to Caucasians, suggest differences in the association of past diagnosis of mood disorder with obesity (P<.10 for both groups).

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest similar associations between 12-month mood and anxiety disorders with obesity across groups.

Modelling the relationship between obesity and mental health in children and adolescents: findings from the Health Survey for England 2007

A number of studies have reported significant associations between obesity and poor psychological wellbeing in children but findings have been inconsistent.

METHODS

This study utilised data from 3,898 children aged 5-16 years obtained from the Health Survey for England 2007. Information was available on Body Mass Index (BMI), parental ratings of child emotional and behavioural health (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire), self-reported physical activity levels and sociodemographic variables. A multilevel modelling approach was used to allow for the clustering of children within households.

RESULTS

Curvilinear relationships between both internalising (emotional) and externalising (behavioural) symptoms and adjusted BMI were observed. After adjusting for potential confounders the relationships between obesity and psychological adjustment (reported externalising and internalising symptoms) remained statistically significant. Being overweight, rather than obese, had no impact on overall reported mental health. 17% of children with obesity were above the suggested screening threshold for emotional problems, compared to 9% of non-obese children. Allowing for clustering and potential confounding variables children classified as obese had an odds ratio (OR) of 2.13 (95% CI 1.39 to 3.26) for being above the screening threshold for an emotional disorder compared to non-obese young people. No cross-level interactions between household income and the relationships between obesity and internalising or externalising symptoms were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large, representative, UK-based community sample a curvilinear association with emotional wellbeing was observed for adjusted BMI suggesting the possibility of a threshold effect. Further research could focus on exploring causal relationships and developing targeted interventions.

The Relationship between Smoking and Depression Post-Acute Coronary Syndrome

The purpose of the current paper is to review research on the relationship between smoking cessation and depressed mood post-Acute Coronary Syndrome (Myocardial infarction or unstable angina; ACS). Emerging evidence regarding the effect of anhedonia-a specific subcomponent of mood disturbance characterized by reduced pleasure-on post-ACS outcomes is also discussed. There is strong evidence that depression prospectively predicts post-ACS relapse to smoking. Weaker evidence suggests that smoking at the time of ACS is related to post-ACS depression. Bupropion is a particularly promising treatment for this population because of its smoking cessation and anti-depressant effects. Future research should focus on the relative risk of using nicotine replacement therapies post-ACS, the efficacy of bupropion for smoking cessation and depression reduction in post-ACS patients, the role of anhedonia in post-ACS smoking cessation, and the development and testing of integrated behavioral treatments (smoking cessation plus interventions targeting mood management) for ACS patients.

Development and pilot investigation of behavioral activation for negative symptoms

Negative symptoms cause functional impairment and impede recovery from psychosis, not least, because of limited developments in empirically validated treatments. This article details a pilot evaluation of a behavioral activation (BA) treatment with eight people presenting with psychosis and marked negative symptoms. The rationale for this development was that BA is effective in treating depression, a condition that shares overlapping features with negative symptoms. Results provide preliminary support for feasibility and effectiveness of BA for negative symptoms in terms of treatment adherence, retention, and initial outcomes. However, additional advantages may accrue from revisions to the BA treatment.

Ten year revision of the brief behavioral activation treatment for depression: revised treatment manual

Following from the seminal work of Ferster, Lewinsohn, and Jacobson, as well as theory and research on the Matching Law, Lejuez, Hopko, LePage, Hopko, and McNeil developed a reinforcement-based depression treatment that was brief, uncomplicated, and tied closely to behavioral theory. They called this treatment the brief behavioral activation treatment for depression (BATD), and the original manual was published in this journal. The current manuscript is a revised manual (BATD-R), reflecting key modifications that simplify and clarify key treatment elements, procedures, and treatment forms. Specific modifications include (a) greater emphasis on treatment rationale, including therapeutic alliance; (b) greater clarity regarding life areas, values, and activities; (c) simplified (and fewer) treatment forms; (d) enhanced procedural details, including troubleshooting and concept reviews; and (e) availability of a modified Daily Monitoring Form to accommodate low literacy patients. Following the presentation of the manual, the authors conclude with a discussion of the key barriers in greater depth, including strategies for addressing these barriers.

Weight gain associated with taking psychotropic medication: an integrative review

People with serious mental illness have higher morbidity and mortality rates than general populations, and overweight/obesity-related conditions are prevalent. Psychotropic medications are a primary factor in significant weight gain. Adolescents and young adults, particularly those with first-episode psychoses taking atypical antipsychotics, are susceptible to weight gain. This paper reports findings from an integrative review of research investigating the impact and treatment of psychotropic-induced weight gain. Four databases were searched, yielding 522 papers. From these and hand-searched papers, 36 research reports were systematically classified and analysed. The review revealed people experiencing psychotropic-induced weight gain perceive it as distressing. It impacts on quality of life and contributes to treatment non-adherence. Weight management and prevention strategies have primarily targeted adults with existing/chronic illness rather than those with first-episode psychoses and/or drug naiveté. Single and multimodal interventions to prevent or manage weight gain produced comparable, modest results. This review highlights that the effectiveness of weight management interventions is not fully known, and there is a lack of information regarding weight gain prevention for young people taking psychotropics. Future research directions include exploring the needs of young people regarding psychotropic-related weight gain and long-term, follow-up studies of lifestyle interventions to prevent psychotropic-related weight gain.

Initial Outcomes of a Culturally Adapted Behavioral Activation for Latinas Diagnosed With Depression at a Community Clinic

Latinos demonstrate high rates of depression, often do not seek treatment, and terminate prematurely for a variety of reasons, including lack of sensitivity to contextual and cultural factors in treatment approaches. For decades researchers have suggested a behavioral approach to Latinos diagnosed with depression because such an approach targets the complex environmental stressors experienced by these populations with a simple, pragmatic approach. Recently, behavioral activation has been culturally and linguistically adapted for Latinos/Latinas diagnosed with depression (BA-Latino or BAL). The current study consists of a pilot evaluation of BAL at a bilingual (Spanish—English) community mental health clinic ( N = 10 Latinas). Results provide preliminary support for the feasibility and effectiveness of BAL for Latinas in a community setting in terms of treatment adherence, retention, and outcomes. Implications and future directions are discussed.

Newer variations of cognitive-behavioral therapy: behavioral activation and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy

Recent innovations in the treatment and prevention of depression that build on the foundation of cognitive-behavioral therapy represent promising directions for clinical practice and research. Specifically, behavioral activation and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy have been a recent focus of attention. Behavioral activation is a brief, structured approach to treating acute depression that seeks to alleviate depression by promoting an individual's contact with sources of reward through increasing activation, improving problem solving, and decreasing avoidance and other barriers to activation. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is a brief group intervention that seeks to prevent depressive relapse by promoting mindful attention, acceptance, and skillful action to help individuals interrupt habitual cognitive and affective patterns associated with risk of relapse. Each approach is supported by at least two large-scale, randomized clinical trials; however, many important questions remain. We examine current research on both approaches by addressing the robustness of findings, the extension to novel populations, and the processes by which clinical benefit is achieved.

Design and methods for a randomized clinical trial treating comorbid obesity and major depressive disorder

BACKGROUND

Obesity is often comorbid with depression and individuals with this comorbidity fare worse in behavioral weight loss treatment. Treating depression directly prior to behavioral weight loss treatment might bolster weight loss outcomes in this population, but this has not yet been tested in a randomized clinical trial.

METHODS AND DESIGN

This randomized clinical trial will examine whether behavior therapy for depression administered prior to standard weight loss treatment produces greater weight loss than standard weight loss treatment alone. Obese women with major depressive disorder (N = 174) will be recruited from primary care clinics and the community and randomly assigned to one of the two treatment conditions. Treatment will last 2 years, and will include a 6-month intensive treatment phase followed by an 18-month maintenance phase. Follow-up assessment will occur at 6-months and 1- and 2 years following randomization. The primary outcome is weight loss. The study was designed to provide 90% power for detecting a weight change difference between conditions of 3.1 kg (standard deviation of 5.5 kg) at 1-year assuming a 25% rate of loss to follow-up. Secondary outcomes include depression, physical activity, dietary intake, psychosocial variables and cardiovascular risk factors. Potential mediators (e.g., adherence, depression, physical activity and caloric intake) of the intervention effect on weight change will also be examined.

DISCUSSION

Treating depression before administering intensive health behavior interventions could potentially boost the impact on both mental and physical health outcomes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT00572520.