1
|
Lisi DM, Hawley LL, McCabe RE, Rowa K, Cameron DH, Richter MA, Rector NA. Online versus in-person delivery of cognitive behaviour therapy for obsessive compulsive disorder: An examination of effectiveness. Clin Psychol Psychother 2023. [PMID: 37699581 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2908] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) including exposure and response prevention is the first-line psychological treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Given changes in the clinical landscape, there are increasing efforts to evaluate its effectiveness in online contexts. Mirroring the traditional in-person delivery, few studies have assessed the role of therapist-guided, manual-based CBT for OCD delivered in real-time via videoconferencing methods. The present study sought to fill this gap by comparing in-person and online delivery of group-based CBT for the treatment of OCD. A convenience sample of participants with moderate to severe OCD (n = 144) were recruited from a naturalistic database from two large OCD specialty assessment and treatment centres. Patients received group-based CBT that was provided in-person (pre-COVID-19 pandemic; March 2018 to March 2020) or online via videoconferencing (during the COVID-19 pandemic; March 2020 to April 2021). In both delivery methods, treatment consisted of 2-h weekly sessions led by trained clinicians. Analyses revealed that, regardless of treatment modality, both in-person and online groups demonstrated significant, reliable, and statistically equivalent improvements in OCD symptoms post-treatment. Videoconferenced, clinician-led CBT may be a promising alternative to in-person delivery for those with moderate to severe OCD symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana M Lisi
- Frederick W. Thompson Anxiety Disorders Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lance L Hawley
- Frederick W. Thompson Anxiety Disorders Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Randi E McCabe
- Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karen Rowa
- Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Duncan H Cameron
- Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Margaret A Richter
- Frederick W. Thompson Anxiety Disorders Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Neil A Rector
- Frederick W. Thompson Anxiety Disorders Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fast N, van Kessel R, Humphreys K, Ward NF, Roman-Urrestarazu A. The Evolution of Telepsychiatry for Substance Use Disorders During COVID-19: a Narrative Review. CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS 2023; 10:187-197. [PMID: 37266192 PMCID: PMC10126560 DOI: 10.1007/s40429-023-00480-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review This article aims to review and synthesize the current research evidence regarding the efficacy of telepsychiatry-delivered substance use disorder treatment using a narrative review with a focus on the effects of remote healthcare delivery within the substance abuse treatment space. Recent Findings The COVID-19 pandemic exerted substantial pressures on all levels of society. Social isolation, loss of employment, stress, physical illness, overburdened health services, unmet medical needs, and rapidly changing pandemic restrictions had particularly severe consequences for people with mental health issues and substance use disorders. Since the start of the pandemic, addiction treatment (and medical treatment overall) using remote health platforms has significantly expanded to different platforms and delivery systems. The USA, in particular, reported transformational policy developments to enable the delivery of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, systemic barriers such as a widespread lack of internet access and insufficient patient and provider digital skills remain. Summary Overall, telepsychiatry is a promising approach for the treatment of substance use disorders, but more randomized controlled trials are needed in the future to assess the evidence base of available interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noam Fast
- START Treatment & Recovery Centers, New York City, USA
- Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship Faculty, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York City, USA
| | - Robin van Kessel
- Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Health, London, UK
- Department of International Health, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Keith Humphreys
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Natalie Frances Ward
- Department of International Development Studies, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Andres Roman-Urrestarazu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
- Cambridge Public Health, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kathiravan S, Chakrabarti S. Development of a protocol for videoconferencing-based exposure and response prevention treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic. World J Psychiatry 2023; 13:60-74. [PMID: 36925949 PMCID: PMC10011942 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v13.i2.60] [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: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The existing literature indicates that psychotherapeutic treatment, especially exposure and response prevention (ERP) is efficacious in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic adversely impacted many patients with OCD and disrupted their usual treatment. Moreover, the pandemic forced a global switch to telemental health (TMH) services to maintain the standards and continuity of care. Consequently, clinicians are increasingly using TMH-based psychotherapeutic treatments to treat OCD. However, several challenges have made it difficult for them to implement these treatments in the changed circumstances imposed by the pandemic.
AIM To describe the formulation, implementation, feasibility, and usefulness of videoconferencing-based ERP (VC-ERP) treatment for OCD during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.
METHODS This prospective, observational study was conducted in the psychiatric unit of a multi-specialty hospital in north India over 12 mo (July 2020-June 2021). All patients with OCD were assessed using the home-based TMH services of the department. The VC-ERP protocol for OCD was the outcome of weekly Zoom meetings with a group of clinicians involved in administering the treatment. After a systematic evaluation of the available treatment options, an initial protocol for delivering VC-ERP was developed. Guidelines for clinicians and educational materials for patients and their families were prepared. The protocol was implemented among patients with OCD attending the TMH services, and their progress was monitored. The weekly meetings were used to upgrade the protocol to meet the needs of all stakeholders. Feasibility and efficacy outcomes were examined.
RESULTS All patients were diagnosed with OCD as a primary or a comorbid condition according to the International Classification of Diseases, 10th version criteria. Out of 115 patients who attended the services during the study period, 37 were excluded from the final analysis. Of the remaining 78 patients, VC-ERP was initiated in 43 patients. Six patients dropped out, and three were hospitalized for inpatient ERP. Eleven patients have completed the full VC-ERP treatment. One patient completed the psychoeducation part of the protocol. VC-ERP is ongoing in 22 patients. The protocol for VC-ERP treatment was developed and upgraded online. A large proportion of the eligible patients (n = 34/43; 79%) actively engaged in the VC-ERP treatment. Drop-out rates were low (n = 6/43; 14%). Satisfaction with the treatment was adequate among patients, caregivers, and clinicians. Apart from hospitalization in 3 patients, there were no other adverse events. Hybrid care and stepped care approaches could be incorporated into the VC-ERP protocol. Therefore, the feasibility of VC-ERP treatment in terms of operational viability, service utilization, service engagement, need for additional in-person services, frequency of adverse events, and user satisfaction was adequate. The VC-ERP treatment was found to be efficacious in the 11 patients who had completed the full treatment. Significant reductions in symptoms and maintenance of treatment gains on follow-up were observed.
CONCLUSION This study provided preliminary evidence for the feasibility and usefulness of VC-ERP in the treatment of OCD. The results suggest that VC-ERP can be a useful option in resource-constrained settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanjana Kathiravan
- Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Subho Chakrabarti
- Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Alavi N, Moghimi E, Stephenson C, Gutierrez G, Jagayat J, Kumar A, Shao Y, Miller S, Yee CS, Stefatos A, Gholamzadehmir M, Abbaspour Z, Shirazi A, Gizzarelli T, Khan F, Patel C, Patel A, Yang M, Omrani M. Comparison of online and in-person cognitive behavioral therapy in individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder: a non-randomized controlled trial. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1113956. [PMID: 37187863 PMCID: PMC10175610 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1113956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The increased prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) amid the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in substantial growth in online mental health care delivery. Compared to its in-person counterpart, online cognitive behavioral therapy (e-CBT) is a time-flexible and cost-effective method of improving MDD symptoms. However, how its efficacy compares to in-person CBT is yet to be explored. Therefore, the current study compared the efficacy of a therapist-supported, electronically delivered e-CBT program to in-person therapy in individuals diagnosed with MDD. Methods Participants (n = 108) diagnosed with MDD selected either a 12 week in-person CBT or an asynchronous therapist-supported e-CBT program. E-CBT participants (n = 55) completed weekly interactive online modules delivered through a secure cloud-based online platform (Online Psychotherapy Tool; OPTT). These modules were followed by homework in which participants received personalized feedback from a trained therapist. Participants in the in-person CBT group (n = 53) discussed sessions and homework with their therapists during one-hour weekly meetings. Program efficacy was evaluated using clinically validated symptomatology and quality of life questionnaires. Results Both treatments yielded significant improvements in depressive symptoms and quality of life from baseline to post-treatment. Participants who opted for in-person therapy presented significantly higher baseline symptomatology scores than the e-CBT group. However, both treatments demonstrated comparable significant improvements in depressive symptoms and quality of life from baseline to post-treatment. e-CBT seems to afford higher participant compliance as dropouts in the e-CBT group completed more sessions on average than those in the in-person CBT group. Conclusion The findings support e-CBT with therapist guidance as a suitable option to treat MDD. Future studies should investigate how treatment accessibility is related to program completion rates in the e-CBT vs. in-person group. Clinical Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.Gov Protocol Registration and Results System (NCT04478058); clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04478058.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nazanin Alavi
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- OPTT Inc., Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Nazanin Alavi,
| | - Elnaz Moghimi
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | | | - Gilmar Gutierrez
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Jasleen Jagayat
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Anchan Kumar
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Yijia Shao
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shadé Miller
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Caitlin S. Yee
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Anthi Stefatos
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | | | - Zara Abbaspour
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | | | - Tessa Gizzarelli
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Ferwa Khan
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Charmy Patel
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Archana Patel
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Megan Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Mohsen Omrani
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- OPTT Inc., Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rabasco A, McKay D, Smits JA, Powers MB, Meuret AE, McGrath PB. Psychosocial treatment for panic disorder: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. J Anxiety Disord 2022; 86:102528. [PMID: 35063924 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2022.102528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Panic disorder is a common and disabling psychiatric condition marked by sudden onset of physiological sensations that are appraised as dangerous. A number of studies and reviews have examined the efficacy of psychosocial treatments for PD; however, there is a lack of overarching reports that discuss the strength of evidence for the different psychosocial treatments for PD. This umbrella review provides an overview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses on psychosocial treatments for PD. METHODS A systematic search and review of the literature was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS A total of 38 reviews (31 meta-analyses and 7 systematic reviews) were included in the umbrella review. Most of the 38 reviews were focused on the use of CBT, both in-person and internet-based, to treat PD among adults, generally finding it to be an efficacious treatment compared to control conditions. A limited number of the 38 reviews included other age ranges or examined other forms of psychosocial treatments. The methodological quality of most included reviews was rated as critically low according to the AMSTAR-2 rating system. CONCLUSIONS Future reviews should focus on improving their methodological quality. Although the included reviews supported CBT as an efficacious treatment for reducing panic symptoms among adults, future research could focus on how CBT compares to other psychosocial treatments and the efficacy of CBT for PD among other populations (e.g., children and adolescents) and among diverse cultural groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rabasco
- Fordham University, 441 East Fordham Rd., Bronx, NY 10458, USA.
| | - Dean McKay
- Fordham University, 441 East Fordham Rd., Bronx, NY 10458, USA
| | - Jasper A Smits
- University of Texas at Austin, 110 Inner Campus Dr., Austin, TX 78705, USA
| | - Mark B Powers
- Baylor University Medical Center, 3409 Worth St., Dallas, TX 75246, USA
| | - Alicia E Meuret
- Southern Methodist University, 6425 Boaz Ln., Dallas, TX 75205, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Looi JCL, Bonner D, Maguire P. Maslow's hammer: considering the perils of solutionism in mental healthcare and psychiatric practice. Australas Psychiatry 2021; 29:687-689. [PMID: 34014790 DOI: 10.1177/10398562211005438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To discuss narrow pragmatism, manifest as digital and technical solutionism, in mental healthcare and psychiatric practice. Pragmatism is a view of the field of psychiatry as an instrument or tool for the purpose of providing psychiatric care for people with a mental illness. Solutionism, as proposed by Morozov, can be considered a special case of pragmatism that valorises an approach to solving real-world problems based on computation, algorithms and digital technology,1 which we extend to discuss other technical solutions such as medication, non-invasive brain stimulation and psychotherapy. CONCLUSIONS Digital or technical solutionism may unnecessarily constrain approaches to mental healthcare and psychiatric practice. Psychiatrists can consider, and should advocate for, appropriate adaptation of technology and technical solutions toward collaborative and effective mental healthcare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey C L Looi
- Academic Unit of Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine, the Australian National University Medical School, Canberra Hospital, ACT, Australia
| | - Daniel Bonner
- Academic Unit of Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine, the Australian National University Medical School, Canberra Hospital, ACT, Australia
| | - Paul Maguire
- Academic Unit of Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine, the Australian National University Medical School, Canberra Hospital, ACT, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hoppen LM, Kuck N, Bürkner PC, Karin E, Wootton BM, Buhlmann U. Low intensity technology-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder: a meta-analysis. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:322. [PMID: 34193113 PMCID: PMC8243493 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03272-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a well-established treatment for people suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and technology-based CBT applications are an emerging treatment option for people with OCD. These applications involve treatment protocols with automated content delivery and relatively low clinical contact. Whilst such CBT applications are promising, however, further investigation is needed to establish the efficacy of this treatment approach for individuals with OCD. The aim of the present study was to review the efficacy of technology-delivered CBT with minimal clinician support for OCD using a meta-analytic approach. METHODS Randomized controlled trials (RCT) were identified through PsycINFO, Medline and Scopus resulting in 18 eligible studies (n = 1707). Control conditions comprised both passive (namely no treatment, other treatments and waitlist controls) and active. Measurement of OCD symptoms improvement was the outcome in each study. RESULTS Participants in the technology-delivered CBT group scored lower on Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) (g = - 0.59, 95% CI = [- 0.99, - 0.18], p = 0.01), Y-BOCS and Dimensional Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (DOCS) combined (g = - 0.55, 95% CI = [- 0.87, - 0.24], p = 0.003) and Obsessive-Compulsive-Inventory-Revised (OCI-R) (g = - 0.36, 95% CI = [- 0.62, - 0.09], p = 0.02) at post-treatment than passive control groups. There were no significant findings when compared to controls with other treatments. CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis suggests that technology-delivered CBT with low personal contact intensity, relative to passive control groups, is an efficacious and promising treatment option for individuals with OCD. Further research is needed to allow for a comparison with control groups with other treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nora Kuck
- University of Münster, Fliednerstr. 21, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | | | | | - Bethany M Wootton
- Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ulrike Buhlmann
- University of Münster, Fliednerstr. 21, 48149, Münster, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Polak M, Tanzer NK, Bauernhofer K, Andersson G. Disorder-specific internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy in treating panic disorder, comorbid symptoms and improving quality of life: A meta-analytic evaluation of randomized controlled trials. Internet Interv 2021; 24:100364. [PMID: 33643852 PMCID: PMC7889983 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2021.100364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Compared to conventional face-to-face psychological treatments, internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (iCBT) presents an innovative alternative that has been found to be effective in the treatment of anxiety disorders. The current study provides a meta-analysis investigating the efficacy of disorder-specific guided self-help (Gsh) iCBT compared to various active and inactive control conditions, with focus on adult panic disorder sufferers with or without agoraphobia (PD/A). Systematic literature search yielded 13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (N = 1214) that met the eligibility criteria for this study. We found no statistically significant differences between Gsh iCBT and various active CBT interventions in reducing PD/A symptoms at both post-test (g = 0.015, k = 10) and follow-up (g = 0.113, k = 6) levels. Also, comorbid anxiety and depression were reduced equivalently at post-test (g = 0.004, k = 6) and follow-up (g = 0.004, k = 6). Quality of life was equally improved at post-test (g = -0.100, k = 5) and follow-up (g = 0.074, k = 2). When compared to inactive controls, we found large effect sizes in PD/A (g = -0.892, k = 9) and comorbid anxiety and depression (g = -0.723, k = 9) symptoms, and moderate change in quality of life (g = -0.484, k = 3) at post-test. There was no difference between Guided self-help iCBT and Self-help iCBT in PD/A (g = -0.025, k = 3) and comorbid anxiety and depression (g = -0.025, k = 3) at post-test. Baseline severity, country of original research and adherence to the treatment in form of initial uptake were identified as statistically significant moderators of the iCBT treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Polak
- Department of Psychology, University of Graz, Austria
| | | | | | - Gerhard Andersson
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Cooper D, Champion SM, Stavropoulos L, Grisham JR. How technology can enhance treatment: A scoping review of clinical interventions for anxiety and obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders. BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 61 Suppl 1:8-30. [PMID: 33570762 DOI: 10.1111/bjc.12279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Researchers are increasingly investigating how technology could be used to improve the efficacy of treatment for anxiety and obsessive-compulsive (OC) spectrum disorders. A broad range of technologies, disorders and therapeutic processes have been examined in the literature. This review summarizes the evidence for using technology in clinical interventions for anxiety and OC-spectrum disorders and highlights research gaps that should be addressed to improve the evidence base. METHODS A scoping review was conducted based on systematic searches of three databases. Broadly, the criteria included interventions that had integrated technology into clinical contexts to enhance treatment for anxiety and OC-spectrum disorders. All records were double-screened by two reviewers, and data were extracted on the characteristics of interventions, symptom outcomes, and implementation factors. RESULTS Searches returned 2,475 studies, of which 117 were eligible for inclusion in this review. Although almost all studies reported pre-post-symptom reductions, only one quarter of the controlled studies demonstrated additive effect of technology-based interventions in between-group analyses. We noted a trend in underreporting implementation factors. CONCLUSIONS Technology-based interventions can improve the efficacy of treatment for anxiety and OC-spectrum disorders, but there are challenges to achieving this goal. Based on a review of the included studies, we provide four specific recommendations to improve the quality and likelihood of success of future research projects. PRACTITIONER POINTS Technology-based adjuvants are unlikely to improve the efficacy of treatment for anxiety or OC-spectrum disorders based on their novelty or convenience alone. A subset of studies gives hope that specific innovations can improve treatment when targeting a therapeutic process that has been problematic. Clinicians seeking to improve the efficacy of their treatment should first define client-specific therapeutic factors (e.g., homework compliance) that could be leveraged, then apply a specific innovation to address this factor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Cooper
- School of Psychology, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sophie M Champion
- School of Psychology, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lauren Stavropoulos
- School of Psychology, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jessica R Grisham
- School of Psychology, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Dawson RL, Calear AL, McCallum SM, McKenna S, Nixon RDV, O'Kearney R. Exposure-Based Writing Therapies for Subthreshold and Clinical Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Trauma Stress 2021; 34:81-91. [PMID: 33043507 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
We undertook a systematic review to assess the efficacy of exposure-based writing therapies (WTs) for trauma-exposed adults with subthreshold or clinical levels of posttraumatic stress disorder. Four databases (PsycINFO, Medline, Wiley Online, PILOTS) were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of exposure-based WTs. A total of 13 RCTs that reported on results from 17 WT versus control comparisons were included. The primary outcomes were posttraumatic stress symptom severity at posttreatment and/or clinical response. An overall unclear or high risk of bias was identified in 84.6% of studies. In comparison to both waitlist k = 3, Hedges' g = -0.97, 95% CI [-1.20, -0.73], and placebo writing conditions, k = 9, Hedges' g = -0.48, 95% CI [-0.87, -0.08], WTs were more beneficial to participants. There was no evidence of a difference between WTs that were longer in duration compared to other psychotherapy, k = 2; pooled OR = 1.42; 95% CI [0.83, 2.43]. These findings indicate that exposure-based WTs are effective when compared to waitlist and placebo writing control conditions. The evidence needs to be considered in the context of the modest number of studies conducted to date, the high methodological heterogeneity between the studies, and the high or unclear risk of bias across many studies. Further research is needed to increase the evidence base regarding the efficacy of WTs for posttraumatic stress. Future research should also measure the mediators and predictors of outcomes to further develop protocols and understand which variants of WTs work for different populations or individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachelle L Dawson
- Research School of Psychology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Alison L Calear
- Centre for Mental Health Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Sonia M McCallum
- Centre for Mental Health Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Sarah McKenna
- Research School of Psychology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Reginald D V Nixon
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Richard O'Kearney
- Research School of Psychology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide a rapid clinical update on the evidence for telehealth in mental healthcare in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic public health measures. CONCLUSIONS Telehealth has been rapidly implemented in metropolitan and rural settings and the existing evidence base demonstrates that it represents an effective mode of service delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca E Reay
- Academic Unit of Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine, Australian National University Medical School; and ACT Health, Australia
| | - Jeffrey CL Looi
- Academic Unit of Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine, Australian National University Medical School; and ACT Health, Australia
| | - Philip Keightley
- Academic Unit of Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine, Australian National University Medical School; and ACT Health, Australia
| |
Collapse
|