1
|
Subotic-Kerry M, Werner-Seidler A, Corkish B, Batterham PJ, Sicouri G, Hudson J, Christensen H, O'Dea B, Li SH. Protocol for a randomised controlled trial evaluating the effect of a CBT-I smartphone application (Sleep Ninja®) on insomnia symptoms in children. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:684. [PMID: 37730577 PMCID: PMC10510253 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05185-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sleep is necessary for healthy development and mental wellbeing. Despite this, many children do not get the recommended duration of sleep each night, and many experience sleep problems. Although treatable, existing interventions for sleep disturbance are time-consuming, burdensome for families, and focus on providing behavioural strategies to parents rather than upskilling children directly. To address this gap, we modified Sleep Ninja®, an evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) smartphone app for adolescent sleep disturbance, to be appropriate for 10 to 12 year olds. Here, we describe the protocol for a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effect of Sleep Ninja on insomnia and other outcomes, including depression, anxiety, sleep quality, and daytime sleepiness, and explore effects on the emergence of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), compared to an active control group. METHODS We aim to recruit 214 children aged 10 to 12 years old experiencing disturbed sleep. Participants will be screened for inclusion, complete the baseline assessment, and then be randomly allocated to receive Sleep Ninja, or digital psychoeducation flyers (active control) for 6-weeks. The primary outcome, insomnia symptoms, along with depression, anxiety, sleep quality, and daytime sleepiness will be assessed at 6-weeks (primary endpoint), 3-months, and 9-months post-baseline (secondary and tertiary endpoints, respectively). A mixed model repeated measures analytic approach will be used to conduct intention-to-treat analyses to determine whether reductions in insomnia and secondary outcomes are greater for those receiving Sleep Ninja relative to the control condition at the primary and secondary endpoints. The difference in relative risk for MDD onset will be explored at 9-months and compared between conditions. DISCUSSION This is the first clinical trial examining the effects of a CBT-I smartphone app in children experiencing sleep disturbance. Results will provide empirical evidence about the effects of Sleep Ninja on insomnia and other mental health outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12623000587606). UNIVERSAL TRIAL NUMBER U1111-1294-4167.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Subotic-Kerry
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - A Werner-Seidler
- Black Dog Institute and School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - B Corkish
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - P J Batterham
- Centre for Mental Health Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - G Sicouri
- Black Dog Institute and School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - J Hudson
- Black Dog Institute and School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - H Christensen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - B O'Dea
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - S H Li
- Black Dog Institute and School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li SH, Achilles MR, Subotic-Kerry M, Werner-Seidler A, Newby JM, Batterham PJ, Christensen H, Mackinnon AJ, O’Dea B. Protocol for a randomised controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of a CBT-based smartphone application for improving mental health outcomes in adolescents: the MobiliseMe study. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:746. [PMID: 36451142 PMCID: PMC9710004 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04383-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is a leading cause of disability in adolescents, however few receive evidence-based treatment. Despite having the potential to overcome barriers to treatment uptake and adherence, there are very few CBT-based smartphone apps for adolescents. To address this gap, we developed ClearlyMe®, a self-guided CBT smartphone app for adolescent depression and anxiety. ClearlyMe® consists of 37 brief lessons containing core CBT elements, accessed either individually or as part of a 'collection'. Here, we describe the protocol for a randomised controlled trial aiming to evaluate the effect of ClearlyMe® on depressive symptoms and secondary outcomes, including engagement, anxiety and wellbeing, when delivered with and without guided support compared to an attention matched control. METHODS We aim to recruit 489 adolescents aged 12-17 years with mild to moderately-severe depressive symptoms. Participants will be screened for inclusion, complete the baseline assessment and are then randomly allocated to receive ClearlyMe® (self-directed use), ClearlyMe® with guided SMS support (guided use) or digital psychoeducation (attention-matched control). Depressive symptoms and secondary outcomes will be assessed at 6-weeks (primary endpoint) and 4-months post-baseline (secondary endpoint). Engagement, conceptualised as uptake, adherence and completion, will also be assessed 6-weeks post-baseline. Mixed-effects linear modelling will be used to conduct intention-to-treat analyses to determine whether reductions in depressive symptoms and secondary outcomes are greater for conditions receiving ClearlyMe® relative to control at 6-weeks and 4-months post-baseline and greater for intervention adherers relative to non-adherers. To minimise risk, participants will be encouraged to use the Get Help section of the app and can also opt to receive a call from the team clinical psychologist at baseline, and at the 6-week and 4-month post-baseline assessments when reporting suicidal ideation. DISCUSSION This is the first clinical trial examining a CBT smartphone app specifically designed for adolescent depression. It will provide empirical evidence on the effects of ClearlyMe® on depressive symptoms when used with and without guided support. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12622000131752). UNIVERSAL TRIAL NUMBER U1111-1271-8519.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S. H. Li
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Black Dog Institute and School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales Australia
| | - M. R. Achilles
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales Australia
| | - M. Subotic-Kerry
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales Australia
| | - A. Werner-Seidler
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales Australia
| | - J. M. Newby
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Black Dog Institute and School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales Australia
| | - P. J. Batterham
- grid.1001.00000 0001 2180 7477Centre for Mental Health Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia
| | - H. Christensen
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales Australia
| | - A. J. Mackinnon
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales Australia
| | - B. O’Dea
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Batterham PJ, Christensen H, Thorndike FP, Ritterband LM, Gerwien R, Enman N, Botbyl J, Maricich Y. 0524 Web-Delivered CBT for Insomnia Intervention Improves Sleep Among Adults with Insomnia and Depressive Symptoms. Sleep 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsaa056.521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is the first line recommended treatment for adults with chronic insomnia. In a prior randomized controlled trial (RCT), data showed web-delivered CBT-I (SHUTi) reduced insomnia severity as well as symptoms of depression, among adults with insomnia and elevated depressive symptoms. The present study aimed to further evaluate the effectiveness of web CBT-I to improve sleep outcomes as measured by prospectively entered sleep diaries in this same sample.
Methods
A large-scale RCT (N=1149) of Australian adults with insomnia and depressive symptoms compared a 9-week, web CBT-I therapeutic with an attention-matched web program at baseline, posttest and 6-, 12-, and 18-month follow-ups. Although depression outcomes have been presented previously, the online sleep-diary derived variables have not yet been presented, including sleep-onset latency (SOL), wake after sleep onset (WASO), sleep efficiency (SE), number of awakenings, sleep quality, and total sleep time (TST). Sleep diaries were entered online for 10 days at each assessment period.
Results
Data showed web CBT-I participants demonstrated greater reductions from baseline to posttest compared with control for the following sleep variables: SOL (LS mean difference [95% CI]=-22.3 min [-29.2, -15.3]; p<.0001), WASO (-17.8 min [-23.4, -12.3]; p<.0001), and number of awakenings (-0.38 [-0.68, -0.09]; p=.0113). Web CBT-I also showed greater improvements in SE (9.18% [7.25%, 11.10%]; p<.0001) and sleep quality (0.41 [0.30, 0.53]; p<.0001) from baseline to posttest compared with control. TST was not significantly different between groups at posttest or 6-month follow-up, although it improved over baseline at 12 (18.73 min [7.39, 30.07]; p=.0013) and 18 months (23.76 min [9.15, 38.36]; p=.0015) relative to control. All other significant sleep treatment effects were maintained in the treatment arm at 6, 12, and 18-month follow-up.
Conclusion
Data showed web CBT-I produced lasting improvements in sleep outcomes among adults with insomnia and elevated depressive symptoms.
Support
Clinical trial ACTRN12611000121965 was funded by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council. The statistical analysis described here was funded by Pear Therapeutics, Inc and conducted by Provonix.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - H Christensen
- University of New South Wales, Randwick NSW, AUSTRALIA
| | | | | | | | - N Enman
- Pear Therapeutics, Boston, MA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chitty KM, Butterworth P, Batterham PJ. Antidepressant use and its relationship with current symptoms in a population-based sample of older Australians. J Affect Disord 2019; 258:83-88. [PMID: 31398595 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.07.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Australia has the second highest per capita users of antidepressants globally, and their use is pronounced in older Australians. A better understanding of antidepressant use in older adults is important because the elderly are often prescribed multiple drugs, without review, for long periods. METHODS This study analysed questionnaire data obtained from the Personality and Total Health through life project. Individual respondent data was linked to Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) records. Associations between self-reported medicine use and current symptoms with antidepressant dispensing were examined. RESULTS 1275 participants aged over 65 were included in the final analysis. One hundred and forty-six (11.5%) participants were dispensed an antidepressant within the specified timeframe. Of those, 38.4% self-reported that they use medicine for depression, 12.3% for anxiety, 17.8% for both depression and anxiety, 6.2% for sleep problems and 3.4% for pain. One fifth of those dispensed an antidepressant did not self-report use of the medicine. Being female or reporting symptoms of depression, anxiety or suicidality were significant predictors of being on an antidepressant. Increasing pain severity was also associated with increased likelihood of being on an antidepressant. LIMITATIONS We have presented a cross-sectional analysis, which can only provide associations between current symptoms and medicine use. We have only assessed respondents who received their scripts with PBS concession, which limits generalizability. CONCLUSION Our analysis highlights the high use of antidepressants in the elderly for various reasons. Our findings also uncovered a high amount of under-reporting of antidepressant use by respondents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K M Chitty
- The University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine and Health, Discipline of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Research Group, Building K06, Level 3, Room 307A, 1-3 Ross St, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia.
| | - P Butterworth
- Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia; Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - P J Batterham
- Centre for Mental Health Research, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Milner A, King TL, Scovelle AJ, Batterham PJ, Kelly B, LaMontagne AD, Harvey SB, Gullestrup J, Lockwood C. A blended face-to-face and smartphone intervention for suicide prevention in the construction industry: protocol for a randomized controlled trial with MATES in Construction. BMC Psychiatry 2019; 19:146. [PMID: 31088405 PMCID: PMC6515600 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-019-2142-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Construction workers are at elevated risk of suicide. MATES in Construction (MATES) is one of the few suicide prevention programs that explicitly address this problem. The MATES program includes an integrated system of services that supports prevention, early intervention and recovery (i.e., primary, secondary and tertiary prevention) for mental health problems among construction workers. In this protocol, we describe a proposed evaluation of MATESmobile, an electronic platform which will be accessed by workers who have undergone MATES training. METHODS/DESIGN In this protocol, we describe a Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) which seeks to assess whether MATESmobile results in improved literacy regarding suicide prevention, and improved help-seeking and help-offering attitudes among those who have attended MATES training. Secondary outcomes include changes in suicide ideation, suicide attempt and psychological distress. Workers will be recruited prior to MATES face-to-face training. In total, 295 workers will be randomly assigned to the intervention condition (MATESmobile + face-to-face training) and 295 will be randomly allocated to the control (face-to-face training). The intervention will run for 8 weeks. Assessments will be run immediately post intervention, and at 3, 6, and 12 months DISCUSSION: MATESmobile offers the potential to reinforce and enhance the effects of face-to-face training, resulting in greater skills and knowledge in suicide prevention, as well as a reduction in suicidality and distress. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ( ACTRN12619000625178 ; 26 April 2019).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A. Milner
- 0000 0001 2179 088Xgrid.1008.9Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - T. L. King
- 0000 0001 2179 088Xgrid.1008.9Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - A. J. Scovelle
- 0000 0001 2179 088Xgrid.1008.9Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - P. J. Batterham
- 0000 0001 2180 7477grid.1001.0Centre for Mental Health Research, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601 Australia
| | - B. Kelly
- 0000 0000 8831 109Xgrid.266842.cSchool of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales 2308 Australia
| | - A. D. LaMontagne
- 0000 0001 0526 7079grid.1021.2Centre for Population Health Research, School of Health & Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria Australia
| | - S. B. Harvey
- 0000 0004 4902 0432grid.1005.4Black Dog Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - J. Gullestrup
- MATES in Construction, Spring Hill, Queensland 4004 Australia
| | - C. Lockwood
- MATES in Construction, Spring Hill, Queensland 4004 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Batterham PJ, Sunderland M, Slade T, Calear AL, Carragher N. Assessing distress in the community: psychometric properties and crosswalk comparison of eight measures of psychological distress. Psychol Med 2018; 48:1316-1324. [PMID: 28967345 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291717002835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many measures are available for measuring psychological distress in the community. Limited research has compared these scales to identify the best performing tools. A common metric for distress measures would enable researchers and clinicians to equate scores across different measures. The current study evaluated eight psychological distress scales and developed crosswalks (tables/figures presenting multiple scales on a common metric) to enable scores on these scales to be equated. METHODS An Australian online adult sample (N = 3620, 80% female) was administered eight psychological distress measures: Patient Health Questionnaire-4, Kessler-10/Kessler-6, Distress Questionnaire-5 (DQ5), Mental Health Inventory-5, Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 (HSCL-25), Self-Report Questionnaire-20 (SRQ-20) and Distress Thermometer. The performance of each measure in identifying DSM-5 criteria for a range of mental disorders was tested. Scale fit to a unidimensional latent construct was assessed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Finally, crosswalks were developed using Item Response Theory. RESULTS The DQ5 had optimal performance in identifying individuals meeting DSM-5 criteria, with adequate fit to a unidimensional construct. The HSCL-25 and SRQ-20 also had adequate fit but poorer specificity and/or sensitivity than the DQ5 in identifying caseness. The unidimensional CFA of the combined item bank for the eight scales showed acceptable fit, enabling the creation of crosswalk tables. CONCLUSIONS The DQ5 had optimal performance in identifying risk of mental health problems. The crosswalk tables developed in this study will enable rapid conversion between distress measures, providing more efficient means of data aggregation and a resource to facilitate interpretation of scores from multiple distress scales.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P J Batterham
- Centre for Mental Health Research,The Australian National University,Canberra,Australia
| | - M Sunderland
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use,University of New South Wales,Sydney,Australia
| | - T Slade
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use,University of New South Wales,Sydney,Australia
| | - A L Calear
- Centre for Mental Health Research,The Australian National University,Canberra,Australia
| | - N Carragher
- Office of Medical Education,University of New South Wales,Sydney,NSW,Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Donker T, Batterham PJ, Warmerdam L, Bennett K, Bennett A, Cuijpers P, Griffiths KM, Christensen H. Predictors and moderators of response to internet-delivered Interpersonal Psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavior Therapy for depression. J Affect Disord 2013; 151:343-51. [PMID: 23953024 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2013.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2013] [Revised: 06/11/2013] [Accepted: 06/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND By identifying which predictors and moderators lead to beneficial outcomes, accurate selection of the best initial treatment will have significant benefits for depressed individuals. METHOD An automated, fully self-guided randomized controlled internet-delivered noninferiority trial was conducted comparing two new interventions (Interpersonal Psychotherapy [IPT; n=620] and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy [CBT; n=610]) to an active control intervention (MoodGYM; n=613) over a period of 4 weeks to spontaneous visitors of an internet-delivered therapy website (e-couch). A range of putative predictors and moderators (socio-demographic characteristics [age, gender, marital status, education level], clinical characteristics [depression/anxiety symptoms, disability, quality of life, medication use], skills [mastery and dysfunctional attitudes] and treatment preference) were assessed using internet-delivered self-report measures at baseline and immediately following treatment and at six months follow-up. Analyses were conducted using Mixed Model Repeated Measures (MMRM). RESULTS Female gender, lower mastery and lower dysfunctional attitudes predicted better outcome at post-test and/or follow-up regardless of intervention. No overall differential effects for condition on depression as a function of outcome were found. However, based on time-specific estimates, a significant interaction effect of age was found. For younger people, internet-delivered IPT may be the preferred treatment choice, whereas older participants derive more benefits from internet-delivered CBT programs. LIMITATIONS Although the sample of participants was large, power to detect moderator effects was still lacking. CONCLUSIONS Different e-mental health programs may be more beneficial for specific age groups. The findings raise important possibilities for increasing depression treatment effectiveness and improving clinical practice guidelines for depression treatment of different age groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Donker
- Black Dog Institute, Sydney, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|