The current status and future direction of self-help treatments for problem gamblers

The self-help treatment (SHT) studies for other psychological problems significantly outweigh those for problem gambling. Currently, very little is published about the application and efficacy of various forms of SHTs for problem gambling. Thus, this paper reviews the self-help literature (using the PsycINFO database--all years up to April 2008) to stimulate further research in this area for problem gambling. The findings show that SHTs in problem gambling are still in their infancy. Although the problem gambling literature has mainly reported on two forms of SHTs with problem gamblers (i.e. use of self-help manuals and audiotapes), the review discuss utilizing a wide range of SHTs with problem gamblers. These include written materials (e.g. self-help books and treatment manuals), audiotapes, videotapes, computer-based SHTs implemented on palmtop computers, desktop computers, via telephone (Interactive Voice Response systems--IVR) or via the Internet and virtual reality applications. These SHTs would suit those problem gamblers who are not accessing professional treatment due to shame, guilt, fear of stigma, privacy concerns or financial difficulties, as well as those living in rural areas or with less severe gambling problems. The review also suggest future protocols for conducting further research in this area with problem gamblers, highlighting a need for a cohesive theory to guide research.     

Investigation of a New Couples Intervention for Individuals With Brain Injury: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objectives

This study aimed to (1) examine the efficacy of a treatment to enhance a couple’s relationship after brain injury particularly in relationship satisfaction and communication; and (2) determine couples’ satisfaction with this type of intervention.

认知行为疗法对神经性皮炎患者心理健康状况及临床疗效的影响

目的：探讨认知行为治疗对神经性皮炎患者心理健康状况及临床疗效的影响。方法将87例神经性皮炎患者按照随机数字表法分为两组,治疗组(44例)予以氟米松软膏联合认知行为疗法治疗,对照组(43例)予以氟米松软膏治疗,观察4周。治疗前后采用症状自评量表评定心理健康状况,并比较两组临床疗效,随访3个月统计患者复发状况。结果治疗4周末治疗组症状自评量表的躯体化、人际敏感、抑郁、焦虑、敌对、偏执因子分均较治疗前显著降低(P<0.05或0.01),且显著低于对照组(P <0.01),对照组则无显著变化(P >0.05);治疗组痊愈率63.6%、总有效率100%,对照组分别为41.9%、97.7%,治疗组痊愈率显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。随访3个月治疗组复发率显著低于对照组(P <0.05)。结论氟米松软膏联合认知行为疗法治疗神经性皮炎可显著改善患者的心理健康状况,有利于提高临床治愈率,降低复发率。     

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depressed Adults With Mild Intellectual Disability: A Pilot Study

There is a paucity of research on psychosocial treatments for depression in adults with intellectual disability (ID). In this pilot study, we explored the efficacy of a group CBT treatment that involved a caregiver component in adults with mild ID with a depressive disorder. Sixteen adults with mild ID and a depressive disorder participated in a 10-week group CBT treatment and eight adults with mild ID with a depressive disorder served as a treatment as usual (TAU) control group. Adults with mild ID and caregivers completed measures of depressive symptoms, behavior problems, and social skills at pretreatment, posttreatment, and a 3-month follow-up. Adults with mild ID also completed a series of tasks to measure their understanding of the principles of cognitive therapy pre- and posttreatment. The CBT group demonstrated significant decreases in depressive symptoms and behavior problems from pretreatment to posttreatment and these effects were maintained at a 3-month follow-up. The CBT group demonstrated significant improvements in their ability to infer emotions and thoughts based on various situation-thought-emotion pairings from pretreatment to posttreatment. Findings indicate that adults with mild ID with a depressive disorder benefitted from a group CBT treatment with a caregiver component. Moreover, adults with mild ID appeared to benefit, at least in part, from the cognitive therapy components of the treatment, in addition to the behavior therapy components.     

Working with patients’ strengths: A microprocess approach

Abstract

Previous research has supported the immediate activation of patients’ strengths (resource activation) as an important change mechanism in psychotherapy. Two different studies of integrative cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) treatments demonstrated that fostered strengths-oriented CBT treatments were more effective than the control conditions. Within these two studies, the authors tested the effect of specific resource-activating strategies at the beginning of therapy (Sessions 2, 5, and 8) using a pairwise matched control group design. The in-session processes were measured by video observer ratings (N=96 sessions). Results indicate that in the strengths-fostering treatments therapists and patients focus more strongly on patient competencies and personal goals in comparison to the control groups. These in-session processes have a direct impact on session outcome (particularly self-esteem, mastery, and clarification experiences). Results are discussed in regard to actively implementing resource-activating behavior as superordinate principles of change and their relevance for therapy outcome.