Occupational functioning,sickness absence and medication utilization before and after cognitive–behaviour therapy for generalized anxiety disorders

Background: Cognitive–behaviour therapy (CBT) is efficacious in reducing symptoms of generalized anxiety disorders (GAD). The question is whether it is also efficient, i.e., whether there are also enduring effects with respect to improving utilization of medication and psychotherapy, or occupational functioning and sick leave after the end of treatment. Method: The study was based on 44 outpatients (age 18–65 years; HAM‐A score ≥18; GAD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition criteria as assessed by standardized interview) who were treated with 25 sessions of CBT (treatment by 12 state‐licensed behaviour therapists in office‐based practice; no psychotropic treatment for the duration of the therapy). The rate of medication treatment, occupational functioning and sick leave was assessed for 8 months before and after the end of treatment. Results: In the comparison of the pre‐treatment and post‐treatment periods, 46.5% versus 7.2% of patients used psychotropic medication for at least 4 weeks and had been 3.1 versus 1.1 days on sickness absence per month, respectively. About 70% of patients showed impairment in occupational role performance during the pre‐treatment phase compared with 5% to 20%, depending on the dimension, in the follow‐up period. Conclusions: The data suggest that CBT is not only efficacious in terms of symptom reduction but also efficient in terms of reducing inappropriate medication intake and improving occupational functioning. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Key Practitioner Message: ? Effects of any treatment should not only pertain to the present symptomatology but also to illness behaviour and occupational and social participation. ? When patients with GAD are treated with CBT, a reduction in sickness absence and an improvement of occupational functioning can be observed in the post‐treatment period. ? After CBT, a reduction of inappropriate medication can be seen. ? The data suggest that CBT in GAD patients reduces not only illness symptoms but also improves illness behaviour and role adjustment.     

Neuroimaging studies of psychological interventions for mood and anxiety disorders: empirical and methodological review

This article reviews the methods and results of published neuroimaging studies of the effects of structured psychological interventions for mood and anxiety disorders. The results are consistent with neural models of improved affective- and self-regulation, as evidenced by psychotherapeutic modulation of brain metabolic activity within the dorsolateral, ventrolateral, and medial prefrontal cortices, the anterior cingulate, the posterior cingulate/precuneus, and the insular cortices. Specific recommendations for future studies are outlined, and the clinical and theoretical significance of this research is discussed.     

Working alliance in online cognitive behavior therapy for anxiety disorders in youth: comparison with clinic delivery and its role in predicting outcome

Background

Substantial evidence exists that positive therapy outcomes are related to the therapist–client working alliance.

Objectives

To report two studies that examined (1) the quality of the working alliance in online cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), with minimal therapist contact, for anxiety disorders in youth, and (2) the role of working alliance and compliance in predicting treatment outcome.

Methods

Study 1 participants were 73 adolescents aged 12 to 18 years who met diagnostic criteria for an anxiety disorder, plus one or more of their parents. Participants were randomly assigned to clinic or online delivery of CBT, with working alliance being assessed for youth and parents after session 3. Study 2 participants were 132 children and adolescents aged 7 to 18 years who met diagnostic criteria for an anxiety disorder, plus one or more of their parents. Youths and parents participated in a minimally therapist-assisted online CBT program supported by brief, weekly emails and a single, short phone call.

Results

Study 1 revealed a strong working alliance for both online and clinic CBT, with no significant difference in working alliance between conditions for adolescents (F _1,73 = 0.44, P = .51, η_p ² = 0.006, Cohen d = 0.15). Parents also reported high working alliance in both conditions, although a slight but significantly higher working alliance in clinic-based therapy (F _1,70 = 6.76, P = .01, η_p ² = 0.09, Cohen d = 0.64). Study 2 showed a significant and substantial decrease in anxiety symptoms following online therapy (P < .001 for all outcome measures). Adolescents improved significantly more in overall functioning when working alliance (beta = .22, t ₇₉ = 2.21, P = .03) and therapy compliance (beta = .22, t ₈₄ = 2.22, P = .03) were higher, with working alliance also predicting compliance (beta = .38, F _1,80 = 13.10, P = .01). No such relationships were evident among younger children.

Conclusions

Working alliance is important in determining clinical outcome for online treatment for anxiety among adolescents, with minimal therapist assistance, although this was not the case for younger children.

Trial Registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12611000900910; http://www.anzctr.org.au/trial_view.aspx?ID=343375 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/674C4N3JJ)     

Attribution retraining group therapy for outpatients with major depression disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder: a pilot study

The aim of this present study is to examine the efficacy of attribution retraining group therapy (ARGT) and to compare the responses of outpatients with major depression disorder (MDD),generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).We carried out a prospective uncontrolled intervention study with a 8-weeks of ARGT on sixty three outpatients with MDD,GAD or OCD.Hamilton rating scale for depression,Hamilton rating scale for anxiety,Yale-Brown obsessive-compulsive scale,attribution style questionnaire,self-esteem scale,index of well-being,and social disability screening schedule were administered before and after treatment.Significant improvement in symptoms and psychological and social functions from pre-to posttreatment occurred for all participants.The changes favored MDD patients.Our study suggested that ARGT may improve the symptoms and psychological-social functions of MDD,GAD,and OCD patients.MDD patients showed the best response.     

Schema therapy for patients with borderline personality disorder and comorbid alcohol dependence: A multiple-baseline case series design study

This study tested the effectiveness of schema therapy (ST) for borderline personality disorder (BPD) and comorbid alcohol dependence (AD). Twenty patients participated in a case series study with multiple baselines. The baseline phase consisted of treatment as usual. It was followed by a case conceptualization phase, an experiential techniques phase and a behavioural change phase. Patients showed a significant decrease in BPD and AD symptoms; change was mainly accomplished in the experiential techniques phase, with medium to large effect sizes. Three months after termination of therapy, 68% of the patients had remitted from BPD, and the number of drinking days decreased clearly. This study shows that, although treatment is challenging in this group of patients, meaningful change can be obtained in patients with BPD and AD using ST.     

Rate of improvement during and across three treatments for panic disorder with or without agoraphobia: Cognitive behavioral therapy,selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor or both combined

Background

Existing literature on panic disorder (PD) yields no data regarding the differential rates of improvement during Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) or both combined (CBT+SSRI).

Method

Patients were randomized to CBT, SSRI or CBT+SSRI which each lasted one year including three months of medication taper. Participating patients kept record of the frequency of panic attacks throughout the full year of treatment. Rate of improvement on panic frequency and the relationship between rate of improvement and baseline agoraphobia (AG) were examined.

Results

A significant decline in frequency of panic attacks was observed for each treatment modality. SSRI and CBT+SSRI were associated with a significant faster rate of improvement as compared to CBT. Gains were maintained after tapering medication. For patients with moderate or severe AG, CBT+SSRI was associated with a more rapid improvement on panic frequency as compared to patients receiving either mono-treatment.

Limitations

Frequency of panic attacks was not assessed beyond the full year of treatment. Second, only one process variable was used.

Conclusions

Patients with PD respond well to each treatment as indicated by a significant decline in panic attacks. CBT is associated with a slower rate of improvement as compared to SSRI and CBT+SSRI. Discontinuation of SSRI treatment does not result in a revival of frequency of panic attacks. Our data suggest that for patients without or with only mild AG, SSRI-only will suffice. For patients with moderate or severe AG, the combined CBT+SSRI treatment is recommended.     

The relationship between the therapeutic alliance and clinical outcomes in cognitive behaviour therapy for adults with depression: A meta‐analytic review

Research consistently provides evidence for the relationship between the therapeutic alliance (TA) and outcome across various therapies and presenting problems. Depression is considered the leading cause of disability worldwide, and there is substantial evidence for the efficacy for Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) in its treatment. At present, there is lack of clarity specifically about the relationship between the TA and outcome in CBT for depression. The present review is the first meta‐analytic review to explore this relationship and also considering moderators. Within a random‐effects model, an overall mean effect size of r = 0.26 (95% CI [.19–.32]) was found, indicating that the TA was moderately related to outcome in CBT for depression. The mean TA–outcome correlation is consistent with existing meta‐analysis that looked across a broad range of presenting problems and psychological therapies. A secondary exploratory analysis of moderators suggested the TA–outcome relationship varied according to the TA rater, where the relationship was weaker for therapist raters compared with clients and observer raters. Additionally, the results indicated that the TA–outcome relationship marginally increased over the course of CBT treatment. The results of the meta‐analysis are discussed in reference to the wider body of research, methodological limitations, clinical implications, and future directions for research.     

Effect of posterior temporal-parietal hematoma on orbital frontal chemistry in relation to a cognitive and anxiety state: a combined 1H-MRS and neuropsychological study of an unusual case as compared with 16 healthy subjects

The authors report the unusual case of a 58-year-old woman (MJP) suffering from left temporal throbbing headache, associated with confusion. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a 5 x 3 x 2 cm hematoma at the left posterior temporal--parietal junction (PTPJ). Repeated MRI of MJP's brain performed during a 4-month follow-up period showed decrease in hematoma size (2.3 x 1.5 x 1) with evidence for development of encephalomalacia and resorption of blood products involving the area of hemorrhage. MJP had mild transcortical sensory aphasia characterized by difficulty with reading and processing, with semantic paraphasic errors while speaking and some difficulty with repetition. MJP had remained normotensive and seizure free, on Vasotec therapy and Dilantin prophylaxis. An in vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) performed during an 8-month follow-up period showed reduced concentration for N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) by 19.3% (F=4.09, P<0.04), and myo-inositol by 32.0% (F=5.16, P<0.02) in the left orbital frontal cortex (OFC) as compared with 16 healthy subjects (age- and sex-matched). Cognitive tests (the Wechsler abbreviated scale of intelligence (WASI) and the Stroop color--word interference) showed a significant impairment suggesting involvement of higher-order cognitive functioning (memory, learning, and general intelligence) and attentional system. The Spielberger state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) showed increased anxiety at the moment of the current examination and decreased tendency to be anxious over a long period of time. The Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventory revealed minimal anxiety and mild to moderate levels of depression. It is hypothesized that the PTPJ hematoma triggered long-distance pathways linking PTPJ area and frontal lobe, including OFC, which resulted in abnormal chemical changes in the left OFC and in cognitive tests impairment, and in long-term anxiety state changes.     

Association of CD4 T cell count and optimal timing of antiretroviral therapy initiation with immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome and all-cause mortality for HIV-infected adults with newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Aims: CD4 T cell count and optimal timing of antiretroviral therapy (ART) during tuberculosis (TB) treatment are challenging. We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the association of CD4 T cell count and timing of ART initiation with immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) and all-cause mortality of patients co-infected with HIV/TB. Methods: We conducted an electronic search of clinical studies dated from January 1980 to December 2019 in PubMed and EMBASE. Randomized, controlled trials evaluating low-base CD4 T cell count (< 50 cells/μL) versus high-base CD4 T cell count (≥ 50 cells/μL), and/or early ART initiation (1 to 28 days after starting TB treatment) versus delayed ART initiation (≥ 28 days after starting TB treatment) were included. The primary endpoints were all-cause mortality and TB-related immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS-TB). The risk ratio (RR) was calculated as a measure of intervention effect. Mantel-Haenszel method was used to estimate the RR. Results: Ten trials (n = 5226) were conducted in North America, Africa, and Asia. We found that low-baseline CD4 T cell count increased the incidence of TB-associated IRIS (RR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.24-1.75; I² = 58%) and all-cause mortality (RR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.71-3.42; I² = 41%) compared with high baseline CD4 T cell count, and early ART initiation increased the incidence of TB-associated IRIS compared with delayed ART initiation (RR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.57-2.07; I² = 74%). However, early ART initiation did not reduce all-cause mortality (RR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.74-1.12; I² = 49%) compared with delayed ART initiation.Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that low-baseline CD4 T cell count (< 50 cells/μL) in patients co-infected with TB-HIV increases the incidence of TB-associated IRIS and all-cause mortality. Early ART initiation (≤ 28 days) in patients co-infected with TB-HIV increases the incidence of TB-associated IRIS. However, evidence is insufficient to refute or support a survival benefit conferred by the comparison between early ART initiation (≤ 28 days) and delayed ART initiation.