Behavioral Therapy Research Articles

The effectiveness of rational emotive behavior therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy on oxidative stress in patients with hypertension

The effectiveness of rational emotive behavior therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy on oxidative stress in patients with hypertension

Sleep, diet and chrononutrition: Studying the dual effect of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) on sleep and dietary habits

Sleep, diet and chrononutrition: Studying the dual effect of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) on sleep and dietary habits

Recommended Physiotherapy Modalities for Oncology Patients with Palliative Needs and Its Influence on Patient-Reported Outcome Measures: A Systematic Review.

This review aims to explore the role of physiotherapy in early and traditional palliative care (PC) for oncology patients, focusing on its impact on six patient-reported outcomes (PROMs), namely fatigue, pain, cachexia, quality of life (QoL), physical functioning (PHF), and psychosocial functioning (PSF). The purpose is to assess the effectiveness of various physiotherapy interventions and identify gaps in the current research to understand their potential benefits in PC better. A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, concluding on 21 December 2023. Two independent reviewers screened the articles for inclusion. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2 was employed to assess the risk of bias, while the GRADE approach was used to evaluate the certainty of the evidence. Nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included, with most showing a high risk of bias, particularly in outcome measurement and missing data. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was the only intervention that significantly reduced fatigue, enhanced PHF, and improved QoL and emotional functioning. Graded exercise therapy (GET) did not yield significant results. Combined interventions, such as education with problem-solving or nutritional counseling with physical activity, showed no significant effects. Massage significantly improved QoL and reduced pain, while physical application therapies were effective in pain reduction. Mindful breathing exercises (MBE) improved QoL but had a non-significant impact on appetite. The overall certainty of the evidence was low. Physiotherapy can positively influence PROMs in oncology PC; however, the low quality and high risk of bias in existing studies highlight the need for more rigorous research to confirm these findings and guide clinical practice.

Contextual-compassion training for borderline personality disorder with long lasting symptoms: a randomized clinical trial

Long-term follow-up studies have shown that the symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD) tend to remit over time. However, many patients present long lasting symptoms (LLS), including low mood, emptiness, and persistent impairment in psychosocial adjustment. Given the high rate of LLS in BPD patients, new treatment strategies are needed. We conducted a randomized clinical trial (RCT) to evaluate the efficacy of a novel intervention that combines self-compassion and contextual-based skills for patients with persistent symptoms. Sixty BPD individuals with LLS who had received dialectical behavior therapy skills training (DBT-ST) in the previous six months were recruited and randomized to receive the experimental intervention or treatment as usual (TAU) for 12 weeks. All participants were evaluated pre- and post-intervention and at 3-months follow-up. The primary outcome measure was self-reported well-being. Other clinical variables were also evaluated, including depressive symptoms, BPD symptoms, functionality, self-compassion, and self-criticism. Participants in the experimental arm showed a significant increase in indicators of well-being (e.g., happiness and quality of life) and a significant decrease in depressive symptoms. These results were sustained—and even continued to improve—at the three-month follow-up. No significant changes were observed in BPD severity, self-criticism, or self-compassion. More RCTs are needed to test the efficacy of new interventions targeting this population with persistent symptoms, not only to reduce symptoms but also to promote well-being and personal recovery.

P35-3 Internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy effect in breast cancer survivors: a systematic review

P35-3 Internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy effect in breast cancer survivors: a systematic review

Pilot feasibility randomised controlled trial of cognitive–behavioural therapy for functional cognitive disorder after concussion

BackgroundFunctional cognitive disorder (FCD) may be common after a concussion, and no evidence-based treatment options are available. The current study evaluated the feasibility of a novel cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) protocol...

“To exercise sustainably” – Patients’ experiences of compulsive exercise in eating disorders and the Compulsive Exercise Activity Therapy (LEAP) as a treatment: a qualitative interview study

BackgroundCompulsive exercise is common in eating disorders (EDs), but a systematic treatment model is lacking. The CompuLsive Exercise Activity TheraPy (LEAP) is a cognitive behavioral therapy treatment for compulsive exercise in EDs, delivered by trained therapists in groups over four consecutive weeks (8 groupsessions and 1 individual session), aiming to promote healthy physical activity. LEAP is currently evaluated in a randomized efficacy trial. In parallel, it is crucial to learn more about how it is perceived by qualitatively investigating participants’ subjective experiences.MethodsNine patients with various EDs participating in the LEAP trial were interviewed about their experiences of taking part in LEAP and about compulsive exercise as an ED symptom using a semi-structured interview guide. The interview transcripts were analyzed according to thematic analysis.ResultsThe informants expressed that compulsive exercise had not been addressed in their standard ED treatment and that LEAP as such provided an important complement, spurring reflection, awareness, and changed feelings and behaviors in relation to compulsive exercise. Initially, increased PA was triggered for some, but this side effect was transitory. A wish for more treatment time, in terms of longer or additional sessions, was expressed.ConclusionsOverall, LEAP seemed to fill an important treatment need and seemed both acceptable and feasible to patients. However, treatment time and the initial increase in PA may need further investigation and attention in order to optimize this treatment.Trial registrationThe trial is registered with the ISRCTN registry (registration date 20200325), trial ID ISRCTN80711391.

Application of Mixed Reality Technologies in Autism Treatment and Neurodiversity Support

Abstract: This comprehensive review explores the application of Mixed Reality (MR) technologies in treating Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and supporting people with neurodiversity. It examines the potential of MR to create immersive, personalized interventions for social skills training, communication enhancement, and behavioral therapy. The paper discusses the technical considerations in implementing MR systems, including hardware requirements, software development, and user interface design tailored for neurodiverse individuals. It also addresses the challenges and future directions in this field, including ethical considerations, the need for clinical validation, and the integration of MR with existing therapeutic approaches. By synthesizing current research and identifying areas for future investigation, this review highlights the transformative potential of MR in revolutionizing ASD therapy and support.

What can the psychoneuroimmunology of yoga teach us about depression's psychopathology?

Depression, the most prevailing mental health condition, remains untreated in over 30% of patients. This cluster presents with sub-clinical inflammation. Investigations trialling anti-inflammatory medications had mixed results. The lack of results may result from inflammation's complexity and targeting only a few of depression's abnormal pathways. Mind-body therapies' biological and neuro-imaging studies offer valuable insights into depression psychopathology. Interestingly, mind-body therapies, like yoga, reverse the aberrant pathways in depression. These aberrant pathways include decreased cognitive function, interoception, neuroplasticity, salience and default mode networks connectivity, parasympathetic tone, increased hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity, and metabolic hyper/hypofunction. Abundant evidence found yogic techniques improving self-reported depressive symptoms across various populations. Yoga may be more effective in treating depression in conjunction with pharmacological and cognitive therapies. Yoga's psychoneuroimmunology teaches us that reducing allostatic load is crucial in improving depressive symptoms. Mind-body therapies promote parasympathetic tone, downregulate the HPA axis, reduce inflammation and boost immunity. The reduced inflammation promotes neuroplasticity and, subsequently, neurogenesis. Improving interoception resolves the metabolic needs prediction error and restores homeostasis. Additionally, by improving functional connectivity within the salience network, they restore the dynamic switching between the default mode and central executive networks, reducing rumination and mind-wandering. Future investigations should engineer therapies targeting the mechanisms mentioned above. The creation of multi-disciplinary health teams offering a combination of pharmacological, gene, neurofeedback, behavioural, mind-body and psychological therapies may treat treatment-resistant depression.

Development and efficacy of Non-Face-to-Face Behavioral Activation Therapy for Young Adult Reclusive Loners

Development and efficacy of Non-Face-to-Face Behavioral Activation Therapy for Young Adult Reclusive Loners

Acute Augmented Effect of Virtual Reality (VR)-Integrated Relaxation and Mindfulness Exercising on Anxiety and Insomnia Symptoms: A Retrospective Analysis of 103 Anxiety Disorder Patients With Prominent Insomnia.

Anxiety disorder is one of the most common mental disorders and often accompanied with sleep disturbance which can in turn exacerbate anxiety symptoms, creating a vicious cycle. In addition to psychopharmacological therapy, the effectiveness of psychotherapy as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for treating anxiety disorders and insomnia has been well documented and widely accepted, but it is labor-intensive and costly. However, virtual reality (VR)-integrated CBT may improve this condition but needs more evidences to support its extensive application in routine clinical practice. This explorative study was aimed to conduct a retrospective analysis to evaluate the acute (2 weeks) augmented effect of VR-integrated relaxation and mindfulness exercising in improving anxiety and insomnia symptoms for patients who were diagnosed with anxiety disorders and concurrently with prominent insomnia symptoms and admitted to the Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital of Jinan University during January 2021 to June 2021. All patients who were admitted to the department of psychiatry during January 1, 2021 to June 30, 2021 were screened with inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria, and the sociodemographic and clinical data of those included patients were collected from the electronic medical record system of the hospital using a self-designed case report form (CRF). Subjects who were administrated with medication alone were designated as conventional group, and those receiving treatment of medication combined with VR-integrated CBT (VR relaxation and mindfulness exercising) as VR group. The baseline and 2-week posttreatment data were compared between the two groups. In total, there were 103 patients (70 female, 68%) included in the study. Among all, 68 (66.02%) were designated as the "VR group," and 35 (33.98%) as the "conventional group." The majority of patients (67%) were diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Twenty-three (22.3%) patients had a comorbid diagnosis with primary insomnia, and insomnia was just one of the accompanying symptoms with anxiety for the rest 80 subjects. No statistically significant differences were found between VR and conventional groups in all baseline sociodemographic and clinical characteristics except for occupation. There were statistically significant differences for the remission rates of anxiety symptoms or insomnia symptoms and reduction of Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale or Insomnia Severity Index total scores between conventional and VR groups. Greater remission rates or score reductions were found in VR group than in conventional group either for anxiety or for insomnia. Robust differences still existed when controlled for the variable "occupation." Two-week augmented VR-integrated relaxation and mindfulness exercising is acutely beneficial for relieving both anxiety and insomnia symptoms and worth being recommended for routine clinical practice. Further prospective and randomized study compared to traditional CBT to explore its acute and long-term effect on anxiety and insomnia is needed.

A novel methodology to develop low‐intensity psychological treatments

AbstractIntroductionOnly a minority of individuals with mental health disorders receive specialist treatment. Low‐intensity psychological therapies, like guided self‐help, have the potential to bridge this global treatment gap. However, a systematic process for developing such therapies has not been proposed. This study proposes a systematic process for developing low‐intensity psychological treatments, exemplified by a low‐intensity Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) intervention for children and young people with eating disorders.MethodsA systematic, three‐step process is presented. Firstly, a common elements analysis is conducted within the three pillars of evidence‐based practice (research, clinical expertise, and patient preferences). Secondly, a coding matrix is used to synthesize the common elements across these three pillars. Finally, patient and public involvement (PPI) feedback is incorporated for intervention refinement.ResultsApplying this methodology led to the development of an eight‐module, low intensity CBT intervention for children and young people with eating disorders, covering topics such as regular eating, body image, social media, and managing emotional triggers.ConclusionThe intervention derived from this novel methodology is evidence‐informed and considers implementation into routine practice from the outset. This systematic approach to developing low intensity psychological interventions holds promise for closing the treatment gap irrespective of therapeutic orientation or disorder.

Modern approaches to psychoterapy of somatoform disorders

The scientific review focuses on the relevant for modern medicine problem of psychotherapy of somatoform disorders (SFD). It is based on the analysis of 106 publications on this topic (46 of them in Russian and 60 in English). The search for publications was carried out in the RSCI and Medline bibliographic databases. The purpose of the review was to form ideas about the current state of the psychotherapy of SFD with the highlighting and comparison of the main current approaches in this area. The review analyzes the overall effectiveness of psychotherapy of SFD and considers the following modern its directions: cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based psychotherapy, dynamic psychotherapy, group psychotherapy, other (rarely mentioned) psychotherapeutic methods, as well as polymodal and remote approaches to psychotherapy of SFD.The summary of the literary information presented in the review allows to conclude that psychotherapy today is considered by most authors as an important, possibly even leading component of the treatment of the considered mental pathology type. At the same time, data on its clinical effectiveness, especially in isolated use, remains ambiguous, in addition, among researchers there is still no unity of views on the main targets of psychotherapeutic impacts in SFD, as well as on the most suitable forms and methods of psychotherapy for the treatment of this pathology. Information on the clinical effectiveness of specific psychotherapeutic methods currently used for the treatment of SFD is either ambiguous or incomplete, and the polymodal approaches to psychotherapy of SFD proposed by some authors have insufficient scientific justification for the methodological combinations used in them. The future of psychotherapy of SFD is seen by the authors of this review in the development of integrative psychotherapeutic programs that combine elements of several multidirectional methods of psychotherapy, but that are based on knowledge of the general personal and psychological characteristics of patients suffering from SFD.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Related to the Fear of Internet Use: A Case Study

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Related to the Fear of Internet Use: A Case Study

THE BENEFITS OF NON-BIOLOGICAL THERAPY IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD)

Introduction – Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by three main problems, namely the presence of communication disorders, impaired reciprocal social interaction with the surrounding environment, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped behavior patterns in the first 3 years of age. In Indonesia, there were around 112,000 ASD sufferers in 2012, while in 2015 it was estimated that 1 in 250 children had ASD, or around 134,000 people. Methods – The author used the literature review method by collecting the results of several kinds of literature on ASD, and non-biological therapy and their benefits in ASD children. The literature on non-biological therapy and its benefits in ASD children is limited to 2011-2021. Results – Autism is a lifelong disorder, so it is important to recognize it as early as possible, and parents need to understand the problem. It's important to remember that the cause of autism is unknown, and no single drug has been found that can cure ASD, but some therapies can suppress ASD symptoms that can help ASD lead a more productive life by reducing symptoms and improving skills. Discuss – There is no definitive therapy that can cure ASD, but therapy is aimed at improving ASD symptoms. Non-biological therapy which includes behavioral therapy (such as TEACCH or ABA) is currently used as first-line therapy for ASD. Conclusion – Symptoms that appear in ASD children vary widely, therefore the therapy given is individual and depends on the circumstances and symptoms that appear. There are many types of non-biological therapies for ASD, such as ABA, TEACCH, PECS, Caregiver-mediated Intervention, Parent-mediated Communication, SIT, and AIT. These therapies have been shown to have benefits in improving ASD symptoms such as communication skills, social interaction, and behavior, where each therapy has different benefits in each type. These therapies are given to everyone as needed. Keywords: non-biological, children, autism.

Development and psychometric properties of the Health Anxiety Behavior Inventory (HABI)

Abstract Background: Mainstream cognitive behavioural theory stipulates that clinically significant health anxiety persists over time at least partially due to negatively reinforced health-related behaviours, but there exists no broad and psychometrically valid measure of such behaviours. Aims: To draft and evaluate a new self-report scale – the Health Anxiety Behavior Inventory (HABI) – for the measurement of negatively reinforced health anxiety behaviours. Method: We drafted the HABI from a pool of 20 candidate items administered in a clinical trial at screening, and before and after cognitive behaviour therapy (n=204). A psychometric evaluation focused on factor structure, internal consistency, convergent and discriminant validity, test–retest reliability, and sensitivity to change. Results: Based on factor analysis, the HABI was completed as a 12-item instrument with a four-dimensional factor structure corresponding to the following scales: (i) bodily preoccupation and checking, (ii) information- and reassurance-seeking, (iii) prevention and planning, and (iv) overt avoidance. Factor inter-correlations were modest. The internal consistency (α=.73–.87) and 2-week test–retest reliability (r=.75–.90) of the scales was adequate. The bodily preoccupation and checking, and information- and reassurance-seeking scales were most strongly correlated with the cognitive and emotional components of health anxiety (r=0.41, 0.48), and to a lower extent correlated to depressive symptoms and disability. Change scores in all HABI scales correlated with improvement in the cognitive and emotional components of health anxiety during cognitive behaviour therapy. Conclusions: The HABI appears to reliably measure negatively reinforced behaviours commonly seen in clinically significant health anxiety, and might be clinically useful in the treatment of health anxiety.

The effects of mindfulness-focused internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy on elevated levels of stress and symptoms of exhaustion disorder: A randomized controlled trial

The effects of mindfulness-focused internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy on elevated levels of stress and symptoms of exhaustion disorder: A randomized controlled trial

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Children: A Narrative Review

Method: This narrative review summarizes research from the years 2019-2024 on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in children. Results: This research suggests that prevalence rates have been highly variable as a function of the stress experienced, for example, post-surgery (15%), following exposure to war (28%) and following head injury (34%). The negative effects have included cognitive dysfunction, aggression and other behavioral difficulties and the comorbidities include sleep disorders, somatic symptoms and depression. Predictors/risk factors have been the primary focus in this literature and have included parent risk factors including exposure to intimate partner violence, sexual and emotional abuse. Sensory modulation and cognitive processes have been implicated as, for example, negative attention bias and subjective threat. Injuries and hospitalizations have been predictors as has been exposure to explosions and earthquakes. The most frequently studied intervention has been cognitive behavioral therapy which has consistently reduced the symptoms of PTSD. Potential underlying biological mechanisms have included parent PTSD, pregnancy inflammation, and autonomic dysregulation including low cortisol and heartrate, although reduced cortical thickness (volume) in several areas of the brain has been the most frequently studied potential mechanism. Discussion: The studies in this review highlight the prevalence and severity of posttraumatic stress disorder in children. However, they have been primarily based on mixed-age child and adolescent samples and the results have varied by the type of stress experienced and the severity of the stress.

Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in People on the Autism Spectrum.

This review synthesizes recent research on suicidal thoughts and behaviors among autistic individuals. We present literature on risk and protective factors, risk assessment, intervention, and crisis services, and recommendations for future research. Literature on this topic has grown substantially in recent years. Areas of advancement include improved understanding of risk factors (e.g., Interpersonal Theory of Suicide constructs, autistic burnout, mental health conditions, cognitive factors, diagnosis timing, emotion dysregulation), screening, assessment, acute-care services, and suicide-specific psychosocial treatments (e.g., safety planning, dialectical behavior therapy). Gaps include protective factors, impact of intersectional identities, and tailored approaches to screening, assessment, and intervention. Heightened awareness of suicide risk in autistic individuals has led to increased understanding of why autistic individuals think about and attempt suicide and the strategies used to identify and reduce suicide risk. We recommend community-partnered, multi-faceted, and strength-based approaches to inform tailored prevention and intervention efforts.

The Importance of Quality Sleep and Its Relationship With Physical and Mental Health: A Systematic Review

This review aims to systematically examine the relationship between sleep quality and its impact on physical and mental health, and to assess the effectiveness of psychotherapeutic interventions for the treatment of sleep disorders. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using major databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar, focusing on articles published between 2001 and 2023. The review synthesized information from 52 studies using methods of analysis, synthesis, comparison, and generalization to assess indicators of sleep quality, their impact on health, and the effectiveness of different psychotherapeutic treatments. The review found that optimal sleep quality, characterized by adequate duration, continuity, and depth, is crucial for maintaining both physical and mental health. Poor sleep quality was found to contribute significantly to the development and exacerbation of many health problems, including metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, depression, and anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy was identified as an effective psychotherapeutic approach for improving sleep quality and managing sleep disorders, while hypnotherapy is not recommended. The findings highlight the critical role of sleep in maintaining health and the potential of targeted psychotherapeutic interventions to improve sleep quality. Given the reciprocal relationship between sleep and health, healthcare providers should prioritize the assessment and treatment of sleep disorders. Further research should focus on long-term clinical trials to establish causal relationships and the sustainability of treatment effects, promoting wider application of these findings in clinical practice.