Clinical Version Research Articles

Clinical validity and intrarater and test-retest reliability of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 - Clinician Version (SCID-5-CV).

The Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM is one of the most used diagnostic instruments in clinical research worldwide. The current Clinician Version of the instrument (SCID-5-CV) has not yet been assessed in respect to its psychometric qualities. We aimed to assess the clinical validity and different reliability indicators (interrater test-retest, joint interview, face-to-face vs telephone application) of the SCID-5-CV in a large sample of 180 non-prototypical and psychiatric patients based on interviews conducted by raters with different levels of clinical experience. The SCID-5-CV was administered face-to-face and by telephone by 12 psychiatrists/psychologists who took turns as raters and observers. Clinical diagnoses were established according to DSM-5 criteria and the longitudinal, expert, all data (LEAD) procedure. We calculated the percentage of agreement, diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, and the level of agreement (kappa) for diagnostic categories and specific diagnoses. The percentage of positive agreement between the interview and clinical diagnoses ranged between 73% and 97% and the diagnostic sensitivity/specificity were >0.70. In the joint interview, the levels of positive agreement were high (>75%) and kappa levels were >0.70 for most diagnoses. The values were less expressive, but still adequate, for interrater test-retest interviews. The SCID-5-CV presented excellent reliability and high specificity as assessed with different methods. The clinical validity of the instrument was also confirmed, which supports its use in daily clinical practice. We highlight the adequacy of the instrument to be used via telephone and the need for careful use by professionals with little experience in psychiatric clinical practice.

Validation of the Core Beliefs Inventory (CBI) in Brazilian Portuguese.

Experiencing trauma may entail psychopathological consequences, but also changes considered to be positive (i.e., posttraumatic growth). For positive change to occur, an impact on the beliefs of individuals is required, which may be measured through the Core Beliefs Inventory (CBI). The objective of this study was to validate the Brazilian Portuguese version of the CBI. A total of 248 university students (65.7% female) answered the following assessment instruments: sociodemographic data sheet, Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Posttraumatic Symptoms Checklist - Clinician Version (PCL-5) and the CBI. Psychometric properties of the CBI were assessed by conducting an exploratory factor analysis through a principal component analysis with varimax rotation. Internal consistency (Cronbach's α) and convergent validity (Pearson correlation between instruments) were also investigated. The total scale showed adequate internal consistency (α = 0.83). A single factor solution explained 42.63% of the variance of the CBI. Significant correlations were found between CBI and PTGI, and between CBI and PCL-5. The psychometric properties indicated adequate internal consistency and construct validity of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the CBI.

Aphasia and stroke therapeutic alliance measure (A-STAM): Development and preliminary psychometric evaluation

Purpose: The therapeutic alliance, also known as the therapeutic relationship, may influence treatment process and outcome in aphasia rehabilitation; however, we currently lack a reliable tool to measure this relationship. This study aimed to develop a novel measure of the therapeutic alliance applicable to this population and provide preliminary evidence of the measure’s psychometric properties.Method: Statements were generated from the: (1) therapeutic alliance literature, (2) qualitative interviews with stakeholders, and (3) Q methodological insights with people with aphasia (PWA) (n = 455). A representative sample of statements was identified from the data set (n = 57) and reviewed by expert panels (professionals and PWA), culminating in a 42-item clinician and patient version of the aphasia and stroke therapeutic alliance measure (A-STAM). Reliability and validity of both the clinician and patient versions of A-STAM were investigated with 34 Clinician-patient dyads engaging in therapy.Result: Internal consistency and test–retest reliability were excellent for both clinician (α = 92; ICC = 0.93) and patient versions of A-STAM (α = 0.92; ICC = 0.97). In both versions, scores correlated highly with psychotherapeutic measures of therapeutic alliance, indicative of good construct validity (rs = 0.75; rs = 0.77).Conclusion: The findings establish the preliminary reliability and validity of A-STAM and support further investigation into the measure’s psychometric properties in larger samples.

Development and psychometric properties of the \u201cSuicidality: Treatment Occurring in Paediatrics (STOP) Risk and Resilience Factors Scales\u201d in adolescents

Suicidality in the child and adolescent population is a major public health concern. There is, however, a lack of developmentally sensitive valid and reliable instruments that can capture data on risk, and clinical and psychosocial mediators of suicidality in young people. In this study, we aimed to develop and assess the validity of instruments evaluating the psychosocial risk and protective factors for suicidal behaviours in the adolescent population. In Phase 1, based on a systematic literature review of suicidality, focus groups, and expert panel advice, the risk factors and protective factors (resilience factors) were identified and the adolescent, parent, and clinician versions of the STOP-Suicidality Risk Factors Scale (STOP-SRiFS) and the Resilience Factors Scale (STOP-SReFS) were developed. Phase 2 involved instrument validation and comprised of two samples (Sample 1 and 2). Sample 1 consisted of 87 adolescents, their parents/carers, and clinicians from the various participating centres, and Sample 2 consisted of three sub-samples: adolescents (n = 259) who completed STOP-SRiFS and/or the STOP-SReFS scales, parents (n = 213) who completed one or both of the scales, and the clinicians who completed the scales (n = 254). The STOP-SRiFS demonstrated a good construct validity—the Cronbach Alpha for the adolescent (α = 0.864), parent (α = 0.842), and clinician (α = 0.722) versions of the scale. Test–retest reliability, inter-rater reliability, and content validity were good for all three versions of the STOP-SRiFS. The sub-scales generated using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) were the (1) anxiety and depression risk, (2) substance misuse risk, (3) interpersonal risk, (4) chronic risk, and (5) risk due to life events. For the STOP-SRiFS, statistically significant correlations were found between the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) total score and the adolescent, parent, and clinical versions of the STOP-SRiFS sub-scale scores. The STOP-SRiFS showed good psychometric properties. This study demonstrated a good construct validity for the STOP-SReFS—the Cronbach Alpha for the three versions were good (adolescent: α = 0.775; parent: α = 0.808; α = clinician: 0.808). EFA for the adolescent version of the STOP-SReFS, which consists of 9 resilience factors domains, generated two factors (1) interpersonal resilience and (2) cognitive resilience. The STOP-SReFS Cognitive Resilience sub-scale for the adolescent was negatively correlated (r = − 0.275) with the C-SSRS total score, showing that there was lower suicidality in those with greater Cognitive Resilience. The STOP-SReFS Interpersonal resilience sub-scale correlations were all negative, but none of them were significantly different to the C-SSRS total scores for either the adolescent, parent, or clinician versions of the scales. This is not surprising, because the items in this sub-scale capture a much larger time-scale, compared to the C-SSRS rating period. The STOP-SReFS showed good psychometric properties. The STOP-SRiFS and STOP-SReFS are instruments that can be used in future studies about suicidality in children and adolescents.

ELECTROCONVULSIVE THERAPY FOR THE TREATMENT OF ACUTE AGITATION AND AGGRESSION IN ALZHEIMER'S DEMENTIA (ECT-AD)

Introduction Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease of aging, affecting approximately 5.4 million individuals in the US, and predicted to increase to 13.8 million by 2050. Occurring in over 90% of AD patients, neuropsychiatric symptoms such as agitation, depression and apathy, contribute to caregiver burden and increase patient morbidity and mortality. With no FDA-approved options available, treatments for severe agitation in people with advanced dementia are limited, with modest evidence for efficacy and substantial safety concerns. Behavioral therapies are recommended as first-line treatments for agitation in AD; however, they require substantial time to take effect and may be less efficacious for the most severely agitated patients. Psychotropic medications, especially antipsychotics, are widely used off-label to treat agitation in AD even with documented limitations in efficacy and safety concerns. Therefore, new treatments for severe agitation in AD refractory to standard interventions are timely and warranted. Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for the treatment of severe psychiatric disorders of late life, including depression, mania and psychosis. Recently, small open label studies suggest efficacy and safety of ECT for agitation in individuals with AD who are refractory to standard therapies. The present randomized controlled trial builds upon prior work and aims to determine the efficacy and safety of ECT for severe agitation in moderate to severe stage AD, while also examining the durability of the acute treatment effect in an exploratory maintenance naturalistic design. Methods We describe an NIA-funded multi-site, single blind, randomized trial of ECT plus usual care (UC) versus Simulated-ECT (S-ECT) plus UC. We will enroll 200 inpatients with severe agitation and moderate to severe dementia, who have not responded well to prior trials of psychotropic medications. Our primary efficacy outcome measure is the Cohen Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI), and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory – Clinician Version (NPI-C), Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study-Clinical Global Impression of Change Scale (ADCS-CGIC), and Pittsburgh Agitation Scale (PAS) will be secondary measures. Safety and tolerability will be assessed with the Severe Impairment Battery – 8 item (SIB-8), the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM), and adverse event monitoring. Results Preliminary open-label data from our team suggests acute ECT treatment is safe and effective in reducing agitation in this population as measured by the CMAI, PAS, CGI, and adverse event monitoring. A multi-site, prospective case series investigated ECT treatment in 23 consecutive inpatients with dementia and severe agitation who did not benefit from standard behavioral interventions and pharmacotherapy. Eighteen of the 23 subjects experienced a significant reduction in agitation from baseline to discharge on the CMAI. In a retrospective chart review study of 16 patients undergoing ECT for agitation related to AD, only two experienced more than transient confusion post-ECT that required treatment, and no other clinically significant adverse events were noted in this group. We hypothesize ECT+UC will be more efficacious in reducing severe agitation in AD subjects than S-ECT+UC, as measured by our primary and secondary efficacy measures, and that there will be no difference in tolerability/safety outcomes for ECT+UC and S-ECT+UC as measured by cognitive decline (SIB-8), development of delirium (CAM), and serious adverse event monitoring. Conclusions This innovative study will fill a gap in the current clinical practice of treating severe agitation in AD using a rigorous methodological approach thus providing evidence for a new therapeutic application (severe agitation in AD) of a well-studied, established, and safe treatment (ECT). Study findings may demonstrate support for a new therapeutic use of ECT for severe agitation in AD. Successful management of neuropsychiatric symptoms reduces long-term care placement, decreases the risk of mortality, and enhances patient and caregiver quality-of-life. Such an approach has the potential to offer enormous relief to the substantial socioeconomic burden of AD-related behavioral disturbances. This research was funded by National Institute of Aging R01 AG061100-01

Adaptation and Reliability of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5-Disorders - Clinician Version (SCID-5/CV) to the Turkish Language

In this study, we aimed to adapt the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5-ClinicianVersion into Turkish and to demonstrate its reliability. METHOD: A total of 185 patients, both inpatient and outpatient, from two different university hospitals were included. Training sessions on the features and use of SCID-5/CV were held before the data collection. During the study, in order to test the diagnostic agreement and accuracy, two psychiatrists remained present at the evaluation of each participant; alternatively being interviewer and the observer. Cohen's kappa coefficient for inter-rater reliability was calculated for every diagnostic category. RESULTS: The patient group had a mean age of 37.2 (±13.5) years and 55.7% were female. The education status was as follows: 2.7% were illiterate, 1.7% literate with no primary education, 33% had primary education, 23.8% had secondary education and 38.9% had higher education. The calculated kappa value showed excellent agreement for schizophrenia (κ=0.93), bipolar disorder (κ=0.96), major depressive disorder (κ=0.89), dysthymic disorder (κ=0.82), alcohol use disorder (κ=0.96), panic disorder (κ=0.84), agoraphobia (κ=0.85), social anxiety disorder (κ=0.95), generalized anxiety disorder (κ=0.89), obsessive compulsive disorder (κ=0.87), posttraumatic stress disorder (κ=0.89), adult attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (κ=1.00), specific phobias (κ=0.82) and very good agreement with adjustment disorder (κ=0.78) and somatic symptom disorder (κ=0.65). CONCLUSION: Similar to the past SCID versions, kappa values were found to be quite high and all were statistically significant. The Turkish version of SCID-5/ CV can be reliably used in both clinical practice and clinical studies.

Structural white matter networks in myotonic dystrophy type 1.

The myriad of neuropsychiatric manifestations reported in myotonic dystrophy type 1 may have its origin in alterations of complex brain network interactions at the structural level. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that altered white matter microstructural integrity and network organisation were present in a cohort of individuals with DM1 compared to unaffected controls, which was expected to be associated with CNS related disease manifestations of DM1. We performed a cross-sectional neuropsychological assessment and brain MRI in 25 myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) patients and 26 age, sex and educational level matched unaffected controls. Patients were recruited from the Dutch cohort of the OPTIMISTIC study, a concluded trial which had included ambulant, genetically confirmed DM1 patients who were severely fatigued. We applied graph theoretical analysis on structural networks derived from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data and deterministic tractography to determine global and local network properties and performed group-wise comparisons. Furthermore, we analysed the following variables from structural MRI imaging: semi-quantitative white matter hyperintensity load andwhite matter tract integrity using tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS). Structural white matter networks in DM1 were characterised by reduced global efficiency, local efficiency and strength, while the network density was compatible to controls. Other findings included increased white matter hyperintensity load, and diffuse alterations of white matter microstructure in projection, association and commissural fibres. DTI and network measures were associated (partial correlations coefficients ranging from 0.46 to 0.55) with attention (d2 Test), motor skill (Purdue Pegboard test) and visual-constructional ability and memory (copy subtest of the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test). DTI and network measures were not associated with clinical measures of fatigue (checklist individual strength, fatigue subscale) or apathy (apathy evaluation scale – clinician version). In conclusion, our study supports the view of brain involvement in DM1 as a complex network disorder, characterised by white matter network alterations that may have relevant neuropsychological correlations. This work was supported by the European Community's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007–2013; grant agreement n° 305,697) and the Marigold Foundation.

Factors of psychiatric morbidity during perinatal period

The presence of psychiatric disorders during perinatal period imposes negative and long-term effect on maternal health and child development as well as normal family environment. The purpose of our study was to investigate the socio-demographic factors associated with psychiatric morbidity during perinatal period. It was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among purposively selected 197 perinatal women attending the Obstetrics & Gynaecology Outpatient Department (OPD) of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University and Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka from August 2012 to July 2013. Data were collected through face-to-face interview by administering a semistructured questionnaire, containing socio-demographic and other variables and translated Bangla version of Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis-I Disorders – Clinician Version (SCID-CV). Majority (79.7%) of the women were included in the age group of 20-34 years. The mean (±SD) age of the respondents were calculated as 24.60 (±4.88) years. Rural habitat was predominant (53.6%). A good number (5.1%) of respondents with psychiatric disorders had positive family history of psychiatric illness which was found statistically significant. Majority (7.6%) of the respondents with psychiatric disorders had previous history of psychiatric illness. Women in perinatal period with the risk factors for developing psychiatric disorders need proper psychiatric evaluation to prevent and treat perinatal mental illness.Bang J Psychiatry December 2015; 29(2): 53-58

Consequences of persistent depression and apathy in first-episode psychosis — A one-year follow-up study

BackgroundApathy and depression are prevalent in first-episode psychosis (FEP), have overlapping clinical features and are linked to social dysfunction, with indications that persisting symptoms have an even more negative impact. Our objective was to investigate the prevalence of persisting depression (PD), persisting apathy (PA), to what extent they overlap and their relative associations to functioning during a one-year follow-up. MethodsOne hundred and twenty-five participants with a FEP were recruited, and 88 (70%) were reassessed at follow-up. Functional outcome was assessed with the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale-split version, functioning sub-scale, apathy with the Apathy Evaluation Scale, Clinician version (AES-C), and depression with the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS). Persisting depression was defined as a CDSS sum-score > 7 at baseline and follow-up, and persisting apathy as an AES-C sum-score ≥ 27 at baseline and follow-up. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to investigate symptoms' contributions to functioning. Differences in functioning between groups were explored with Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test. ResultsWe found PD in 17 (19%) and PA in 28 (32%) of participants. The likelihood of PD was increased if PA was also present (p = 0.008, phi = 0.28). Ten participants (11%) experienced overlapping PD and PA. Participants with PD (r = −0.38, p = 0.004), PA (r = −0.51, p < 0.000) or both (r = −0.52, p < 0.000) had poorer functioning at follow-up than participants without persisting symptoms. ConclusionPD, PA and overlapping PD/PA is highly prevalent and associated with severely impaired functioning in FEP. Correct identification of these patients is a prerequisite for initiating relevant treatment early in the course of illness.

Impact of Spectral Severity of Alcoholism on Visual-Evoked Potentials: A Neuropsychiatric Perspective.

Background:The deleterious effects of alcohol on the brain are replete in literature. Only a few neurophysiologic measures can pick up the neuronal dysfunctions, one of them being visual-evoked potential (VEP). A very limited amount of data exists on the progression of neural abnormalities related to the spectral severity of alcoholism.Aim of the Study:To evaluate the impact of spectral severity of alcoholism through VEP and to understand the emergence of any specific pattern or morphometric abnormalities related to alcohol-induced neuropsychiatric presentations.Methodology:A total of 90 cases were recruited in addition to 180 age- and sex-matched controls using purposive and random sampling. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders, Clinician Version and Campbell Neuropsychiatric Inventory were used to evaluate alcohol disorders and its neuropsychiatric complications apart from the mandatory consultant-specific clinical evaluations of all the cases. Of 90 cases of alcohol dependence, 15 patients were currently abstinent for >6 months, 15 had alcohol intoxication, 15 had signs of alcohol withdrawal, 15 had physical complications, 15 had psychiatric comorbidity, and 15 had neurological complications such as epilepsy. VEP recordings were taken using an Evoked Potential Recorder (RMS EMG. EP MARK II) where the stimulus configuration consisted of transient pattern-reversal method in which a black and white checkerboard was generated full field.Results:Mean age of cases was 37.71 ± 11.49 years compared to 39.43 ± 10.67 years in controls (range 18–65 years). VEP abnormalities comprising of prolonged latencies (62.5%) with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) from the healthy controls was observed in cases of alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Predominant amplitude reduction with normal latency was obtained in 37.5% cases of withdrawal. Severe VEP abnormalities, i.e., both latency delay and amplitude reduction, were found in 75% patients with psychiatric comorbidity, 66.67% patients with neurological complications, i.e., epilepsy, and 33.34% patients with physical complications. An explicit finding of prominent interocular differences was a prominent feature present in 25% of patients with complications.

Reliability of the Apathy Evaluation Scale in Myotonic Dystrophy Type1.

Apathy is a common debilitating symptom of myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). The Apathy Evaluation Scale (AES) has been identified as a promising measurement instrument to be used in DM1 but its metrological properties must be further documented. To determine the internal consistency of the Self (AES-S), Informant (AES-I), and Clinician (AES-C) versions of the AES and to assess the test-retest reliability, standard error of measurement, and minimal detectable change of the AES-S and AES-I in a sample of DM1 patients and their related informants. All scales showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha: 0.83-0.87) and the AES-S and AES-I showed good test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.79-0.91). Additionally, clinicians and informants had a tendency to overestimate DM1 patients' level of apathy compared to patients' self-ratings, suggesting potentially impaired self-awareness in DM1 patients. The present results advocate the use of the AES-I as a reliable instrument to estimate apathy in DM1 patients for either clinical or research purposes, and support the relevance to pursue the assessment of metrological properties of the AES as a tool of great value for the development of outcomes for clinical trial readiness in DM1.

Correlates of autistic traits among patients with borderline personality disorder

BackgroundDespite discrete autism-related dimensions, such as deficits in communication, empathy and mentalizing are likely to affect the development of personality and despite they actually frequently occur in borderline patients, no research has so far investigated the relationship between autistic traits and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). The objective of this study is to investigate the clinical significance of autistic traits in subjects with BPD. MethodsThe sample included 50 patients with a clinical diagnosis of BPD and 69 healthy controls.The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Clinician Version was used to establish the presence of comorbid mental disorders among BPD subjects and to confirm the absence of lifetime mental disorders in the control group. Participants were also asked to fill three self-report instruments: the Adult Autism Subthreshold Spectrum (AdAS Spectrum), the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) and the Mood Spectrum Self-Report (MOODS-SR). ResultsPatients with BPD reported higher autistic traits than healthy individuals. Moreover, autistic traits were shown to exert a significant impact on some clinical features and associated manifestation of BPD, such as suicidality and lifetime exposure to physical and/or sexual abuse. ConclusionsSubthreshold autism spectrum may be relevant for subjects suffering from BPD and future research may further address clinical correlates of autistic traits among patients with this disorder.

Psychometric Properties of the Hypomania Checklist-32 in Korean Patients with Mood Disorders.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the validity of the Korean version of the Hypomania Checklist-32, second revision (HCL-32-R2) in mood disorder patients.MethodsA total of 454 patients who diagnosed as mood disorder according to Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders, clinician version (SCID-CV) (bipolar disorder [BD] I, n=190; BD-II, n=72; and major depressive disorder [MDD], n=192) completed the Korean module of the HCL-32-R2 (KHCL-32-R2).ResultsThe KHCL-32-R2 showed a three-factorial structure (eigenvalue >2) that accounted for 43.26% of the total variance. Factor 1 was labeled “active/elated” and included 16 items; factor 2, “irritable/distractible” and included 9 items; and factor 3 was labeled “risk-taking/indulging” and included 9 items. A score of 16 or more on the KHCL-32-R2 total scale score distinguished between BD and MDD, which yielded a sensitivity of 70% and a specificity of 70%. MDD and BD-II also could be differentiated at a cut-off of 15 with maximized sensitivity (0.67) and specificity (0.66). Cronbach’s alpha of KHCL-32-R2 and its subsets (factors 1, 2, and 3) were 0.91, 0.89, 0.81 and 0.79, respectively. Correlations between KHCL-32-R2 and Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale, Young Mania Rating Scale and Korean version of Mood Disorder Questionnaire were −0.66 (p=0.41), −0.14 (p=0.9), and 0.61 (p<0.001), respectively.ConclusionThe KHCL-32-R2 may be a useful tool in distinguishing between bipolar and depressive patients in clinical settings.

Examining the Relationship Between Working Alliance and Therapeutic Goal Attainment With Adolescents in Crisis

Literature regarding the relationship between working alliance and therapeutic goal attainment is limited. The purpose of this correlational study was to explore working alliance and therapeutic goal attainment with 75 adolescents in an inpatient, acute care, behavioral hospital in south Texas. Two canonical correlation analyses were conducted utilizing sets of subscale scores from the Working Alliance Inventory—Short Form (WAI-S) and the Crisis Stabilization Scale (CriSS). A statistically significant relationship was found between the clinician version of WAI-S subscales and the CriSS subscales, while no statistically significant relationship was found between the client version of WAI-S subscales and the CriSS subscales. A strong working alliance, specifically collaboration on tasks in counseling, is important for adolescents’ achievement of goals related to stabilization. In addition, clients may over report progress in counseling.

Depression, anxiety, quality of life, and predictors of depressive disorders in caregivers of patients with head and neck cancer: A six-month follow-up study

ObjectiveCaregivers of patients with cancer experience a variety of psychological distress. This study aimed to investigate the mental health status and depressive disorder predictors in caregivers of patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) over a six-month follow-up. MethodsWe recruited the participants for this study from a HNC outpatient clinic in a medical center from February 2012 to January 2013. Caregivers of HNC patients were evaluated with the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM-IV, Clinician Version, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36), and the Family APGAR index. Baseline evaluations were performed, and additional evaluations were performed again 3months and 6months later. ResultsWe assessed a total of 132 caregivers in this study. Over the 6-month follow-up period, the severity of the caregivers' depression and anxiety significantly decreased, while their quality of life improved significantly. At the 6-month assessment, the most prevalent psychiatric disorders were depressive disorders (12.9%), followed by alcohol abuse (1.5%) and primary insomnia (1.5%). Older age, hypnotics use, pre-existing depressive disorders at baseline, and a lower mental component of SF-36 score at baseline were found to significantly predict depressive disorders after 6months. ConclusionOur findings show that the mental health of caregivers of HNC patients improves during the 6-month follow-up, as well as that depressive disorders were the most prevalent psychiatric diagnosis. Clinicians need to be alert to and manage any emerging mental health problems in caregivers during patient care, especially depressive disorders.

RESTING STATE CONNECTIVITY RELATED TO APATHY IN MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT

Apathy is a common neuropsychiatric symptom in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and has been associated with progression to Alzheimer's disease. Apathy is defined as diminished voluntary goal-directed behavior leading to decreased motivation and interest. There are two preliminary studies that have investigated resting state functional connectivity related to apathy in aMCI (Joo e.a. 2016; Munro e.a. 2015). However, neither of them used a complete data-driven approach, therefore the neural basis of apathy in aMCI needs further investigation. Thirty-one patients with aMCI and 20 healthy controls (HC) were assessed with resting state fMRI. Apathy was assessed with the apathy evaluation scale (clinician version, AES-C). Independent component analysis (ICA) was used to determine the brain networks. We were specifically interested in the default mode network (DMN), fronto-parietal network (FPN), salience network (SN) and basal ganglia network (BGN). Both within- and between-network connectivity was investigated. We performed a group comparison between patients and HC, and a regression analysis with AES score in aMCI patients only. Threshold was set at p<.05 family wise error corrected for multiple comparisons on cluster level, with an initial threshold of p<.001. Two components were identified as DMN, two components as FPN, four components as SN and one as BGN. aMCI patients showed stronger within-network functional connectivity compared to HC in the FPN. Moreover, MCI patients had weaker connectivity between an SN and DMN component. Apathy was related to decreased connectivity between the SN and DMN and increased connectivity between two SN components (one including mostly dorsal anterior cingulate cortex [dACC] and the other mostly the insula). Salience detection is an important component for goal-directed behavior. Therefore, it is interesting that levels of apathy in aMCI were associated with altered connectivity related to the SN. Especially, disturbances in the dACC have consistently been associated with apathy in aMCI. Therefore, it might be suggested that these disturbances in the dACC lead to changes in connectivity to other brain areas/networks. The next step in the analyses will be to investigate the network properties related to apathy using graph theory and independent components as data-driven nodes.

Factors Influencing Object Relation Therapy Based on Transference and Potential Space: Analyzing the Experience and Understanding of Clients Suffering from Major Depressive Disorder

Background: Depression is a widespread disorder that affects all aspects of a person’s life. Various psychological and medical interventions have been proposed to help treat depressive symptoms. One effective treatment is object relation therapy based on transference and potential space. Objectives: In the current study, we focus on how clients who suffer depressive disorder understand this type of therapy. Methods: This qualitative research was conducted in 2015 - 2016 using a content analysis with 18 Iranian participants who were diagnosed with depressive disorder based on the structured clinical interview for DSM-IV, the clinician version (SCID-I/C V) and who had received object relation therapy based on transference and potential space. The study was carried out in an outpatient clinic of the school of behavioral sciences and mental health (formerly Tehran Institute of psychiatry). The data were collected through conducting in-depth semi-structured interviews, which continued until data saturation was achieved. The data were analyzed with the induction method. Results: The analysis of the data resulted in the identification of 2 main categories and 4 subcategories. “Gradual formation of therapeutic alliance” and “use of non-interpretative techniques” were the subcategories of “analytic dyad formation” as the main category; and “in-depth examination of client experience” and “client’s emotional expression” were listed under “development of self-awareness and self-expression”. Conclusions: Gradual formation of therapeutic alliance is consistent with literature that emphasizes the necessity of new relational experiences and creation of a safe attachment base in therapy. The findings showed that the exploration and awareness of patterns in the context of a secure relationship and transference and extra-transference can produce therapeutic changes. In addition, such safe space can provide a suitable context for releasing built-up emotions.

Development and psychometric properties of the Suicidality: Treatment Occurring in Paediatrics (STOP) Suicidality Assessment Scale (STOP-SAS) in children and adolescents.

BackgroundTo create a self-reported, internet-based questionnaire for the assessment of suicide risk in children and adolescents.MethodsAs part of the EU project ‘Suicidality: Treatment Occurring in Paediatrics’ (STOP project), we developed web-based Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) for children and adolescents and for proxy reports by parents and clinicians in order to assess suicidality. Based on a literature review, expert panels and focus groups of patients, we developed the items of the STOP Suicidality Assessment Scale (STOP-SAS) in Spanish and English, translated it into four more languages, and optimized it for web-based presentation using the HealthTrackerTM platform. Of the total 19 questions developed for the STOP-SAS, four questions that assess low-level suicidality were identified as screening questions (three of them for use with children, and all four for use with adolescents, parents and clinicians). A total of 395 adolescents, 110 children, 637 parents and 716 clinicians completed the questionnaire using the HealthTrackerTM, allowing us to evaluate the internal consistency and convergent validity of the STOP-SAS with the clinician-rated Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). Validity was also assessed with the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area of the STOP-SAS with the C-SSRS.ResultsThe STOP-SAS comprises 19 items in its adolescent, parent, and clinician versions, and 14 items in its children’s version. Good internal consistency was found for adolescents (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.965), children (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.922), parents (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.951) and clinicians (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.955) versions. A strong correlation was found between the STOP-SAS and the C-SSRS for adolescents (r:0.670), parents (r:0.548), clinicians (r:0.863) and children (r:0.654). The ROC area was good for clinicians’ (0.917), adolescents’ (0.834) and parents’ (0.756) versions but only fair (0.683) for children’s version.ConclusionsThe STOP-SAS is a comprehensive, web-based PROM developed on the HealthTrackerTM platform, and co-designed for use by adolescents, children, parents and clinicians. It allows the evaluation of aspects of suicidality and shows good reliability and validity.

Illness Management & Recovery (IMR) in the Netherlands; a naturalistic pilot study to explore the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial.

BackgroundIllness Management & Recovery (IMR) is a curriculum-based program for people with severe and persistent mental illness. To date, four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been published on it. As these produced mixed results, we conducted a pilot study to test the feasibility of conducting a new RCT in a Dutch psychiatric institute. Because our primary objective was to evaluate support for implementing IMR on a broader scale, we examined participant recruitment, client outcomes, and clients’ and clinicians’ satisfaction. Secondary objectives were to evaluate fidelity, trainers’ training and supervision, and to explore program duration, dropout, and client characteristics related to dropout. For reporting, we used the checklist for pilot studies adopted from the CONSORT Statement.MethodsThis program evaluation included a process-evaluation and an outcome evaluation with a One Group Pre-Posttest Design (N = 81). Interviews and internal reports were used to monitor participant numbers, program duration, dropout, and completers’ characteristics. Clients’ and clinicians’ satisfaction and provision of trainers’ training and supervision were assessed through interviews. Fidelity was assessed on the IMR Fidelity Scale; client outcomes were assessed on the IMR scale (client and clinician versions) and the Recovery Markers Questionnaire (RMQ).ResultsEighty-one participants were recruited of 167 people who were assessed for eligibility. Completers and clinicians were satisfied, and scores for completers improved significantly on the IMR scale (clinician version) (d = 0.84) and RMQ (d = 0.52), and not significantly on the IMR scale client version (d = 0.41). Mean fidelity was good, but three groups had only moderate fidelity. Our feasibility criterion for trainers’ education and supervision was partly attained. Dropout from treatment was 51 %; female participants and people who scored higher on both IMR-scales at baseline had a significantly lower chance of dropping out. The duration of IMR varied (M = 12.7 months, SD = 2.87).ConclusionsResults suggested that feasibility of conducting an RCT on IMR was good. Special attention is required to fidelity, IMR duration, trainers’ education and supervision, and dropout, especially of men. One study limitation was our inability to conduct follow-up measurements of non-completers.

Effectiveness of illness management and recovery (IMR) in the Netherlands: a randomised clinical trial

BackgroundIllness Management and Recovery (IMR) is intended to provide a structured psychosocial programme that helps to manage the disabling effects of severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. It is curriculum based and aims to improve different aspects of illness management and recovery through interventions such as goal-setting, psycho-education, coping and social skills training. Its overall aim is to improve illness outcomes and support subjective and objective recovery. To date there have been four RCTs on IMR; as these yielded mixed results, further research is needed. Our hypotheses aim to test the interrelatedness assumed in Mueser’s Conceptual Framework for IMR for the many aspects of illness management, illness management outcomes and recovery.Methods/designThis randomised multi-centre, single-blinded clinical trial is intended to compare IMR with treatment as usual for 200 outpatient clients with a severe and persistent mental illness (SMI). We will investigate whether IMR leads to better illness management, fewer symptoms and fewer relapses, and also to better subjective and objective recovery. The primary outcome measure is the score on the client version of the Illness Management and Recovery Scale. Secondary outcome measures are the clinician version of the Illness Management and Recovery scale, measures of illness management, coping, symptoms, the number of relapses, and measures of recovery. Measurement will take place before randomisation, and 12 and 18 months after randomisation.DiscussionOverall, our study has the following strengths: 1.) our use of an RCT design in a country where the earlier RCTs on IMR were not conducted; 2.) the fact that participants will consist not only of people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, but also of those with various types of SMI; 3.) our inclusion of 200 participants; and 4.) the fact that we will explore the working mechanisms described in Mueser’s Conceptual Framework for IMR. Finally, 5.) because the RCT will be conducted in everyday clinical practice, we believe that the generalisability of our results will be good.Trial registrationThe Netherlands National Trial Register (identifier: NTR 5033). Date registered: 13 January 2015.