Cognitive Intervention Research Articles

Cognitive impairment among older persons with chronic illness attending primary care and its association with cardiovascular risk using the Framingham risk score

BackgroundDementia is a major public health burden, particularly among the older persons with significant implications for individuals, caregivers, and society. Identifying mild cognitive impairment early can facilitate timely intervention and care.This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the association between Framingham risk score (FRS), a widely used tool for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction, and cognitive impairment among older persons with chronic illness in Malaysia.MethodsA total of 289 participants aged 60 years and above with chronic illness were recruited from Klinik Primer Hospital Tuanku Chanselor Muhriz via simple random sampling via computer generator. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment Bahasa Malaysia version (MoCA-BM) was used to assess cognitive function and the FRS was calculated on the basis of CVD risk factors.ResultsThe prevalence of cognitive impairment among the participants was found to be 19.7%. Multiple Logistic Regression revealed that age (AOR 1.101, 95% CI = 1.041,1.163, p < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (AOR 1.048, 95%CI = 1.024, 1.072, p < 0.001) diabetes (AOR 2.655, 95% CI = 1.194, 5.906, p = 0.017) increased the odds of having cognitive impairment among older persons with chronic illness whereas secondary education ( AOR 0.087, 95% CI = 0.008, 0.963, p = 0.047) and higher education ( AOR 0.037, 95% CI = 0.002, 0.833, p = 0.038) reduced the likelihood of having cognitive impairment. Individuals with higher FRS were more likely to have cognitive impairment (AOR 1.099, 95% CI = 1.049, 1.172, p < 0.001). The optimal cutoff point for the FRS to determine cognitive impairment is 30 for males with a sensitivity and specificity of 84.4% and 51.2% while the optimal cut off point for females is 18.5 with a sensitivity and specificity of 76% and 63.1% respectively.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the FRS which was originally designed for CVD risk assessment may also serve as a valuable predictive tool for cognitive impairment among older persons with chronic illness. Integrating FRS into routine primary care assessments could enhance the early identification of individuals at risk and enable appropriate cognitive screenings and interventions. Further research such as a longitudinal cohort study in a larger and more diverse population is warranted to validate the association of CVD risks with the development of dementia.

Different risk and protective factors predict change of planning ability in middle versus older age

Age-related cognitive decline has become an increasingly relevant public health issue. However, risk and protective factors of cognitive decline have yet to be investigated prospectively taking into account genetic, lifestyle, physical and mental health factors. Population-based data from middle-aged (40 to 59 years; N = 2,764) and older individuals (60 to 80 years; N = 1,254) were drawn from a prospective community cohort study using the Tower of London (TOL) planning task. Assessments were repeated at a 5-year interval to investigate age-related changes in planning performance and to determine the impact of risk and protective factors. Planning performance improved in middle-aged, but declined in older participants over 5 years. SNPs affecting the dopamine system (COMT, DRD2) and APOE polymorphisms differentially predicted cognitive performance in older vs. middle-aged individuals. For older individuals, high alcohol consumption, antidepressant medication and living without a partner had additional negative predictive power on cognition. In contrast, undiagnosed hypertension, no obstructive lung disease, and fewer years of education predicted cognitive decline in the middle-aged group. The results inform screening for individuals particularly vulnerable to cognitive decline and interventions (e.g., focusing on lifestyle factors) to help maintain cognitive performance into old age.

Research hot topics and frontiers in social anxiety over the past decade: a CiteSpace bibliometric analysis based on Web of Science database from 2013 to 2023.

To understand the current study of social anxiety (SA) over the past decade, and to analyze the research hot topics and frontiers in this field. CiteSpace 6.2.R3 was used to analyze the literature on SA collected in the Web of Science Core Collection database from 2013 to 2023. A total of 9940 literature were included after the screening, and the annual publication volume showed a steady increase. The results emphasize that Zvolensky MJ, Pine DS, and Heimberg RG are important authors in the field of SA. The United States has the highest number of publications, with the University of California System contributing the most. Research hotspots include cognitive impairment, risk factors, complications, neuroimaging, and intervention strategies. SA related to the "theory of mind", "bullying victimization", "mobile phone", "network analysis", "technology", and "satisfaction" are emerging research foci. This study identifies the current situation and trends of SA research, and provides a reference for future research topics and directions.

Cognition in Schizophrenia: Exploring the Dynamics of Improvement and the Influencing Determinants

Background: Cognitive impairments are fundamental characteristics of schizophrenia, significantly impacting the overall functioning of individuals with the disorder. However, the trajectory of cognitive deficits and the factors influencing their changes over the course of treatment remain poorly understood. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the changes in cognitive status of patients with schizophrenia and the factors that influence these changes following hospitalization and treatment. Methods: The study utilized a longitudinal design, enrolling thirty hospitalized patients (15 males and 15 females) from the psychiatric inpatient unit of a general educational hospital. Cognitive assessments were conducted upon admission and discharge. A Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) model was used to analyze the data, accounting for demographic and clinical variables such as age, gender, Body Mass Index (BMI), family history, and smoking status. Results: The findings revealed a reduction in cognitive deficits following hospitalization and treatment. Significant improvements were observed in verbal memory, working memory, and executive function. However, older patients showed poorer performance in motor speed, verbal fluency, and symbol coding compared to younger patients. Male patients and smokers demonstrated lower cognitive functioning, particularly in verbal fluency, symbol coding, and executive function. Conclusions: This study highlighted the positive effect of comprehensive inpatient treatment on reducing cognitive impairments in individuals with schizophrenia. While improvements were noted in several cognitive domains, the persistence of certain deficits, particularly in relation to demographic factors (age, gender, and smoking status), underscores the need for further research and tailored cognitive rehabilitation interventions. A personalized, multidimensional approach to managing cognitive deficits in schizophrenia could lead to better functional outcomes and enhance the quality of life for affected individuals.

Qualitative Analysis of Responses in Estimating Older Adults Cognitive Functioning in Spontaneous Speech: Comparison of Questions Asked by AI Agents and Humans.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology is gaining attention for its potential in cognitive function assessment and intervention. AI robots and agents can offer continuous dialogue with the elderly, helping to prevent social isolation and support cognitive health. Speech-based evaluation methods are promising as they reduce the burden on elderly participants. AI agents could replace human questioners, offering efficient and consistent assessments. However, existing research lacks sufficient comparisons of elderly speech content when interacting with AI versus human partners, and detailed analyses of factors like cognitive function levels and dialogue partner effects on speech elements such as proper nouns and fillers. This study investigates how elderly individuals' cognitive functions influence their communication patterns with both human and AI conversational partners. A total of 34 older people (12 men and 22 women) living in the community were selected from a silver human resource centre and day service centre in Tokyo. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and participants engaged in semi-structured daily conversations with both human and AI partners. The study examined the frequency of fillers, proper nouns, and "listen back" in conversations with AI and humans. Results showed that participants used more fillers in human conversations, especially those with lower cognitive function. In contrast, proper nouns were used more in AI conversations, particularly by those with higher cognitive function. Participants also asked for explanations more often in AI conversations, especially those with lower cognitive function. These findings highlight differences in conversation patterns based on cognitive function and the conversation partner being either AI or human. These results suggest that there are differences in conversation patterns depending on the cognitive function of the participants and whether the conversation partner is a human or an AI. This study aims to provide new insights into the effective use of AI agents in dialogue with the elderly, contributing to the improvement of elderly welfare.

Effects of an individual cognitive stimulation intervention on global cognition, memory, and executive function in older adults with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.

To determine the efficacy of a 12-week individual cognitive stimulation (iCS) intervention on global cognition, memory, and executive function of older adults with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD). Protocolized analysis using data from a multicenter, single-blind, randomized, parallel two-arm RCT of iCS for older adults with probable AD. A sample of 142 people with probable Alzheimer's disease attending 13 Portuguese institutions providing care and support services for older adults were selected. Intervention group (n = 72) received 24 iCS sessions, twice a week for 12 weeks. Control group (n = 70) maintained their activities as usual. Outcomes included global cognitive function (Mini-Mental State Examination, and Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale), memory (Memory Alteration Test, and Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test), and executive functioning (Frontal Assessment Battery). All participants were assessed at baseline (T0), after the intervention (T1), and 12 weeks follow-up (T2). The results showed significant improvements in memory performance at follow-up for the intervention group and greater stability in global cognition in the intervention relative to the control group. The current iCS protocol shows effectiveness in cognitive functioning in older adults with probable AD, particularly for memory upon completion of the intervention and at follow-up, adding further support to previous iCS studies showing similar results and to the effectiveness of the current intervention.

Social workers’ support of the status quo: Results from a national survey

Summary Social work has an intimate and complex relationship with the systems that shape the social, political, economic, and environmental fabric of the United States. System justification theory helps explain why people are motivated to accept the status quo of systems and unequal social arrangements. This study examined the system-justifying beliefs of a national sample ( N = 516) of master’s-level social workers to better understand how beliefs about the status quo may shape job outcomes (e.g., burnout and satisfaction) and practice outcomes (e.g., goals, motivations, perceptions of clients, and endorsement of practice behaviors). Findings Ordinary least squares regression analyses adjusting for demographic characteristics indicated significant relationships with both practice outcomes and job outcomes. Higher system-justifying beliefs were associated with less social justice motivation, more practical motivation, less transformative practice goals, and less understanding of clients’ needs as symptoms of structural failures. However, higher system-justifying beliefs were also associated with more compassion satisfaction, less secondary trauma, and less emotional exhaustion. Applications Key interventions into the structural conditions of social work practice so that social workers rely less on system-justifying beliefs to cope with burnout and increase satisfaction are discussed. Examples include investments in support resources, workplace empowerment, increased discretion, and workload reduction. Cognitive and psychological interventions, specifically the development of critical consciousness and critical thinking, are also suggested.

Nocturnal Awakening Associated with Greater Social Disconnectedness in Older Adults: The Compensatory Role of Cognition

ABSTRACT Objectives This study aimed to explore the association between sleep and social disconnectedness by examining the role of global cognitive function in diverse samples of older adults. Methods Study 1 compared differences in social disconnectedness between older adults with clinical sleep disorders and healthy sleepers. Studies 2 and 3 examined the relationship between objective sleep and social disconnectedness in community-dwelling older adults from two independent datasets. In the three studies, we analyzed the moderating effect of global cognitive function in the association between objective sleep and social disconnectedness. Results Study 1 showed that older adults with clinical sleep disorders had greater social disconnectedness, among whom those with better cognition showed less influence of sleep disorder on social disconnectedness. Studies 2 and 3 showed that nocturnal awakening was robustly associated with social disconnectedness in community-dwelling older adults. Global cognitive function moderated this association, counteracting the negative effect of nocturnal awakening on social function. Conclusions These findings suggest a relationship between objective sleep, particularly nocturnal awakening, and social disconnectedness, and the compensatory role of global cognitive function. Clinical Implications Geriatric caregivers are encouraged to consider cognitive interventions to mitigate sleep-related, specifically excessive nocturnal awakening-related, social disconnectedness in older adults.

The Effect of Memory Training on Cognitive Function: A Systematic Review

Memory is related to the processes that allow us to record, store and then retrieve experiences and information. Memory as an information processor is analogized by psychologists and neurologists as a computer. The recording process, called encoding, is the process of obtaining information conveyed to the system by translating it into neural code which is processed in the brain.The goal of the research titled is to systematically evaluate and synthesize existing studies to determine the impact of memory training interventions on various aspects of cognitive function. This includes assessing how memory training may enhance skills such as attention, processing speed, working memory, and overall cognitive performance. By identifying patterns, strengths, and limitations in the current literature, the study aims to provide insights into the effectiveness of memory training programs and guide future research and practical applications in cognitive enhancement.Method: Articles used in systematic reviews are typically sourced from various academic databases such as PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Google Scholar. These include studies published in peer-reviewed journals. The keywords used for searching may include phrases like "memory training," "cognitive function," "cognitive enhancement," "working memory," and other related terms. This combination of keywords helps filter relevant articles. For instance, in this review, there might be 150 articles identified through the initial search. After a selection process based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, approximately 30 articles are chosen for further analysis. The articles included in the systematic review are examined systematically, following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines: Study Identification,Study Selection,Data Extraction,Analysis and Synthesis Analyzing the results from the selected studies and compiling conclusions based on the available evidence.Results: The findings from these five literature studies cumulatively imply that activities involving the Al-Quran, such as listening, reading, or memorizing, have a positive impact on various aspects of physical and mental health, cognitive function, and brain responses. The implications of these results may stimulate further research in the field of cognitive interventions, as well as provide a more in-depth look at the role of memorization in the development of cognitive abilities at critical developmental stages.Conclusion: From the five studies reviewed, it can be concluded that memory training interventions, especially in the context of memorizing the Qur'an, contribute positively to the improvement of cognitive function in various age groups, including children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly. The implications of these findings give impetus to further research in the field of cognitive intervention, focusing on memorization strategies, as well as providing deeper insight into the role of memorization in the development of cognitive abilities at critical stages of life.

A network analysis of voice hearing, emotional distress and subjective recovery before and after cognitive behavioural interventions.

There is a need to identify and to better understand key processes involved in voice hearing, which can inform the targeting and development of psychological interventions for distressing voices. The current study aimed to examine interrelations between the negative impact of voices, voice characteristics, emotional distress and recovery before and after cognitive behavioural interventions for voices (Coping Strategy Enhancement, guided self-help Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Relating Therapy and Person-Based Cognitive Therapy). The sample consisted of 172 participants from the Sussex Voices Clinic who completed pre- and post-treatment assessments. The negative impact of voices, voice characteristics, emotional distress and recovery were used to estimate two networks, before and after cognitive behavioural interventions, using the graphical lasso method with the extended Bayesian information criterion. Centrality indices were also computed, and the two networks were compared on connectivity, structure and individual edge weights. Depression, anxiety and the negative impact of voices were identified as key central symptoms and acted as bridge symptoms in pre- and post-treatment networks. There were no significant differences in network structure (M = 0.155, p = .57), global strength (S = 0.188, p = .07) and centralities (C = -0.318, p = -.06) between the two networks. Our findings suggest that anxiety and depression are promising treatment targets, that can lead to reductions in voice-related distress, whereas the characteristics of voices and subjective recovery play little role in the network structure. Limitations include the lack of a control group and the lack of diversity within the sample.

A review on the efficacy of artificial intelligence for managing anxiety disorders.

Anxiety disorders are psychiatric conditions characterized by prolonged and generalized anxiety experienced by individuals in response to various events or situations. At present, anxiety disorders are regarded as the most widespread psychiatric disorders globally. Medication and different types of psychotherapies are employed as the primary therapeutic modalities in clinical practice for the treatment of anxiety disorders. However, combining these two approaches is known to yield more significant benefits than medication alone. Nevertheless, there is a lack of resources and a limited availability of psychotherapy options in underdeveloped areas. Psychotherapy methods encompass relaxation techniques, controlled breathing exercises, visualization exercises, controlled exposure exercises, and cognitive interventions such as challenging negative thoughts. These methods are vital in the treatment of anxiety disorders, but executing them proficiently can be demanding. Moreover, individuals with distinct anxiety disorders are prescribed medications that may cause withdrawal symptoms in some instances. Additionally, there is inadequate availability of face-to-face psychotherapy and a restricted capacity to predict and monitor the health, behavioral, and environmental aspects of individuals with anxiety disorders during the initial phases. In recent years, there has been notable progress in developing and utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) based applications and environments to improve the precision and sensitivity of diagnosing and treating various categories of anxiety disorders. As a result, this study aims to establish the efficacy of AI-enabled environments in addressing the existing challenges in managing anxiety disorders, reducing reliance on medication, and investigating the potential advantages, issues, and opportunities of integrating AI-assisted healthcare for anxiety disorders and enabling personalized therapy.

Development of Virtual Reality-Based Left Brain System

This paper proposes a virtual reality based Left Brain System named BrainUp World to improve left brain thinking. The left-brain system was employed with mobile virtual reality technology, hand motion tracking and haptic feedback system. The implementation of these systems is to enhance the experience and sense of embodiment. BrainUp World includes virtual reality-based brain training games to improve a person’s attention level, reasoning skill, auditory cognition, arithmetic skill, sequencing skill and memory. The hand tracking system was utilized with an IR camera to capture the hand orientation and return the gesture data to the VR application. A low-cost and lightweight haptic glove was invented which provides the sense of touch using vibrations while interacting with VR contents. An experimental study was conducted to assess the efficacy of BrainUp World compared to traditional PC-based training approaches. Participants were randomly assigned to either the VR-based or PC-based training group and underwent 6 different games to test a person’s attention level, reasoning skill, auditory cognition, arithmetic skill, sequencing skill, and memory. The results revealed a statistically significant improvement in left brain function in the VR-based training group compared to the PC-based group, with a T-score growth of 4.73. Analysis using ANOVA confirmed the significance of this difference (p-Value = 0.04). Notably, the study also identified age-related differences in thinking fluency, highlighting the importance of personalized cognitive training interventions. In conclusion, BrainUp World demonstrates the potential of VR technology in promoting left brain development, as evidenced by empirical findings from the conducted study. By offering immersive and interactive cognitive training experiences, VR-based systems hold promise for enhancing various aspects of cognitive function associated with left hemisphere dominance. Further research in this area is encouraged to explore the full potential of VR-based interventions for cognitive enhancement.

Effectiveness of cognitive interventions in mitigating mental fatigue among healthcare professionals in hospital settings: A systematic review

Mental fatigue poses a significant challenge to healthcare professionals in hospital settings, impairing cognitive performance, emotional well-being, and job satisfaction. This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of cognitive interventions, including mindfulness programs, online psychological interventions, and telehealth cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), in mitigating mental fatigue among healthcare workers. A comprehensive literature search across PubMed, b-on, Web of Science, and Scopus identified six studies published between 2016 and 2023. These studies reported that cognitive interventions significantly reduced burnout and stress levels, with up to a 30% decrease in emotional exhaustion and improved coping mechanisms. In addition, participants demonstrated enhanced emotional well-being, reflected in increased mindfulness and life satisfaction scores of as much as 25%. Mindfulness-based programs and telehealth CBT were particularly effective in fostering resilience and improving overall cognitive function. However, the review also highlighted the need for future research to explore the long-term effects of these interventions, their cost-effectiveness, and innovative methods to improve accessibility and scalability, such as digital platforms. Integrating cognitive interventions into routine healthcare practice can enhance staff well-being, improve patient outcomes, and contribute to a more supportive work environment.

Feasibility, acceptability, and fidelity of remote-delivered abbreviated mindfulness-based cognitive therapy interventions for patients with migraine and depressive symptoms.

This study was an open-label single-arm clinical trial evaluating the fidelity, feasibility, acceptability, and clinical signal of abbreviated mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT-brief) delivered either via telephone (MBCT-T) or by video conferencing (MBCT-V) for people with migraine and comorbid depressive symptoms. Migraine is commonly comorbid with elevated depressive symptoms. MBCT reduces depressive symptoms and shows promise to reduce migraine-related disability. An abbreviated and remotely delivered version of MBCT could increase access to care. People with migraine and elevated depressive symptoms were recruited from a large urban health system. Participants were assigned in blocks of eight to receive an evidence-based MBCT-brief treatment, including eight weekly group classes and home practice delivered via telephone (MBCT-T) or video (MBCT-V); MBCT-T was randomly selected for the first block. Sessions were recorded and coded for treatment fidelity. Feasibility was assessed via session attendance (primary), homework completion, recruitment rate, and survey completion rate. Acceptability was assessed via the eight-item Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8; primary), the Credibility/Expectancy Questionnaire (CEQ), the System Usability Scale (SUS), and items assessing survey acceptability. Participants completed the Headache Disability Inventory (HDI) and Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-Self Report 16-item (QIDS-SR16) at baseline, mid-treatment, and post-treatment. Feasibility and acceptability rates were compared to a priori benchmarks. Participants (n = 16) were all female with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 45 (13) years, the majority of whom identified as White (13/16, 81%) and non-Hispanic (14/16, 88%). The intervention met the a priori criteria set for therapist fidelity to treatment protocol (mean [SD] MBCT-Treatment Acceptability and Competence Scale Adherence score 2.9 [0.2]), feasibility (mean [SD] session attendance was 7.9/8 [0.3]), and acceptability (mean [SD] CSQ-8 score 28.8 [3.3]) for the entire sample and for each treatment arm. The usability of the remote-delivery system was high across study participants (mean [SD] SUS score 84.8 [11.0]). Survey procedures were broadly deemed acceptable, with at least 80% participants either endorsing "Agree" or "Strongly Agree" across all items. Using Wilcoxon tests, we observed significant reductions in both the HDI (pre-treatment median [interquartile range] score 63 [40, 70] vs. post-treatment 36 [26, 54], p = 0.004) and the QIDS-SR16 (pre-treatment median [interquartile range] score 8 [5, 13] vs. post-treatment 4 [3, 6], p = 0.003). We found that remotely delivered MBCT-brief for migraine and depressive symptoms was feasible and acceptable to patients in both the telephone and video modalities. Intervention was associated with significant post-treatment reductions in headache-related disability and depressive symptomatology, findings that must be interpreted cautiously in the absence of a control group.

Internet-based cognitive behavioral intervention for adolescents with anxiety disorders: a study protocol for a parallel three armed randomized controlled trial

BackgroundAnxiety disorders are among the most prevalent mental health concerns affecting children and adolescents. Despite their high prevalence, statistics indicate that fewer than 25% of individuals in this demographic seek professional assistance for their condition. Consequently, there is a pressing need to develop innovative interventions aimed at improving treatment accessibility. ObjectivesThis study aims to assess the effectiveness of Internet-delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (iCBT) for adolescents with anxiety, with a specific emphasis on involving parents in the treatment process.MethodsThe study is structured as a parallel three-armed randomized controlled trial, comparing Internet-delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (iCBT) with planned feedback, iCBT with on-demand feedback, and a waitlist control group, each group including 56 participants. Participants in the two iCBT conditions will undergo a 14-week treatment regimen, while those in the waitlist control group will wait for 14 weeks before starting iCBT with planned feedback. Additionally, participants in the iCBT groups will be randomly assigned to receive a booster session or not. The study design is factorial including two factors: type of therapist feedback (factor 1) and booster or no booster (factor 2). The study population comprises adolescents aged between 12 and 17 years, residing in Denmark, diagnosed with an anxiety disorder according to DSM-5 criteria. The primary outcome measures are the Youth Online Diagnostic Assessment and the Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale. Assessments will occur at baseline, post-treatment, and at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups post-treatment.DiscussionThe findings of this study are anticipated to contribute to improving the accessibility of evidence-based treatments for adolescents with anxiety.Trial registrationThe study is registered at clinicalTrials.gov, under protocol ID 22/59602. The Initial release was the 16.10.2023, first posted due to technical problems 16.04.2024. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06368557?locStr=Odense,%20Denmark&country=Denmark&city=Odense&page=2&rank=13.

Efficacy of a culturally adapted, cognitive behavioural therapy-based intervention for postnatal depression in British south Asian women (ROSHNI-2): a multicentre, randomised controlled trial

Postnatal depression necessitates timely and effective interventions to mitigate adverse maternal and child outcomes in the short term and over the life course. British south Asian women with depression are often underserved and undertreated due to stigma, language barriers, and cultural barriers. This trial aimed to test the clinical efficacy of a culturally adapted, group cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)-based intervention, the Positive Health Programme (PHP), delivered by non-specialist health workers for postnatal depression in British south Asian women. This study was a randomised controlled trial, with culturally adapted recruitment and an internal pilot, comparing the PHP (intervention group) with treatment as usual (control group) in British south Asian women with postnatal depression. The study was conducted at five centres across the UK. Participants were aged 16 years or older, met the DSM-5 criteria for depression, and had infants aged 0-12 months. Randomisation (1:1) was stratified by centre, with a block size of 18, and was done through an independent remote telephone service. The PHP was delivered over 12 group sessions in 4 months. The primary outcome was recovery from depression (defined as a Hamilton Depression Rating Scale [HDRS] score ≤7) at 4 months after randomisation, and an assessment was also done at 12 months. Analysis was on an intention-to-treat basis including only participants with non-missing outcome data; we used a random-effects logistic regression model including fixed covariates for study site, baseline depression severity (HDRS score), parity, and years in education and a random coefficient for therapy group. This trial is registered with the ISRCTN (ISRCTN10697380). Of the 9136 individuals approached for recruitment between Feb 8, 2017, and March 29, 2020, 4296 women were eligible for and consented to screening, among whom 732 screened positive and were randomly allocated: 368 (50%) to the PHP group and 364 (50%) to the control group. Participants were mostly of Pakistani (397 [55%] of 719 with available data), Indian (176 [24%]), or Bangladeshi ethnicity (127 [18%]), with an overall mean age of 31·4 years (SD 5·2), with their youngest infants having a mean age of 23·6 weeks (14·2). At 4 months from randomisation, the proportion of participants who showed recovery from depression on the HDRS was significantly higher in the PHP group (138 [49%] of 281) than in the control group (105 [37%] of 281; adjusted odds ratio 1·97 [95% CI 1·26-3·10]). At the 12-month follow-up, this difference was no longer significant (1·02 [95% CI 0·62-1·66]). In British south Asian women with postnatal depression, a culturally adapted group CBT-based intervention could aid in quicker recovery from depression compared with treatment as usual. Further research is needed to identify how to sustain the treatment effect and establish strategies for scale-up. UK National Institute for Health and Care Research.

The Friends and Family for Mental Health Program: a pilot study of a cognitive behavioral therapy skills intervention for rural adults.

Limited access to psychological treatment is a pressing problem in the US, especially in more rural areas. One potentially underutilized resource is informal care from friends and family members. Although those in rural areas rely on informal care more than those in urban areas, there is little to guide interested caregivers in how they can be most effective. In this study, we conducted a pilot test of the Friends and Family for Mental Health Program, a mental health skills program we developed to enhance informal care and reduce psychological symptoms among informal caregivers. To provide an initial test of the potential benefits of this program, we evaluated the impact of the program on informal care skills, hope, psychological symptoms, and mental health skills. Informal care skills and hope improved. Participants also reported reduced anxiety. We considered intervention feedback to inform intervention development. Overall, findings provided preliminary support for the program and provide directions for future refinements. Though further research is needed, initial evidence suggests mental health skills programs directed at informal caregivers are both desired and beneficial in rural areas.

Family-Centered Treatment Program for Problematic Gaming and Excessive Screen Use in a Clinical Child and Youth Population (FAME): Protocol for a Feasibility Pilot Mixed Method Study.

Screen time among children and adolescents has increased dramatically, raising concerns about its impact on development and mental health. While research highlights both potential benefits and risks, excessive use has been linked to issues like anxiety, depression, and gaming addiction. Despite growing concern, effective interventions are scarce. Recognizing the importance of family dynamics in child development, we propose a family-centered program to address problematic gaming and excessive screen use in a clinical population. By involving both children and parents, we aim to create a more comprehensive approach to prevention and treatment. This study aims to determine the possibility of distributing and evaluating a family-centered group program for problematic gaming and excessive screen use (FAME) in a clinical child and adolescent psychiatry (CAP) population. We will monitor the recruitment rate; track the retention and attendance rates of both parents and children; and assess whether each session's objectives are met, the content is delivered within the allotted time, and the necessary resources (eg, facilitators and materials) are available. Additionally, we will gather qualitative and quantitative feedback from participants through postprogram surveys and individual interviews with both children and parents. A total of 10 families with ongoing contact with CAP in Skåne, Sweden, will be recruited and offered participation in a family-centered group program targeting children aged 10-18 years with reported difficulties regarding screen gaming or screen use. The intervention to be tested is a newly developed, family-centered, psychoeducational, cognitive behavioral therapy-based intervention addressing both positive and negative aspects of screen use; setting boundaries; the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; conflict triggers; and sleep hygiene. The primary goal of the pilot study is to test the feasibility of the program, as well as recruitment and the analysis of participants' experiences with the program. A total of 11 children and their parents were enrolled during first quarter of 2024. A 4-session pilot was delivered in first quarter of 2024, and the first results are expected in the third quarter of 2024. The overarching goal of this pilot study is to determine the possibility of distributing and evaluating a family-centered group program for problematic gaming and excessive screen use (FAME) in a clinical CAP population. The insights gained from this study will guide our future research, which will focus on conducting a larger-scale evaluation of the intervention's impact on family screen time conflicts and inform future strategies for the implementation of family-centered interventions in child and youth clinics. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06098807; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06098807. DERR1-10.2196/56387.

Effectiveness of a digital single-session cognitive behavioral psychoeducational intervention in reducing public stigma associated with psychosis: A randomized controlled trial

Psychosis is a severe mental health condition that is highly stigmatized, significantly increasing the costs of mental healthcare and reducing the productivity of those affected. Due to public stigma, individuals with psychosis often delay seeking professional help, exacerbating the socioeconomic burden of their ill-health. Psychoeducation, delivered in a structured and systematic manner, has been a key part of evidence-based psychological treatments and has been gradually adopted in stigma reduction efforts. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a digital single-session cognitive behavioral psychoeducation intervention in reducing public stigma toward people with psychosis in a collectivist society through a randomized controlled trial. Stigma was assessed using standardized self-report tools at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 1-month follow-up. A significant reduction was observed in stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination on seven out of 10 public stigma components post-intervention. However, the desired effects were maintained for only two components at the 1-month follow-up. No significant changes were found in negative emotions, tolerance, and support from pre-intervention to post-intervention. Attribution of responsibility significantly increased after the intervention, contrary to predictions. The findings of this study provide empirical support for the short-term effectiveness of a brief cognitive behavioral psychoeducation intervention in reducing public stigma toward individuals with psychosis while highlighting the potential benefits of delivering this intervention digitally. At the same time, the limitations of individual-level interventions in sustaining long-term effects are discussed from a sociocultural perspective. This study also examined the relevance of these findings in the context of health economics.

The near and far transfer effects of computerized working memory training in typically developing preschool children: Evidence from event-related potentials

Working memory (WM) refers to the ability to actively maintain and process information needed to complete complex tasks such as comprehension, learning, and reasoning. Recent studies have examined the efficacy of computerized working memory training (WMT) in improving cognitive functions in general and WM in particular, with mixed results. Thus, to what extent can WMT produce near and far transfer effects to cognitive function is currently unclear. This study investigated the transfer effects of a computerized WMT for preschool children and also examined the possible neural correlates using the event-related potential (ERP) technique. A total of 50 Chinese preschoolers (64.44 ± 7.76 months old; 24 girls) received 4-week training during school hours. Compared with those in the active control group, children in the training group showed better gains in behavioral performance in the WM task and significantly more changes in ERP markers of the WM and inhibitory control tasks (near transfer effect). However, no evidence was found for transfer to fluid intelligence (far transfer effect). These findings suggest that WMT is capable of enhancing cognitive functioning in preschool children, and as such this work has important implications for educational practice and it may help to design and refine cognitive interventions for typically developing children and those with WM problems or other cognitive deficits (e.g., children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder).