Combined Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Research Articles

Chronic lower back pain: diagnosis and current principles of therapy

Chronic nonspecific lower back pain (LBP) is one of the most common causes of adult disability. The chronic course of back pain is often supported by the patient's unhealthy lifestyle and the use of ineffective treatments. The combination of cognitive behavioral therapy, therapeutic exercises, gradually increased physical activity, and rational pharmacotherapy are effective in most cases of chronic non-specific LBP. In this disease, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the first-choice drugs that should be prescribed in a short cycle. The choice of NSAIDs is determined by the presence of concurrent diseases in the patient and by the risk of developing adverse events. The paper discusses the efficacy and safety of meloxicam in non-specific NSAIDs.

Optimization of the management of a patient with a backache (with clinical observation)

Back pain in terms of socio-economic losses over the past 5 years has come to the first place among the causes of disability, and therefore the problem of rapid effective anesthesia and rehabilitation of this large group of patients is topical. In most cases, the main sources of back pain are the structures of the musculoskeletal system, and the reasons are their microtraumatization due to sudden unprepared movements, prolonged stay in a static position, heavy physical labor. The task of clinical and instrumental examination is to exclude specific causes of dorsalgia. It is also important to present the results of the survey in an accessible form, in particular to correctly interpret the data from neuroimaging research methods. Adequate anaesthesia for acute back pain, informing the patient about the favorable prognosis of the disease and early motor activation are essential to prevent the transition of the physiological feeling of pain into the pathological process - chronic pain syndrome. When dealing with chronic pain, the interaction of specialists of different profiles in the multidisciplinary team is required. Kinesiotherapy, ergotherapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy are the main methods of non-drug treatment of lower back painIt is recommended that the patient maintains the usual level of physical activity and then increases it. It is necessary to teach the patient to correctly perform movements in the social, professional and domestic spheres, to explain how to avoid unsafe movements that can provoke dorsalgia. The article presents the observation of a patient with chronic back pain. Success in treatment has been achieved through effective anesthesia through rational selection of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Dexalgin), local administration of local anesthetics to overcome kinesiophobia, and a combination of cognitive-behavioural therapy, kinesiotherapy, and ergotherapy.

Feasibility of Computerized Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Combined With Bifrontal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Treatment of Major Depression

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) has demonstrated preliminary antidepressant effects and beneficial effects on cognitive function. We investigated the feasibility and acceptability of using tDCS to enhance the effects of computer-based CBT for treatment of MDD. In a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study, 14 patients with MDD on stable or no pharmacotherapy received active or sham bifrontal tDCS for four weeks with concurrent CBT. Ten participants completed the protocol. Three withdrew from the study because of lack of efficacy or dislike of the eCBT program. One was discontinued from the protocol by the investigators. Treatment was well tolerated, and most side-effects were mild and consistent with prior tDCS research. Pooled data from both groups showed significant baseline to endpoint improvement in depression (p = 0.008). Overall percent change on the HAMD-21 was 28.98%. The study was underpowered to detect differences in tDCS treatment groups. Combining tDCS with computer-based CBT is feasible for MDD. Further work is needed to evaluate potential synergistic effects of combined tDCS and CBT.

The Role of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Opioid Use Reduction in Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease: Protocol for a Systematic Review.

BackgroundSickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder of red blood cells that results in acute and chronic health problems, including painful syndromes. Opioid analgesia is the mainstay of moderate to severe pain management in SCD, although adjunctive psychosocial approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are increasingly incorporated. CBT has been used in populations of various ages to address a wide range of issues, such as mood disorders and chronic pain. It is unclear if effective CBT reduces the use of opioids to manage pain in pediatric SCD.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to evaluate the association between CBT and decreased opioid use in children with SCD.MethodsIn this systematic review protocol, we describe our approach to applying predetermined eligibility criteria to searches of PubMed (including Medline), Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, and PsycINFO databases, as well as Google Scholar and grey literature. In particular, we will use keywords to search for English-language studies of individuals with SCD aged 21 years old and younger published before November 2018. Keywords will allow us to assess for the primary outcome—total use of opioid medications—and the secondary outcomes—pain intensity and emotional functioning—during pain management using a combined opioid and CBT approach, opioids alone, or CBT alone. The review team will use standardized abstraction forms to review articles at the title, abstract, and full-text levels. Finally, reviewers will assess the risk for bias, quality of evidence, and adequacy of data for quantitative versus qualitative synthesis. If meta-analysis is deemed inappropriate, a narrative review will be conducted.ResultsWe will report a summary of findings across studies that meet eligibility criteria to compare the extent to which adjunctive CBT is associated with decreased opioid use among children with SCD.ConclusionsThis systematic review will present the current state of the evidence on CBT and opioid use in pediatric SCD, which may inform clinical practice and health policy to support optimized pain management.International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)PRR1-10.2196/13211

The Relation between Improvement in the Therapeutic Alliance and Interpersonal Functioning for Individuals with Emotional Disorders

Background: Individuals with emotional disorders often have comorbid relationship problems, and improving interpersonal functioning is a common goal of treatment. Research indicates that the therapeutic alliance is associated with broad symptom improvement; however, no study has examined whether the alliance promotes improved interpersonal functioning for individuals with emotional disorders and varying levels of interpersonal difficulties. The present study tested whether improvement in the alliance is associated with enhanced interpersonal functioning and examined whether this association is stronger for individuals with higher, relative to lower, relationship difficulties. Methods: Adults (ages 18–70; N = 251) with primarily major depressive disorder (55.4%) or generalized anxiety disorder (34.2%) received combined cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacological treatment at a psychiatric hospital day program. At both pre- and post-treatment, participants completed self-report assessments of the alliance, relationship problems, and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Results: Across the full sample, improvement in alliance (bond, tasks, and goals) was associated with improved interpersonal functioning. Additionally, agreement on treatment goals more strongly predicted enhanced interpersonal functioning for individuals presenting to treatment with higher, relative to lower, relationship difficulties—controlling for depression and anxiety symptom severity. Conclusions: These findings contribute to research identifying ways to improve interpersonal functioning (i.e., strengthening the alliance) for individuals entering treatment with emotional disorders and varying levels of relationship difficulties.

<p>Deep brain stimulation in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder: current perspectives</p>

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a neuro-psychosurgical technique widely accepted in movement disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease. Since 1999, DBS has been explored for severe, chronic and treatment-refractory psychiatric diseases. Our review focuses on DBS in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), considered as a last treatment resort by most of learned societies in psychiatry. Two main stimulation areas have been studied: the striatal region and the subthalamic nucleus. But, most of the trials are open-labeled, and the rare controlled ones have failed to highlight the most efficient target. The recent perspectives are otherwise encouraging. Indeed, clinicians are currently considering other promising targets. A case series of 2 patients reported a decrease in OCD symptoms after DBS in the medial forebrain bundle and an open-label study is exploring bilateral habenula stimulation. New response criteria are also investigating such as quality of life, or subjective and lived-experience. Moreover, first papers about cost-effectiveness which is an important criterion in decision making, have been published. The effectiveness of tractography-assisted DBS or micro-assisted DBS is studying with the aim to improve targeting precision. In addition, a trial involving rechargeable pacemakers is undergoing because this mechanism could be efficient and have a positive impact on cost-effectiveness. A recent trial has discussed the possibility of using combined cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and DBS as an augmentation strategy. Finally, based on RDoc Research, the latest hypotheses about the understanding of cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical circuits could offer new directions including clinical predictors and biomarkers to perform adaptive closed-loop systems in the next future.

A complex presentation of body dysmorphic disorder, social phobia and unresolved grief

This case is a complex presentation of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), social phobia and unresolved grief in a 23 year old male with no social support. He appears to have benefitted immensely from a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), antidepressant medication and Occupational Therapy. Identification of patients with BDD presenting in surgical and medical practices is essential and can be facilitated by validated screening tools such as the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Questionnaire (BDDQ). At the moment, the best evidence-based treatment is CBT and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). Nonetheless, novel approaches to therapeutic applications include the investigation of eye-tracking focus on body parts in BDD.

Psychological interventions for needle-related procedural pain and distress in children and adolescents.

Psychological interventions for needle-related procedural pain and distress in children and adolescents.

Designing a Pilot Study Protocol to Test a Male Alcohol Use and Intimate Partner Violence Reduction Intervention in India: Beautiful Home.

Introduction: Evidence suggests alcohol consumption is correlated with intimate partner violence (IPV) making alcohol reduction interventions a promising method for reducing IPV. While both financial incentive and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) interventions in high-income countries, respectively, have effectively reduced alcohol consumption and IPV perpetration among men, little evidence exists demonstrating that these approaches can work in a low-resource setting.Methods: The objective of this study is to design and pilot test a low-cost, scalable intervention for reducing alcohol consumption and IPV in Bengaluru, India, where alcohol has been shown to be a key driver of high rates of IPV. A pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) design will be used to examine the feasibility of testing a combined incentive and CBT based intervention among couples to stimulate immediate behavior change and to sustain positive behaviors pertaining to alcohol use and IPV. Sixty couples will be screened and enrolled into one of three study arms: an incentive-only, incentive plus counseling, or a control arm. Extensive procedures have been included to ensure participant safety, including staff training on global safety procedures for violence intervention research, careful messaging of study aims, screening procedures to exclude those at high risk of alcohol withdrawal or severe violence due to the study, and a referral and case management system. Male and female participants will complete surveys at baseline and immediately and 3-months post-intervention. Breathalyzers will be used to capture male participants' blood alcohol content daily for intervention arm participants and three times a week for control participants. A sub-sample of male and female members of couples will participate in qualitative in-depth interviews to further explore pathways to change. The results from this preliminary study will inform the development of a larger RCT study of male alcohol and IPV reduction.

Antidepressant Medication: Is It a Viable and Valuable Adjunct to Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for School Refusal?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for school refusal. However, some youth do not respond to CBT. The serious risks associated with school nonattendance call for novel approaches to help those who do not respond to CBT. Because school refusal is commonly associated with anxiety disorders, and the combination of CBT and antidepressant medication enhances outcomes in the treatment of anxiety disorders, combined treatment may be effective for school refusal. This narrative review evaluates the current evidence base for adding antidepressant treatment to CBT for school refusal. Six randomized controlled trials (RCTs), two open trials, six case studies/series, and one observational study were identified and reviewed. There is support for combined CBT and imipramine, but this medication is not typically used due to the risk of concerning side effects. Two recent RCTs failed to provide evidence for the superiority of combined CBT and fluoxetine. Further research in this area is required because the extant studies have a number of methodological limitations. Recommendations are provided for clinicians who consider prescribing antidepressant medication or referring for adjunctive antidepressant treatment for school refusal.

Effects of a combined lumbar stabilization exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy on selected variables of individuals with non-specific low back pain: A randomized clinical trial

ObjectiveTo determine whether combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) along with Lumbar Stabilization Exercise (LSE) has more benefit in terms of reduction in pain, disability and fear avoidance beliefs of persons with non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) as compared to LSE alone. Material and methodsForty-six individuals, with NSCLBP participated in this single blind randomized clinical trial. Participants were randomly assigned into one of two groups: CBT+LSE; (n=23) and LSE only; (n=23). Treatment was applied twice a week for 6 weeks. Outcomes assessed pre- and post-interventions were pain intensity (PI) using visual analogue scale (VAS), functional disability (FD) using Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Fear Avoidance Beliefs (FAB) using Fear-Avoidance Beliefs questionnaire (FABQ). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired and independent t-tests as well as ANCOVA at α<0.05. ResultsParticipants in both groups were comparable in age and at all baseline values. The results showed no significant difference between the two groups for pain intensity (3.11±1.24 vs 3.33±1.41, p>0.05), FD (27.16±9.14 vs 30.22±11.98, p>0.05), physical activity related fear avoidance beliefs (13.63±7.60 vs 16.11±5.73, p>0.05) and work related fear avoidance beliefs (24.47±10.86 vs 28.72±9.405, p>0.05). However, there was a significant difference within each group in all the outcomes measured, p<0.05. ConclusionCombined intervention of CBT plus LSE was not more effective than LSE alone in the management of non-specific chronic low back pain.

Pilot Randomized Trial of Integrated Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Neuromuscular Training for Juvenile Fibromyalgia: The FIT Teens Program

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) improves coping and daily functioning in adolescents with juvenile fibromyalgia (JFM), but is less effective in reducing pain. This pilot trial evaluated the efficacy of a novel intervention (Fibromyalgia Integrative Training for Teens; FIT Teens) which integrates CBT with specialized neuromuscular exercise training to enhance the effect of treatment on reducing pain and disability. Forty adolescents with JFM (12–18 years) were randomized to CBT-only or FIT Teens. Treatment was conducted in group-based sessions over 8 weeks with assessments at baseline, post-treatment, and 3-month follow-up (primary end point). Primary outcomes were pain intensity and functional disability. Secondary outcomes were depressive symptoms, fear of movement, and pain catastrophizing. Thirty-six participants (mean age = 15.33 years; 90% female) completed the program. Intent to treat analysis was conducted to evaluate differences between the FIT Teens and CBT groups from baseline to 3-month follow-up, controlling for baseline group differences. Participants in the FIT Teens group showed significantly greater decreases in pain than the CBT group. FIT Teens participants also showed significant improvements in disability, but did not differ from CBT-only at the 3-month end point. Results provide preliminary evidence that the FIT Teens intervention provides added benefits beyond CBT in the treatment of JFM, particularly in pain reduction. PerspectiveResults from this pilot randomized controlled trial of a new combined CBT and specialized neuromuscular exercise intervention (FIT Teens), compared with CBT alone suggested that FIT Teens offers stronger treatment benefits than CBT alone at initial treatment follow-up, especially with respect to the outcome of pain reduction.

Effectiveness of a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and task-oriented balance training in reducing the fear of falling in patients with chronic stroke: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe consequences of falls are devastating for patients with stroke. Balance problems and fear of falling are two major challenges, and recent systematic reviews have revealed that habitual physical exercise training alone cannot reduce the occurrence of falls in stroke survivors. However, recent trials with community-dwelling healthy older adults yielded the promising result that interventions with a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) component can simultaneously promote balance and reduce the fear of falling. Therefore, the aim of the proposed clinical trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of a combination of CBT and task-oriented balance training (TOBT) in promoting subjective balance confidence, and thereby reducing fear-avoidance behavior, improving balance ability, reducing fall risk, and promoting independent living, community reintegration, and health-related quality of life of patients with stroke.MethodsThe study will constitute a placebo-controlled single-blind parallel-group randomized controlled trial in which patients are assessed immediately, at 3 months, and at 12 months. The selected participants will be randomly allocated into one of two parallel groups (the experimental group and the control group) with a 1:1 ratio. Both groups will receive 45 min of TOBT twice per week for 8 weeks. In addition, the experimental group will receive a 45-min CBT-based group intervention, and the control group will receive 45 min of general health education (GHE) twice per week for 8 weeks. The primary outcome measure is subjective balance confidence. The secondary outcome measures are fear-avoidance behavior, balance ability, fall risk, level of activities of daily living, community reintegration, and health-related quality of life.DiscussionThe proposed clinical trial will compare the effectiveness of CBT combined with TOBT and GHE combined with TOBT in promoting subjective balance confidence among chronic stroke patients.We hope our results will provide evidence of a safe, cost-effective, and readily transferrable therapeutic approach to clinical practice that reduces fear-avoidance behavior, improves balance ability, reduces fall risk, promotes independence and community reintegration, and enhances health-related quality of life.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02937532. Registered on 17 October 2016.

Is combined CBT therapy more effective than drug therapy alone for ADHD in children? A meta-analysis

Based on published research on the combined cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) versus drug therapy alone in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), we systematically reviewed and analyzed the efficacy of two treatment methods in children with ADHD. The literature as at the end of 10 July 2017 in multiple databases was systematically searched. Standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. The results indicated that combined CBT therapy was efficacious in reducing symptoms of ADHD (SDM [Formula: see text]0.48, 95% CI [Formula: see text]0.80 to [Formula: see text]0.17). The executive function scores were not improved more in the combined CBT (SMD [Formula: see text]0.34; 95% CI [Formula: see text]0.71 to 0.03). This study suggests that combined CBT seems more efficacious in some domains affecting children with ADHD, but further evaluation is needed.

Mobile and traditional cognitive behavioral therapy programs for generalized anxiety disorder: A cost-effectiveness analysis.

BackgroundGeneralized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a debilitating mental health illness that affects approximately 3.1% of U.S. adults and can be treated with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). With the emergence of digital health technologies, mobile CBT may be a cost-effective way to deliver care. We developed an analysis framework to quantify the cost-effectiveness of internet-based CBT for individuals with GAD. As a case study, we examined the potential value of a new mobile-delivered CBT program for GAD.MethodsWe developed a Markov model of GAD health states combined with a detailed economic analysis for a cohort of adults with GAD in the U.S. In our case study, we used pilot program efficacy data to evaluate a mobile CBT program as either prevention or treatment only and compared the strategies to traditional CBT and no CBT. Traditional CBT efficacy was estimated from clinical trial results. We calculated discounted incremental costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) over the cohort lifetime.Case study resultsIn the base case, for a cohort of 100,000 persons with GAD, we found that mobile CBT is cost-saving. It leads to a gain of 34,108 QALYs and 81,492 QALYs and a cost reduction of $2.23 billion and $4.54 billion when compared to traditional CBT and no CBT respectively. Results were insensitive to most model inputs and mobile CBT remained cost-saving in almost all scenarios.LimitationsThe case study was conducted for illustrative purposes and used mobile CBT efficacy data from a small pilot program; the analysis should be re-conducted once robust efficacy data is available. The model was limited in its ability to measure the effectiveness of CBT in combination with pharmacotherapy.ConclusionsMobile CBT may lead to improved health outcomes at lower costs than traditional CBT or no intervention and may be effective as either prevention or treatment.

Feasibility and acceptability of combining cognitive behavioural therapy techniques with swallowing therapy in head and neck cancer dysphagia

BackgroundHead and neck cancer squamous cell carcinoma (HNSSC) patients report substantial rates of clinically significant depression and/or anxiety, with dysphagia being a predictor of distress and poorer quality of life. Evidence-based dysphagia interventions largely focus on the remediation of physical impairment. This feasibility study evaluates an intervention which simultaneously uses a psychological therapy approach combined with swallowing impairment rehabilitation.MethodsThis prospective single cohort mixed-methods study, recruited HNSCC patients with dysphagia, from two institutions. The intervention combined Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with swallowing therapy (CB-EST), was individually tailored, for up to 10 sessions and delivered by a speech and language therapist. Primary acceptability and feasibility measures included recruitment and retention rates, data completion, intervention fidelity and the responsiveness of candidate outcome measures. Measures included a swallowing questionnaire (MDADI), EORTC-QLQH&N35, dietary restrictions scale, fatigue and function scales and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), administered pre-, post-CB-EST with three month follow-up and analysed using repeated measures ANOVA. Qualitative interviews were conducted to evaluate intervention processes.ResultsA total of 30/43 (70%) eligible patients agreed to participate and 25 completed the intervention. 84% were male, mean age 59 yrs. Patients were between 1 and 60 months (median 4) post-cancer treatment. All patients had advanced stage disease, treated with surgery and radiotherapy (38%) or primary chemoradiotherapy (62%). Pre to post CB-EST data showed improvements in MDADI scores (p = 0.002), EORTC-QLQH&N35 (p = 0.006), dietary scale (p < 0.0001), fatigue (p = 0.002) but no change in function scales or HADS. Barriers to recruitment were the ability to attend regular appointments and patient suitability or openness to a psychological-based intervention.ConclusionsCB-EST is a complex and novel intervention, addressing the emotional, behavioural and cognitive components of dysphagia alongside physical impairment. Preliminary results are promising. Further research is required to evaluate efficacy and effectiveness.

Comparative effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy combined with exercise versus exercise in the management of non-specific chronic low back pain: A systematic review with meta-analysis

Aims: To systematically review the evidence for the effectiveness of combining cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and exercise versus exercise alone in the management of patients with non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP). Methods: Electronic search of CINAHL, PUBMED, Sports Discuss, SCOPUS, AMED, MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and EMBASE, between 1990 – July 2017; complemented by hand searching of citation lists and citation tracking. Two independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts from the retrieved search results. Studies were considered based on PRISMA guidelines. Data was extracted based on Cochrane the Handbook of Systematic Reviews guidelines; the Cochrane Data Collection Form for Intervention Reviews (RCTs only), was customized and utilized. Risk of bias assessment was undertaken utilizing the Cochrane Back Review Group recommendations employing two independent reviewers. Meta-analysis was used to produce a weighted average for primary outcome measures, namely pain and disability. Results: Four studies were included (n = 406 participants); all studies provided post intervention results on pain and disability. Meta-analysis showed no significant difference between groups for both pain and disability, post intervention in the short term (pain; SMD -0.02, 95% CI -0.23 to 0.19; disability; SMD 0.06, 95% CI -0.15 to 0.27); medium term (pain; SMD -0.01, 95% CI -0.24 to0.22; disability; SMD 0.00, 95% CI -0.23 to 0.23); and long term (pain; SMD 0.06, 95% CI -0.18 to 0.29; disability; SMD -0.06, 95% CI -0.39 to 0.27). Conclusion: The findings from this review reveal that there is no significant difference between groups; that is, there is moderate level evidence that the addition of CBT to exercise for patients with NSCLBP does not improve pain and disability outcomes in either the short, medium, or long term; however, both interventions (CBT plus exercise and exercise alone) produce favourable outcomes.

An Interdisciplinary Approach to the Management of Vocal Cord Dysfunction in an Elite Female Swimmer: A Case Study

Acute pulmonary disorders are commonplace within the athletic population, with exercise induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), and vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) common diagnoses. VCD is a condition that causes the adduction of the vocal folds during inhalation, causing obstruction at the larynx and thereby a severely impaired sporting performance. VCD can be brought on by laryngeal irritants, emotional and psychological stress and asthma. The gold standard of treatment for VCD centres on an interdisciplinary approach from specialists that often include a respiratory consultant, speech and language therapist (SLT) and a psychologist. The present case study details the interdisciplinary approach to the treatment of an elite female swimmer with VCD with an intervention programme that lasted nine weeks, instigated by a local general practitioner (G.P.) who chose to engage a Sport Psychology Consultant (SPC) due to the sport-specific nature of the psychological stress experienced by the individual. The steps involved in the design of the sport psychology interventions are outlined and the relationship of those interventions to the work of the other specialists is discussed. The 9 week intervention programme was aimed at reducing perfectionist tendencies and competitive state anxiety using a combination of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), goal-setting and imagery. Overall, the treatment programme was deemed a success as perfectionism and competitive state anxiety levels reduced over time along with the frequency of VCD occurrence. This case study demonstrates the breadth of roles that can be undertaken by a SPC and raises awareness of a complex respiratory disorder that is not yet fully understood.

Effects of a program of cognitive-behavioural group therapy, vestibular rehabilitation, and psychoeducational explanations on patients with dizziness and no quantified balance deficit, compared to patients with dizziness and a quantified balance deficit

BackgroundWe examined whether a program combining cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), vestibular rehabilitation (VR) and psychoeducation is equally effective in improving psychometric measures in patients with dizziness independent of a balance deficit. Measures of patients with dizziness only (DO) were compared to those of patients also having a quantified balance deficit (QBD). Methods32 patients (23 female, 9 male) with persistent dizziness were analysed as 2 groups based on stance and gait balance control: those with QBD (pathological balance) or DO (normal balance). Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) questionnaires were used pre- and post-therapy to assess psychometric measures. Patients then received the same combination therapy in a group setting. ResultsThe QBD group mean age was 60.6, SD 8.3, and DO group mean age 44.8, SD 12.1, years. Pre-therapy, questionnaire scores were pathological but not different between groups. Balance improved significantly for the QBD group (p=0.003) but not for the DO group. DHI and BSI scores improved significantly in the DO group (0.001<p<0.045), some BSI sub-scores reaching normal levels. These scores were unchanged for the QBD group. Phobic anxiety scores changed most for both groups, being significantly correlated with DHI scores, higher (R=0.71 vs. 0.57) for the DO group. ConclusionsA combination of CBT, VR, and psychoeducation improves psychological measures in DO patients but not significantly in QBD patients, despite their balance control improving to near normal. Possibly, greater focus on phobic anxiety during the group therapy program would have improved psychological measures of QBD patient.

Initial outcomes of a combined cognitive–behavioral therapy and attention process training intervention for older adults with Parkinson’s disease.

Initial outcomes of a combined cognitive–behavioral therapy and attention process training intervention for older adults with Parkinson’s disease.