Low-intensity Psychological Interventions Research Articles

A Web-Based Stratified Stepped Care Mental Health Platform (TourHeart): Semistructured Interviews With Stakeholders

BackgroundTourHeart, a web-based stratified stepped care mental health platform, is a one-stop solution that integrates psychoeducation and other well-being promotional tools for mental health promotion and mental illness prevention and evidence-based, low-intensity psychological interventions for the treatment of people with anxiety and depressive symptoms. Instead of focusing only on symptom reduction, the platform aims to be person-centered and recovery-oriented, and continual feedback from stakeholders is sought. Understanding the perspectives of users and service providers enables platform developers to fine-tune both the design and content of the services for enhanced service personalization and personal recovery.ObjectiveThis qualitative study evaluated a web-based mental health platform by incorporating the perspectives of both users and service providers who administered the platform and provided coaching services. The platform included both web-based and offline services targeting adults along the mental health spectrum based on the two-continua model of mental health and mental illness.MethodsInterview questions were designed based on the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance framework (RE-AIM). Views on offline services, the design of the web-based platform, user experience, and the contents of the platform were explored using semistructured interviews. A total of 27 service users and 22 service providers were recruited using purposive criterion sampling. A hybrid thematic analysis was performed to identify salient aspects of users’ and providers’ experiences with and views of the platform.ResultsTotally, 3 broad themes (namely, the quality of the platform, drivers for platform use, and coaching services) emerged from the interview data that highlighted users’ views of and experiences with the web-based platform. The platform’s general esthetics, operations, and contents were found to be critical features and drivers for continued use. Although coaching services were indispensable, participants preferred the autonomy and anonymity associated with web-based mental health services.ConclusionsThis study highlights the importance of web-based mental health services being easy to navigate and understand, being user-centric, and providing adequate guidance in self-help. It also confirms existing design standards and recommendations and suggests that more rigorous, iterative user experience research and robust evaluation should be conducted in the future adaptation of web-based stratified stepped care services, so that they can be more personalized and better promote personal recovery.

A brief psychological intervention for improving the mental health of Venezuelan migrants and refugees: A mixed-methods study

The last decade has seen a rising interest in brief and affordable psychological interventions delivered by lay providers to address the unmet need for mental health care in low resource settings. This study sought to (i) determine whether the implementation of a culturally-adapted low-intensity psychological intervention – Problem Management Plus or PM+ – is associated with improved mental health among a sample of 72 Venezuelan migrants and refugees and Colombian returnees and, (ii) to identify context-specific factors determining its implementation. A randomised wait-list control trial was conducted to ascertain whether PM+ was associated with improved subjective wellbeing, as assessed by the World Health Organization-Five Wellbeing Index (WHO-5); quality of life, as assessed by the WHO Quality of Life – BREF; and self-identified problems, as assessed by the PSYCHLOPS. Three focus group discussions and eight semi-structured interviews with participants, supervisors and providers were conducted to understand the factors influencing the implementation of PM+ in this context. A univariate analysis of co-variance of the PM ​+ ​group's (n ​= ​38) post-intervention scores and the waitlisted groups' scores (n ​= ​25), controlling for baseline scores, sex, age, level of education, indicated significant effects for the PM ​+ ​group across all outcome measures: WHO-5 η2 ​= ​0.75, p = <.001), WHOQOL-BREF Physical (η2 ​= ​0.6, p = <.001); WHOQOL-BREF Psychological (η2 ​= ​0.78, p = <.001); WHOQOL-BREF Social Relationships (η2 ​= ​0.64, p = <.001) and WHOQOL-BREF Environment (η2 ​= ​0.48, p = <.001). In addition to baseline scores, female sex had a significant effect on the WHO-5 scores (η2 ​= ​0.06, p ​= ​.05). Cohen's d and Hedge's g were above 2.5 across all study outcomes. The following factors were found to influence the implementation of PM+: trust, engagement, integrated approach, teamwork, autonomy, supervision, acceptability and inclusion. Findings suggest that PM+ is an acceptable approach, associated with improved subjective wellbeing and quality of life of displaced populations.

Peer-led family-centred problem management plus for immigrants (PMP-I) for mental health promotion among immigrants in USA: protocol for a pilot, randomised controlled feasibility trial

IntroductionResearch is needed to investigate preventive strategies to reduce mental health burden and assess effective implementation among immigrants. Problem management plus (PMP) is a low-intensity multicomponent psychological intervention developed by...

Stress Management Skills in the Physicians Practice of Primary Care Level

Current approaches to non-specialized help with stress are set out in this article and stress management tools are provided, which are developed by WHO in the stress management handbook “Doing What Matters in Times of Stress: An Illustrated Guide”. This knowledge is especially current in the giving of first aid in emergencies, and in giving psychosocial support to patients as well, by primary care physicians, who must have effective communication skills and mutual understanding, and have experience in supporting people in difficult situations too, as it is specified in numerous WHO recommendations on mental health, in such as : «mhGAP Intervention Guide for mental, neurological and substance use disorders in nonspecialized health settings», «IASC Guidelines for mental health and psychosocial support in emergency settings»,«mhGAP Humanitarian Intervention Guide (mhGAP-HIG): clinical management of mental, neurological and substance use conditions in humanitarian emergencies», «Support for Rehabilitation: Self-Management after COVID-19 Related Illness» and etc. Aim – to give the information for the distant self-learning of the primary care professionals to use the simple stress-management tools in difficult circumstances. Distance learning is built on the basis of the evidence based WHO documents and recommendations about low intensity psychological interventions. The WHO Guide has five sections, where five ideas and techniques for reducing stress are descibed, which are designed as the acquisition of five skills. The authors at the end of each section of the Guide developed algorithms of use the skills of such tools as: «Grounding», «Unhooking», «Acting according to own values», «Showing kindness», «Creating space». The psychosocial support provided by the primary care physician / facilitator / assistant lies in helping people to use guidance and apply strategies in their own lives, and it prevents the professional burnout of healthcare professionals as well. The short information about WHO guide and stress -management methods are described in sufficient details to enhance the awareness level of the primary care personnel about stress-management tools use. As the result of using the Guide will enhance the capacity of local helth care staff and non medical staff to provide the mental health services and psychosocial support during the current COVID-19 pandemic, and readiness for the future emergencies.

Cost-effectiveness of a mental health drop-in centre for young people with long-term physical conditions

BackgroundPaediatric patients being treated for long-term physical health conditions (LTCs) have elevated mental health needs. However, mental health services in the community are difficult to access in the usual course of care for these patients. The Lucy Project – a self-referral drop-in access point—was a program to address this gap by enrolling patients for low-intensity psychological interventions during their treatment for LTCs. In this paper, we evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the Lucy Project.MethodsUsing a pre-post design, we evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the intervention by calculating the base-case incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) using outcomes data and expenses recorded by project staff. The target population was paediatric patients enrolled in the program with an average age of 9 years, treated over a time horizon of 6 months. Outcome data were collected via the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory, which was converted to health utility scores using an instrument found in the literature. The QALYs were estimated using these health utility scores and the length of the intervention. We calculate a second, practical-case incremental cost-effectiveness ratio using streamlined costing figures with maximum capacity patient enrolment within a one-year time horizon, and capturing lessons learned post-trial.ResultsThe base-case model showed an ICER of £21,220/Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALY) gained, while the practical model showed an ICER of £4,359/QALY gained. The practical model suggests the intervention garners significant gains in quality of life at an average cost of £309 per patient. Sensitivity analyses reveal use of staff time was the greatest determinant of the ICER, and the intervention is cost-effective 75% of the time in the base-case model, and 94% of the time in the practical-case model at a cost-effectiveness threshold of £20,000/QALY gained.ConclusionsWe find the base-case intervention improves patient outcomes and can be considered cost-effective according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) threshold of £20,000—£30,000/QALY gained, and the practical-case intervention is roughly four times as cost-effective as the base-case. We recommend future studies incorporate a control group to corroborate the effect size of the intervention.

Effectiveness of a WHO self-help psychological intervention for preventing mental disorders among Syrian refugees in Turkey: a randomized controlled trial.

Refugees are at high risk of developing mental disorders. There is no evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that psychological interventions can prevent the onset of mental disorders in this group. We assessed the effectiveness of a self-help psychological intervention developed by the World Health Organization, called Self-Help Plus, in preventing the development of mental disorders among Syrian refugees experiencing psychological distress in Turkey. A two-arm, assessor-masked RCT was conducted in two Turkish areas. Eligible participants were adult Syrian refugees experiencing psychological distress (General Health Questionnaire ≥3), but without a diagnosis of mental disorder. They were randomly assigned either to the Self-Help Plus arm (consisting of Self-Help Plus combined with Enhanced Care as Usual, ECAU) or to ECAU only in a 1:1 ratio. Self-Help Plus was delivered in a group format by two facilitators over five sessions. The primary outcome measure was the presence of any mental disorder assessed by the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview at six-month follow-up. Secondary outcome measures were the presence of mental disorders at post-intervention, and psychological distress, symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, personally identified psychological outcomes, functional impairment, subjective well-being, and quality of life at post-intervention and six-month follow-up. Between October 1, 2018 and November 30, 2019, 1,186 refugees were assessed for inclusion. Five hundred forty-four people were ineligible, and 642 participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to either Self-Help Plus (N=322) or ECAU (N=320). Self-Help Plus participants were significantly less likely to have any mental disorders at six-month follow-up compared to the ECAU group (21.69% vs. 40.73%; Cramer's V = 0.205, p<0.001, risk ratio: 0.533, 95% CI: 0.408-0.696). Analysis of secondary outcomes suggested that Self-Help Plus was not effective immediately post-intervention, but was associated with beneficial effects at six-month follow-up in terms of symptoms of depression, personally identified psychological outcomes, and quality of life. This is the first prevention RCT ever conducted among refugees experiencing psychological distress but without a mental disorder. Self-Help Plus was found to be an effective strategy for preventing the onset of mental disorders. Based on these findings, this low-intensity self-help psychological intervention could be scaled up as a public health strategy to prevent mental disorders in refugee populations exposed to ongoing adversities.

Feasibility of low-intensity psychological interventions for emotional and behavioural difficulties in children and young people with genetic conditions: a case series

Abstract Children with genetic conditions may experience significant mental health difficulties such as anxiety and challenging behaviour. However, understanding of the feasibility and effectiveness of psychological interventions for emotional and behavioural problems in the context of genetic conditions is limited. Low-intensity psychological interventions have demonstrated promise in paediatric populations and may be able to address their mental health difficulties. A case series design was used to assess the feasibility of low-intensity interventions for emotional and behavioural difficulties in children and young people with genetic conditions recruited from a mental health drop-in centre at a tertiary hospital. Participants received seven weekly sessions with a trained practitioner. The intervention was based on existing modular treatments and evidence-based self-help materials. Feasibility and treatment satisfaction were assessed, as well as measures of symptoms of anxiety and challenging behaviour, treatment goals and quality of life, at baseline, during treatment and 6-month follow-up. Five participants received treatment for challenging behaviour, one for anxiety, and one for obsessive compulsive disorder. All participants completed treatment. Clinically significant change in the SDQ Total score was found in three participants. All participants demonstrated progress in goals and symptoms of emotional and behavioural difficulties over the course of treatment. Low-intensity psychological interventions for emotional and behavioural difficulties in children and young people with genetic conditions is feasible, acceptable and potentially beneficial. Further research is warranted to examine the effectiveness of the intervention and its use in clinical paediatric settings. Key learning aims (1) To gain a basic understanding of low-intensity psychological intervention in children and young people with genetic conditions. (2) To enhance understanding of the practicalities and acceptability of delivering low-intensity psychological intervention to children and young people with genetic conditions and co-morbid emotional and behavioural difficulties. (3) To learn about the potential clinical benefits of delivering low-intensity psychological intervention to children and young people with genetic conditions in the context of stepped care.

INTERNET-DELIVERED LOW-INTENSITY CBT FOR PEOPLE WITH SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER IN A PERIOD OF COVID-19: RESULTS OF PILOT RESEARCH.

The aim: The study aims to provide evidence of the effectiveness of online low-intensity CBT-based psychological interventions on the psychological well-being of people with social anxiety disorders and related impairments in the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: 222 volunteers aged 18-35 years included in study: low-intensity CBT group (n=106) and control group (n=116). To assess the mental health prob¬lems were used International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) and a set of IAPT scales. Analyses considered levels of pre-post intervention effect sizes and clinically significant improvement of symptoms of social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, and distress in maintaining general and work activity scores. Results: Comparisons between the low-intensity interventions group and control (self-help guide psychological care as usual) indicated more reduction in the severity of symp¬toms of social anxiety disorder and comorbid impairments associated with depression or generalized anxiety disorder. Changes for social phobia and other outcomes indicate that the odds of relapse or exacerbation of symptoms in the control group are more significant than those after a CBT-based low-intensity psychosocial care program. Analysis showed a significant interaction between outcomes scores and the number of sessions: more than five online sessions and homework with a self-help guide improved outcome. Conclusions: This pilot trial provides initial evidence that low-intensity online interventions based on CBT result in reductions in psychological problems for persons with a social anxiety disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gamifying App-Based Low-Intensity Psychological Interventions to Prevent Sports Injuries in Young Athletes: A Review and Some Guidelines.

Sports injuries have become a real health concern. Particularly noticeable is the increasing number of severe sports injuries among young people. Sports injury (SI) is a multifactorial event where many internal and external, proximal and remote factors play a role in a recursive way, including physical and psychological variables. Accordingly, many voices expressing the need of tackling that and several prevention programs have arisen. Nevertheless, different barriers and limitations prevent a wide extension of well-controlled programs, closely monitored by highly specialized professionals in ordinary sports grass-root organizations. These have helped flourishing different low intensity (LI)-interventions and e-Health apps focusing on both physical warmup, training and fitness, and mental skills aimed at reducing athlete’s vulnerability to SIs. This kind of intervention usually uses self-administered techniques and/or non-specialized staff that can effectively monitoring the program. In fact, LI-interventions have shown to be effective coping with different health and psychological issues. However, these interventions face an important challenge: the lack of engagement people usually show. The current paper proposes how gamification can contribute to the engagement to such interventions. Based on the mechanics–dynamics–aesthetics framework to analyze game design, the paper suggests a set of guidelines app- and web-LI interventions aimed at preventing SIs should include to foster motivation and reduce attrition.

Psychotherapy in obstetrics: implementing low intensity psychological interventions

Összefoglaló. A szülés utáni időszakban megjelenő aggodalmak természetesnek tekinthetők, az anyák jelentős részénél azonban klinikai szintű szorongásos megbetegedés alakulhat ki. A postpartum időszakban a szorongásos tünetek gyakori előfordulása ronthatja az anya életminőségét, pszichés állapotát, s ezáltal kedvezőtlen hatást gyakorol az anya-gyermek kapcsolatra, a gyermek mentális fejlődésére, a párkapcsolatra, valamint a családi rendszer egyensúlyára. Kutatási eredmények igazolják, hogy a szorongásos zavar a későbbiekben megjelenő anyai depresszió előrejelzője lehet. A nemzetközi irányelvek (NICE) a peri- és postnatalis időszakban jelentkező szorongásos zavarok kezdeti kezelésében az alacsony intenzitású pszichoterápiás módszereket javasolják. Tanulmányunk elsődleges célja, hogy egy esetismertetésen keresztül, kérdőívekkel követve az állapot változását, bemutassuk a szülészet-nőgyógyászat területén alkalmazható, kis intenzitású pszichológiai intervenciók eszköztárát. Az utóbbi a kognitív viselkedésterápia alapmódszereit használja kórházi osztályos, illetve ambuláns keretek között. A pszichoedukációt, normalizálást és átkeretezést, problémafókuszú keresztmetszeti konceptualizálást, szisztematikus deszenzitizálást és problémamegoldó technikákat tartalmazó intervenciók hatására az anya jelentős szenvedést okozó szorongásos panaszai már négy pszichoterápiás találkozást követően csökkentek, az anya képessé vált arra, hogy gyermekét ellássa. A terápia hatékonyságát, a szorongás és a depresszió csökkenését a páciens szubjektív megélésén túlmenően az állapotkövető kérdőívek eredményei is teljesen mértékben alátámasztották. Eredményeink megerősítik, hogy az alacsony intenzitású pszichológiai intervenciók hatékonyan alkalmazhatók a kórházi osztályokon a szorongásos, depressziós panaszok csökkentésében és ezáltal költségkímélő módon a pszichés zavarok megelőzésében. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(44): 1776-1782. Summary. The occurrence of postpartum worries is considered a normative phenomenon, although the threshold of anxiety reaches clinical level and can lead to the development of postpartum anxiety disorder for a significant number of new mothers. Frequent occurrence of anxiety-related symptoms can negatively influence the mother's quality of life, psychological status, the mother-child relationship, the newborn's mental development, the relationship of the couple as well as the balance of the family system as a whole. Studies show that postpartum anxiety disorder can lead to depression later on. International guidelines (NICE) suggest peri- and postnatal anxiety disorders to be treated using low intensity psychological interventions (LIPIs). The aim of this study is to present the different methods of LIPIs used in obstetrics and gynecology through a clinical case study, while monitoring the outcomes in the mothers' psychological status by the use of questionnaires. LIPIs contain the basics of cognitive behavioural therapy used in hospitals in both in- and outpatient care. After only four psychotherapy sessions using psychoeducation, normalizing and reframing, problem-centered cross-sectional conceptualisation, systematic desensitization and problem solving techniques, the mother's severe symptoms of anxiety decreased significantly, enabling her to take proper care of the newborn. The efficacy of the therapy was confirmed thoroughly not only by the subjective experience of the patient, but the results of the questionnaires used to follow the psychological status of the patient. Our results show that LIPIs can be effectively used as a cost-effective method to reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression, and to prevent the development of mental health problems among hospital patients. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(44): 1776-1782.

Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis of the 12-item Arabic World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0) as a screening tool for Syrian refugees

BackgroundThe World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) is a generic measure of functional impairment and disability but to date no studies have reported its applicability in a population of Syrian refugees.AimsThe aim of this study was to explore the psychometric properties and factor structure of the Arabic version of the WHODAS 2.0 among a population of Syrian refugees in a Jordanian refugee camp setting. The tool was used as part of a screening procedure for a randomised controlled trial assessing the effectiveness of a low-intensity psychological intervention.MethodA representative sample of Syrian refugees (n= 650) were screened to assess levels of functional impairment and psychological distress. The screening results were used to explore the internal consistency and dimensionality of the WHODAS 2.0. We assessed level of convergence with the validated Kessler 10-item Psychological Distress Scale (K10), which assesses psychological distress. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted to explore the construct validity and factor structure of the WHODAS 2.0.ResultsThe mean baseline WHODAS 2.0 score was 20.5 (s.d. = 7.6). The internal consistency was acceptable (Cronbach's alpha 0.74), with all 12-items appearing to be related to the same construct. The WHODAS 2.0 was positively correlated with the K10 (r= 0.57,P &lt;0.001). The results of the EFA identified a three-factor solution accounting for 51% of variation, corresponding with factors related to self-activities, external activities and self-care. CFA results indicated good fit of the three-factor solution.ConclusionsThe results indicated that the WHODAS 2.0 has a three-factor solution and is an acceptable screening tool for use among Syrian refugees.

A pilot randomized controlled trial of online acceptance and commitment therapy versus compassion-focused therapy for chronic illness.

Literature suggests that acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is effective in improving well-being and in reducing psychopathological symptoms commonly experienced by people with chronic illness (CI). Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) reduces psychological distress, especially in individuals with high levels of shame and self-criticism, but few studies have explored CFT in CI. Additionally, studies almost exclusively compared ACT and CFT with inactive controls (wait-list; treatment as usual). Also, there is an interest in developing cost-effective mental health solutions, such as low-intensity online psychological interventions. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to assess the acceptability and compare the efficacy of four-session online ACT (n = 25) and CFT (n = 24) interventions in a sample of people with CI. Results showed both interventions were acceptable, with attrition rates at post-intervention comparable to those found in similar studies (around 50%). Intention-to-treat analyses showed that participants presented significantly less illness-related shame, less uncompassionate self-responding and more valued living after the intervention, although no difference was found between conditions. Results were sustained at 3- and 6-month follow-up. Results did not find statistical differences between conditions through reliable change index (RCI). Correlation between demographics and RCI showed that, at post-intervention, younger participants presented more behavioural awareness, men presented more valued action, and participants with CI for shorter periods presented less uncompassionate self-responding and less anxiety. Results suggest that low-intensity (four sessions) online ACT and CFT are cost-effective approaches to promote mental health of individuals with CI. Results and limitations are thoroughly discussed.

A Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating the Feasibility of a Low-Intensity Psychological Intervention for Fear of Memory Loss and Quality of Life in Older Adults: Protocol for the Reducing Fear and Avoidance of Memory Loss (REFRAME) Study.

BackgroundDementia is the most feared disease associated with aging. Prolonged fears about memory loss and dementia can have harmful consequences even in the absence of cognitive decline. Fear of dementia is associated with poorer health outcomes and psychological well-being and increased memory failures in older adults.ObjectiveWe will conduct a randomized controlled trial to determine the feasibility of a tailored, web-based mindfulness program to reduce fear of memory loss and increase quality of life in older adults experiencing heightened fear.MethodsEighty participants will be recruited and divided into 2 groups (40 in each group). One group will receive psychoeducation plus mindfulness training. A second group will receive psychoeducation, mindfulness training, and additional modules targeting maladaptive behavioral avoidance (ie, social and cognitive withdrawal).ResultsOur recent etiological model posits that maladaptive behavioral avoidance strategies critically underlie psychosocial dysfunction associated with fear of memory loss. Thus, we predict better outcomes in the second group, including reduced fear of memory loss (primary outcome), Alzheimer disease, anxiety, and subjective memory failures, and increased quality of life (secondary outcomes). Outcome measures will be applied at 5 time points (before, baseline, interim, and after the intervention, and at 3-month follow-up). Data will be analyzed using mixed models and correlations.ConclusionsResults from this study will contribute to the current literature on dementia-related fear and improve our understanding of how to effectively address and reduce these fears.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04821960; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04821960.International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)PRR1-10.2196/30514

The experience of autistic adults accessing adapted cognitive behaviour therapy: ADEPT (Autism Depression Trial) qualitative evaluation

BackgroundHigh rates of depression are frequently reported in autistic adults. There have been no randomised trials investigating low-intensity psychological interventions for mild-moderate depression adapted for autistic adults. MethodThis qualitative evaluation investigated the acceptability of the ADEPT pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) design and guided self-help intervention. Participants (autistic adults with a diagnosis of depression (PHQ-9 score ≥ 10)) were randomised to Guided Self-Help (GSH): low intensity psychological intervention based on Behavioural Activation adapted for autistic adults, or Treatment as Usual (TAU). 21 trial participants (14 GSH and 7 TAU), and 5 low intensity psychological therapists or ‘coaches’ were interviewed, and transcripts analysed thematically. ResultsAll participants and coaches welcomed an intervention for depression adapted for autistic adults due to current lack of provision in mainstream services. Interviews highlighted participants' preference for GSH over TAU. Dissatisfaction with prior experience of TAU was identified as a potential driver for differential attrition from the TAU arm. Participants who received GSH appreciated the coaches having a good understanding of autistic adults and were positive towards the aim and structure of the GSH intervention. Suggested improvements include more regularly checking progress with therapy goals. ConclusionsA full scale RCT to evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention is now warranted. Future trial study design needs to address potential for differential rate of participant recruitment and attrition between the treatment and comparison groups due to negative prior experience of TAU.

Psychoeducation for borderline personality difficulties: a preliminary study

PurposeNational Institute for Clinical and Health Excellence guidelines (2009) state that low intensity psychological interventions should not be used for borderline personality disorder. However, an emerging body of evidence suggests brief interventions such as psychoeducation may be relevant for those presenting with borderline personality difficulties. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the benefit of learning about thinking, emotions and relationships (LATER), a co-produced psychoeducation programme for borderline personality difficulties in a community-based setting.Design/methodology/approachParticipants (n = 125) self-referred to LATER, a group-based psychoeducation programme delivered at the [NHS Trust] Recovery College. Participants were assessed pre- and post-intervention using the tailor-made psychological education group evaluation scale, the borderline evaluation of severity over time and work and social adjustment scale. Paired t-tests were conducted on pre- and post-scores, and effect sizes were calculated.FindingsAfter LATER, participants reported a significant decrease in negative thoughts and feelings, destructive behaviours and overall borderline symptom severity, but no significant increase in positive behaviours. Significant decreases were found in areas of work and social impairment. Participants’ overall understanding of personality difficulties significantly improved. Effect sizes were small to moderate.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations of the study include the lack of a control group, adjustment for confounders and follow-up. Replication with a more robust methodology is needed.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the evidence for the usefulness of brief interventions for personality difficulties, particularly in the context of a stepped model of care and adds to the research on co-production.

Approaches for discontinuation versus continuation of long-term antidepressant use for depressive and anxiety disorders in adults.

Approaches for discontinuation versus continuation of long-term antidepressant use for depressive and anxiety disorders in adults.

Brief videoconferencing psychological intervention for reducing COVID-19 related distress: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundGlobally COVID-19 has had a profound impact on the psychological wellbeing of millions of people, and there is an urgent imperative to address elevated levels of distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed Problem Management Plus (PM+), a low intensity psychological intervention for adults experiencing psychological distress. This paper outlines the study protocol for a trial that tests the effectiveness of an adapted version of PM+ to reduce distress associated with COVID-19.MethodsA single-blind, parallel, randomized controlled trial will be carried out for distressed people across Australia. via video conferencing on a small group basis. Following informed consent, adults that screen positive for levels of psychological distress (General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12 score ≥ 3) and have access to videoconferencing platform will be randomised to an adapted version of gPM+ (n = 120) or enhanced treatment as usual (ETAU) (n = 120). The primary outcome will be reduction in psychological distress including anxiety and depression at 2-months post treatment. Secondary outcomes include worry, sleep problems, anhedonia, social support, and stress in relation to COVID-19.DiscussionThe trial aims assess whether an adapted version of videoconferencing PM+ that is specifically designed to target COVI-19 related distress will result in reduced distress relative to enhanced usual care.Trial registrationThis trial was prospectively registered on the ANZCTR on 14/4/20 (ACTRN12620000468921).

A randomized, controlled proof-of-concept trial evaluating durable effects of memory flexibility training (MemFlex) on autobiographical memory distortions and on relapse of recurrent major depressive disorder over 12 months

Low-intensity psychological interventions that target cognitive risk factors for depressive relapse may improve access to relapse prevention programs and thereby reduce subsequent risk. This study provides the first evaluation of an autobiographical memory-based intervention for relapse prevention, to establish whether memory-training programs that are efficacious for acute depression may also aid those currently in remission. We also provide the longest follow-up to-date of the effects of autobiographical memory training on autobiographical memory processes themselves. This pre-registered randomized-controlled proof-of-concept trial (N = 74) compared an autobiographical Memory Flexibility (MemFlex) intervention to Psychoeducation about cognitive-behavioral mechanisms which maintain depression. Both interventions were primarily self-guided, and delivered via paper workbooks completed over four weeks. The key cognitive outcome was ability to retrieve and alternate between specific and general autobiographical memories. Co-primary clinical outcomes were time until depressive relapse and depression-free days in the twelve-months following intervention. Results indicated a small-moderate effect size (d = 0.35) in favor of MemFlex for the cognitive outcome. A small Hazard Ratio (1.08) was observed for time until depressive relapse, along with a negligible effect size for depression-free days (d = 0.11). Although MemFlex produced long-term improvement in memory retrieval skills, there was little support for MemFlex as a relapse prevention program for depression.

Cultural Adaptation of a Low-Intensity Group Psychological Intervention for Syrian Refugees

Given the increasing use of low-intensity psychological interventions in humanitarian mental health and psychosocial support work, more attention is needed to strengthen the intersection between evidence-based interventions and cultural contextualisation. Undertaking the process of cultural adaptation ensures the appropriateness and acceptability of psychological interventions in these contexts. We present the process and results of conducting a cultural adaptation for the Group Problem Management Plus (GroupPM+) intervention, for Syrian refugees across two contexts; Jordan in camp settings and Turkey in urban settings. The first step of the adaptation was to conduct a rapid qualitative assessment following the Design, Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation model proceeded by cognitive interviews and a workshop designed to apply changes according to the Bernal framework. Based on the results, a total of 82 changes were proposed across the intervention manual, training, supervision and implementation protocols. Changes ranged from minor amendments to terminology to broader changes to how metaphors, stories and illustrations are presented during the intervention. Additionally, two substantial adaptations were suggested: (1) the addition of a session designed to enhance family engagement, and (2) the development of a male case study. Changes were incorporated prior to the implementation of the GroupPM+ intervention in Jordan and Turkey.

Adapting Problem Management Plus for Implementation: Lessons Learned from Public Sector Settings Across Rwanda, Peru, Mexico and Malawi

Problem Management Plus (PM+) is a low-intensity psychological intervention developed by the World Health Organization that can be delivered by nonspecialists to address common mental health conditions in people affected by adversity. Emerging evidence demonstrates the efficacy of PM+ across a range of settings. However, the published literature rarely documents the adaptation processes for psychological interventions to context or culture, including curriculum or implementation adaptations. Practical guidance for adapting PM+ to context while maintaining fidelity to core psychological elements is essential for mental health implementers to enable replication and scale. This paper describes the process of contextually adapting PM+ for implementation in Rwanda, Peru, Mexico and Malawi undertaken by the international nongovernmental organisation Partners In Health. To our knowledge, this initiative is among the first to adapt PM+ for routine delivery across multiple public sector primary care and community settings in partnership with Ministries of Health. Lessons learned contribute to a broader understanding of effective processes for adapting low-intensity psychological interventions to real-world contexts. Key implications for practice PM+ can be contextualised based on cultural and implementation considerations while maintaining core psychological elements across different settings. The adaptation of PM+ for local health systems and articulation of practical guidance on implementation for routine care is essential. Partnerships across implementing sites are fundamental for iterative PM+ adaptation and provide opportunities for sharing lessons learned.