Sessions Of Behavioral Therapy Research Articles

Behavior Therapy in Dissociative Convulsion Disorder

Objective:To determine the efficacy and usefulness of Behavior therapy in conversion disorder. Methods:It was a randomized control trial conducted at Psychiatry Unit, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan on patients (N=18) suffering from conversion disorder (only pseudo seizures). Fifteen sessions of behavior therapy were administered to experimental group over period of 2 and half months. Results:Statistically significant difference was found between the mean number of fits for experimental group (M=6.4 ± 3.7) and control group mean (M=27.8 ± 9.2) t (12) 6.0251, p < 0.0001 on the last follow up session. Conclusion:Behavior therapy can be successfully used for treating conversion disorder (pseudo seizures) by targeting inappropriate mal adaptive behavior replacing it with appropriate adaptive behavior by using suitable reinforcement techniques.

Combined Case of Blood-Injury-Injection Phobia and Social Phobia: Behavior Therapy Management and Effectiveness through Tilt Test

The efficacy of behavior therapy based mainly on real-life exposure situations as well as applied tension was examined for a combined case of blood-injury-injection (BII) phobia and social anxiety disorder. Treatment involved 28 behavior therapy sessions, while applied tension technique was also described and practiced. The specific contribution of social skills techniques, fantasy, and real-life situations exposure was examined in a single case design. The subject was a 39-year-old male with anxiety symptoms when confronting an audience, as well as symptoms of the autonomic nervous system (bradycardia and syncope), which were better explained by BII. All self-report measures regarding fear, social phobia, and anxiety were reduced after behavior therapy and remained maintained at followup, while BII decreased further after applied tension techniques. The contribution of behavior therapy to the overall outcome of the case is considered significant for many reasons that are discussed in the pape.

Efficacy of Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) On Depressed Spouses of Cancer Patients in an Adjuvant Care Setting

Purpose: To assess the efficacy of cognitive behavior therapy for spouses of cancer patients with refractory depression according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV. Patients and Methods: All English-speaking spouses of cancer patients were eligible to participate. All spouses completed the following self-report questionnaires: Demographic variables sheet and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The research sample was consisted of 10 married spouses of cancer patients in the Adyar Cancer Institute, Chennai, in southern India. All spouses with moderate degrees of depression were selected. The cognitive behavior therapy sessions extended for 60 minutes and were held once weekly. The present study is a pre-post test design before and after intervention program. Continuous data were analyzed by using paired t tests to assess change over time. The analyses were conducted by using the SPSS version 11.0. Results: The mean of the Beck scores at the beginning and end of the study was respectively: Intervention group 24.6, SD= 3.84 versus 11.4, SD= 4.27 and control group 26.4, SD= 4.21 versus 27, SD= 3.93, the decrease in the Intervention group was significantly more than control group. Intervention group showed a significant decrease in BDI scores, t (17.96) = 4, p .607. Conclusion: Depression is common and persistent in spouses of cancer patients. Psychological screening and appropriate intervention such as CBT is an essential part of palliative care. This preliminary study suggested that cognitive behavior therapy might be an effective psychological treatment for major depression among spouses of cancer patients. However, further large scale randomized controlled trials are needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn.

Patient change processes in psychotherapy: Development of a new scale

There is considerable interest in understanding and augmenting the process of change in psychotherapy. In this study qualitative and quantitative analyses were used to examine patient processes associated with change in recorded psychotherapy sessions from the Christchurch Psychotherapy for Depression Study. The sample consisted of 177 outpatients with a primary diagnosis of major depressive disorder randomized to receive weekly therapy sessions of Cognitive Behavior Therapy or Interpersonal Psychotherapy. Qualitative analyses identified four main themes associated with patient change. From these themes a 10-item rating scale, the Patient Psychotherapy Process Scale (PPPS), was developed. Analyses indicated the PPPS is a reliable and valid measure of important patient change processes, with higher scores associated with a better response to psychotherapy.

Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Insomnia in Veterans with Long-Standing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Pilot Study

This uncontrolled pilot study assessed the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia in veterans with long-standing posttraumatic stress disorder. Male veterans with current chronic insomnia and PTSD (n = 8; M age = 58.6, SD = 3.0; 87.5% African American, 12.5% European American; 87.5% Vietnam Veterans, 12.5% 1st Gulf War Veterans) reported a trauma related to their military service. Participants appeared for five weekly individual sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia and completed one-week assessments of objective sleep (actigraphy) and subjective sleep (sleep diaries), the Insomnia Severity Index, and measures of functioning, posttraumatic stress disorder, and psychological distress both before and after treatment. Paired t tests revealed significant posttreatment improvements for various subjective assessments of sleep patterns but actigraphy-defined sleep was unchanged. Measures of functioning, nightmares, and posttraumatic stress disorder severity were also unchanged at posttreatment. Preliminary results were encouraging in improving subjective perceptions of sleep in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder, warranting further study with more rigorous methodology.

Intensive intervention for alcohol-dependent smokers in early recovery: A randomized trial

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of an intensive tobacco cessation intervention for alcohol-dependent smokers in early recovery. MethodsA total of 162 alcohol-dependent smokers were randomized to either intensive intervention for smoking cessation or usual care. The intensive intervention consisted of 16 sessions of individual cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and combination nicotine replacement therapy that lasted 26 weeks. Usual care involved referral to a free-standing smoking cessation program that provided smoking cessation counseling of varying duration and guideline-concordant medications. The primary cessation outcome was verified 7-day point prevalence abstinence (PPA) at 12, 26, 38, and 52 weeks. ResultsAt 12 and 26 weeks, the verified 7-day point-prevalence quit rate was significantly higher for the intensive intervention group than for the usual care group (both p=0.03). However, the quit rates for the two treatment groups were not significantly different at 38 or 52 weeks. Verified 30-day alcohol abstinence rates were not significantly different for the two treatment groups at any of the follow-up assessments. ConclusionsThe intensive smoking cessation intervention yielded a higher short-term smoking quit rate without jeopardizing sobriety. A chronic care model might facilitate maintenance of smoking cessation during the first year of alcohol treatment and perhaps for longer periods of time. It is hoped that studies such as this will inform the development of more effective interventions for concurrent alcohol and tobacco use disorders.

Working Inside for Smoking Elimination (Project W.I.S.E.) study design and rationale to prevent return to smoking after release from a smoke free prison.

BackgroundIncarcerated individuals suffer disproportionately from the health effects of tobacco smoking due to the high smoking prevalence in this population. In addition there is an over-representation of ethnic and racial minorities, impoverished individuals, and those with mental health and drug addictions in prisons. Increasingly, prisons across the U.S. are becoming smoke free. However, relapse to smoking is common upon release from prison, approaching 90% within a few weeks. No evidence based treatments currently exist to assist individuals to remain abstinent after a period of prolonged, forced abstinence.Methods/DesignThis paper describes the design and rationale of a randomized clinical trial to enhance smoking abstinence rates among individuals following release from a tobacco free prison. The intervention is six weekly sessions of motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy initiated approximately six weeks prior to release from prison. The control group views six time matched videos weekly starting about six weeks prior to release. Assessments take place in-person 3 weeks after release and then for non-smokers every 3 months up to 12 months. Smoking status is confirmed by urine cotinine.DiscussionEffective interventions are greatly needed to assist these individuals to remain smoke free and reduce health disparities among this socially and economically challenged group.Trial RegistrationNCT01122589

The impact of depression on the treatment of obsessive–compulsive disorder: Results from a 5-year follow-up

Many OCD patients present with comorbid conditions, and major depression is one of the most frequent comorbidities observed. OCD patients with comorbid depression exhibit functional disability and poor quality of life. However, it is unclear whether depressive symptoms are predictive of treatment response, and debate remains whether they should be targeted in the treatment of comorbid patients. The current study aimed at assessing the predictive value of depression and OCD symptoms in the long term outcome of OCD treatment. In the current study, relations between OCD and depressive symptoms were systematically investigated in a group of 121 OCD patients who received 16 sessions of behavior or cognitive therapy either alone or with fluvoxamine. Depression (either as a continuous or categorical variable) was not predictive of treatment response in any of the treatment modalities for up to 5 years of follow-up. Changes in OCD symptoms largely predicted changes in depressive symptoms but not vice versa. Subsequent to participation in the RCT, almost two-thirds of the participants received some form of additional treatment (either pharmacological or psychological), and as a result, it is impossible to determine interaction effects with additional treatment received after the trial. Treatment of OCD with comorbid depression should focus on amelioration of OCD symptoms. When OCD treatment is successful, depressive symptoms are likely to ameliorate as well.

‘Hypothetical active-voicing’: Therapists ‘modelling’ of clients’ future conversations in CBT interactions

This paper focuses on a conversational resource we call ‘hypothetical active-voicing’ (HAV). The practice involves a speaker enacting hypothetical talk that their interlocutor might use in a future situation. The data come from a corpus of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy sessions, in sequences that involve therapists proposing strategies to clients for behavioural change. The ways in which therapists routinely enacted ‘hypothetical active-voicing’ will be discussed, along with consideration of the interactional accomplishments of this practice. It will be demonstrated that the HAV device can be used as a way for therapists to pre-empt resistance from clients when making proposals for behavioural change. It is typically deployed in sequential environments where resistance has already become relevant to the interaction.

PRegnancy Outcomes after a Maternity Intervention for Stressful EmotionS (PROMISES): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BackgroundThere is ample evidence from observational prospective studies that maternal depression or anxiety during pregnancy is a risk factor for adverse psychosocial outcomes in the offspring. However, to date no previous study has demonstrated that treatment of depressive or anxious symptoms in pregnancy actually could prevent psychosocial problems in children. Preventing psychosocial problems in children will eventually bring down the huge public health burden of mental disease. The main objective of this study is to assess the effects of cognitive behavioural therapy in pregnant women with symptoms of anxiety or depression on the child's development as well as behavioural and emotional problems. In addition, we aim to study its effects on the child's development, maternal mental health, and neonatal outcomes, as well as the cost-effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy relative to usual care.Methods/designWe will include 300 women with at least moderate levels of anxiety or depression at the end of the first trimester of pregnancy. By including 300 women we will be able to demonstrate effect sizes of 0.35 or over on the total problems scale of the child behavioural checklist 1.5-5 with alpha 5% and power (1-beta) 80%.Women in the intervention arm are offered 10-14 individual cognitive behavioural therapy sessions, 6-10 sessions during pregnancy and 4-8 sessions after delivery (once a week). Women in the control group receive care as usual.Primary outcome is behavioural/emotional problems at 1.5 years of age as assessed by the total problems scale of the child behaviour checklist 1.5 - 5 years.Secondary outcomes will be mental, psychomotor and behavioural development of the child at age 18 months according to the Bayley scales, maternal anxiety and depression during pregnancy and postpartum, and neonatal outcomes such as birth weight, gestational age and Apgar score, health care consumption and general health status (economic evaluation).Trial RegistrationNetherlands Trial Register (NTR): NTR2242

CHAMP: Cognitive behaviour therapy for health anxiety in medical patients, a randomised controlled trial

BackgroundAbnormal health anxiety, also called hypochondriasis, has been successfully treated by cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) in patients recruited from primary care, but only one pilot trial has been carried out among those attending secondary medical clinics where health anxiety is likely to be more common and have a greater impact on services. The CHAMP study extends this work to examine both the clinical and cost effectiveness of CBT in this population.Method/DesignThe study is a randomized controlled trial with two parallel arms and equal randomization of 466 eligible patients (assuming a 20% drop-out) to an active treatment group of 5-10 sessions of cognitive behaviour therapy and to a control group. The aim at baseline, after completion of all assessments but before randomization, was to give a standard simple explanation of the nature of health anxiety for all participants. Subsequently the control group was to receive whatever care might usually be available in the clinics, which is normally a combination of clinical assessment, appropriate tests and reassurance. Those allocated to the active treatment group were planned to receive between 5 and 10 sessions of an adapted form of cognitive behaviour therapy based on the Salkovskis/Warwick model, in which a set of treatment strategies are chosen aimed at helping patients understand the factors that drive and maintain health anxiety. The therapy was planned to be given by graduate research workers, nurses or other health professionals trained for this intervention whom would also have their competence assessed independently during the course of treatment. The primary outcome is reduction in health anxiety symptoms after one year and the main secondary outcome is the cost of care after two years.DiscussionThis represents the first trial of adapted cognitive behaviour therapy in health anxiety that is large enough to test not only the clinical benefits of treatment but also whether the cost of treatment is offset by savings from reduced use of other health services in comparison to the control group.Cognitive behaviour therapy for Health Anxiety in Medical Patients (CHAMP)Trial registrationCurrent Controlled Trials ISRCTN14565822

The effectiveness of cognitive behavioral group therapy in treating bipolar disorder: a randomized controlled study

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies suggest that, when combined with pharmacotherapy, structured psychotherapy may modify the course of bipolar disorder. However, there are few studies that have examined the effects of cognitive behavioral group therapy on the course of this disorder. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 14 sessions of cognitive behavioral group therapy, combined with pharmacotherapy, on the treatment of patients with bipolar disorder, and to compare our results against those from the use of pharmacotherapy alone. METHOD: Forty-one patients with bipolar I and II disorder participated in the study and were randomly allocated to one of two treatment groups; thirty-seven patients remained in the study until its completion. Mood and anxiety symptoms were measured in all subjects. Statistical analysis was used to investigate if the groups differed with respect to demographic characteristics and the scores recorded in the pre- and post-treatment stages, as well as during treatment (intra/inter groups). RESULTS: Patients showed statistically similar population characteristics. The association of cognitive behavioral group therapy and pharmacological treatment proved to be effective. Patients who had undergone cognitive behavioral group therapy presented fewer symptoms of mania, depression and anxiety, as well as fewer and shorter mood change episodes. CONCLUSION: Cognitive behavioral group therapy sessions substantially contributed to the improvement of depression symptoms.

Predictors of Group Cognitive Behaviour Therapy outcomes for the treatment of depression in Malaysia

The aim of this study was to identify predictors of response to treatment for depression in Malaysia, using demographic and cognitive predictors. 113 patients, that were diagnosed with depression, were randomly assigned to the Treatment-As-Usual (TAU) ( n = 55), or TAU plus eight sessions of Group Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (TAU + GCBT; n = 58). Pre-treatment using the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire-Malay (ATQ-Malay), the Dysfunctional Attitude Scale-Malay (DAS-Malay), a quality of life scale, and demographic characteristics, were used in a series of multiple regression models, as potential predictors of the Beck Depression Inventory-Malay (BDI-Malay) post-assessment scores. Regression results revealed that age, the quality of life scale, and all three cognitive measures were significant predictors of outcomes in the Group Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (GCBT) group, showing that Beck's cognitive model for depression could be applied in Malaysia.

An Effectiveness Trial of Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Patients With Persistent Depressive Symptoms in Substance Abuse Treatment

Although depression frequently co-occurs with substance abuse, few individuals entering substance abuse treatment have access to effective depression treatment. The Building Recovery by Improving Goals, Habits, and Thoughts (BRIGHT) study is a community-based effectiveness trial that compared residential substance abuse treatment with residential treatment plus group cognitive behavioral therapy for depression delivered by substance abuse treatment counselors. We hypothesized that intervention clients would have improved depression and substance use outcomes compared with those of clients receiving usual care. A nonrandomized controlled trial using a quasi-experimental intent-to-treat design in which 4 sites were assigned to alternate between the intervention and usual care conditions every 4 months for 2½ years. Four treatment programs in Los Angeles County. We screened 1262 clients for persistent depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory-II score >17). We assigned 299 clients to receive either usual care (n = 159) or usual care plus the intervention (n = 140). Follow-up rates at 3 and 6 months after the baseline interview were 88.1% and 86.2%, respectively, for usual care and 85.7% and 85.0%, respectively, for the intervention group. Sixteen 2-hour group sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy for depression. Change in depression symptoms, mental health functioning, and days of alcohol and problem substance use. Intervention clients reported significantly fewer depressive symptoms (P < .001 at 3 and 6 months) and had improved mental health functioning (P < .001 at 3 months and P < .01 at 6 months). At 6 months, intervention clients reported fewer drinking days (P < .05) and fewer days of problem substance use (P < .05) on days available. Providing group cognitive behavioral therapy for depression to clients with persistent depressive symptoms receiving residential substance abuse treatment is associated with improved depression and substance use outcomes. These results provide support for a new model of integrated care. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01191788.

TRAMOMTANA (Tratamiento Multidisciplinar de la Obesidad Mórbida: Medicamentos, Terapia de comportamiento, Apoyo Nutricional y Actividad física). De la pregunta a la realidad de un ensayo clínico investigador iniciado (II)

Implementation of an intensive, multidisciplinary weight loss program in patients with morbid obesity is reported. This program is based on behavioral changes, lifestyle intervention, medication, and group therapy sessions. Our objective is to show that the results achieved with this two-year weight loss program will be at least similar to those achieved with bariatric surgery in patients with morbid obesity. We also intend to show that this multidisciplinary treatment induces an improvement in the comorbidity rate associated to smaller costs for our national health system.

Long-term Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies, Combined with Augmentative Communication, are Related to Uncinate Fasciculus Integrity in Autism

Recent evidence points to white-matter abnormalities as a key factor in autism physiopathology. Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging, we studied white-matter structural properties in a convenience sample of twenty-two subjects with low-functioning autism exposed to long-term augmentative and alternative communication, combined with sessions of cognitive and behavioral therapy. Uncinate fasciculus structural properties correlated significantly with therapy length and early onset, as well as to clinical outcome, independently from IQ, age or symptoms severity at therapy onset. Moreover, adherence to therapy was linked with better clinical outcome and uncinate fasciculus structural integrity. The results point to the capability of a long-term rehabilitation of subjects with low-functioning autism to produce white-matter structural modifications, which could thus play a role in the rehabilitative outcome.

The effectiveness of cognitive behavioral group therapy in treating bipolar disorder: a randomized controlled study

Recent studies suggest that, when combined with pharmacotherapy, structured psychotherapy may modify the course of bipolar disorder. However, there are few studies that have examined the effects of cognitive behavioral group therapy on the course of this disorder. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 14 sessions of cognitive behavioral group therapy, combined with pharmacotherapy, on the treatment of patients with bipolar disorder, and to compare our results against those from the use of pharmacotherapy alone. Forty-one patients with bipolar I and II disorder participated in the study and were randomly allocated to one of two treatment groups; thirty-seven patients remained in the study until its completion. Mood and anxiety symptoms were measured in all subjects. Statistical analysis was used to investigate if the groups differed with respect to demographic characteristics and the scores recorded in the pre- and post-treatment stages, as well as during treatment (intra/inter groups). Patients showed statistically similar population characteristics. The association of cognitive behavioral group therapy and pharmacological treatment proved to be effective. Patients who had undergone cognitive behavioral group therapy presented fewer symptoms of mania, depression and anxiety, as well as fewer and shorter mood change episodes. Cognitive behavioral group therapy sessions substantially contributed to the improvement of depression symptoms.

Motivational enhancement therapy with and without cognitive behaviour therapy for Type 1 diabetes: economic evaluation from a randomized controlled trial

To assess the cost-effectiveness of motivational enhancement therapy and cognitive behaviour therapy for poorly controlled Type 1 diabetes. Within-trial prospective economic evaluation from (i) health and social care and (ii) societal perspectives. Three hundred and forty-four adults with Type 1 diabetes for at least 2 years and persistent, suboptimal glycaemic control were recruited to a three-arm multi-centre randomized controlled trial in London and Manchester, UK. They were randomized to (i) usual care plus four sessions of motivational enhancement therapy (ii) usual care plus four sessions of motivational enhancement therapy and eight sessions of cognitive behaviour therapy or (iii) usual care alone. Outcomes were (i) costs, (ii) Quality-Adjusted Life Year gains measured by the EuroQol 5-dimensional health state index and the 36-item Short Form and (iii) diabetes control measured by change in HbA(1c) level at 1 year. Both intervention groups had significantly higher mean health and social care costs (+ £535 for motivational enhancement therapy and + £790 for combined motivational enhancement and cognitive behavioural therapy), but not societal costs compared with the usual-care group. There were no differences in Quality Adjusted Life Years. There was a significantly greater HbA(1c) improvement in the combined motivational enhancement and cognitive behavioural therapy group (+ 0.45%; incremental cost-effectiveness ratio = £1756), but the not in the motivational enhancement therapy group. Cost-effectiveness acceptability curves suggested that both interventions had low probabilities of cost-effectiveness based on Quality Adjusted Life Years (but high based on HbA(1c) improvements). Imputing missing costs and outcomes confirmed these findings. Neither therapy was undisputedly cost-effective compared with usual care alone, but conclusions vary depending on the relative importance of clinical and quality-of-life outcomes.

Changes in EEG Cross-Frequency Coupling During Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder

Coupling between EEG delta and beta oscillations is enhanced among anxious and healthy individuals during anticipatory anxiety. EEG coupling patterns associated with psychotherapy have not yet been quantified in socially anxious individuals. In this study, we used a double baseline, repeated measures design, in which 25 adults with a principal diagnosis of social anxiety disorder completed 12 weekly sessions of standardized group cognitive behavioral therapy and four EEG assessments: two at pretreatment, one at midtreatment, and one at posttreatment. Treatment was associated with reductions in symptom severity across multiple measures and informants, as well as reductions in delta-beta coupling at rest and during speech anticipation. Moreover, the clinical group exhibited greater coupling at pretreatment than did post hoc control participants with low social anxiety. The EEG cross-frequency profiles in the clinical group normalized by the posttreatment assessment. These findings provide evidence of concomitant improvement in neural and behavioral functioning among socially anxious adults undergoing psychotherapy.

A randomised controlled trial of a cognitive behavioural intervention for women who have menopausal symptoms following breast cancer treatment (MENOS 1): Trial protocol

BackgroundThis trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a group cognitive behavioural intervention to alleviate menopausal symptoms (hot flushes and night sweats) in women who have had breast cancer treatment. Hot flushes and night sweats are highly prevalent but challenging to treat in this population. Cognitive behaviour therapy has been found to reduce these symptoms in well women and results of an exploratory trial suggest that it might be effective for breast cancer patients. Two hypotheses are tested:Compared to usual care, group cognitive behavioural therapy will:1. Significantly reduce the problem rating and frequency of hot flushes and nights sweats after six weeks of treatment and at six months post-randomisation.2. Improve mood and quality of life after six weeks of treatment and at six months post-randomisation.Methods/DesignNinety-six women who have completed their main treatment for breast cancer and who have been experiencing problematic hot flushes and night sweats for over two months are recruited into the trial from oncology and breast clinics in South East London. They are randomised to either six weekly group cognitive behavioural therapy (Group CBT) sessions or to usual care. Group CBT includes information and discussion about hot flushes and night sweats in the context of breast cancer, monitoring and modifying precipitants, relaxation and paced respiration, stress management, cognitive therapy for unhelpful thoughts and beliefs, managing sleep and night sweats and maintaining changes.Prior to randomisation women attend a clinical interview, undergo 24-hour sternal skin conductance monitoring, and complete questionnaire measures of hot flushes and night sweats, mood, quality of life, hot flush beliefs and behaviours, optimism and somatic amplification. Post-treatment measures (sternal skin conductance and questionnaires) are collected six to eight weeks later and follow-up measures (questionnaires and a use of medical services measure) at six months post-randomisation.DiscussionMENOS 1 is the first randomised controlled trial of cognitive behavioural therapy for hot flushes and night sweats that measures both self-reported and physiologically indexed symptoms. The results will inform future clinical practice by developing an evidence-based, non-medical treatment, which can be delivered by trained health professionals.Trial RegistrationCurrent Controlled Trials ISRCTN13771934