Specific Cognitive-behavioral Therapy Research Articles

Rational timepoint of medical rehabilitation in chronic tinnitus : Applying for rehabilitation options for achronic course

Chronic tinnitus is acommon symptom of the auditory system. Acausal therapy does not yet exist. The recommended treatment includes expert counseling, psychotherapeutic interventions, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy, and measures to improve hearing. The treatment modules are multimodal and can be combined individually. Depending on the severity of the different disease dimensions (tinnitus and comorbidities), arehabilitative approach may be useful for maintaining health and occupational ability. In addition to athorough and well-founded diagnosis and counseling, specific cognitive behavioral therapy and non-specific psychotherapeutic interventions (mindfulness/relaxation) on an individual or group basis, physiotherapy, and exercise, as well as auditory rehabilitation measures (hearing aids, auditory therapy) in the context of multimodal therapy approaches are necessary.

Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of metacognitive therapy for health anxiety: A pilot RCT

BackgroundHealth anxiety is a pervasive mental health condition, in which people worry about having or developing a serious illness or disease. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is currently considered the most researched psychological treatment for health anxiety, although several systematic reviews and meta-analysis have shown mixed findings for its efficacy. More efficacious interventions that can be easily integrated within services are required. An alternative to CBT, that has proven more effective in some other disorders, is metacognitive therapy (MCT). The aim was to evaluate the feasibility of delivering MCT for health anxiety and to collect pilot data on the treatment's preliminary efficacy. MethodTwenty participants with health anxiety were recruited to an open randomized feasibility trial and randomized to MCT or waitlist control. Acceptability and feasibility of MCT was based on recruitment rates, withdrawal, and drop-out, number of MCT sessions attended, completion of questionnaires, and any adverse reactions observed. The study was also used to evaluate initial treatment effects. ResultsMCT was found to be feasible and acceptable for individuals with health anxiety. Recruitment and retention of all participants was high, and no adverse events were observed in either group. Pre to post between group effect sizes on the primary outcome measure The Whiteley Index (Pilowsky, 1967) were large (Hedges’ g = 3.18-Mdiff= 26.2, [95 % CI=18.7–33.6]) in favour of MCT. Clinically significant recovery rates were 80 % at post treatment and follow up. ConclusionThe results suggest that a trial of MCT was acceptable and feasible in individuals with health anxiety and the treatment effects were statistically significant in comparison to the waiting list. Based upon the design used in this study MCT should be compared with active treatments such as medication, treatment as usual or specific cognitive behaviour therapy protocols in a future definitive randomised trial.

What CBT Modules Work Best for Whom? Identifying Subgroups of Depressed Youths by Their Differential Response to Specific Modules

Prior research suggests that the effects of specific cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) modules on symptom outcomes can be estimated. We conducted a study utilizing idiographic and nomothetic methods to clarify which CBT modules are most effective for youth depression, and for whom they are most effective. Thirty-five youths received modular CBT for depression. Interrupted time series models estimated whether the introduction of each module was associated with changes in internalizing symptoms, whereby significant symptom reduction would suggest a therapeutic response to the module. Regression models were used to explore whether participant characteristics predicted subgroups of youths based on their estimated response to certain types (e.g., cognitive) of modules, and whether group membership was associated with posttreatment outcomes. Thirty youths (86%) had at least one module associated with a significant change in internalizing symptoms from premodule delivery to postmodule delivery. The specific modules associated with these changes varied across youths. Behavioral activation was most frequently associated with symptom decreases (34% of youths). No participant characteristics predicted estimated response to module type, and group membership was not significantly associated with posttreatment outcomes. Youths display highly heterogeneous responses to treatment modules, indicating multiple pathways to symptom improvement for depressed youths.

Implementation of 'IBD-Specific Cognitive Behavioural Therapy' for Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases with Poor Mental Quality of Life, Anxiety and Depression.

This paper describes the implementation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-specific cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for IBD patients with poor quality of life (QoL), anxiety and depression, in four hospitals in the Netherlands. Treatment outcomes were compared with those of a previously published randomized control trial (RCT) of 'IBD-specific CBT', following a benchmark strategy. Primary outcome was IBD-specific QoL (IBDQ) completed before and after CBT, secondary outcomes were anxiety and depressive symptoms (HADS, CES-D). Semi-structured interviews were conducted among a pilot of gastroenterologists, nurse specialists and psychologists to evaluate 'IBD-specific CBT'. 94 patients started treatment (280 screened). At follow-up, 63 participants (67% compared to 81% in the RCT benchmark) completed the IBDQ. Treatment effect sizes of the implementation study were comparable and slightly larger than those of RCT benchmark. Gastroenterologists, IBD nurses and psychologists found CBT necessary for IBD patients with poor QoL, depression and/or anxiety disorders. 'IBD-specific CBT' can be successfully implemented. Regular supervision of psychologists performing 'IBD-specific CBT' treatment is needed.

How does cognitive behavior therapy for dissociative seizures work? A mediation analysis of the CODES trial.

We compared dissociative seizure specific cognitive behavior therapy (DS-CBT) plus standardized medical care (SMC) to SMC alone in a randomized controlled trial. DS-CBT resulted in better outcomes on several secondary trial outcome measures at the 12-month follow-up point. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate putative treatment mechanisms. We carried out a secondary mediation analysis of the CODES trial. 368 participants were recruited from the National Health Service in secondary / tertiary care in England, Scotland, and Wales. Sixteen mediation hypotheses corresponding to combinations of important trial outcomes and putative mediators were assessed. Twelve-month trial outcomes considered were final-month seizure frequency, Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS), and the SF-12v2, a quality-of-life measure providing physical (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores. Mediators chosen for analysis at six months (broadly corresponding to completion of DS-CBT) included: (a) beliefs about emotions, (b) a measure of avoidance behavior, (c) anxiety and (d) depression. All putative mediator variables except beliefs about emotions were found to be improved by DS-CBT. We found evidence for DS-CBT effect mediation for the outcome variables dissociative seizures (DS), WSAS and SF-12v2 MCS scores by improvements in target variables avoidance behavior, anxiety, and depression. The only variable to mediate the DS-CBT effect on the SF-12v2 PCS score was avoidance behavior. Our findings largely confirmed the logic model underlying the development of CBT for patients with DS. Interventions could be additionally developed to specifically address beliefs about emotions to assess whether it improves outcomes.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Imago Therapy Package for Affective Breakdown and Trauma Specific Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on Anxiety and Negative Affects among Adolescent Girl

Background and Objectives: Adolescent girls faced with affective breakdown have an urgent need to overcome their problems. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of imago therapy package for affective breakdown and cognitive-behavioral therapy on anxiety and negative affects among adolescent girl. Materials and Methods: This research was a semi-experimental study with a pretest, posttest and follow-up design with a control group. The statistical population was adolescent girl who faced affective breakdown in the winter of 2022 in Isfahan, Iran. From them, 48 preschool adolescent girl were selected by purposive sampling method and randomly assigned in two experimental groups and a control group (16 adolescent girl for each group). Spitzer’s et al anxiety questionnaire (2006) and Watson & Clark’s negative affect scale (1992) was used to assess dependent variables in three stages. Two treatment groups were treated in 10 sessions of 90 minutes each, and the control group did not receive any treatment. The data were analyzed by analysis of covariance and post-hoc Bonferroni test by SPSS version 26 Findings: The results showed that there was a significant difference between imago therapy package for affective breakdown and cognitive-behavioral therapy in anxiety and negative affect with the control group (p<0.01), but there was no significant difference between the effectiveness of two treatment groups (p>0.05). Conclusions: Considering the effectiveness of imago therapy for affective breakdown and cognitive-behavioral therapy on reducing anxiety and negative affect, it is suggested that these two treatments be used for girls who face affective breakdown in psychological treatment centers for adolescents.

Unified Protocol for the Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders in Group Format in Spain: Results of a Noninferiority Randomized Controlled Trial at 15 Months after Treatment Onset

Evidence-based psychological treatments (EBPT) are an effective and efficient solution for the treatment of emotional disorders (EDs). However, their implementation and dissemination are not yet widespread. The Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of EDs (UP), applied in a group format, could be an effective option to be implemented in specialized public mental health services in Spain. The sample consisted of 533 users of public specialized mental health centers (77.3% women), with a mean age of 42.0 years ( SD = 12.62 ), who were randomized to the UP in group format condition ( n = 277 ) or treatment as usual (specific cognitive behavioral therapy for each disorder in individual format, n = 256 ). Assessments were performed at preintervention (T1) and at 3, 6, 9 and 15 months after treatment onset (T2, T3, T4, and T5, respectively). The results showed a main effect of time in both conditions for all primary outcomes ( p < 0.05 ) and no statistically significant Time ∗ Condition interaction. Similarly, the noninferiority tests showed that UP results were statistically noninferior compared to TAU. Effect sizes for psychological variables were higher in the UP condition at T5, even though the differences were not statistically significant. Statistically significant differences ( p < 0.05 ) in the evolution of the diagnostic criteria and comorbidity were found, with the highest percentage of patients no longer meeting main and secondary diagnosis criteria in the UP condition at all assessment moments (except for secondary diagnosis at T3). The results showed statistically significant differences in treatment retention between conditions at T5, being the UP condition the one with less dropouts. Finally, participants in the group UP condition showed high satisfaction with the treatment. The UP is an EBPT that has been shown to be effective when applied in groups and may represent an efficient option for its implementation in public mental health services in Spain. This trial is registered with NCT03064477.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Late-Life Depression (CBTlate): Results of a Multicenter, Randomized, Observer-Blinded, Controlled Trial

Introduction: Different psychotherapeutic interventions for late-life depression (LLD) have been proposed, but their evaluation in large, multicenter trials is rare. Objective: The present study evaluated the efficacy of a specific cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for LLD (LLD-CBT) in comparison with a supportive unspecific intervention (SUI), both administered in a specialist psychiatric outpatient setting. Methods: In this randomized, controlled, parallel group trial, we recruited participants (≥60 years) with moderate to severe depression at 7 trial sites in Germany. Participants were randomly assigned to the LLD-CBT or SUI group. The primary outcome was depression severity at the end of treatment measured by change on the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Secondary outcomes included change in observer-rated depression, anxiety, sleep ratings, and quality of life throughout the treatment phase and at 6-month follow-up. Results: Between October 1, 2018, and November 11, 2020, we randomly assigned 251 patients to either LLD-CBT (n = 126) or SUI (n = 125), of whom 229 provided primary-outcome data. There was no significant between-group difference in the change in GDS scores at the end of treatment (estimated marginal mean difference: −1.01 [95% CI: −2.88 to 0.86]; p = 0.287). Secondary analyses showed significant improvements in several outcomes after 8 weeks and at follow-up in both treatment arms. Conclusions: Our data suggest that LLD-specific CBT and a supportive unspecific treatment both provide clinical benefit in patients with moderate to severe LLD without evidence for superiority of LLD-CBT.

Applying Functional Imaging to Clinical Practice: Are We Making Progress Toward Its Promise?

Applying Functional Imaging to Clinical Practice: Are We Making Progress Toward Its Promise?

A study of self-perceived change in CBT competence among Norwegian therapists undertaking a 2-year CBT training for working with young people

Abstract The rising prevalence of mental illness among youth has underscored the critical need for proficient therapists trained in effective methods for treating prevalent mental disorders. As mental health services grapple with resource constraints, the demand for shorter training programs has increased. This study aimed to investigate whether therapist competence improves continuously over a two-year cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) training course, whether specific CBT skills show greater improvement than generic skills, and whether self-perceived competence varies based on therapist characteristics. Data were gathered from seven different CBT training courses spanning the years 2013–2021 involving a total of 151 Norwegian therapists. Therapist self-assessed their CBT competence using the Cognitive Therapy and Adherence Scale (CTACS). The collected data were analysed using mixed effects models using the R program. The findings revealed a significant increase in self-reported competence throughout the two-year training period. Notably, skills related to case formulation and CBT techniques displayed the most substantial improvements, indicating a high level of competence attained by the conclusion of training. No significant interactions were identified between time and therapist characteristics. The outcomes of this study support the efficacy of in-depth training through an extended CBT course spanning multiple semesters. The observed progress in CBT skills suggests that investments in therapist training can yield high levels of competence. Furthermore, this investment appears warranted regardless of therapists’ individual characteristics. Key learning aims (1) To gain insight into the differential development of generic and CBT specific competence during CBT training. (2) To reflect on the significance of therapist characteristics in the training process. (3) To reflect on the possible importance of reaching a high level of CBT competence during CBT training.

A specific cognitive behavioral group therapy program for stimulant use disorder.

Stimulant use is an important health issue. In the US in 2018, 2.8% of males and 1.5% of females older than 18 had used cocaine in the preceding 12 months. To intervene in a specific targeted group of Stimulant Use Disorder (SUD) patients according to CBT and relapse prevention theories, and to determine the program's feasibility and attendance. Stimulant Use Disorder patients in addiction care were evaluated for addictive, psychological and psychiatric dimensions at baseline and conclusion in a 9-session CBT group program with several themes: define SUD, enhance motivation, involve close companions, cope with craving, decline a proposal, solve problems, invite expert patients, invest time and money, and review content. In total, 41 patients attended at least one session. They were mainly poly dependent, primarily cocaine users. Sixty percent of the population also suffered from another psychiatric comorbidity. Median attendance for participants was 7/9 sessions. A specific targeted CBT group for stimulant dependent highly comorbid patients is feasible. These findings suggest that peers should be included in addiction care services.

Do specific modules of cognitive behavioral therapy for depression have measurable effects on youth internalizing symptoms? An idiographic analysis

Objective Understanding the efficacy of each module of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may inform efforts to improve outcomes for youth depression, but effects of specific modules have been difficult to examine. Idiographic interrupted time series models offer a robust way to estimate module effects on an individual’s symptoms. This study examined the association of specific CBT modules for depression on internalizing symptoms among depressed youths who received modular CBT in a randomized trial. Methods Individual models were created for three youths who met study criteria. Youths completed weekly symptom reports, and clinicians completed records of modules delivered. First order auto-regressive models quantified the change in average internalizing symptom severity between pre- and post-module delivery. Results All youths had 1–3 modules that were significantly associated with symptom reduction and 1–3 modules associated with deterioration. The 5 modules associated with improvement in at least one youth also lacked association (engagement, relaxation, cognitive reframing), or were associated with worsening (activity selection, parent psychoeducation) in others. Seven modules showed no measurable benefit, or detriment to any youth. Conclusion This study demonstrated that specific modules have measurable effects, but more work is needed to build an evidence base of specific module effects to inform treatment personalization for youth depression.

Feasibility and acceptability of a CF-specific cognitive-behavioral preventive intervention for adults integrated into team-based care.

A cystic fibrosis (CF)-specific cognitive-behavioral therapy intervention (CF-CBT) was developed in partnership with the CF community to advance preventive mental health care. Multidisciplinary providers across three centers were trained to deliver CF-CBT for this pilot assessing feasibility/acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of an integrated model of care. The 8-session CF-CBT was delivered to 14 adults with mild depression and/or anxiety symptoms in-person and via audio telehealth. Assessment of attrition, engagement, homework completion, treatment satisfaction, and treatment fidelity informed feasibility/acceptability assessment. Mental health outcomes included depression, anxiety, quality of life (Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised [CFQ-R), perceived stress and coping. Preliminary effectiveness was evaluated with Cohen's d metric of effect sizes (ES) of pre-post mean change scores. A total of 108 sessions were conducted; 13 adults completed the intervention; 1 discontinued early. Engagement, homework completion, and treatment acceptability were highly rated (mean = 30; SD = 2, range: 27-32 on a 32-point scale). Fidelity scores ranged from 85.7% to 93.6%. Large ES changes reflected improvements in depressive symptoms (-0.83), CFQ-R (Vitality scale: 1.11), and Relaxation Skills (0.93); moderate ES for CFQ-R Role Functioning (0.63), Awareness of Tension (0.62), Coping Confidence (0.70) and CF-specific Coping (0.55); and small ES for anxiety symptoms (-0.22), perceived stress (-0.25), Behavioral Activation (0.29), and several CFQ-R domains, including Emotional Functioning (0.29). Two CFQ-R subscales decreased (Body Image, Eating Concerns). Results indicated feasibility and acceptability of CF-CBT and its integration into team-based CF care with promising effectiveness, especially for depression. A multicenter randomized controlled trial of CF-CBT will further examine effectiveness of a CF-specific integrated care model.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program for Cannabis Use Cessation in First-Episode Psychosis Patients: A 1-Year Randomized Controlled Trial

Despite the negative influence of cannabis use on the development and prognosis of first-episode psychosis (FEP), there is little evidence on effective specific interventions for cannabis use cessation in FEP. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of a specific cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for cannabis cessation (CBT-CC) with treatment as usual (TAU) in FEP cannabis users. In this single-blind, 1-year randomized controlled trial, 65 participants were randomly assigned to CBT-CC or TAU. The primary outcome was the reduction in cannabis use severity. The CBT-CC group had a greater decrease in cannabis use severity and positive psychotic symptoms over time, and a greater improvement in functioning at post-treatment than TAU. The treatment response was also faster in the CBT-CC group, reducing cannabis use, anxiety, positive and general psychotic symptoms, and improving functioning earlier than TAU in the follow-up. Moreover, patients who stopped and/or reduced cannabis use during the follow-up, decreased psychotic symptoms and increased awareness of disease compared to those who continued using cannabis. Early intervention based on a specific CBT for cannabis cessation, may be effective in reducing cannabis use severity, in addition to improving clinical and functional outcomes of FEP cannabis users.

Chronic Tinnitus.

Chronic tinnitus is a commonly occurring symptom of the auditory system. Epidemiological studies assume a lifetime prevalence in men and women of 3.5% for chronic tinnitus requiring treatment. Almost 25% of all Germans have experienced at least one episode of tinnitus. No causal therapy is yet available, but numerous treatment strategies are being pursued. Rigorous scientific assessment of these procedures is essential. For this exhaustive revision of the German clinical practice guideline, the literature in the medical databases PubMed and Cochrane Library, including existing guidelines from various countries, was systematically searched using keywords on the topic of chronic tinnitus. On the basis of the revised guideline, a separate guideline was written in language accessible to patients. Chronic tinnitus is often associated with hearing loss, but the mental distress caused by the ear noise is another crucial element. Apart from expert counseling, the recommended treatment comprises psychotherapeutic interventions, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (with effect sizes of 0.54 to 0.91 for reduction of the tinnitus-related distress), and measures to improve the hearing. There is insufficient evidence regarding the effects of drug treatment, sound and music therapy, and neuromodulation (magnetic stimulation or electrostimulation). Alongside thorough and sound diagnosis and counseling, the principal treatment options for chronic tinnitus are specific cognitive behavioral therapy and expert psychotherapeutic interventions on an individual or group basis. Future-preferably interdisciplinary-research should evaluate the long-term effects of the treatment options, with particular attention to psychosomatic comorbidity.

Psychological flexibility as a potential change factor in cognitive behavioural therapy of OCD.

To gain a better understanding about which aspects of the treatment work for obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD), the investigation of possible change factors is essential. Psychological flexibility (PsyF) has been of interest in research on successful OCD therapy for some time. Exposure interventions and cognitive strategies in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for OCD may enhance PsyF. To date, however, no process studies have been published that clarify the role of PsyF as a possible change factor for the reduction of OCD symptoms. This study investigates whether PsyF works as a mediator in successful CBT treatment of OCD. The study recruited 112 adults diagnosed with OCD in a multi-modal in-patient treatment with specific CBT including exposure and response prevention (ERP). The Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) was used to measure OCD symptoms and three self-constructed items to assess PsyF. PsyF was conceptualised as the capability of patients to accept stressful feelings and thoughts. Data were collected weekly. For statistical analysis at the process level, longitudinal multi-level models (MLMs) with random intercepts and linear growth curves were estimated to test for mediation of PsyF on Y-BOCS. OCD symptoms decreased significantly and PsyF increased in patients throughout the course of therapy. MLM revealed that higher average values in PsyF were associated with lower Y-BOCS sum values, but only values between subjects significantly predicted the degree of obsessions and compulsions. Although research shows that PsyF is enhanced by CBT and also shows a connection with Y-BOCS values, its role as a mediator could not be confirmed.

Exposure Quality in Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Youth Anxiety Disorders\u2014Predictors and Associations with Outcomes

To optimize cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) outcomes for anxiety disorders in youth, more knowledge is needed about how specific CBT components work. Exposure to feared situations is an effective CBT component. However, there is little observation-based empirical research on how exposure relates to outcomes and other clinical variables. In a randomized controlled community clinic trial for youth with anxiety disorders, observers reliably rated exposure quality for 68 youths aged 8 to 15 years based on 118 videotaped sessions. The treatment program was the manual-based FRIENDS program. Three exposure quality elements (preparation, post-processing, and parent contribution to exposure) were examined in relation to pre-treatment demographic and clinical variables, outcomes, and youth- and therapist-rated alliance using multilevel hierarchical regression models. The outcomes were diagnostic recovery, clinical severity and anxiety symptoms change from pre- to post-treatment and one-year follow-up, and treatment dropout. The results showed that parent contribution to exposure was higher for boys and younger children. Parent contribution to exposure, but no other exposure element, was associated with a larger likelihood of diagnostic recovery and larger clinical severity reduction at one-year follow-up. Exposure quality was unrelated to outcomes at post-treatment, dropout, or alliance. We conclude that enhancing parent contribution to exposure during treatment could improve long-term outcomes after CBT for youth anxiety disorders. Exposure elements should be observed in larger samples to further examine their potential role for CBT outcomes.

Interpersonal counselling versus perinatal-specific cognitive behavioural therapy for women with depression during pregnancy offered in routine psychological treatment services: a phase II randomised trial

BackgroundUp to one in eight women experience depression during pregnancy. In the UK, low intensity cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the main psychological treatment offered for those with mild or moderate depression and is recommended during the perinatal period, however referral by midwives and take up of treatment by pregnant women is extremely low.Interpersonal Counselling (IPC) is a brief, low-intensity form of Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) that focuses on areas of concern to service users during pregnancy.To improve psychological treatment for depression during pregnancy, the study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a trial of IPC for antenatal depression in routine NHS services compared to low intensity perinatal specific CBT.MethodsWe conducted a small randomised controlled trial in two centres. A total of 52 pregnant women with mild or moderate depression were randomised to receive 6 sessions of IPC or perinatal specific CBT. Treatment was provided by 12 junior mental health workers (jMHW). The primary outcome was the number of women recruited to the point of randomisation. Secondary outcomes included maternal mood, couple functioning, attachment, functioning, treatment adherence, and participant and staff acceptability.ResultsThe study was feasible and acceptable. Recruitment was successful through scanning clinics, only 6 of the 52 women were recruited through midwives. 71% of women in IPC completed treatment. Women reported IPC was acceptable, and supervisors reported high treatment competence in IPC arm by jMHWs. Outcome measures indicated there was improvement in mood in both groups (Change in EPDS score IPC 4.4 (s.d. 5.1) and CBT 4.0 (s.d. 4.8).ConclusionsThis was a feasibility study and was not large enough to detect important differences between IPC and perinatal specific CBT. A full-scale trial of IPC for antenatal depression in routine IAPT services is feasible.Trial registrationThis study has been registered with ISRCTN registry 11513120. – date of registration 05/04/2018.

Effectiviteit van behandeling van obsessief-compulsieve stoornissen bij ASS: een systematische literatuurreview

Little is known about psychological and pharmacological treatment of patients with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and comorbid obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and PsycInfo for intervention studies evaluating treatment effects for patients with concurrent diagnoses of ASD and OCD. The search yielded 6594 articles of which after sequential checks of duplicates, title, abstract and full text, eight articles could be included. One study concerned a RCT, four were before-after studies with a control group, and three remaining studies were before-after studies without a control group. All studied the effect of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which appears to be generally effective in treatment of OCD in people with ASD. Further research is needed to determine whether ASD specific CBT protocols are more effective in reducing OCD symptoms than regular CBT.

Experimental Psychopathology at the Crossroads: Reflections on Past, Present, and Future Contributions to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Experimental psychopathology researchers are devoted to understanding the causes and mechanisms of psychological disorders, with the central goal of developing and improving effective interventions. Indeed, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) arose from experiments identifying key mechanisms that clinicians can target to reduce their clients’ symptoms. Despite the well-documented efficacy of CBT for diverse problems, many people continue to live with psychopathology, even after CBT. In this paper, we reflect on ways in which experimental psychopathology has advanced CBT (i.e. Where have we been?), areas that are fruitful for continued progress (i.e. Where are we now?), and crucial areas for improvement (i.e. Where are we going?). In particular, we contend that improving the science of psychopathology via open and transparent practices, prioritising diverse samples, testing the effects of specific CBT techniques, and focusing on problems that our clients identify will enable experimental psychopathology research to serve as the foundation for evidence-based practice.