Disorders - Anxiety Disorders
Mohammadian, Y., Shahidi,
S., Mahaki, B., Mohammadi, A. Z., Baghban, A. A., Zayeri, F.
The
aim of the present study was to explore the effectiveness of group poetry intervention on signs of depression, anxiety and stress in female
undergraduate students in Iran. A sample of 29 participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention (n= 14) or a no intervention group (n=
15). The intervention group took part in seven sessions of group poetry therapy of 90-120. min duration each while the no intervention group was put
on a waiting list. All participants completed the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) before the intervention and after second, fifth and the
last session. Results showed that the use of poetry as an intervention technique plays a significant role in reducing signs of depression, anxiety
and reported stress. This confirms previous research. Results are discussed in terms of the viability of poetry as a possible therapeutic method in
alleviating depressive and anxiety related disorders considering some important characteristics of the Iranian culture. (copyright) 2011 Elsevier
Inc.
Arts in Psychotherapy, 38(1) : 59-63
- Year: 2011
- Problem: Anxiety Disorders (any), Depressive Disorders
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: Universal prevention
-
Treatment and intervention: Complementary & Alternative
Interventions (CAM), Creative expression: music, dance, drama, art
Moyer, C. A.
Objectives: It is frequently asserted that massage therapy (MT) reduces cortisol levels, and that this mechanism is the cause of
MT benefits including relief from anxiety, depression, and pain, but reviews of MT research are not in agreement on the existence or magnitude of
such a cortisol reduction effect, or the likelihood that it plays such a causative role. A definitive quantitative review of MT's effect on cortisol
would be of value to MT research and practice. Methods: After first performing a comprehensive literature search and retrieval, we use rigorous and
conventional meta-analytic methods for calculating between-groups effect sizes. As a point of comparison, we also replicate an unconventional
approach taken by other reviewers, in which MT recipients' within-group cortisol reductions are quantified as a percentage of change, despite the
fact that this introduces numerous confounds not addressed by the first approach. Results: Resultant between-groups effect sizes are almost all small
(ds = 0.05-0.30) and nonsignificant. The lone exception is MT's multiple-dose effect in children, which is larger (d = 0.52) and statistically
significant, but which is based on only three studies and vulnerable to the file-drawer threat. Within-group percentage reductions of cortisol in MT
recipients are generally smaller than those found by other reviewers, and are generally inconsistent with the more rigorous between-groups results,
which illustrates the unsuitability of this unconventional approach to assessment of treatment effects. Conclusions: MT's effect on cortisol is
generally very small and, in most cases, not statistically distinguishable from zero. As such, it cannot be the cause of MT's well-established and
statistically larger beneficial effects on anxiety, depression, and pain. We conclude that other causal mechanisms, which are still to be identified,
must be responsible for MT's clinical benefits. (copyright) 2010 Elsevier Ltd.
Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies, 15(1) : 3-14
- Year: 2011
- Problem: Anxiety Disorders (any)
- Type: Systematic reviews
-
Stage: At risk (indicated or selected prevention)
-
Treatment and intervention: Complementary & Alternative
Interventions (CAM), Massage
Youngstedt, Shawn D., Kline, Christopher E., Ginsberg, Jay
P., Zielinski, Mark R., Hardin, James W.
Background: Available treatments for anxiety have limitations and/or side effects. The aim of this study was to
examine the influence of bright light exposure as a treatment in high-anxious young adults. Methods: In an acute exposure study, participants (n =
33) were randomly assigned to 4Smin of (I) bright light or (2) placebo. Participants then performed a 5-week study (n = 29). Following a 1-week
baseline, participants were randomly assigned to 4 weeks of daily exposure to either (1) bright light (45min/day) or (2) placebo treatment, initiated
≤ l hr after awakening. Before and after the experiment, clinical ratings were conducted with the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A), Hamilton
Depression Scale, and Clinical Global Impressions scale. Following each week, blood pressure, anxiety (Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Yl),
depression, mood, sleep, and side effects were assessed. Results: No significant treatment effect was found in the acute exposure study. Likewise, in
the 5-week study, no significant treatment effect was found. However, bright light elicited marginally greater reductions in psychic symptoms of the
HAM-A (P = .06) and other measures. Conclusions: This pilot study provides little compelling evidence for an anxiolytic effect of bright light in
high-anxious young adults. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract)
Depression &
Anxiety, 28(4) : 324-332
- Year: 2011
- Problem: Anxiety Disorders (any)
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: At risk (indicated or selected prevention)
-
Treatment and intervention: Complementary & Alternative
Interventions (CAM), Bright light therapy
Warnecke, E., Quinn, S., Ogden,
K., Towle, N., Nelson, M. R.
This study aimed to determine whether the practice of mindfulness reduces the level of stress experienced by senior
medical students. We carried out a multicentre, single-blinded, randomised controlled trial with intention-to-treat analysis in three clinical
schools attached to the University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania. Participants included 66 medical students in their final 2 years of study in 2009.
Participants were block-randomised to either an intervention or a usual care control group. The intervention used an audio CD of guided mindfulness
practice designed and produced for this trial. Participants were advised to use the intervention daily over the 8 weeks of the trial. All
participants completed two self-report questionnaires, at baseline and at 8 weeks, respectively. The intervention group also completed a
questionnaire at 16 weeks to provide follow-up data. The primary outcome measure was the difference over time in scores on the Perceived Stress Scale
(PSS). The secondary outcome measure referred to differences over time in scores on the subscales of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS).
Mean baseline scores on the PSS and the stress component of the DASS were 15.7 (maximal score of 40) and 13.2 (maximal score of 42), respectively,
both of which exceed scores in age-matched normative control data. Using multivariable analysis, participants in the intervention group demonstrated
significant reductions in scores on the PSS (-3.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] - 6.20 to -0.68; p<0.05) and the anxiety component of the DASS (-
2.82, 95% CI -4.99 to -0.64; p <0.05). A borderline significant effect was demonstrated on the stress component of the DASS (-3.69, 95% CI -7.38 to
0.01; p = 0.05). Follow-up at 8 weeks post-trial revealed that the effect was maintained. Mindfulness practice reduced stress and anxiety in senior
medical students. Stress is prevalent in medical students and can have adverse effects on both student health and patients. A simple, self-
administered, evidence-based intervention now exists to manage stress in this at-risk population and should be widely utilised. (copyright) Blackwell
Publishing Ltd 2011.
Medical Education, 45(4) : 381-388
- Year: 2011
- Problem: Anxiety Disorders (any), Depressive Disorders
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: At risk (indicated or selected prevention)
-
Treatment and intervention: Psychological Interventions
(any), Mindfulness based
therapy
Warner, Carrie Masia, Colognori, Daniela, Kim, Rachel E., Reigada, Laura C., Klein, Rachel G., Browner-Elhanan, Karen J., Saborsky, Amy, Petkova, Eva, Reiss, Philip, Chhabra, Manoj, McFarlane-Ferreira, Yvonne
B., Phoon, Colin K., Pittman, Nanci, Benkov, Keith
Background: Methods: Results: Conclusions: Children and adolescents who
seek medical treatment for persistent physical distress often suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Treatment options for this impaired
population are limited. This study tests the feasibility and potential efficacy of a cognitive-behavioral intervention targeting pain and anxiety for
youth with impairing functional physical symptoms and anxiety disorders presenting to pediatricians for medical care.Children and adolescents (aged
8-16) experiencing somatic complaints, without an explanatory medical disorder (i.e., functional), were recruited from primary care and specialty
(gastroenterologists and cardiologists) pediatricians. Forty children, primarily with gastrointestinal symptoms, who met criteria for a co-occurring
anxiety disorder, were randomly assigned to a cognitive-behavioral treatment addressing pain and anxiety, Treatment of Anxiety and Physical Symptoms
(TAPS), or to a waiting list control.TAPS was found to be an acceptable treatment for this population and was superior to the waiting list condition.
Eighty percent of children in TAPS were rated as treatment responders by independent evaluators compared with none of the controls. Overall, self-
and parent ratings indicated reductions in children's somatic discomfort and anxiety following intervention. TAPS participants maintained clinical
gains 3 months following treatment.The study supports the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a cognitive-behavioral intervention targeting co-
occurring physical distress and anxiety in youth presenting for medical treatment. Such an approach has the potential to exert broad impact on
children's dysfunction and to minimize exposure to invasive, ineffective, and costly medical procedures and treatments.\r© 2011 Wiley-Liss,
Inc.
Depression & Anxiety, 28(7) : 551-559
- Year: 2011
- Problem: Anxiety Disorders (any)
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: Disorder established (diagnosed disorder)
-
Treatment and intervention: Psychological Interventions
(any), Cognitive & behavioural therapies (CBT)
Thompson, T., Steffert, T., Steed, A., Gruzelier,
J.
Case studies suggest hypnosis with a virtual reality (VR) component may be an effective intervention; although few
follow-up randomized, controlled trials have been performed comparing such interventions with standard hypnotic treatments. Thirty-five healthy
participants were randomized to self-hypnosis with VR imagery, standard self-hypnosis, or relaxation interventions. Changes in sleep, cortisol
levels, and mood were examined. Self-hypnosis involved 10- to 20-min. sessions visualizing a healthy immune scenario. Trait absorption was also
recorded as a possible moderator. Moderated regression indicated that both hypnosis interventions produced significantly lower tiredness ratings than
relaxation when trait absorption was high. When trait absorption was low, VR resulted in significantly higher engagement ratings, although this did
not translate to demonstrable improvement in outcome. Results suggest that VR imagery may increase engagement relative to traditional methods, but
further investigation into its potential to enhance therapeutic efficacy is required. Copyright (copyright) International Journal of Clinical and
Experimental Hypnosis.
International Journal of Clinical & Experimental Hypnosis, 59(1) : 122-
142
- Year: 2011
- Problem: Anxiety Disorders (any), Depressive Disorders
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: Universal prevention
-
Treatment and intervention: Complementary & Alternative
Interventions (CAM), Service Delivery & Improvement, Psychological Interventions
(any), Other Psychological Interventions, Relaxation, Other complementary & alternative
interventions, Technology, comparing delivery mode (e.g. online vs. face-to-face)
Trout, A.
T., Wang, P. I., Cohan, R. H., Bailey, J. E., Khalatbari, S., Myles, J. D., Dunnick, N. R.
Rationale and Objectives: The
aims of this study were to quantify resident anxiety when beginning independent call and to assess whether an apprenticeship experience (buddy call)
can lessen anxiety and improve confidence. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort comparison of two groups of radiology residents beginning
independent call, one of which was provided with a buddy call experience, was performed. Anxiety and confidence were assessed using the Endler
Multidimensional Anxiety Scales-State (EMAS-S), with total score, autonomic emotional, and cognitive worry components, and a five-point, Likert-type
scale, respectively. Both groups were asked about the perceived value of a buddy call experience. Results: EMAS-S scores improved significantly over
5 days of call in both groups (control, n = 10, P = .0005; buddy call, n = 9, P = .0001), and image interpretation confidence correspondingly
increased (control, P = .0004; buddy call, P = .003). Compared to the control group, autonomic emotional scores were significantly lower in the buddy
call group on the first day of independent call (P = .040), and cognitive worry and total EMAS-S scores were significantly lower on day 5 (both P
values = .03). Buddy call was independently associated with improved autonomic emotional and film interpretation confidence scores (both P values =
.02). All members of the buddy call group indicated that the experience was very helpful in preparing for call. Conclusions: Beginning independent
call is associated with high anxiety, and buddy call reduces that anxiety, beyond the effect of time alone. Residents who participated in buddy call
found it helpful in preparing for independent call. These findings support the use of buddy call and tiered call structures as means to introduce
junior residents to independent call. (copyright) 2011 AUR.
Academic Radiology, 18(9) : 1186-1194
- Year: 2011
- Problem: Anxiety Disorders (any)
- Type: Controlled clinical trials
-
Stage: At risk (indicated or selected prevention)
-
Treatment and intervention: Service Delivery & Improvement, Other service delivery and improvement
interventions
Sasaki-Otomaru,
A., Sakuma, Y., Mochizuki, Y., Ishida, S., Kanoya, Y., Sato, C.
Introduction: The effect of regular gum chewing on psychological status is
unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of gum chewing for fourteen days on psychological status and physical and mental fatigue
in healthy young adults. Methods: We assigned 50 volunteers randomly to an intervention group (n = 26) and a control group (n = 24). Participants in
the intervention group were requested to chew the gum twice per a day for fourteen days. The volunteers were required to complete a questionnaire
related to lifestyle for baseline assessment. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Profile of Mood State (POMS), the World Health
Organization Quality of Life 26, and assessment of physical and mental fatigue by visual analog scale were used at baseline, 2 weeks (after
intervention), and 4 weeks (follow-up). Results: At 2 weeks, the score of state anxiety was significantly lower in the intervention group than the
control group. The intervention participants' scores of depression-dejection, fatigue and confusion in POMS were better than the control group
scores. Mental fatigue were also relieved after the intervention. At 4 weeks, there were no significant differences between both groups. Conclusion:
Fourteen days' gum chewing may improve the levels of anxiety, mood and fatigue. (copyright) Sasaki-Otomaru et al.
Clinical Practice & Epidemiology in Mental Health, 7 : 133-139
- Year: 2011
- Problem: Anxiety Disorders (any), Depressive Disorders
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: Universal prevention
-
Treatment and intervention: Complementary & Alternative
Interventions (CAM), Other complementary & alternative
interventions
Simon, Ellin Bogels, Susan Maria, Voncken, Jannie Marisol
This study examined anxiety development in median- (n = 74) and high-anxious children (n = 183) aged 8-13,
the effect of parent- and child-focused preventive interventions on child/parental anxiety, and the effect of parental anxiety on child anxiety.
High-anxious children were randomized into a parent-focused (n = 69), child-focused (n = 58) or non-intervention (n = 56) group. Families completed a
pretest and 1- and 2-year follow-ups. Children selected as high-anxious or at risk were found to remain more susceptible to having anxiety problems
and developing anxiety disorders than median-anxious children. Both intervention types showed favorable outcomes compared to no intervention on the
number of “ADIS improved” children. These findings underline the need for effective preventive interventions for child anxiety. General
improvements over time were found for symptoms of child and parental anxiety, however, and parental anxiety did not predict improvement in child
anxiety after controlling for intervention. Therefore, it may not be necessary to focus on parental anxiety in interventions aimed at preventing
child anxiety. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract)
Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent
Psychology, 40(2) : 204-219
- Year: 2011
- Problem: Anxiety Disorders (any)
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: At risk (indicated or selected prevention)
-
Treatment and intervention: Psychological Interventions
(any), Exposure therapy, Exposure
and response prevention, Other Psychological Interventions
Smith, J. A., Greer, T., Sheets, T., Watson, S.
Yoga is increasing in
popularity, with an estimated 15 million practitioners in the United States, yet there is a dearth of empirical data addressing the holistic benefits
of yoga. To compare the physical and mental benefits of an exercise-based yoga practice to that of a more comprehensive yoga practice (one with an
ethical/spiritual component). Students with mild to moderate depression, anxiety, or stress and who agreed to participate were assigned to one of
three groups: integrated yoga, yoga as exercise, control. A total of 81 undergraduate students 18 years and older at a university in the southeastern
United States participated in the study. Depression, anxiety, stress, hope, and salivary cortisol. Over time, participants in both the integrated and
exercise yoga groups experienced decreased depression and stress, an increased sense of hopefulness, and increased flexibility compared to the
control group. However, only the integrated yoga group experienced decreased anxiety-related symptoms and decreased salivary cortisol from the
beginning to the end of the study. Yoga, practiced in a more integrated form, ie, with an ethical and spiritual component, may provide additional
benefits over yoga practiced as an exercise regimen.
Alternative Therapies in Health &
Medicine, 17(3) : 22-29
- Year: 2011
- Problem: Anxiety Disorders (any), Depressive Disorders
- Type: Controlled clinical trials
-
Stage: At risk (indicated or selected prevention)
-
Treatment and intervention: Complementary & Alternative
Interventions (CAM), Mind-body exercises (e.g. yoga, tai chi, qigong), Physical activity, exercise
Siemer, C. P., Fogel, J., VanVoorhees, B. W.
The authors conducted a
review of the literature with regard to child and adolescent mental health intervention, from which they identified 20 unique publications and 12
separate interventions. These interventions encompassed depression, anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders, and mental health promotion. Studies
were heterogeneous, with a wide range of study designs and comparison groups creating some challenges in interpretation. However, modest evidence was
found that Internet interventions showed benefits compared with controls and preintervention symptom levels. Interventions had been developed for a
range of settings, but tended to recruit middle-class participants of European ethnicity. Internet interventions showed a range of approaches toward
engaging children and incorporating parents and peers into the learning process. (copyright) 2011 Elsevier Inc.
Child & Adolescent
Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 20(1) : 135-153
- Year: 2011
- Problem: Anxiety Disorders (any), Depressive Disorders, Eating Disorders
(any)
- Type: Systematic reviews
-
Stage: Universal prevention, At risk (indicated or selected prevention), Disorder established (diagnosed disorder)
-
Treatment and intervention: Service Delivery & Improvement, Technology, interventions delivered using technology (e.g. online, SMS)
Spence, Susan H., Donovan, Caroline L., March, Sonja, Gamble,
Amanda, Anderson, Renee E., Prosser, Samantha, Kenardy, Justin
Objective: The study examined the relative efficacy of online (NET) versus clinic (CLIN) delivery of
cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) in the treatment of anxiety disorders in adolescents. Method: Participants included 115 clinically anxious
adolescents aged 12 to 18 years and their parent(s). Adolescents were randomly assigned to NET, CLIN, or wait list control (WLC) conditions. The
treatment groups received equivalent CBT content. Clinical diagnostic interviews and questionnaire assessments were completed 12 weeks after baseline
and at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Results: Assessment at 12 weeks post-baseline showed significantly greater reductions in anxiety diagnoses and
anxiety symptoms for both NET and CLIN conditions compared with the WLC. These improvements were maintained or further enhanced for both conditions,
with minimal differences between them, at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Seventy-eight percent of adolescents in the NET group (completer sample) no
longer met criteria for the principal anxiety diagnosis at 12-month follow-up compared with 80.6% in the CLIN group. Ratings of treatment credibility
from both parents and adolescents were high for NET and equivalent to CLIN. Satisfaction ratings by adolescents were equivalent for NET and CLIN
conditions, whereas parents indicated slightly higher satisfaction ratings for the CLIN format. Conclusions: Online delivery of CBT, with minimal
therapist support, is equally efficacious as clinic-based, face-to-face therapy in the treatment of anxiety disorders among adolescents. This
approach offers a credible alternative to clinic-based therapy, with benefits of reduced therapist time and greater accessibility for families who
have difficulty accessing clinic-based CBT. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract)
Journal of Consulting & Clinical Psychology, 79(5) : 629-
642
- Year: 2011
- Problem: Anxiety Disorders (any)
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: Disorder established (diagnosed disorder)
-
Treatment and intervention: Service Delivery & Improvement, Psychological Interventions
(any), Cognitive & behavioural therapies (CBT), Technology, comparing delivery mode (e.g. online vs. face-to-face)