Disorders - Anxiety Disorders
Ohene, R., Logan, C., Loresto, F., Watters, A., Eron, K., Markovchick, T., Mehler, P. S.
IMPORTANCE:
Interventions to reduce anxiety are needed for patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and avoidant- restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). Weighted
blankets are one such intervention. OBJECTIVE(S): To evaluate the impact of weighted blankets on anxiety for patients with AN and ARFID. DESIGN:
Randomized controlled trial conducted between November 2018 and March 2019. Patients were randomized into the control group or the intervention
group. SETTING: Inpatient setting; medical stabilization unit. PARTICIPANTS: Patients (N = 23) diagnosed with AN or ARFID and experiencing moderate
anxiety. The majority were female (91%), with a mean age of 26 yr (SD = 9.3), and the mean length of hospitalization was 22 days (SD = 17.3).
INTERVENTIONS: Control group participants received usual care, which included occupational therapy services. Intervention group participants received
a weighted blanket along with usual care. OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Mixed-effects regression models were conducted. Primary outcomes included
improvement in Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) scores by discharge. RESULT(S): Intervention group patients had a greater, non-statistically significant
decrease in BAI score over time (B = 1.16, p = .83) than control group patients. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Weighted blankets may be an effective
tool for reducing anxiety among patients with AN or ARFID. What This Article Adds: The use of a weighted blanket, in conjunction with occupational
therapy interventions, is potentially a beneficial non-pharmacological option for patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and avoidant-restrictive food
intake disorder (ARFID). The current study adds an additional modality to the multidisciplinary treatment approach for eating disorders. Copyright ©
2023 by the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.
The American journal of occupational therapy : official publication of the American Occupational Therapy
Association, 76(6) :
- Year: 2022
- Problem: Anxiety Disorders (any), Eating Disorders
(any), Anorexia Nervosa
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: Disorder established (diagnosed disorder), At risk (indicated or selected prevention)
-
Treatment and intervention: Complementary & Alternative
Interventions (CAM), Other complementary & alternative
interventions
O'Driscoll, D., McAleese, M.
Test anxiety can have a deleterious impact on academic achievement and
adversely affect adolescent well-being, both concurrently and in later life. The current study explored the use of compassionate mind training (CMT)
as a school-based intervention for test anxiety among adolescents. Participants were 47 adolescents, aged 16-17 years, attending a post-primary
school in the UK and enrolled to take qualifications beyond compulsory education. Participants were quasi-randomly allocated on the basis of
timetable availability into an intervention group that received eight sessions of CMT (n = 22) or a control group (n = 25). Participants in both
groups completed pre- and post-intervention measures of test anxiety, general anxiety and self-compassion. Attendance and retention rates were used
as an index of intervention feasibility. The findings indicated that CMT was a feasible and effective intervention. Adolescents receiving CMT showed
significant reductions in test anxiety and general anxiety, as well as a significant improvement in self-compassion following the intervention
compared with the control group. The findings highlight the potential value of CMT in supporting young people suffering from test anxiety in schools.
The implications for counselling practice are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)
Counselling & Psychotherapy Research, 22(2) : 301-
310
- Year: 2022
- Problem: Anxiety Disorders (any)
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: Universal prevention, At risk (indicated or selected prevention)
-
Treatment and intervention: Psychological Interventions
(any), Other Psychological Interventions
Noah, L., Morel, V., Bertin, C., Pouteau, E., Macian, N., Duale, C., Pereira, B., Pickering, G.
The
effect of a combination of magnesium, vitamins B6, B9, B12, rhodiola and green tea/L-theanine (Mg-Teadiola) on stress was evaluated in chronically
stressed, otherwise healthy individuals. Effects on stress-related quality-of-life parameters (sleep and perception of pain) were also explored.
Adults with stress for >=1 month, scoring >=14 points on the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS)-42 questionnaire, were randomized (1:1) to
receive oral Mg-Teadiola (n = 49) or a placebo (n = 51), for 28 days, with a follow-up assessment on Day 56 (NCT04391452). The primary endpoint was
the change in the DASS-42 stress score from baseline to Day 28 with Mg-Teadiola versus placebo. The DASS-42 stress scores significantly decreased
from baseline to Day 28 with Mg-Teadiola versus placebo (effect size, 0.29; 95% CI [0.01, 0.57]; p = 0.04). Similar reductions were observed on Day
14 (p = 0.006) and Day 56 (p = 0.02). A significant reduction in sensitivity to cold pain (p = 0.01) and a trend for lower sensitivity to warm pain
was observed (p = 0.06) on Day 28. Improvements in daytime dysfunction due to sleepiness (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index-7 component score) were
reported on Day 28, and were significant on Day 56 (p < 0.001). Mg-Teadiola is effective in managing stress in otherwise healthy individuals. Its
beneficial effects on sleep and pain perception need further investigation. Copyright © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
Nutrients, 14(9) (no
pagination) :
- Year: 2022
- Problem: Anxiety Disorders (any), Depressive Disorders
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: At risk (indicated or selected prevention)
-
Treatment and intervention: Complementary & Alternative
Interventions (CAM), Homeopathic, plant-based medicines, Vitamins and supplements
Niranjan, P., Balaram,
P.
Introduction: Elevated level of
anxiety and low attention in university students has detrimental effects on their academic performance and well-being. The practice of pranayama is
considered to enhance the attention and reduce anxiety of individuals. Though, ujjayi pranayama has a relaxing and tranquilising effect, its effects
on attention and anxiety in students has not been explored yet. Aim(s): To assess the immediate effect of ujjayi pranayama on sustained attention,
selective attention and state-trait anxiety in university students. Material(s) and Method(s): The present study was a randomised self-control study
in which 34 students were randomly divided into group A and group B using the lottery method. Inclusion criteria were students in the age range of
18-35 years, conversant in English, willing to participate and having at least two years of proficiency in pranayama practice. The assessment and
intervention were conducted at the yoga hall of Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anausandhana Samsthana, Bangalore, Karnataka, India, in the month of April
2015. The duration of intervention was for 10 minutes. On day one, group A practiced ujjayi pranayama for eight minutes and two minutes of breath
observation. Students in group B were asked to sit in a meditative posture with eyes open. The order was reversed on the day second. Students from
both groups were assessed just before and immediately after the intervention using the Digit Letter Substitution Test (DLST), Six Letter Cancellation
Test (SLCT), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Result(s): Statistical analysis showed, a significant difference in STAI scores (9.00+/-3.05
vs. 10.29+/-3.23, p=0.005). No significant difference was observed in other variables in between group comparison. Likewise, the within group
analysis showed a significant difference in pre and post scores of DLST (53.68+/-9.35 vs 59.65+/-9.66, p<0.001), SLCT (30.21+/-10.29 vs 33.71+/-
11.67, p=0.007), and STAI (11.5+/-3.40 vs 9.00+/-3.05, p<0.001) in the group A as well as a significant difference in pre and post scores of DLST
(55.82+/-10.44 vs 60.00+/-9.51, p=0.002) and STAI (10.94+/-3.19 vs 10.29+/-3.23, p=0.024) in the group B. Conclusion(s): The present study suggested
that ujjayi pranayama improves sustained and selective attention and reduces the state-trait anxiety of university students. However, further studies
to assess the chronic effect of ujjayi pranayama with greater sample size and advanced tools are required to support the present finding. Copyright ©
2022 Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. All rights reserved.
Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 16(2) : VC01-VC04
- Year: 2022
- Problem: Anxiety Disorders (any)
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: Universal prevention
-
Treatment and intervention: Complementary & Alternative
Interventions (CAM), Meditation
Niederhauser, M., Zueger, R., Sefidan,
S., Annen, H., Brand, S., Sadeghi-Bahmani, D.
Resilience is understood as an
acquired skill which aids in coping with acute and chronic stress. Accordingly, the present study aimed to determine the effect of resilience
training on mental health problems during chronic stress. To this end, we conducted a quasi-experimental study with 127 male cadets (mean age: 21
years) of the Swiss Armed Forces officers' school. Whereas the intervention group (IG) received resilience training in addition to the standard
officer's education program, the control group (CG) completed the officers' school as usual. Data assessment included pre-and post-measurement of
chronic stress, symptoms of depression, and vital exhaustion in both groups. Motivation for training was collected before the first training session.
Those who received the resilience training reported no change in chronic stress, whereas participants in the CG showed a significant increase in
chronic stress over time (etap2 = 0.025). Furthermore, significant differences between IG and CG were only found for symptoms
of depression: Participants in the IG reported significantly decreased symptoms of depression, while this was not the case for participants in the
CG. Within the IG, participants' training motivation strongly influenced the effectiveness of the resilience training. More specifically, motivated
individuals were more likely to benefit from the resilience training than unmotivated ones. Outcome data suggest that resilience training appeared to
favorably affect chronic stress and related mental health symptoms; however, the motivation for the training seemed to be an essential prerequisite.
Copyright © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public
Health, 19(10) (no pagination) :
- Year: 2022
- Problem: Anxiety Disorders (any), Depressive Disorders
- Type: Controlled clinical trials
-
Stage: At risk (indicated or selected prevention)
-
Treatment and intervention: Psychological Interventions
(any), Skills training, Other Psychological Interventions
Nicol, G., Wang, R., Graham, S., Dodd, S., Garbutt, J.
BACKGROUND: Symptoms of depression and anxiety, suicidal ideation, and self-harm have escalated among adolescents to crisis levels
during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, primary care providers (PCPs) are often called on to provide first-line care for these youth. Digital
health interventions can extend mental health specialty care, but few are evidence based. We evaluated the feasibility of delivering an evidence-
based mobile health (mHealth) app with an embedded conversational agent to deliver cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to symptomatic adolescents
presenting in primary care settings during the pandemic.\rOBJECTIVE: In this 12-week pilot study, we evaluated the feasibility of delivering the
app-based intervention to adolescents aged 13 to 17 years with moderate depressive symptoms who were treated in a practice-based research network
(PBRN) of academically affiliated primary care clinics. We also obtained preliminary estimates of app acceptability, effectiveness, and usability.
\rMETHODS: This small, pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluated depressive symptom severity in adolescents randomized to the app or to a
wait list control condition. The primary end point was depression severity at 4-weeks, measured by the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).
Data on acceptability, feasibility, and usability were collected from adolescents and their parent or legal guardian. Qualitative interviews were
conducted with 13 PCPs from 11 PBRN clinics to identify facilitators and barriers to incorporating mental health apps in treatment planning for
adolescents with depression and anxiety.\rRESULTS: The pilot randomized 18 participants to the app (n=10, 56%) or to a wait list control condition
(n=8, 44%); 17 participants were included in the analysis, and 1 became ineligible upon chart review due to lack of eligibility based on documented
diagnosis. The overall sample was predominantly female (15/17, 88%), White (15/17, 88%), and privately insured (15/17, 88%). Mean PHQ-9 scores at 4
weeks decreased by 3.3 points in the active treatment group (representing a shift in mean depression score from moderate to mild symptom severity
categories) and 2 points in the wait list control group (no shift in symptom severity category). Teen- and parent-reported usability, feasibility,
and acceptability of the app was high. PCPs reported preference for introducing mHealth interventions like the one in this study early in the course
of care for individuals presenting with mild or moderate symptoms.\rCONCLUSIONS: In this small study, we demonstrated the feasibility, acceptability,
usability, and safety of using a CBT-based chatbot for adolescents presenting with moderate depressive symptoms in a network of PBRN-based primary
care clinics. This pilot study could not establish effectiveness, but our results suggest that further study in a larger pediatric population is
warranted. Future study inclusive of rural, socioeconomically disadvantaged, and underrepresented communities is needed to establish generalizability
of effectiveness and identify implementation-related adaptations needed to promote broader uptake in pediatric primary care.\rTRIAL REGISTRATION:
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04603053; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04603053.
JMIR Formative
Research, 6(11) : e40242
- Year: 2022
- Problem: Anxiety Disorders (any), Depressive Disorders
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: Disorder established (diagnosed disorder)
-
Treatment and intervention: Service Delivery & Improvement, Psychological Interventions
(any), Cognitive & behavioural therapies (CBT), Technology, interventions delivered using technology (e.g. online, SMS)
Murphy, J., Sweeney, M. R., McGrane, B.
Objective: To
examine the impact of a self-determination theory-informed school-based lunchtime games intervention on wellbeing and symptoms of anxiety and
depression among adolescent girls in Ireland. Design(s): Non-randomised controlled intervention design. Method(s): This self-determination theory-
informed intervention consisted of lunchtime games for girls aged 13 +/- 0.7 years, 3 days a week. After a 2-week 'sampling' period, students
self-selected to 0, 1, 2 or 3 days of lunchtime games. Intervention and control groups were compared by pre- and post-testing. Participants were
included in the intervention design via a survey to ascertain the most popular games and activities at the outset. Result(s): Participating in games
twice a week led to significant decreases (p <.01) in symptoms of anxiety and depression while the control group showed significant increases (p
<.01) in symptoms of anxiety and depression. Mental wellbeing significantly (p <.01) increased among those who participated two and three times a
week. Increases in mental wellbeing were similar in effect size to increases in self-efficacy. Conclusion(s): Higher frequencies of physical activity
led to increased mental health. Self-efficacy may act as an underlying mechanism for increases in mental health through physical activity. Copyright
© The Author(s) 2022.
, 81(4) : 463-
478
- Year: 2022
- Problem: Anxiety Disorders (any), Depressive Disorders
- Type: Controlled clinical trials
-
Stage: Universal prevention
-
Treatment and intervention: Complementary & Alternative
Interventions (CAM), Physical activity, exercise
Montero-Marin, J., Allwood, M., Ball, S., Crane, C., De Wilde, K., Hinze, V., Jones, B., Lord, L., Nuthall, E., Raja, A., Taylor, L., Tudor, K., Blakemore, S. J., Byford, S., Dalgleish, T., Ford, T., Greenberg, M. T., Ukoumunne, O. C., Williams, J. M. G., Kuyken, W.
BACKGROUND:
Preventing mental health problems in early adolescence is a priority. School-based mindfulness training (SBMT) is an approach with mixed evidence.
\rOBJECTIVES: To explore for whom SBMT does/does not work and what influences outcomes.\rMETHODS: The My Resilience in Adolescence was a parallel-
group, cluster randomised controlled trial (K=84 secondary schools; n=8376 students, age: 11-13) recruiting schools that provided standard social-
emotional learning. Schools were randomised 1:1 to continue this provision (control/teaching as usual (TAU)), and/or to offer SBMT ('.b'
(intervention)). Risk of depression, social-emotional-behavioural functioning and well-being were measured at baseline, preintervention, post
intervention and 1 year follow-up. Hypothesised moderators, implementation factors and mediators were analysed using mixed effects linear
regressions, instrumental variable methods and path analysis.\rFINDINGS: SBMT versus TAU resulted in worse scores on risk of depression and well-
being in students at risk of mental health problems both at post intervention and 1-year follow-up, but differences were small and not clinically
relevant. Higher dose and reach were associated with worse social-emotional-behavioural functioning at postintervention. No implementation factors
were associated with outcomes at 1-year follow-up. Pregains-postgains in mindfulness skills and executive function predicted better outcomes at 1-
year follow-up, but the SBMT was unsuccessful to teach these skills with clinical relevance.SBMT as delivered in this trial is not indicated as a
universal intervention. Moreover, it may be contraindicated for students with existing/emerging mental health symptoms.\rCLINICAL IMPLICATIONS:
Universal SBMT is not recommended in this format in early adolescence. Future research should explore social-emotional learning programmes adapted to
the unique needs of young people.
Evidence Based Mental Health, 12 : 12
- Year: 2022
- Problem: Anxiety Disorders (any), Depressive Disorders
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: Universal prevention, At risk (indicated or selected prevention)
-
Treatment and intervention: Psychological Interventions
(any), Mindfulness based
therapy
Mizzi, A. L., McKinnon, M. C., Becker, S.
Introduction: Physical activity has beneficial effects on mood in both
healthy and clinical populations. Emerging literature suggests that physical activity may benefit psychological symptoms, such as depressive mood, in
those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is estimated that 76% of Canadians have experienced a traumatic event during their lifetime (Van
Ameringen et al., 2008). Thus, there is a large proportion of the population that does not meet criteria for PTSD but may still suffer from trauma-
related symptoms such as depression and require support for their mental health. The current pilot study aimed to evaluate the impact of an aerobic
exercise intervention on mood symptoms in trauma-exposed young adults. Method(s): Twenty-five low active young adults with subclinical trauma
symptoms but no current or past diagnosis of PTSD were recruited. Participants were randomly assigned to participate in an 8-week exercise
intervention group or a waitlist control group. Mood symptoms were assessed before and after the intervention. In addition, measures of aerobic
fitness, trauma symptoms, emotion regulation, and trait mindfulness were assessed at both time points. Result(s): The exercise intervention was
effective at inducing the expected improvements in aerobic fitness. Overall, the exercise group had a significantly greater decrease in mood symptoms
across the intervention compared to the waitlist control group. Conclusion(s): The current pilot study is the first to evaluate the impact of aerobic
exercise on mood in trauma-exposed young adults. An 8-week intervention significantly reduced mood symptoms in exercisers relative to waitlist
controls. Our results are consistent with previous research indicating that physical activity reduced depressive symptoms in those with PTSD
(Rosenbaum et al., 2015b). Importantly, we extend these findings to individuals with subclinical or undiagnosed PTSD symptoms, where exercise may be
an effective intervention to improve mood and manage or prevent further decline in mental health in those at risk of developing PTSD. Copyright ©
2022 Mizzi, McKinnon and Becker.
, 16 (no pagination) :
- Year: 2022
- Problem: Anxiety Disorders (any), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depressive Disorders
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: At risk (indicated or selected prevention)
-
Treatment and intervention: Complementary & Alternative
Interventions (CAM), Physical activity, exercise
Mirabito, G., Verhaeghen, P.
OBJECTIVE: To examine
whether a remote, online, group-based mindfulness intervention results in effects during the COVID-19 pandemic. PARTICIPANTS: 111 college students:
58 in the intervention group, 53 in a waitlist control group. METHOD(S): Randomized control trial (RCT) using a 4-week Koru Mindfulness program,
investigating pre-to-posttest changes in the intervention group compared to time-yoked control participants. RESULT(S): Average effect size for all
21 variables measured was 0.48. The intervention produced significant benefits for mindfulness, rumination, worry, mood, stress, anxiety, three out
of six aspects of psychological wellbeing (Autonomy, Environmental mastery, Self-acceptance) and physical activity. No significant effect was noted
for depression (d=0.33) or sleep (d = -0.13), and three aspects of psychological wellbeing (Personal growth, Positive relationships, Purpose in
life). CONCLUSION(S): A remote, online, group-based mindfulness program yielded benefits on stress, anxiety, and mood in college students, even under
the dire circumstances of a pandemic.
Journal of American college health : J of ACH, : 1-
8
- Year: 2022
- Problem: Anxiety Disorders (any), Depressive Disorders
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: Universal prevention, At risk (indicated or selected prevention)
-
Treatment and intervention: Service Delivery & Improvement, Psychological Interventions
(any), Mindfulness based
therapy, Technology, interventions delivered using technology (e.g. online, SMS)
Michelson, D., Hodgson, E., Bernstein, A., Chorpita, B. F., Patel, V.
Problem solving is a common focus of psychological interventions for young
people. However, existing evidence syntheses are relatively limited in their scope and conclusions. Taking a transdiagnostic approach and
incorporating diverse sources of evidence, we examined the role of problem solving as an active ingredient for the indicated prevention and treatment
of depression and anxiety in 14-24-year-olds. Three information sources were integrated using framework synthesis: (1) a systematic review of
randomized controlled trials of problem solving; (2) a metasynthesis of qualitative evidence on the therapeutic experience of problem solving; and
(3) consultations with a Youth Advisory Group. Intervention protocols that included problem solving and no more than one other specific component
appeared to be effective for depression but not anxiety. Larger multicomponent interventions with a problem-solving element achieved moderate effect
sizes for both conditions. There was no clear evidence that effectiveness varied by population characteristics, intervention formats, or contextual
factors. Qualitative evidence and youth consultations highlighted positive views about the practicality, simplicity, and flexibility of problem
solving. Converging sources also suggested changes in problem orientation as a key transdiagnostic process contributing to positive outcomes. Problem
solving is a widely applicable therapeutic approach that can help young people with emotional problems to resolve specific stressors and lead to a
more hopeful mindset about managing future challenges. Implications for practice are discussed. Copyright © 2022 Society for Adolescent Health and
Medicine
Journal of Adolescent Health, 71(4) : 390-
405
- Year: 2022
- Problem: Anxiety Disorders (any), Depressive Disorders
- Type: Systematic reviews
-
Stage: At risk (indicated or selected prevention), Disorder established (diagnosed disorder)
-
Treatment and intervention: Psychological Interventions
(any), Problem solving therapy (PST), Other Psychological Interventions
McWey, L. M.
Trauma exposure is a pervasive issue worldwide. People exposed to
traumatic events may develop PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other mental health symptoms. Family and intimate partner relationship problems also are
frequently associated with trauma exposure. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic research synthesis of the empirical evidence on
systemic interventions for traumatic event exposure from 2010 to 2019. A search of peer-reviewed research resulted in 31 articles that met inclusion
criteria and were included in this review. Systemic interventions were grouped by modality (e.g., parent-child, couple, group). The collective
evidence was strongest for systemic youth-caregiver interventions, group, and couple treatment categories for traumatic event exposure. Youth-
centered interventions that included various combinations of family member participation can be considered probably efficacious. Overall, results
indicated that systemic interventions for traumatic event exposure were successful in reducing posttraumatic stress symptoms including PTSD,
depression, and anxiety, and improving relational outcomes.
Journal of Marital & Family Therapy, 48(1) : 204-230
- Year: 2022
- Problem: Anxiety Disorders (any), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Type: Systematic reviews
-
Stage: At risk (indicated or selected prevention)
-
Treatment and intervention: Psychological Interventions
(any), Other Psychological Interventions