Disorders - Anxiety Disorders
Wurtz, F.,
Background Interpretation biases (IBs) are central in panic disorder, and there is rich evidence showing that these are correlated with
and predictive of panic-relevant symptomatology. However, experimental studies are needed to examine the potential causal effects of IBs, as
predicted by cognitive models. Methods Panic-related IBs were manipulated via a sentence-completion Cognitive Bias Modification-Interpretation (CBM-
I) training. The sample included N = 112 healthy participants reporting moderate levels of fear of bodily sensations. Participants were randomly
allocated to a positive, negative, or control CBM-I condition. To test the trainings' effect on panic-relevant cognitive processing, IBs were
assessed via proximal and distal measures. Symptom provocation tasks were applied to test transfer to panic-relevant symptomatology. Results Results
on the proximal measure showed that positive CBM-I led to more positive IBs compared to negative, and control training. Further, positive CBM-I led
to more positive IBs on the distal measure as compared to negative CBM-I. However, there were no differential training effects on panic-related
symptomatology triggered via the provocation tasks. Conclusion The findings indicate a limited generalization of the effects of CBM-I on IBs and
panic-related symptoms. Potential means to improve generalization, such as applying more nuanced measures and combining CBM-I with psychoeducation
are discussed.
Cognitive Therapy and Research, 47(3) : 494-
509
- Year: 2023
- Problem: Anxiety Disorders (any), Panic
Disorder
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: At risk (indicated or selected prevention)
-
Treatment and intervention: Psychological Interventions
(any), Attention/cognitive bias
modification
Wright, M., Reitegger, F., Cela, H., Papst, A., Gasteiger-Klicpera, B.
The
availability of digital tools aiming to promote adolescent mental health is rapidly increasing. However, the field lacks an up-to-date and focused
review of current evidence. This study thus looked into the characteristics and efficacy of digital, evidence-based mental health programs for youth
(11-18 years). The selection procedure followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and
resulted in 27 eligible studies. The high heterogeneity of the results calls for careful interpretation. Nevertheless, small, but promising, effects
of digital tools were found with respect to promoting well-being, relieving anxiety, and enhancing protective factors. Some important factors
influencing overall efficacy include the given setting, the level of guidance and support, and the adherence to the intervention.
Journal of Youth & Adolescence, 52(4) : 754-779
- Year: 2023
- Problem: Anxiety Disorders (any), Depressive Disorders
- Type: Systematic reviews
-
Stage: Universal prevention, At risk (indicated or selected prevention)
-
Treatment and intervention: Service Delivery & Improvement, Technology, interventions delivered using technology (e.g. online, SMS)
Wisman, M. A., Emmelkamp, J., Dekker, J. J. M., Christ,
C.
Background: Dysfunctional
emotion regulation (ER) is associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety in adolescents. This pilot study aimed to examine the acceptability and
feasibility of a guided internet-based emotion regulation training (ERT) added to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Furthermore, we aimed to
examine the feasibility of the randomized study design and to provide a first estimate of the effectiveness of CBT + ERT compared with CBT alone in
adolescents with depressive or anxiety disorders. Method(s): In a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) with a parallel group design, 39 patients
(13-18 years) with depressive or anxiety disorder were assigned to CBT + ERT (n = 21) or CBT (n = 18). Assessments at baseline, three-months and
six-months follow-up included treatment adherence, satisfaction, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and ER strategies. Result(s): Adherence to
ERT was 66.5 %, and treatment satisfaction was adequate. 76.5 % of eligible patients participated in the study. Linear mixed-model analyses showed
significantly reduced anxiety symptoms (p = .003), depressive symptoms (p = .017), and maladaptive ER (p = .014), and enhanced adaptive ER (p = .008)
at six months follow-up in the CBT + ERT group compared to controls. Limitation(s): The sample size was small, and results regarding effectiveness
remain preliminary. Data-collection took place during COVID-19, which may have influenced the results. Conclusion(s): Both the intervention and the
study design were found to be feasible. In a larger RCT, however, improvement of recruitment strategy is necessary. Preliminary results indicate
potential effectiveness in decreasing anxiety, depression, and emotion dysregulation in adolescents. The next step should be the development of an
improved internet-based ERT and its evaluation in a larger RCT. Trial registration: Registered on January 14th, 2020 in The Netherlands Trial
Register (NL8304). Copyright © 2022 The Authors
Internet Interventions, 31 (no pagination) :
- Year: 2023
- 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), Other Psychological Interventions, Technology, interventions delivered using technology (e.g. online, SMS)
Wirehag-Nordh, E-L., Grip,
K., Thorvaldsson, V., Priebe, G., Afzelius, M., Axberg, U.
Aim: To investigate the effectiveness of
preventive interventions for 8 - 17-year-old\rchildren of patients diagnosed with depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.\rMethods: Sixty-two
families including 89 children received either the more extensive\rFamily Talk Intervention (FTI; n = 35), the brief Let's Talk about Children (LTC;
n = 16),\ror Interventions as Usual (IAU; n = 38) in routine care in adult psychiatry. Parentrated questionnaire data were collected at baseline,
after 6 and 12 months. We used\rgrowth curve models to investigate the effect of intervention on child mental health\rproblems (SDQ-P Total
Difficulties) and perceived parental control of child behaviour\r(PLOC-PPC).\rResults: Parents in the FTI and LTC groups, versus the IAU group,
reported more favourable development in terms of preventing increase in child mental health problems\rwith standardised intervention effects of d =
Acta Paediatrica, 112(1) : 132-
142
- Year: 2023
- Problem: Anxiety Disorders (any), Depressive Disorders
- Type: Controlled clinical trials
-
Stage: At risk (indicated or selected prevention)
-
Treatment and intervention: Psychological Interventions
(any), Other Psychological Interventions
Winkler, A., Hahn,
A., Hermann, C.
Open-label placebo
(OLP) may be utilized to reduce psychological distress. Yet, potential contextual effects have not been explored. We investigated the impact of
pharmaceutical form and the simulation of side effects in a parallel group RCT (DRKS00030987). A sample of 177 highly stressed university students at
risk of depression were randomly assigned by computer generated tables to a 1-week intervention with active or passive OLP nasal spray or passive OLP
capsule or a no-treatment control group. After the intervention, groups differed significantly in depressive symptoms but not regarding other
outcomes of psychological distress (stress, anxiety, sleep quality, somatization), well-being or treatment expectation. OLP groups benefitted
significantly more compared to the no-treatment control group (d=.40), OLP nasal spray groups significantly more than the OLP capsule group (d=.40)
and the active OLP group significantly more than the passive OLP groups (d=.42). Interestingly, before intervention, most participants, regardless of
group assignment, believed that the OLP capsule would be most beneficial. The effectiveness of OLP treatments seems to be highly influenced by the
symptom focus conveyed by the OLP rationale. Moreover, pharmaceutical form and simulation of side effects may modulate efficacy, while explicit
treatment expectation seems to play a minor role. Copyright © 2023. The Author(s).
Scientific reports, 13(1) : 6367
- Year: 2023
- Problem: Anxiety Disorders (any), Depressive Disorders
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: At risk (indicated or selected prevention)
-
Treatment and intervention: Psychological Interventions
(any), Other Psychological Interventions
Weintraub, M. J., Denenny, D., Ichinose, M. C., Zinberg, J., Morgan-Fleming, G., Done, M., Brown, R. D., Bearden, C. E., Miklowitz, D. J.
OBJECTIVES: There is substantial evidence that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT)
improve symptoms and functioning in adults with mood and psychotic disorders. There has been little work directly comparing these treatments among
adolescents with early-onset mood or psychosis symptoms.\rMETHOD: We conducted a randomized controlled trial comparing remotely administered group
CBT to group MBCT for adolescents (ages 13-17) with a mood disorder or attenuated psychosis symptoms. Adolescents attended nine sessions over 2
months; their parents attended parallel groups focused on the same skill practices. Participants were assessed for psychiatric symptoms and
functioning at posttreatment and 3 months posttreatment.\rRESULTS: Sixty-six youth (Mage = 15.1 years, SD = 1.4; 44 females [66.7%])
initiated the trial (32 in CBT and 34 in MBCT), with 54 retained at posttreatment and 53 at the 3-month follow-up. The treatments were associated
with comparable improvements in adolescents' mood, anxiety, attenuated psychosis symptoms, and psychosocial functioning over 5 months. CBT was
associated with greater improvements than MBCT in emotion regulation and well-being during the posttreatment period. MBCT (compared to CBT) was
associated with greater improvements in social functioning among adolescents with greater childhood adversity. Both treatments had comparable rates
of retention, but youth and parents reported more satisfaction with CBT than MBCT.\rCONCLUSIONS: The beneficial effect of both treatments in a group
telehealth format is encouraging. Due to our limited sample, future research should investigate whether adolescents' history of adversity and
treatment preferences replicate as treatment moderators for youth with mood or psychosis symptoms. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights
reserved).
Journal
of Consulting & Clinical Psychology, 91(4) : 234-241
- Year: 2023
- Problem: Anxiety Disorders (any), Bipolar Disorders, Depressive Disorders, Psychosis Disorders
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: At risk (indicated or selected prevention), Disorder established (diagnosed disorder)
-
Treatment and intervention: Service Delivery & Improvement, Psychological Interventions
(any), Cognitive & behavioural therapies (CBT), Mindfulness based
therapy, Technology, interventions delivered using technology (e.g. online, SMS)
Weinert, T., Bernardoni, F., King, J., Steding, J., Boehm, I., Mannigel, M., Ritschel, F., Zepf, F., Roessner, V., Ehrlich, S.
Background: Previous studies have suggested that individuals recovered from anorexia nervosa (AN) are characterized by increased
serotonergic (5-HT) activity that might be related to elevated levels of anxiety. Assuming these traits to be also present in individuals at risk for
AN, it was further hypothesized that restricting food intake might be a means to temporarily alleviate dysphoric affective states by reducing central
nervous availability of tryptophan (TRP), the sole precursor of 5-HT. One study that supported this hypothesis found anxiolytic effects in
individuals with a history of AN during an experimentally induced short-term depletion of TRP supply to the brain. Method(s): In this placebo-
controlled, double-blind cross-over study, 22 patients weight-recovered from AN (recAN) and 25 healthy control participants (HC) completed
questionnaires assessing anxiety and momentary mood during acute tryptophan depletion (ATD), a dietary intervention that lowers central 5-HT
synthesis. Result(s): The ATD procedure effectively reduced the ratio of TRP to competing for large neutral amino acids in the peripheral blood,
indicating decreased TRP supply to the brain. Effects of ATD on anxiety and mood did not differ between recAN and HC. Bayesian null hypothesis
testing confirmed these initial results. Discussion(s): Our results do not support the hypothesis that short-term depletion of TRP and its impact on
the brain 5-HT reduces anxiety or improves mood in AN. As the evidence for the role of 5-HT dysfunction on affective processes in patients with AN is
limited, further studies are needed to assess its relevance in the pathophysiology of AN. Copyright © 2022, The Author(s).
European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, 273(1) : 209-
217
- Year: 2023
- Problem: Anxiety Disorders (any), Anorexia Nervosa
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: At risk (indicated or selected prevention), Disorder established (diagnosed disorder)
-
Treatment and intervention: Complementary & Alternative
Interventions (CAM), Dietary advice, dietary change
Wei, M. X., Liu, Z.
Background: The aim of this study was to explore the mechanisms underlying the association between
exercise intervention and mental health, and our questionnaire-based study aimed to compare the psychological effects of 6\rweeks of exercise among
123 Chinese university students.\rMaterial/Methods: A total of 123 college students were randomly divided into the experimental group (80 patients)
and the control group (43 patients). The experimental group participated in a 6-week exercise intervention, and the control group received no
intervention. Questionnaires were used to study emotion regulation and mental health.\rResults: The exercise intervention has a significant effect on
reducing the anxiety and depression levels of college students [F(1,122)=10.83, p<0.01, F(1,122)=9.63, p<0.01]. Male students were superior to female
students in perceived self-efficacy in managing despondency/distress [F(1,122)=26.77, p<0.01] and emotion suppression\r[F(1,122)=6.13, p<0.05]. The
anxiety factors of female students [F(1,122)=10.06, p<0.05] and depression factors [F(1,122)=9.86, p<0.01] were significantly higher than in male
students.\rConclusions: Our study shows that a 6-week exercise intervention significantly improved the mental health of college students. Aiming to
determine the mechanism underlying the influence of exercise intervention on college students' mental health, this paper proposes a new structural
relationship. Emotion regulation self-efficacy and\remotion regulation strategy play a mediating role in the relationship between physical education
and mental\rhealth. Physical education teachers in colleges and universities should actively carry out physical education,\rmake full use of the
distinctive characteristics and advantages of physical education, and purposefully and systematically guide college students to actively participate
in physical exercise.
Medical Science Monitor
Basic Research, 29 : e939096
- Year: 2023
- Problem: Anxiety Disorders (any), Depressive Disorders
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: Universal prevention
-
Treatment and intervention: Complementary & Alternative
Interventions (CAM), Physical activity, exercise
Wang, Y., Jia, N., Zhou,
Y., Fu, L., Fan, L., Li, B.
Aim: To compare the differences in the effects of
based on remote coached high intensity interval training and combined exercise training on the physical and mental health of university students.
\rMethod: Sixty university students were recruited from Shandong Normal University and randomly divided into HIIT group (n = 30) and AR group (n =
30), with the HIIT group using high-intensity interval training intervention and the AR group using combined exercise (aerobic combined with
resistance) training intervention for 8 weeks. Mental health indicators, fitness indicators and body composition indicators were measured at the
beginning and end of the intervention.\rResults: After 8 weeks, among the mental health indicators, the results of the Symptom Self-Rating Scale
(SCL-90) test showed a significant improvement in the HIIT group in terms of total score, somatization, obsessive-compulsive, interpersonal
sensitivity, depression, hostility, and psychoticism (p < 0.05); the AR group showed significant improvements in psychoticism (P < 0.05). There were
no significant differences between the two groups. The results of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scale (PSQI) showed a significant difference in
sleep efficiency in the HIIT group with an inverse improvement in scores; the AR group showed no significant improvement in each test item. The
results of the between-group covariance showed significant differences in sleep efficiency and hypnotic drugs in the HIIT group (p < 0.05). Among the
fitness indicators, the HIIT group showed significant improvements in maximum oxygen uptake, grip strength and flexibility (P < 0.05); the AR group
showed significant improvements in back muscle strength and flexibility (P < 0.05). The results of the between-group covariance showed significant
improvements in maximum oxygen uptake in the HIIT group (P < 0.01). Regarding body composition indicators, there was a significant improvement in
Body weight, BMI, Body fat percentage and Waist-to-hip ratio in both the HIIT and AR groups (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences between
the two groups.\rConclusion: HIIT and combined exercise training based on remote coaching had some improvement on fitness level and body composition
of university students, HIIT was more advantageous in improving aerobic endurance, and HIIT based on remote coaching may have better effect than
combined exercise in mental health.\rTrial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Register, ChiECRCT20220149. Registered on 16 May 2022.
, 14 : 1182332
- Year: 2023
- Problem: Anxiety Disorders (any), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Depressive Disorders
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: Universal prevention, At risk (indicated or selected prevention)
-
Treatment and intervention: Complementary & Alternative
Interventions (CAM), Service Delivery & Improvement, Physical activity, exercise, Technology, interventions delivered using technology (e.g. online, SMS)
Wang, Y. F., Bian, W., Wei, J., Hu, S.
Objective: To assess whether working memory training will relieve anxiety in participants. Method(s): The PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of
Science, and ProQuest databases were searched up to January 25, 2022. We included random controlled trials with low to moderate risk of bias in
comparing working memory training with control condition as the only intervention in treating anxiety (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022300404). The language was
restricted to English. Data extraction was independently carried out by two authors, following the PRISMA guideline for systematic reviews. Result
(s): Of the 477 records identified, 19 studies (n = 1051) were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that the post-training anxiety was
reduced with a small but significant value (Hedge's g = -0.392, p = .009) by working memory training. Subgroup analyses confirmed that the
moderating effect of anxiety type, anxiety measurement and training environment were significant. Limitation(s): These results should be considered
with caution for the heterogeneity of training paradigms, participant population and types of anxiety assessed between studies. Further research is
required to support these results. Conclusion(s): Working memory training is a promising intervention to relieve anxiety symptoms. Copyright © 2023
Elsevier B.V.
, 331 : 269-
278
- Year: 2023
- Problem: Anxiety Disorders (any)
- Type: Systematic reviews
-
Stage: Universal prevention, At risk (indicated or selected prevention)
-
Treatment and intervention: Psychological Interventions
(any), Cognitive remediation
therapy
Wang, Q., An, S., Shao, Z.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been suggested to cause psychological problems such as anxiety, depression,
panic, and insomnia. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess the efficacy of psychological interventions (including CBT, DBT, and
mindfulness based interventions) in reducing distressing feelings in college students during the COVID- 19 pandemic. Randomized controlled trials
(RCTs) on psychological interventions for reducing negative emotions among college students during the COVID-19 epidemic were searched in databases
Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, PsychInfo, CNKI, WanFang, and VIP. We utilized Cochrane risk of bias assessment technique
to assess the quality of included RCTs. The data were analyzed using RevMan 5.4. Eight RCTs were finally included involving 1,496 participants.
According to the meta-analysis results, psychotherapies could significantly alleviate anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms among university
students, [MD = -0.98, 95%CI (-1.53, -0.43), p<0.001] [SMD = -0.47, 95%CI (-0.77, -0.16), p = 0.003] [MD = -1.53, 95%CI (-2.23, -0.83), p <0.001].
The difference in attenuation of somatization symptoms between the two groups was not statistically significant [SMD = -0.42, 95%CI (-1.41, 0.56), p
= 0.40]. Psychotherapy might effectively alleviate anxiety, depression, and stress in university students caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It could
be considered the preferred strategy for reducing negative emotions and improving the quality of life of university students. Copyright © 2023 Wang
et al.
PLoS ONE, 18(5 May) (no pagination) :
- Year: 2023
- Problem: Anxiety Disorders (any), Depressive Disorders
- Type: Systematic reviews
-
Stage: Universal prevention, At risk (indicated or selected prevention)
-
Treatment and intervention: Psychological Interventions
(any), Cognitive & behavioural therapies (CBT), Dialectical behavioural therapy
(DBT), Mindfulness based
therapy
Vivas-Fernandez, M., Garcia-Lopez, L. J., Piqueras, J. A., Muela-Martinez,
J. A., Canals-Sans, J., Espinosa-Fernandez, L., Jimenez-Vazquez, D., Diaz-Castela, M. D. M., Morales-Hidalgo, P., Rivera, M., Ehrenreich-May, J.
Significant evidence does exist
on the effectiveness of transdiagnostic interventions to improve emotional problems in clinical populations, and their application as universal and
indicated prevention programs. However, no randomized controlled trials (RCT) studying selective transdiagnostic prevention intervention have been
published. This is the first known RCT to evaluate the efficacy/effectiveness of an evidence-based selective prevention transdiagnostic program for
emotional problems in adolescents. The impact of three different interventions was evaluated: (1) PROCARE (Preventive transdiagnostic intervention
for Adolescents at Risk for Emotional disorders), which is a group-based, abbreviated version of the Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment
of Emotional Disorders in Adolescents (UP-A), along with adding a booster session to reduce risk of onset of anxiety and depression, (2) PROCARE + ,
which includes the PROCARE protocol along with personalized add-on modules tailored to match adolescents' risk factors, and (3) an active control
condition (ACC) based on emotional psychoeducation. In total, 208 adolescents (48.5% girls) evidencing high risk and low protective factors were
randomized and allocated to PROCARE, PROCARE + or ACC. Data from 153 adolescents who completed all assessments in the different phases of the study
were analyzed. Self- and parent-reported measures were taken at baseline, as well as after the intervention, a 6 month follow-up was carried out,
together with a 1 month follow-up after the booster session. Differences between conditions were significant on most of the outcome measures, with
superior effect sizes for PROCARE + in the short and long term. Interventions were acceptable in terms of acceptability, with good satisfaction
rates. Tailored targeted selective transdiagnostic interventions focused on mitigating risk factors and promoting protective factors in vulnerable
adolescents are promising.
Child & Adolescent Psychiatry & Mental Health
[Electronic Resource], 17(1) : 77
- Year: 2023
- Problem: Anxiety Disorders (any), Depressive Disorders
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: At risk (indicated or selected prevention)
-
Treatment and intervention: Psychological Interventions
(any), Other Psychological Interventions