Disorders - depressive disorders
Pascoe, M. C., Parker, A. G.
Aim: The aim of this narrative summary was to
examine the efficacy of physical activity and exercise as a universal prevention for depression in young people. Method(s): We conducted a search of
the literature in the open-access evidence database of controlled trials and systematic reviews in youth mental health, an initiative between Orygen,
The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health and headspace, National Youth Mental Health Foundation. In April 2018, we searched for all
papers published between 1980 and 2017 relating to \"Depressive Disorder\" under the \"Universal Prevention\" illness stage and classified as
\"Physical activity/Exercise\" under the treatment/intervention classification. Systematic reviews, randomized control trials (RCTs) and controlled
clinical trials were all included. Result(s): A total of 11 papers were returned. Three of these studies were observational and eight studies were
controlled trials. The reviewed studies indicate that exercise and physical activity might be an effective universal depression prevention
intervention for young people. Three of the controlled studies had a passive control group or no control group and only one study had longer-term
follow-up. No trial used a longitudinal design to determine if interventions prevent the onset of new cases of depression. Conclusion(s): The studies
reviewed in the current review demonstrate a bidirectional relationship between physical activity, exercise and adolescent mental health. The results
of the current review suggest that physical activity and exercise programs designed to increase the level of activity in young people should be
implemented to be attractive and achievable to young people that may have poor psychological health. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Australia,
Ltd
Early intervention in psychiatry., :
- Year: 2018
- Problem: Depressive Disorders
- Type: Systematic reviews
-
Stage: Universal prevention
-
Treatment and intervention: Complementary & Alternative
Interventions (CAM), Physical activity, exercise
Ahlen, J., Hursti, T., Tanner, L., Tokay, Z., Ghaderi, A.
Our study aimed at evaluating FRIENDS
for Life, an intervention to prevent anxiety and depression in Swedish school children. A total of 695 children between the ages of 8 and 11 were
recruited from 17 schools in Stockholm, Sweden, and cluster-randomized to either the intervention or control group. Teachers in the intervention
group received a full day of training and administered FRIENDS for Life in their classrooms. We assessed the children's anxiety and depressive
symptoms, general mental health, and academic performance at pre- and post-intervention as well as at the 12-month follow-up. A multi-informant
approach was used with data collected from children, parents, and teachers. Assessment was done with the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale,
Children's Depression Inventory, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Children's baseline symptoms, gender, and age as well as their
teacher's use of supervision were examined as moderators of effect. Our study found no short- or long-term effects of the intervention for any
outcome with regard to the entire sample. We found an enhanced effect of the intervention regarding children with elevated depressive symptoms at
baseline. We found a decrease in anxiety symptoms among children whose teachers attended a larger number of supervision sessions, compared to
children whose teachers attended fewer supervised sessions or the control group. Mediation analyses showed that this effect was driven by change in
the last phase of the intervention, suggesting that supervision might play an important role in enhancing teachers' ability to administer the
intervention effectively.
Prevention science : the official journal of the Society for
Prevention Research, 19(2) : 147-158
- Year: 2018
- Problem: Anxiety Disorders (any), Depressive Disorders
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: Universal prevention
-
Treatment and intervention: Psychological Interventions
(any), Cognitive & behavioural therapies (CBT)
Dainer-Best, J., Shumake, J.D., Beevers, C.G.
Depressed adults often show a bias towards negative self-referent
processing at the expense of positive self-referent processing. The current study assessed whether a mental imagery intervention (Positive Self
Reference Training-PSRT) delivered via the Internet could improve self-referent processing and depressive symptomatology among adults with moderate
or greater depression symptoms. Participants were recruited via online methods and randomly assigned to one of two computerized interventions: active
PSRT (n = 44 ) or control training (NTC; n = 43). The PSRT involved visualizing the self in response to different positive cues (e.g., an
achievement) every other day for two weeks. The NTC provided neutral cues about objects. Self-referential processing of positive and negative
adjectives and depression symptoms were measured at baseline, one week, and two weeks after initiating training. Over those two weeks, PSRT
participants showed a greater increase in positive self-referent processing than did NTC participants. Negative self-referent processing and symptoms
of depression declined comparably in both groups. Similarly, for both groups, increase in positive and decrease in negative self-referent processing
was associated with a greater reduction in depression. These results indicate that mental imagery has the potential to improve self-referential
processing, especially for positive stimuli, which may, in turn, help reduce depressive symptomatology. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all
rights reserved)
Behaviour Research and Therapy, 111 : 72-83
- Year: 2018
- Problem: Depressive Disorders
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: At risk (indicated or selected prevention)
-
Treatment and intervention: Service Delivery & Improvement, Psychological Interventions
(any), Other Psychological Interventions, Technology, interventions delivered using technology (e.g. online, SMS)
Purgato, M., Gastaldon, C., Papola, D., van-Ommeren, M., , Barbui, C., Tol, W.
A.
BACKGROUND: People living in humanitarian settings
in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are exposed to a constellation of stressors that make them vulnerable to developing mental disorders.
Mental disorders with a higher prevalence in these settings include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive, anxiety, somatoform
(e.g. medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS)), and related disorders. A range of psychological therapies are used to manage symptoms of
mental disorders in this population.\rOBJECTIVES: To compare the effectiveness and acceptability of psychological therapies versus control conditions
(wait list, treatment as usual, attention placebo, psychological placebo, or no treatment) aimed at treating people with mental disorders (PTSD and
major depressive, anxiety, somatoform, and related disorders) living in LMICs affected by humanitarian crises.\rSEARCH METHODS: We searched the
Cochrane Common Mental Disorders Controlled Trials Register (CCMDCTR), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Wiley), MEDLINE (OVID),
Embase (OVID), and PsycINFO (OVID), with results incorporated from searches to 3 February 2016. We also searched the World Health Organization (WHO)
trials portal (ICTRP) and ClinicalTrials.gov to identify any unpublished or ongoing studies. We checked the reference lists of relevant studies and
reviews.\rSELECTION CRITERIA: All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing psychological therapies versus control conditions (including no
treatment, usual care, wait list, attention placebo, and psychological placebo) to treat adults and children with mental disorders living in LMICs
affected by humanitarian crises.\rDATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard Cochrane procedures for collecting data and evaluating risk of bias.
We calculated standardised mean differences for continuous outcomes and risk ratios for dichotomous data, using a random-effects model. We analysed
data at endpoint (zero to four weeks after therapy); at medium term (one to four months after therapy); and at long term (six months or longer).
GRADE (Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) was used to assess the quality of evidence for post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety and withdrawal outcomes.\rMAIN RESULTS: We included 36 studies (33 RCTs) with a total of 3523 participants.
Included studies were conducted in sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and North Africa, and Asia. Studies were implemented in response to armed
conflicts; disasters triggered by natural hazards; and other types of humanitarian crises. Together, the 33 RCTs compared eight psychological
treatments against a control comparator.Four studies included children and adolescents between 5 and 18 years of age. Three studies included mixed
populations (two studies included participants between 12 and 25 years of age, and one study included participants between 16 and 65 years of age).
Remaining studies included adult populations (18 years of age or older).Included trials compared a psychological therapy versus a control
intervention (wait list in most studies; no treatment; treatment as usual). Psychological therapies were categorised mainly as cognitive-behavioural
therapy (CBT) in 23 comparisons (including seven comparisons focused on narrative exposure therapy (NET), two focused on common elements treatment
approach (CETA), and one focused on brief behavioural activation treatment (BA)); eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) in two
comparisons; interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) in three comparisons; thought field therapy (TFT) in three comparisons; and trauma or general
supportive counselling in two comparisons. Although interventions were described under these categories, several psychotherapeutic elements were
common to a range of therapies (i.e. psychoeducation, coping skills).In adults, psychological therapies may substantially reduce endpoint PTSD
symptoms compared to control conditions (standardised mean difference (SMD) -1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.34 to -0.79; 1272 participants; 16
studies; low-quality evidence). The effect is smaller at one to four months (SMD -0.49, 95% CI -0.68 to -0.31; 1660 participants; 18 studies) and at
six months (SMD -0.37, 95% CI -0.61 to -0.14; 400 participants; five studies). Psychological therapies may also substantially reduce endpoint
depression symptoms compared to control conditions (SMD -0.86, 95% CI -1.06 to -0.67; 1254 participants; 14 studies; low-quality evidence). Similar
to PTSD symptoms, follow-up data at one to four months showed a smaller effect on depression (SMD -0.42, 95% CI -0.63 to -0.21; 1386 participants; 16
studies). Psychological therapies may moderately reduce anxiety at endpoint (SMD -0.74, 95% CI -0.98 to -0.49; 694 participants; five studies; low-
quality evidence) and at one to four months' follow-up after treatment (SMD -0.53, 95% CI -0.66 to -0.39; 969 participants; seven studies). Dropout
rates are probably similar between study conditions (19.5% with control versus 19.1% with psychological therapy (RR 0.98 95% CI 0.82 to 1.16; 2930
participants; 23 studies, moderate quality evidence)).In children and adolescents, we found very low quality evidence for lower endpoint PTSD
symptoms scores in psychotherapy conditions (CBT) compared to control conditions, although the confidence interval is wide (SMD -1.56, 95% CI -3.13
to 0.01; 130 participants; three studies;). No RCTs provided data on major depression or anxiety in children. The effect on withdrawal was uncertain
(RR 1.87 95% CI 0.47 to 7.47; 138 participants; 3 studies, low quality evidence).We did not identify any studies that evaluated psychological
treatments on (symptoms of) somatoform disorders or MUPS in LMIC humanitarian settings.\rAUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is low quality evidence that
psychological therapies have large or moderate effects in reducing PTSD, depressive, and anxiety symptoms in adults living in humanitarian settings
in LMICs. By one to four month and six month follow-up assessments treatment effects were smaller. Fewer trials were focused on children and
adolescents and they provide very low quality evidence of a beneficial effect of psychological therapies in reducing PTSD symptoms at endpoint.
Confidence in these findings is influenced by the risk of bias in the studies and by substantial levels of heterogeneity. More research evidence is
needed, particularly for children and adolescents over longer periods of follow-up.
Cochrane Database of Systematic
Reviews, 7 : CD011849
- Year: 2018
- Problem: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depressive Disorders
- Type: Systematic reviews
-
Stage: At risk (indicated or selected prevention), Disorder established (diagnosed disorder)
-
Treatment and intervention: Psychological Interventions
(any), Cognitive & behavioural therapies (CBT), Narrative exposure therapy (NET), Trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-
CBT)
Arps, E. R., Friesen, M. D., Overall, N. C.
BACKGROUND: A growing body of research has documented the positive effects of
gratitude programs on participants' mental health and well-being. For children and adolescents, these programs typically rely on school-based group
designs tied with a health curriculum, whereas innovative technology-based programs are relatively understudied. METHOD(S): This experiment
investigated the feasibility and efficacy of a gratitude text-messaging program for promoting adolescent mental health relative to a positive
reflective control condition. RESULT(S): Young people showed positive changes over the course of the program in their general sense of gratitude,
subjective well-being, and reduced depressive symptoms, with some evidence that those with higher levels of depressive symptoms benefited more from
the gratitude program. However, there were no significant differences across the two groups in the magnitude of these mental health changes.
Participants in both conditions valued and were highly engaged with the interactive text-messaging approach. CONCLUSION(S): This interactive e-health
promotion strategy seemed to promote strong engagement and showed promising effectiveness with young people, with some challenges to feasibility due
to the labor intensive nature of sending and responding to a large number of text-messages. The importance of carefully considering risk management
strategies when developing such programs was also highlighted. Copyright © 2018 The International Association of Applied Psychology.
Applied Psychology, Health and well-being. 10(3) : 457-
480
- Year: 2018
- Problem: Depressive Disorders
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: Universal prevention
-
Treatment and intervention: Service Delivery & Improvement, Psychological Interventions
(any), Other Psychological Interventions, Technology, interventions delivered using technology (e.g. online, SMS)
Martinez, V., Rojas, G., Martinez,
P., Zitko, P., Irarrazaval, M., Luttges, C., Araya, R.
BACKGROUND: Despite evidence on efficacious interventions, a
great proportion of depressed adolescents do not receive evidence-based treatment and have no access to specialized mental health care. Remote
collaborative depression care (RCDC) may help to reduce the gap between needs and specialized mental health services. OBJECTIVE(S): The objective of
this study was to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of an RCDC intervention for adolescents with major depressive disorder
(MDD) living in the Araucania Region, Chile. METHOD(S): A cluster randomized, assessor-blind trial was carried out at 16 primary care centers in the
Araucania Region, Chile. Before randomization, all participating primary care teams were trained in clinical guidelines for the treatment of
adolescent depression. Adolescents (N=143; 13-19 years) with MDD were recruited. The intervention group (RCDC, N=65) received a 3-month RCDC
treatment that included continuous remote supervision by psychiatrists located in Santiago, Chile's capital city, through shared electronic health
records (SEHR) and phone patient monitoring. The control group (enhanced usual care or EUC; N=78) received EUC by clinicians who were encouraged to
follow clinical guidelines. Recruitment and response rates and the use of the SEHR system were registered; patient adherence and satisfaction with
the treatment and clinician satisfaction with RCDC were assessed at 12-week follow-up; and depressive symptoms and health-related quality of life
(HRQoL) were evaluated at baseline and 12-weeks follow-up. RESULT(S): More than 60.3% (143/237) of the original estimated sample size was recruited,
and a response rate of 90.9% (130/143) was achieved at 12-week follow-up. A mean (SD) of 3.5 (4.0) messages per patient were written on the SEHR
system by primary care teams. A third of the patients showed an optimal adherence to psychopharmacological treatment, and adolescents in the RCDC
intervention group were more satisfied with psychological assistance than those in EUC group. Primary care clinicians were satisfied with the RCDC
intervention, valuing its usefulness. There were no significant differences in depressive symptoms or HRQoL between groups. Satisfaction with
psychological care, in both groups, was related to a significant change in depressive symptomatology at 12-weeks follow-up (beta=-4.3, 95% CI -7.2 to
-1.3). CONCLUSION(S): This is the first trial of its kind in Latin America that includes adolescents from vulnerable backgrounds, with an
intervention that proved to be feasible and well accepted by both patients and primary care clinicians. Design and implementation issues may explain
similar effectiveness across arms. The effectiveness of the intervention seems to be comparable with an already nationwide established treatment
program that proved to be highly efficacious under controlled conditions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01860443;
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01860443 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6wafMKlTY). Copyright ©Vania Martinez, Graciela
Rojas, Pablo Martinez, Pedro Zitko, Matias Irarrazaval, Carolina Luttges, Ricardo Araya. Originally published in the Journal of Medical Internet
Research (http://www.jmir.org), 31.01.2018.
Journal of Medical Internet
Research, 20(1) : e38
- Year: 2018
- Problem: Depressive Disorders
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: Disorder established (diagnosed disorder)
-
Treatment and intervention: Service Delivery & Improvement, Other service delivery and improvement
interventions
Bai, S., Zeledon, L.R., D'Amico, E.J., Shoptaw, S., Avina, C., LaBorde, A.P., Anderson, M., Fitzpatrick, O.M., Asarnow, J.R.
Objective: Primary care (PC) is a major service delivery setting that can provide preventive behavioral health
care to youths. To explore the hypothesis that reducing health risk behaviors (HRBs) would lower depressive symptoms, and that health risk and
depression can be efficiently targeted together in PC, this study (1) evaluates an intervention designed to reduce HRBs among adolescent PC patients
with depressive symptoms and (2) examines prospective links between HRBs and depressive symptoms. Method: A Randomized controlled trial was conducted
comparing a behavioral health intervention with enhanced Usual PC (UC+). Participants were 187 adolescents (ages 13-18 years) with past-year
depression, assessed at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Primary outcome was the Health Risk Behavior Index (HRBI), a composite score indexing
smoking, substance use, unsafe sex, and obesity risk. Secondary/exploratory outcomes were an index of the first three most correlated behaviors
(HRBI-S), each HRB, depressive symptoms, and satisfaction with mental health care. Results: Outcomes were similar at 6 and 12 months, with no
significant between-group differences. HRBI, HRBI-S, and depressive symptoms decreased, and satisfaction with mental health care increased across
time in both groups. HRBI, HRBI-S, and smoking predicted later severe depression. Conversely, severe depression predicted later HRBI-S and substance
use. Conclusions: UC+ and the behavioral health intervention yielded similar benefits in reducing HRBs and depressive symptoms. Findings underscore
the bidirectional links between depression and HRBs, supporting the importance of monitoring for HRBs and depression in PC to allow for effective
intervention in both areas. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 43(9) : 1004-1016
- Year: 2018
- Problem: Depressive 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), Other Psychological Interventions, Other service delivery and improvement
interventions
Zhang, J., Qin, S., Zhou,
Y., Meng, L., Su, H., Zhao, S.
Purpose: The incidence of subthreshold depression (StD) in
adolescents is growing rapidly, which in turn is known to impair functioning and increase the risk of major depression. It is therefore important to
provide effective intervention to prevent the transition from StD to major depression. As a traditional Chinese mind-body exercise, Tai Chi Chuan
(TCC) may be an available selection. Researchers have shown the effectiveness of mindfulness-based therapy on depression; however, for the StD youth,
there have been no studies to investigate whether mindfulness-based Tai Chi Chuan (MTCC) can be recommended as an effective exercise for improving
their psychological state. The aim of present study was to evaluate the effect of MTCC on psychological outcomes of StD adolescents including the
depression levels and mindfulness state in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Patients and Methods: An RCT was carried out. A sample of 64
participants who meet the inclusion criteria agreed to be arranged randomly to either the MTCC group (n=32) or the control group (n=32). Participants
of the MTCC group received an 8-week, 2 days per week, 90-minute MTCC intervention for each session. Usual physical curriculum was administered to
the participants in the control group. The effectiveness of MTCC training was measured by blinded evaluators through validated scales, which included
depressive symptoms, stress, and mindfulness level before and after the intervention. Result(s): Significant improvements in psychological health
were observed from MTCC groups. After 8-week intervention, superior outcomes were also observed for MTCC when compared with control group for
decrease in depression (F=59.482, P<0.001) and stress level (F=59.482, P<0.001) and increase in mindfulness (F=59.482, P<0.001). Conclusion(s): The
findings of this preliminary study indicated the effects of the MTCC intervention on depression level among StD youngsters. This study provides
preliminary evidence that MTCC is suitable for Chinese adolescents and is effective in decreasing depression level. Copyright © 2018 Zhang et al.
Neuropsychiatric Disease and
Treatment, 14 : 2313-2321
- Year: 2018
- Problem: Depressive Disorders
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: At risk (indicated or selected prevention)
-
Treatment and intervention: Complementary & Alternative
Interventions (CAM), Psychological Interventions
(any), Mindfulness based
therapy, Physical activity, exercise
Van-Der-
Wurff, I. S. M., Von-Schacky, C., Bergeland, T., Leontjevas, R., Zeegers, M. P., Kirschner, P. A., De-Groot, R. H. M.
Objective: Depressive feelings and/or low self-esteem are common in adolescents and are associated with long-term negative outcomes.
Multiple studies have shown associations between long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) and depression in adults, but adolescent studies are
limited. This study investigated the association between blood LCPUFA status and mental well-being (depression and selfesteem) in adolescents
attending lower general secondary education (LGSE) with a low baseline Omega-3 Index (O3I). Furthermore, the effect of one year of krill oil
supplementation on mental well-being was investigated. Method(s): A double-blind, randomized controlled trial (RCT) in adolescents attending LGSE
(n=267) with an O3I<=5%. Students received placebo or krill oil supplementation (520 mg eicosapentaenoic acid, 280 mg docosahexaenoic acid per day)
for 1 year. Participants filled out the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE) at baseline,
6, and 12 months, and LCPUFA status was determined. Baseline data were analysed with the Bayesian statistical approach, RCT data with mixed models.
Result(s): Baseline analyses showed associations of higher Osbond acid (ObA) status with lower depression and higher self-esteem. After one year, O3I
remained low probably due to non-adherence. Both intention-to-treat and O3I analyses did not show effects on CES-D or RSE. Conclusion(s): The
associations of higher ObA status with lower depression and higher self-esteem scores warrant more research. The RCT did not reveal evidence for less
depressive feelings, or higher selfesteem after one year of krill oil, possibly due to low increase in the O3I. More research with higher LCPUFA
doses and higher adherence is needed.
Nutritional
Neuroscience, 21 (Supplement 1) : S26
- Year: 2018
- Problem: Depressive Disorders
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: Universal prevention, At risk (indicated or selected prevention)
-
Treatment and intervention: Complementary & Alternative
Interventions (CAM), Fish oil (Omega-3 fatty acids), Omega 3 fatty
acids (e.g. fish oil, flax oil)
Lindsey, M.A., Banks, A., Cota, C.F., Lawrence-Scott, M., Joe, S.
The objective was to qualitatively examine the treatment
effects of depression interventions on young, Black males (YBM) across treatment providers and settings via a review. Randomized controlled trials
(RCTs) seeking to ameliorate depressive symptomology in Black males ages 12-29 were eligible for inclusion. After review of 627 abstracts and 212
full-text articles, 12 studies were selected. These RCTs were organized into five categories based on the intervention method. We isolated only one
study that targeted YBM exclusively. Additionally, only two treatment effect sizes for YBM were available from the data. While remaining RCTs did
involve Black youth, disaggregated data based on race and gender were not reported. Overall, the lack of research specific to YBM prevented any
strong conclusions about the treatment effects on depression for this population. Small sample size along with poor representation of YBM were trends
in the selected studies that also posed an issue. Therefore, our review produced qualitative findings but failed to isolate any true effect size for
YBM being treated for depression. Until more conclusive evidence exists, alternative strategies may need to be employed in order to find appropriate
interventions for depressed YBM seeking mental health treatment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Research on Social Work Practice, 28(3) : 320-
329
- Year: 2018
- Problem: Depressive Disorders
- Type: Systematic reviews
-
Stage: At risk (indicated or selected prevention), Disorder established (diagnosed disorder)
-
Treatment and intervention: Biological Interventions
(any), Psychological Interventions
(any)
Hur, J. W., Kim, B., Park, D., Choi, S. W.
INTRODUCTION: While self-administered mobile app-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has shown efficiency
and effectiveness over the past decade, attempts to address automatic and negative beliefs have been lacking. The purpose of this study was to
introduce and verify a mobile app that directly intervenes in dysfunctional thoughts. This app-based treatment includes recognizing automatic and
negative thoughts of the protagonist of scenarios, writing advice directly to the main character, and sharing advice provided by other participants.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-four participants diagnosed with Other Specified Depressive Disorder were recruited and randomly allocated to a CBT-
based mobile-app program, the Todac Todac (TT group), or a daily mood chart app program (control group). Participants were asked to use the software
for 3 weeks. Assessments for autonomic thoughts and clinical symptoms were administered at baseline and at a follow-up evaluation. RESULT(S): After
completing the 3-week program, Dysfunctional Attitude Scale (DAS) scores in TT group were lower than they were in the control group. In clinical
measures, both TT group and control group showed reduced Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) scores and situation-dependent trait version of
State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-X2) at follow-up. However, TT group showed significantly reduced STAI-X2 scores compared to control group. For
all participants, changes in DAS scores were correlated with BDI-II and STAI-X2 scores. CONCLUSION(S): Our preliminary findings provide promising
evidence that scenario-based CBT mobile apps can be used to deliver feasible and efficacious cognitive therapy. Long-term research is needed to
determine the impact and effectiveness of this new treatment format.
Telemedicine Journal & e-health, 24(9) : 710-
716
- Year: 2018
- Problem: 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)
Cardamone-Breen, M. C., Jorm, A. F., Lawrence, K. A., Rapee, R. M., Mackinnon, A. J., Yap, M. B. H.
BACKGROUND:
Depression and anxiety disorders are significant contributors to burden of disease in young people, highlighting the need to focus preventive efforts
early in life. Despite substantial evidence for the role of parents in the prevention of adolescent depression and anxiety disorders, there remains a
need for translation of this evidence into preventive parenting interventions. To address this gap, we developed a single-session, Web-based,
tailored psychoeducation intervention that aims to improve parenting practices known to influence the development of adolescent depression and
anxiety disorders. OBJECTIVE(S): The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term effects of the intervention on parenting risk and protective
factors and symptoms of depression and anxiety in adolescent participants. METHOD(S): We conducted a single-blind, parallel group, superiority
randomized controlled trial comparing the intervention with a 3-month waitlist control. The intervention is fully automated and consists of two
components: (1) completion of an online self-assessment of current parenting practices against evidence-based parenting recommendations for the
prevention of adolescent depression and anxiety disorders and (2) an individually tailored feedback report highlighting each parent's strengths and
areas for improvement based on responses to the self-assessment. A community sample of 349 parents, together with 327 adolescents (aged 12-15 years),
were randomized to either the intervention or waitlist control condition. Parents and adolescents completed online self-reported assessments of
parenting and adolescent symptoms of depression and anxiety at baseline, 1-month (parent-report of parenting only), and 3-month follow-up. RESULT(S):
Compared with controls, intervention group parents showed significantly greater improvement in parenting risk and protective factors from baseline to
1-month and 3-month follow-up (F2,331.22=16.36, P<.001), with a small to medium effect size at 3-month follow-up (d=0.33). There were no significant
effects of the intervention on adolescent-report of parenting or symptoms of depression or anxiety in the adolescents (all P>.05). CONCLUSION(S):
Findings suggest that a single-session, individually tailored, Web-based parenting intervention can improve parenting factors that are known to
influence the development of depression and anxiety in adolescents. However, our results do not support the effectiveness of the intervention in
improving adolescent depression or anxiety symptoms in the short-term. Long-term studies are required to adequately assess the relationship between
improving parenting factors and adolescent depression and anxiety outcomes. Nonetheless, this is a promising avenue for the translation of research
into a low-cost, sustainable, universal prevention approach. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry:
ACTRN12615000247572; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?ACTRN=12615000247572 (Archived by WebCite at
http://www.webcitation.org/6v1ha19XG) Copyright ©Mairead C Cardamone-Breen, Anthony F Jorm, Katherine A Lawrence, Ronald M Rapee, Andrew J Mackinnon,
Marie Bee Hui Yap. Originally published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (http://www.jmir.org), 26.04.2018.
Journal of Medical Internet
Research, 20(4) : e148
- Year: 2018
- Problem: Anxiety Disorders (any), Depressive Disorders
- Type: Randomised controlled trials
-
Stage: Universal prevention
-
Treatment and intervention: Service Delivery & Improvement, Psychological Interventions
(any), Other Psychological Interventions, Technology, interventions delivered using technology (e.g. online, SMS)