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Prevention of eating disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Le, LK, Barendregt, JJ, Hay, P, Mihalopoulos, C
Clinical psychology review. 2017;:46-58
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To systematically review and quantify the effectiveness of Eating Disorder (ED) prevention interventions. METHODS Electronic databases (including the Cochrane Controlled Trial Register, MEDLINE, PsychInfo, EMBASE, and Scopus) were searched for published randomized controlled trials of ED prevention interventions from 2009 to 2015. Trials prior to 2009 were retrieved from prior reviews. RESULTS One hundred and twelve articles were included. Fifty-eight percent of trials had high risk of bias. Findings indicated small to moderate effect sizes on reduction of ED risk factors or symptoms which occurred up to three-year post-intervention. For universal prevention, media literacy (ML) interventions significantly reduced shape and weight concerns for both females (-0.69, confidence interval (CI): -1.17 to -0.22) and males (-0.32, 95% CI -0.57 to -0.07). For selective prevention, cognitive dissonance (CD) interventions were superior to control interventions in reducing ED symptoms (-0.32, 95% CI -0.52 to -0.13). Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) interventions had the largest effect size (-0.40, 95% CI -0.55 to -0.26) on dieting outcome at 9-month follow-up while the healthy weight intervention reduced ED risk factors and body mass index. No indicated prevention interventions were found to be effective in reducing ED risk factors. CONCLUSIONS There are a number of promising preventive interventions for ED risk factors including CD, CBT and ML. Whether these actually lower ED incidence is, however, uncertain. Combined ED and obesity prevention interventions require further research.
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Individual psychological therapy in the outpatient treatment of adults with anorexia nervosa.
Hay, PJ, Claudino, AM, Touyz, S, Abd Elbaky, G
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews. 2015;(7):CD003909
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BACKGROUND Anorexia nervosa is a disorder with high morbidity and significant mortality. It is most common in young adult women, in whom the incidence may be increasing. The focus of treatment has moved to an outpatient setting, and a number of differing psychological therapies are presently used in treatment. This is an update of a Cochrane review which was last published in 2008. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of specific individual psychological therapies for anorexia nervosa in adults or older adolescents treated in an outpatient setting. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Depression, Anxiety and Neurosis Review Group Specialised Register (CCDANCTR) (16 July 2014). This register includes relevant randomised controlled trials from: the Cochrane Library (all years), MEDLINE (1950 to date), EMBASE (1974 to date), and PsycINFO (1967 to date). We screened reference lists of all included studies and sent letters to identified, notable researchers requesting information on unpublished or ongoing studies. SELECTION CRITERIA All randomised controlled trials of one or more individual outpatient psychological therapies for adults with anorexia nervosa, as defined by DSM-5 or similar international criteria. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We selected a range of outcome variables, including physical state, severity of eating disorder attitudes and beliefs, interpersonal function, and general psychiatric symptom severity. Continuous outcome data comparisons used the mean or standardised mean difference (MD or SMD), and binary outcome comparisons used the risk ratio (RR). Two review authors (PH and AC or ST) extracted data independently. MAIN RESULTS We identified 10 trials from the search, with a total of 599 anorexia nervosa participants, and included them in the review. Seven had been identified in the previous versions of this review and we now include three new trials. We now deem one previously identified ongoing trial to be ineligible, and six ongoing trials are new for this update. Two of the 10 trials included children. Trials tested diverse psychological therapies and comparability was poor. Risks of bias were mostly evident through lack of blinded outcome assessments (in 60% of studies) and incomplete data reporting (attrition bias).The results suggest that treatment as usual (TAU) when delivered by a non-eating-disorder specialist or similar may be less efficacious than focal psychodynamic therapy. This was suggested for a primary outcome of recovery by achievement of a good or intermediate outcome on the Morgan and Russell Scale (RR 0.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.51 to 0.97; 1 RCT, 40 participants; very low-quality evidence). However there were no differences between cognitive analytic therapy and TAU for this outcome (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.00; 2 RCTs, 71 participants; very low-quality evidence), nor for body mass index (BMI). There were no differences in overall dropout rates between individual psychological therapies and TAU.Two trials found a non-specific specialist therapy (Specialist Supportive Clinical Management) or an Optimised TAU delivered by therapists with eating disorder expertise was similar in outcomes to cognitive behaviour therapy (BMI MD -0.00, 95% CI -0.91 to 0.91; 197 participants, low-quality evidence). When comparing individual psychological therapies with each other, no specific treatment was consistently superior to any other specific approach. Dietary advice as a control arm had a 100% non-completion rate in one trial (35 participants). None of the trials identified any adverse effects. Insufficient power was problematic for the majority of trials. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There was a suggestion in one trial that focal psychodynamic therapy might be superior to TAU, but this is in the context of TAU performing poorly. An alternative control condition of dietary advice alone appeared to be unacceptable, but again this is based on just one trial. Owing to the risk of bias and limitations of studies, notably small sample sizes, we can draw no specific conclusions about the effects of specific individual psychological therapies for anorexia nervosa in adults or older adolescents. Larger RCTs of longer treatment duration and follow-up are needed.
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Participation and outcome in manualized self-help for bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder - a systematic review and metaregression analysis.
Beintner, I, Jacobi, C, Schmidt, UH
Clinical psychology review. 2014;(2):158-76
Abstract
There is a growing body of research on manualized self-help interventions for bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge eating disorder (BED). Study and treatment dropout and adherence represent particular challenges in these studies. However, systematic investigations of the relationship between study, intervention and patient characteristics, participation, and intervention outcomes are lacking. We conducted a systematic literature review using electronic databases and hand searches of relevant journals. In metaregression analyses, we analyzed study dropout as well as more specific measures of treatment participation in manualized self-help interventions, their association with intervention characteristics (e.g. duration, guidance, intervention type [bibliotherapy, CD-ROM or Internet based intervention]) and their association with treatment outcomes. Seventy-three publications reporting on 50 different trials of manualized self-help interventions for binge eating and bulimia nervosa published through July 9th 2012 were identified. Across studies, dropout rates ranged from 1% to 88%. Study dropout rates were highest in CD-ROM interventions and lowest in Internet-based interventions. They were higher in samples of BN patients, samples of patients with higher degrees of dietary restraint at baseline, lower age, and lower body mass index. Between 6% and 88% of patients completed the intervention to which they had been assigned. None of the patient, study and intervention characteristics predicted intervention completion rates. Intervention outcomes were moderated by the provision of personal guidance by a health professional, the number of guidance sessions as well as participants' age, BMI, and eating disorder related attitudes (Restraint, Eating, Weight and Shape Concerns) at baseline (after adjusting for study dropout and intervention completion rates). Guidance particularly improved adherence and outcomes in samples of patients with bulimia nervosa; specialist guidance led to higher intervention completion rates and larger intervention effects on some outcomes than non-specialist guidance. Self-help interventions have a place in the treatment of BN and BED, especially if the features of their delivery and indications are considered carefully. To better determine who benefits most from what kind and "dosage" of self-help interventions, we recommend the use of consistent terminology as well as uniform standards for reporting adherence and participation in future self-help trials.
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The efficacy of resiliency training programs: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.
Leppin, AL, Bora, PR, Tilburt, JC, Gionfriddo, MR, Zeballos-Palacios, C, Dulohery, MM, Sood, A, Erwin, PJ, Brito, JP, Boehmer, KR, et al
PloS one. 2014;(10):e111420
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Poor mental health places a burden on individuals and populations. Resilient persons are able to adapt to life's challenges and maintain high quality of life and function. Finding effective strategies to bolster resilience in individuals and populations is of interest to many stakeholders. OBJECTIVES To synthesize the evidence for resiliency training programs in improving mental health and capacity in 1) diverse adult populations and 2) persons with chronic diseases. DATA SOURCES Electronic databases, clinical trial registries, and bibliographies. We also contacted study authors and field experts. STUDY SELECTION Randomized trials assessing the efficacy of any program intended to enhance resilience in adults and published after 1990. No restrictions were made based on outcome measured or comparator used. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Reviewers worked independently and in duplicate to extract study characteristics and data. These were confirmed with authors. We conducted a random effects meta-analysis on available data and tested for interaction in planned subgroups. MAIN OUTCOMES The standardized mean difference (SMD) effect of resiliency training programs on 1) resilience/hardiness, 2) quality of life/well-being, 3) self-efficacy/activation, 4) depression, 5) stress, and 6) anxiety. RESULTS We found 25 small trials at moderate to high risk of bias. Interventions varied in format and theoretical approach. Random effects meta-analysis showed a moderate effect of generalized stress-directed programs on enhancing resilience [pooled SMD 0.37 (95% CI 0.18, 0.57) p = .0002; I2 = 41%] within 3 months of follow up. Improvement in other outcomes was favorable to the interventions and reached statistical significance after removing two studies at high risk of bias. Trauma-induced stress-directed programs significantly improved stress [-0.53 (-1.04, -0.03) p = .03; I2 = 73%] and depression [-0.51 (-0.92, -0.10) p = .04; I2 = 61%]. CONCLUSIONS We found evidence warranting low confidence that resiliency training programs have a small to moderate effect at improving resilience and other mental health outcomes. Further study is needed to better define the resilience construct and to design interventions specific to it. REGISTRATION NUMBER PROSPERO #CRD42014007185.
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Psychological interventions for individuals with cystic fibrosis and their families.
Goldbeck, L, Fidika, A, Herle, M, Quittner, AL
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews. 2014;(6):CD003148
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BACKGROUND With increasing survival estimates for individuals with cystic fibrosis, long-term management has become an important focus. Psychological interventions are largely concerned with adherence to treatment, emotional and social adaptation and health-related quality of life. We are unaware of any relevant systematic reviews. OBJECTIVES To determine whether psychological interventions for people with cystic fibrosis provide significant psychosocial and physical benefits in addition to standard medical care. SEARCH METHODS Studies were identified from two Cochrane trials registers (Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group; Depression, Anxiety and Neurosis Group), Ovid MEDLINE and PsychINFO; unpublished trials were located through professional networks and Listserves. Most recent search of the Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's register: 19 December 2013.Most recent search of the Depression, Anxiety and Neurosis Group's register: 12 November 2013. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled studies of a broad range of psychological interventions evaluating subjective and objective health outcomes, such as quality of life or pulmonary function, in individuals of all ages with cystic fibrosis and their immediate family. We were interested in psychological interventions, including psychological methods within the scope of psychotherapeutic or psychosomatic mechanism of action (e.g. cognitive behavioural, cognitive, family systems or systemic, psycho-dynamic, or other, e.g. supportive, relaxation, or biofeedback), which were aimed at improving psychological and psychosocial outcomes (e.g. quality of life, levels of stress or distress, psychopathology, etc.), adaptation to disease management and physiological outcomes. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Three authors were involved in selecting the eligible studies and two of these authors assessed their risk of bias. MAIN RESULTS The review includes 16 studies (eight new studies included in this update) representing data from 556 participants. Studies are diverse in their design and their methods. They cover interventions with generic approaches, as well as interventions developed specifically to target disease-specific symptoms and problems in people with cystic fibrosis. These include cognitive behavioural interventions to improve adherence to nutrition or psychosocial adjustment, cognitive interventions to improve adherence or those associated with decision making in lung transplantation, a community-based support intervention and other interventions, such as self-hypnosis, respiratory muscle biofeedback, music therapy, dance and movement therapy, and a tele-medicine intervention to support patients awaiting transplantation.A substantial proportion of outcomes relate to adherence, changes in physical status or other specific treatment concerns during the chronic phase of the disease.There is some evidence that behavioural interventions targeting nutrition and growth in children (4 to 12 years) with cystic fibrosis are effective in the short term. Evidence was found that providing a structured decision-making tool for patients considering lung transplantation improves patients' knowledge of and expectations about the transplant, and reduces decisional conflict in the short term. One study about training in biofeedback-assisted breathing demonstrated some evidence that it improved some lung function measurements. Currently there is insufficient evidence for interventions aimed at other aspects of the disease process. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Currently, insufficient evidence exists on psychological interventions or approaches to support people with cystic fibrosis and their caregivers, although some of the studies were promising. Due to the heterogeneity between studies, more of each type of intervention are needed to support preliminary evidence. Multicentre studies, with consequent funding implications, are needed to increase the sample size of these studies and enhance the statistical power and precision to detect important findings. In addition, multicentre studies could improve the generalisation of results by minimizing centre or therapist effects. Psychological interventions should be targeted to illness-specific symptoms or behaviours to demonstrate efficacy.
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[Psychological interventions in the rehabilitation of patients with coronary heart disease: summary of evidence and recommendations from systematic reviews and guidelines].
Reese, C, Spieser, A, Mittag, O
Die Rehabilitation. 2012;(6):405-14
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To summarize national and international evidence and recommendations for psychological interventions in the rehabilitation of patients with coronary heart disease. Background is a project for the development of evidence-based practice guidelines for psychological interventions in the rehabilitation of patients with coronary heart disease. METHODS A systematic literature search in several databases and on the websites of professional associations was conducted in order to identify relevant reviews and guidelines. A handsearch was conducted in addition to the electronic search. Eligible publications were selected, and evidence for psychological interventions was extracted as well as recommendations relative to psychological diagnostics or interventions. RESULTS 5 systematic reviews and 34 guidelines were included. Recommendations and (partially restricted) evidence from systematic reviews was found for the following psychological interventions: patient counselling and health education; screening and treatment of comorbid psychological disorders; occupational counselling; stress management; relaxation training; interventions for smoking cessation; interventions promoting appropriate nutrition and weight management; interventions enhancing sufficient, regular physical activity; interventions enhancing social support; specific interventions for women; involvement of family members or partners; discussion of sexual activity. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION For several psychological interventions in the treatment of patients with coronary heart disease we found empirical evidence from systematic reviews. For other psychological interventions, no empirical evidence from systematic reviews was found. The summary of guidelines shows that both in Germany and abroad, a number of psychologically grounded interventions are an inherent part of cardiac rehabilitation. However, many recommendations which refer to psychological diagnostics and interventions are not precise enough to guide psychological care of individual patients. In particular, there are no statements in many guidelines on which (psychological) treatments should be considered for which problems. Moreover, hardly any evidence or recommendations were found for specific interventions referring to special groups of patients (e.g., women, patients with low socio-economic status or migration background). Further research is needed in these respects in order to answer questions concerning the indication and effectiveness of such tailored interventions.
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[Insomnias. II. Pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatment options].
Riemann, D, Hajak, G
Der Nervenarzt. 2009;(11):1327-40
Abstract
The administration of benzodiazepine receptor agonists for periods of 3-4 weeks can be considered as evidence based for the treatment of insomnia. The off-label treatment of insomnia with sedating antidepressants or antipsychotics up to now has been subjected to far less rigorous evidence-based testing. In the meantime several randomized double-blind placebo-controlled studies indicate the effectiveness of sedating antidepressants for insomnia. Alternative medical treatments like the administration of melatonin or valerian are characterized by a heterogeneous database. On the contrary, cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (including psycho-education, relaxation, stimulus control, sleep restriction, cognitive therapy) is supported by an extensive database. This database indicates that cognitive behavioural methods are effective in the long term, thus emphasizing the importance of these strategies in the treatment of insomnia. Studies on the combination treatment of insomnia with hypnotics and cognitive behavioural therapy up to now were not able to show a superiority of the combination treatment versus monotreatment with behavioural therapy or hypnotics.
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Psychosocial interventions for the prevention of disability following traumatic physical injury.
De Silva, M, Maclachlan, M, Devane, D, Desmond, D, Gallagher, P, Schnyder, U, Brennan, M, Patel, V
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews. 2009;(4):CD006422
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BACKGROUND Traumatic physical injury can result in many disabling sequelae including physical and mental health problems and impaired social functioning. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions in the prevention of physical, mental and social disability following traumatic physical injury. SEARCH STRATEGY The search was not restricted by date, language or publication status. We searched the following electronic databases; Cochrane Injuries Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2009, Issue 1), MEDLINE (Ovid SP), EMBASE (Ovid SP), PsycINFO (Ovid SP), Controlled Trials metaRegister (www.controlled-trials.com), AMED (Allied & Complementary Medicine), ISI Web of Science: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), PubMed. We also screened the reference lists of all selected papers and contacted authors of relevant studies. The latest search for trials was in February 2008. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials that consider one or more defined psychosocial interventions for the prevention of physical disability, mental health problems or reduced social functioning as a result of traumatic physical injury. We excluded studies that included patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently screened the titles and abstracts of search results, reviewed the full text of potentially relevant studies, independently assessed the risk of bias and extracted data. MAIN RESULTS We included five studies, involving 756 participants. Three studies assessed the effect of brief psychological therapies, one assessed the impact of a self-help booklet, and one the effect of collaborative care. The disparate nature of the trials covering different patient populations, interventions and outcomes meant that it was not possible to pool data meaningfully across studies. There was no evidence of a protective effect of brief psychological therapy or educational booklets on preventing disability. There was evidence from one trial of a reduction in both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depressive symptoms one month after injury in those who received a collaborative care intervention combined with a brief psycho-educational intervention, however this was not retained at follow up. Overall mental health status was the only disability outcome affected by any intervention. In three trials the psychosocial intervention had a detrimental effect on the mental health status of patients. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This review provides no convincing evidence of the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions for the prevention of disability following traumatic physical injury. Taken together, our findings cannot be considered as supporting the provision of psychosocial interventions to prevent aspects of disability arising from physical injury. However, these conclusions are based on a small number of disparate trials with small to moderate sample sizes and are therefore necessarily cautious. More research, using larger sample sizes, and similar interventions and patient populations to enable pooling of results, is needed before these findings can be confirmed.
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Psychological interventions for people with cystic fibrosis and their families.
Glasscoe, CA, Quittner, AL
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews. 2008;(3):CD003148
Abstract
BACKGROUND With increasing survival estimates for cystic fibrosis (CF) long-term management has become an important focus. Psychological interventions are largely concerned with adherence to treatment, emotional and social adjustments and quality of life. We are unaware of any relevant systematic reviews. OBJECTIVES Assess whether psychological interventions for CF provide significant psychosocial and physical benefits in addition to standard care. SEARCH STRATEGY Trials were identified from two Cochrane trial registers (CF and Genetic Disorders Group; Depression, Anxiety and Neurosis Group), Ovid MEDLINE and PsychINFO; unpublished trials were located through professional networks and Listserves. Most recent search: September 2007. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials of a broad range of psychological interventions in children and adults with CF and their immediate family. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently selected relevant trials and assessed their methodological quality. MAIN RESULTS The review includes 13 studies (five new at this update) representing data from 529 participants. Studies mainly assessed behavioural and educational interventions:1. gene pre-test education counselling for relatives of those with CF;2. biofeedback, massage and music therapy to assist physiotherapy;3. behavioural and educational interventions to improve dietary intake and airway clearance;4. self-administration of medication and education to promote independence, knowledge and quality of life; and5. systemic interventions promoting psychosocial functioning.A substantial proportion of outcomes were educational or behavioural relating to issues of adherence, change in physical status or other specific treatment concerns during the chronic phase of the disease. Some evidence was found for relative's acceptance of a genetic test for carrier status when using home-based rather than clinic-based information leaflets and testing. There is some evidence that behavioural interventions improve emotional outcomes in people with CF and their carers, and that psychoeducational interventions improve knowledge in the short term. There was no consistent effect on lung function, although one small study showed that biofeedback-assisted breathing re-training helped improve some lung function measurements. Some studies point to educational and behavioural interventions aiding nutrition and growth in people with CF. Currently there is insufficient evidence for interventions aimed at other aspects of the disease process. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Currently no clear evidence exists on the best psychological interventions to help people with CF and their carers manage the disease. Trials of interventions to improve adherence to treatment are needed. Multicentre approaches, with consequent funding implications, will increase the sample size of trials and enhance the power and precision of their findings.
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A meta-analysis of the effects of written emotional disclosure on the health outcomes of clinical populations.
Frisina, PG, Borod, JC, Lepore, SJ
The Journal of nervous and mental disease. 2004;(9):629-34
Abstract
A meta-analysis was conducted to examine the effects of the written emotional disclosure paradigm on health outcomes of people with physical or psychiatric disorders. After nine studies were meta-analyzed, it was determined that expressive writing significantly improved health (d = .19; p < .05). However, this positive relationship (r = .10) was not moderated by any systemic variables because of the nonsignificant test of homogeneity (Qw = 5.27; p = .73). Nonetheless, a planned contrast illustrated that expressive writing is more effective on physical (d = .21; p = .01) than on psychological (d = .07; p = .17) health outcomes (Qb > 10.83; p < .001). One explanation for the small effect size (ES) results and the nonsignificant test of homogeneity may be the small and heterogeneous samples used in some of the studies within this research synthesis. Future research with expressive writing should be tested with randomized controlled trials to increase the likelihood of detecting a larger treatment effect.