Pilot Implementation of Computerized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in a University Health Setting.

Pilot Implementation of Computerized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in a University Health Setting.

Adm Policy Ment Health. 2013 Apr 17;
Santucci LC, McHugh RK, Elkins RM, Schechter B, Ross MS, Landa CE, Eisen S, Barlow DH

This study evaluated the implementation of computerized cognitive-behavioral therapy (cCBT) for depression and anxiety in a university health center. Students reporting symptoms of depression and/or anxiety were offered cCBT and randomized to a session email reminder or no-reminder condition. Participants reported significant symptom and functional improvement after receiving treatment, comparable to outcomes achieved in controlled efficacy trials. However, rates of session completion were low, and reminders did not enhance retention. Results suggest that cCBT is a promising intervention in this population, with little attenuation of gains relative to efficacy trials but low levels of treatment completion. HubMed – depression

 

Verbal working memory in individuals with schizophrenia and their first degree relatives: relationship with negative and disorganized symptoms.

Actas Esp Psiquiatr. 2013 Mar; 41(2): 106-114
Botero S, Muñoz CC, Ocampo MV, Escobar M, Rangel A, Quintero C, Marín C, Jaramillo LE, Sánchez R, Rodríguez-Losada J, Beltrán D, Ospina J, Palacio C, Arango JC, Aguirre-Acevedo DC, Páez AL, Valencia AV, García J

Objective: To determine whether there are differences in verbal working memory amongst subjects with schizophrenia, their first degree relatives and controls, and to evaluate the influence of symptoms on these differences, as an initial step to assess whether this cognitive function is an endophenotype. Methods: We examined 197 cases with schizophrenia, 197 first degree relatives and 200 controls through psychiatric interviews and the Letters and Numbers Sequencing test (LNS). Performance was compared among the three groups adjusting for age, sex and education level. Adjustment for “negative symptoms” and “disorganization” was performed afterwards. Results: Subjects with schizophrenia showed lower performance in the LNS than their first degree relatives and the healthy controls; the effect sizes were 0.75 and 1.18 respectively. There was a small difference between relatives and controls (effect size =0.38). These differences were significant after adjustment for negative and disorganized symptoms, but the effect sizes became smaller: 0.26 for relatives vs. subjects with schizophrenia, 0.56 for controls vs. subjects with schizophrenia and 0.33 for relatives vs. controls. Among individuals with schizophrenia, performance in the LNS was not associated with disorder duration, disease onset age, antipsychotics, history of depressive episodes or substance use disorders. Conclusion: Results suggest verbal working memory may be considered as an endophenotype in schizophrenia. HubMed – depression

 

Risk factors of depressive syndrome in young adults.

Actas Esp Psiquiatr. 2013 Mar; 41(2): 84-96
Oliver-Quetglas A, Torres E, March S, Socias IM, Esteva M

Objectives: To determine risk factors associated with presence of depression in young adults 20 to 35. Methods: Case-control design in 6 health centers. Subjects: Young adult, visited in the past two years in primary health care. Cases: Diagnosis of depression <12 months. Controls: no diagnosis of depression or related treatment. Diagnosis confirmed by CIDI questionnaire. Random selection of controls. Measurements: Personal interview. Dependent variable: depressive syndrome present or absent. Independent: demographic, labor, economic, social, health, drug abuse and life events. Results: 95 cases and 93 controls. Response rate 57.7% and 45.0% respectively. Variables associated with depression: being female, being separated/divorced/widow, income <1000 euros/month, difficulties at work, spending free time alone, have problems getting or maintaining relationships, sexual dissatisfaction, worse perceived health status, marijuana use, sedentary lifestyle, having suffered some form of discrimination, child abuse, a family member with serious psychological problems (last year). Conclusions: The risk factors found are similar to those of other studies with wide age range. Differentiating factors are abuse in childhood, spending time alone, problems with relationships. HubMed – depression

 


 

clinical depression treatment – Storm talks about her struggle with depression.