| 1. |
- Berg, Matilda, 1989-
(författare)
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Just know it : The role of explicit knowledge in internet-based cognitive behaviour therapy for adolescents
- 2021
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The role of explicit, declarative knowledge in general health care and in psychotherapy is a growing field of research. In many areas of healthcare, knowledge is regarded as an important factor for successful interventions. Participants within mental-health interventions should ideally gain knowledge about their specific conditions and strategies to improve, in order to manage their problems in more helpful ways. In Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), explicit knowledge is a core feature when treating clients and educating them about their symptoms, problems and potential solutions. Still, the role of knowledge and its relation to treatment outcome within CBT treatments is unclear. CBT administered over the internet (ICBT), is mainly based on psychoeducative texts and thus provides a suitable format for an initial evaluation of explicit knowledge within a clinical research context. The role of explicit knowledge could be of particular importance in the study of younger target groups, who probably have their first treatment experience. Their knowledge gain and its use could be of importance both as separate constructs but also in relation to symptom reduction following treatment.The overarching aim of this thesis was to explore the role of explicit knowledge in internet-delivered CBT for adolescents with depression and anxiety.Study I explored the role of explicit knowledge in a randomised controlled trial with adolescents suffering from primary depression. A knowledge test was constructed and administered at pre- and post-treatment. Results showed that explicit knowledge and certainty of knowledge about depression, anxiety and CBT increased during treatment, but that these variables were unrelated to treatment outcome. Lower pre-treatment knowledge levels (certainty) however predicted greater improvement in depressive symptoms.Study II describes the procedure of developing a new knowledge test in the context of ICBT for adolescents with depression and anxiety. An explorative factor analysis was performed and resulted in a three-factor solution with the following factors: Act in aversive states, Using positive reinforcement, and Shifting attention. The procedure presented could illustrate one way of creating a test for knowledge evaluation in ICBT, but its clinical use needs to be evaluated further.In Study III, participants from a randomised controlled trial of ICBT for adolescent depression were asked about their acquired knowledge and knowledge use six months later. Qualitative methodology (thematic analysis) was used. The results showed two overarching ways that clients can remember and relate to CBT-principles after treatment; one more explicit way related to the active application of CBT principles, and another vague way of recalling treatment content and the passive usage of CBT. Both ways of recalling CBT principles were related to experiencing the treatment as helpful.Study IV evaluated the role of learning strategies and chat-sessions in ICBT for adolescents with anxiety and depression. A total of 120 adolescents were randomised to one of four treatment groups, in a 2x2 factorial design with the two factors: with or without learning support and/or chat-sessions. Overall, the results showed general reductions of anxiety and depressive symptoms, and increased knowledge levels. Participants receiving learning strategies during treatment obtained more immediate benefits in treatment outcome and knowledge levels, but at six months follow-up participants without learning support had reached equal amounts of knowledge and symptom reduction. Chat-sessions did not add any effect on treatment outcome or knowledge levels.In conclusion, this thesis suggests that explicit knowledge is a construct that is independent of symptom reduction and increases during ICBT treatments for adolescents with depression and anxiety. Increased knowledge, and increased certainty of knowledge, are valuable outcomes since CBT emphasises educating clients about symptoms, therapeutic principles, and strategies that they can remember and use later on. The lack of association between explicit knowledge gain and symptom reduction could indicate that explicit knowledge is a necessary but insufficient factor for symptom reduction. Adding learning strategies within a treatment programme could be of importance for enhancing short-term treatment effects.There is a continued need for more research on the role of knowledge in ICBT, both as an outcome and as a way to improve treatment effects. The findings in this thesis however suggest that research on explicit knowledge is important to understand what makes ICBT work.
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| 2. |
- Dahlin, Mats, 1975-
(författare)
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Development and evaluation of an internet-based treatment for generalized anxiety disorder : An acceptance-based approach
- 2020
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a chronic condition characterized by an excessive and uncontrollable worry. GAD has a highly negative impact on all aspects of life, and the costs for society are considerable. Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), delivered face-to- face or online, has been shown to be effective in treating GAD. However, there are still room for improvement, with treatment content and format of delivery being two areas to further investigate. Internet-based treatments are often based on a generic CBT model of GAD and include treatment strategies such as cognitive restructuring and relaxation. Furthermore, the impact of therapist support has shown inconclusive results.Overall, this thesis aimed to evaluate the effects of a new internet-based treatment for GAD, based on acceptance, mindfulness, and valued action, delivered with different types of support. Study I was a small pilot trial with a within-group design. The study included 16 participants diagnosed with GAD who received the newly developed treatment program with weekly therapist support. Statistically significant and large effect sizes were observed on self-rated worry at post-treatment, and the effects were maintained at a three-months follow-up. Study II included 103 participants diagnosed with GAD who were randomized to nine weeks of treatment with the treatment program and weekly support, or a waiting-list control group. Statistically significant moderate to large effects were observed on primary and secondary outcomes in favour of the treatment. The exception was a measure of quality of life, with no significant difference between the two groups. The treatment effects were maintained at a six-months follow-up. Study III was a pilot trial including 33 participants diagnosed with GAD. A within-group design was used to investigate the effects of the treatment program delivered with automated messages and support on demand. Significant and large within-group effects were observed on all outcome measures at post-treatment with the exception of quality of life, for which there was a small effect. Study IV was a pilot factorial design trial that compared the acceptance-based treatment program against a self-tailored treatment, as well as two types of support: scheduled support and support on demand. The study included 85 participants with GAD randomized to four different treatment groups. Significant moderate to large effects were observed in all treatment groups, with no statistically significant differences between the groups on self-rated outcome measures. Receiving scheduled support was rated as more positive than support on demand, and self-tailored treatment was rated as more positive than the acceptance-based treatment. Treatment satisfaction was high in all studies.In conclusion, the studies indicate that an internet-based treatment based on acceptance, mindfulness, and valued action is a viable option in the treatment of GAD.
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| 3. |
- Holmqvist Larsson, Mattias, 1977-
(författare)
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Rupture and Repair in the Working Alliance : Relation to Psychotherapy Outcome and Within-Session Interaction
- 2019
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Ruptures and repairs are processes related to shifts in the collaborative relationship Cthe working allianceJ between patient and therapist in psychotherapy. Ta study ruptures and repairs is one way ta disentangle mechanisms that might underlie the association between the working alliance and psychotherapy outcome. The overarching aim af this thesis was ta analyze the clinical relevance af the rupture and repair concepts at different process levels. The same three alliance patterns were investigated in the three empirical studies: the rupture pattern, the repair pattern, and the no-rupture/stable pattern. The analyses af the alliance patterns moved fromwhole treatments ta session segments. In Study I ruptures were found ta be associated with worse outcomes than treatments without ruptures. Repairs were, in longer therapies, shown ta be related ta better outcomes than norupture treatments. In Study Il it was found that the three alliance patterns could be discerned within sessions. Ruptures and repairs within sessions were found ta be associated with patient-ratings af the working alliance. In Study 111 the alliance patterns were found ta be related ta different interaction patterns within sessions. In these analyses, importont patient contributions ta repairs af ruptures were found.
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| 4. |
- Käll, Anton, 1992-
(författare)
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Internet-based interventions for loneliness : Efficacy and latent psychopathological profiles of treatment seekers
- 2021
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Loneliness is an adverse emotional reaction thought to stem from an unwanted and impoverished social situation. Though it commonly makes brief appearances across the lifespan for most people, it has received increasing attention as a factor relevant to somatic and psychological well-being when assuming a more chronic form. For this reason, developing ways of alleviating loneliness is an important item on the research agenda tied to this phenomenon. Psychological interventions, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in particular, have been proposed to have potential for this. This thesis sought to evaluate the effects of two different kinds of internet-based interventions targeting loneliness: one based on CBT, and one based on interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT).In addition to this general aim, Study I also investigated the presence of different subgroups in the sample of people seeking help within the framework of projects. Using the statistical method known as Latent Profile Analysis we discovered five profiles consisting of symptoms of common psychiatric disorders and loneliness. The profiles mainly differed as a function of symptom severity, though one of the larger groups was also characterised primarily by their high ratings of social anxiety. The results suggest that the sample seeking help for their loneliness can exhibit both clinical and non-clinical levels of common mental health problems.Study II served as the pilot evaluation of an ICBT programme for loneliness. A total of 73 participants were included in a randomised controlled trial where the participants were randomised to either 8 weeks of active treatment or a wait-list control group. The results indicated significantly lower loneliness ratings after the treatment phase for the ICBT condition with a moderate-to-large effect size compared to the control group. Significant differences favouring the ICBT condition were also noted for two of the four secondary measures.Study III followed up on the participants two years after the conclusion of the initial treatment period. At this point, the control group had also received access to a version of the ICBT programme with therapist support on-demand. The results indicated that the decrease in loneliness was sustained, along with similarly lasting effects on the secondary outcomes of interest.Study IV aimed to replicate the findings from the second study with a similar ICBT programme. However, this study also employed an internet-based IPT intervention to allow for conclusions regarding the possibility of reducing loneliness by other means than CBT. A sample of 170 participants were recruited and randomised to one the treatment conditions or to a waitlist control group. The results indicated that the ICBT condition had a significantly steeper reduction in loneliness than both the waitlist and the IPT condition after the conclusion of the treatment. Both active conditions produced a significant increase in quality of life.In conclusion, internet-based psychological interventions can be efficacious for reducing loneliness, though the efficacy was only found for participants who received access to the ICBT condition in Study II and IV. The benefits from this treatment programme were sustained up to two years after the conclusion of the intervention. For these reasons, ICBT is proposed to be a good candidate for offering help to people experiencing distressing feelings of loneliness.
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| 5. |
- Lindegaard, Tomas
(författare)
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Internet-based treatment of depression and anxiety among migrants and refugees in Sweden
- 2022
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- There is a growing number of refugees and displaced persons worldwide, with many suffering the psychological consequences of traumatic and stressful events occurring both in their country of origin, during the migratory journey and after arriving in a new country. Despite this, there is limited evidence on how to best help refugees and migrants with the mental health problems that they sometimes experience. Internet-based interventions show promise in the treatment of many common mental disorders and can be adapted into different languages. The aim of the present thesis was to investigate the usefulness and efficacy of internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (ICBT) for migrants and refugees in Sweden suffering from depression and anxiety.The studies in the thesis showed that both self-guided and therapist-guided ICBT can be acceptable interventions for Arabic-speaking adults with mild to moderate symptoms of depression and anxiety. In addition, support was also found for the efficacy of therapist-guided ICBT. However, with regards to Dari/Farsi speaking youth, it was found that the structure of the delivery format constituted a major barrier. Future studies should investigate if a blended treatment format can increase acceptance of ICBT for this population.
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| 6. |
- Persson Asplund, Robert, 1977-
(författare)
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Learning how to recover from stress-related disorders via internet-based interventions
- 2021
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Stress has become one of the major challenges of modern society, especially within the working population, causing significant costs and personal problems. However, the range of prevention and treatment is not at all proportionate to the needs of the public. Internet provides new options for broad dissemination and a growing body of evidence suggest that internet-based interventions for stress could be effective. However, few studies have examined the efficacy in clinical samples or how participants experience these new treatment delivery formats. Further, only a limited number of studies have evaluated the efficacy of work-focused stress interventions on work-related outcomes (e.g., absenteeism), and if recovery has the potential in stress-prevention.In the present thesis, internet-based cognitive behavioural stress interventions (iCBT), designed to reduce symptoms of stress and increase recovery and workparticipation among 117 managers and 260 employees, were evaluated in three randomized controlled trials (Study I, III and IV) and a qualitative study (Study II). Results of Study I and III indicate that the iCBT for managers and employees with stress-related disorders was effective in reducing symptoms of chronic stress. In Study III effects on work-related outcomes, e.g., work ability and absenteeism, were only seen in the work-focused iCBT. In Study II, participants found the work-focused iCBT to be accessible and feasible and reported positive experiences on stress and well-being in both life and at work. Finally, preliminary results in Study IV suggest that recovery experiences, an important protective factor against chronic stress, could be improved by a brief internet-based recovery intervention.In conclusion, if implemented, these relatively brief and accessible interventions could be a feasible way to increase access to treatment and learning distressed employees and others how to prevent and recover from stress-related disorders.
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| 7. |
- Topooco, Naira, 1980-
(författare)
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Blended cognitive behavior therapy : efficacy and acceptability for treating depression in the adult and adolescent population
- 2018
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Depression is the most burdensome disorder worldwide in terms of health loss. The potential of internet and technologies to scale up psychological treatment resources is substantial. A blended treatment approach, reducing therapist time and combining sessions with online self-help components, could enhance availability of psychological treatment, while maintaining and possibly enhancing effect of treatment. The aim of this thesis was to develop and investigate the blended treatment approach, in terms of acceptance among key stakeholders, and clinical effect in treatment of depression in the adult and adolescent population.Study I investigated acceptance of the blended treatment approach among mental health care stakeholders by means of a European survey. The results demonstrated that the majority readily accepted blended treatment for management of mild and moderate depression.Study II evaluated blended treatment compared to standard face-toface psychotherapy in treatment of adult depression in a controlled non-inferiority trial. The results showed a similar decrease in depression from both interventions at post-treatment, with decreased levels maintained over six months. Non-inferiority for the blended treatment could not be statistically established.Study III was a controlled non-inferiority trial evaluating blended treatment compared to treatment as usual. The results indicated superiority for the blended treatment at post-treatment and partly at six months. After twelve months the outcomes in the two conditions were similar.Study IV evaluated blended treatment for adolescent depression in a controlled superiority trial, where the therapist time was not reduced, but sessions delivered via chat for improved reach and efficiency. Compared to attention control, the blended treatment significantly reduced depression symptoms, with effects indicated to be maintained over six months.Study V was a controlled superiority trial, evaluating an improved version of the blended treatment used in Study IV to similar methods and in a similar population. In comparison to minimal attention control, the blended treatment significantly reduced depression symptoms at post-treatment, corresponding to a large treatment effect.Across Study II to V, estimates indicated that the amount of therapist time that could be saved in blended treatment, compared to standard psychological treatment, was around 40%.In conclusion, a gradual, blended integration of technology into psychological treatment i) performed well in treatment of adult and adolescent populations, ii) could substantially reduce therapist time in comparison to standard face-to-face psychological treatment, and iii) was accepted by patients as well as other mental health care stakeholders.The thesis demonstrates the potentials of technology-assisted blended treatment models to deliver treatment of depression in the young and adult population in accordance with the current, urgent need to increase availability of psychological treatment as well as increase acceptance of technology-assisted mental health interventions.
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| 8. |
- Vernmark, Kristofer, 1976-
(författare)
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Therapeutic alliance and different treatment formats when delivering internet-based CBT for depression
- 2017
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Depression är en funktionsnedsättande problematik som påverkar en stor del av den vuxna populationen varje år. Trots ett omfattande behov av hjälp så råder det brist på tillgång till effektiv behandling. Kognitiv Beteendeterapi (KBT) är en evidensbaserad metod som har stöd vid behandling av depression och förmedlad via internet skulle metoden kunna tillgängliggöras för fler. Dock är det i dagsläget oklart vilka format och vilket innehåll som kan användas när behandlingen förmedlas via internet, samt vilken betydelse den terapeutiska alliansen har för en behandling som till största del sker på distans. Syftet med denna avhandling var att undersöka effekterna för olika format av internetbehandling (epostterapi, guidad självhjälp och blended treatment) vid depression, samt alliansens roll i dessa format.Studiernas resultat visar på att epostterapi och internetförmedlade självhjälpsprogram med behandlarstöd var effektiva metoder för att behandla depression. Alliansskattningar var höga, vilket visar att en positiv terapeutisk allians kan uppnås i internetbehandling. Patientskattningar av allians kunde inte predicera utfallet i någon av behandlingarna, men behandlarskattad allians predicerade förbättring på depressionsskattningar i blended treatment. Den här avhandlingen innehåller den första randomiserade kontrollerade studien på KBT-baserad epostterapi vid depression, samt det första internet-förmedlade självhjälpsprogrammet baserat på beteendeaktivering och ACT.
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