| 1. |
- Berg, Matilda, et al.
(författare)
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The role of knowledge in internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy for adolescent depression : Results from a randomised controlled study
- 2019
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Ingår i: Internet Interventions. - : Elsevier. - 2214-7829. ; 15, s. 10-17
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background and objectivesClients' knowledge about their condition and treatment is considered crucial for general health improvement, and knowledge acquisition is an essential part in internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (ICBT). Yet, little is known about the role of knowledge and how it influences treatment outcome. This study aimed to examine if explicit knowledgeincreased following ICBT for adolescent depression, if knowledge gainwould be associated with symptom reduction, and if pre-existing knowledge predicted changes in depressive symptoms.MethodsSeventy-one adolescents were randomised to a therapist-supported ICBT or a attention control condition. A measure of depression (BDI-II) and a knowledge test dealing with depression, comorbid anxiety, and its CBT-treatment were administered before and after treatment.ResultsSignificant improvements in knowledge were observed following ICBT compared to the attention control (between-group Cohen's d = 1.25, 95% CI [0.67–1.79]). On average, participants in the treatment group answered 1.4 more questions correctly at post treatment compared to the control group. No relation between change in knowledge and change in depressive symptoms could be observed. Knowledge scores at baseline were high for both groups, with participants answering approximately 75% of the questions correct. A higher level of initial knowledge level predicted poorer treatment response (Parson's r = −0.38, p = .048).ConclusionsThe findings indicate that knowledge about basic concepts and principles about depression, anxiety, and CBT increases following ICBT. This increase in knowledge was not related to change in depressive symptoms, indicating that knowledge is a different construct. The results also suggest that clients who are more knowledgeable prior to treatment might benefit less from ICBT. In sum, the results highlight the need to further examine the role of knowledge in ICBT.
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| 2. |
- Berman, Anne H., Professor, et al.
(författare)
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Compliance with recommendations limiting COVID-19 contagion among university students in Sweden : associations with self-reported symptoms, mental health and academic self-efficacy
- 2022
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Public Health. - : SAGE Publications. - 1403-4948 .- 1651-1905. ; 50:1, s. 70-84
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aims: The COVID-19 containment strategy in Sweden uses public health recommendations relying on personal responsibility for compliance. Universities were one of few public institutions subject to strict closure, meaning that students had to adapt overnight to online teaching. This study investigates the prevalence of self-reported recommendation compliance and associations with self-reported symptoms of contagion, self-experienced effects on mental health and academic self-efficacy among university students in Sweden in May–June 2020.Methods: This was a cross-sectional 23 question online survey in which data were analysed by multinomial regression, taking a Bayesian analysis approach complemented by null hypothesis testing.Results: A total of 4495 students consented to respond. Recommendation compliance ranged between 70% and 96%. Women and older students reported higher compliance than did men and younger students. Mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms were reported by 30%, severe symptoms by fewer than 2%; 15% reported being uncertain and half of the participants reported no symptoms. Mental health effects were reported by over 80%, and changes in academic self-efficacy were reported by over 85%; in both these areas negative effects predominated. Self-reported symptoms and uncertainty about contagion were associated with non-compliance, negative mental health effects, and impaired academic self-efficacy.Conclusions: Students generally followed public health recommendations during strict closure of universities, but many reported considerable negative consequences related to mental health and academic self-efficacy. Digital interventions should be developed and evaluated to boost coping skills, build resilience and alleviate student suffering during the pandemic and future similar crises.
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| 3. |
- Bunge, Eduardo L., et al.
(författare)
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Editorial Introduction to Technological Approaches for the Treatment of Mental Health in Youth
- 2021
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Ingår i: Social Sciences. - Basel, Switzerland : MDPI. - 2076-0760. ; 10:12
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Tidskriftsartikel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Excerpt: [Note: In lieu of an abstract, this is an excerpt from the first page.] According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 10–20% of adolescents (10–19 years old) worldwide suffer from mental health conditions, with 50% starting at the age of 14 (World Health Organization 2020). Traditionally, mental health problems among youth have been addressed with psychotherapy conducted via face-to-face methods. However, many youth are actively seeking resources online for mental health support (Stephens et al. 2020; Rideout et al. 2018). Therefore, digital interventions can provide alternative methods to support youth patients while addressing and improving the limitations of face-to-face delivery formats. This has become more evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, where clinicians have been forced to use creative strategies, such as telehealth to reach their patients remotely. [...]
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| 4. |
- Fitzsimmons-Craft, Ellen E., et al.
(författare)
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Effectiveness of a chatbot for eating disorders prevention: A randomized clinical trial
- 2022
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Ingår i: International Journal of Eating Disorders. - : WILEY. - 0276-3478 .- 1098-108X. ; 55:3, s. 343-353
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective Prevention of eating disorders (EDs) is of high importance. However, digital programs with human moderation are unlikely to be disseminated widely. The aim of this study was to test whether a chatbot (i.e., computer program simulating human conversation) would significantly reduce ED risk factors (i.e., weight/shape concerns, thin-ideal internalization) in women at high risk for an ED, compared to waitlist control, as well as whether it would significantly reduce overall ED psychopathology, depression, and anxiety and prevent ED onset. Method Women who screened as high risk for an ED were randomized (N = 700) to (1) chatbot based on the StudentBodies (c) program; or (2) waitlist control. Participants were followed for 6 months. Results For weight/shape concerns, there was a significantly greater reduction in intervention versus control at 3- (d = -0.20; p = .03) and 6-m-follow-up (d = -0.19; p = .04). There were no differences in change in thin-ideal internalization. The intervention was associated with significantly greater reductions than control in overall ED psychopathology at 3- (d = -0.29; p = .003) but not 6-month follow-up. There were no differences in change in depression or anxiety. The odds of remaining nonclinical for EDs were significantly higher in intervention versus control at both 3- (OR = 2.37, 95% CI [1.37, 4.11]) and 6-month follow-ups (OR = 2.13, 95% CI [1.26, 3.59]). Discussion Findings provide support for the use of a chatbot-based EDs prevention program in reducing weight/shape concerns through 6-month follow-up, as well as in reducing overall ED psychopathology, at least in the shorter-term. Results also suggest the intervention may reduce ED onset. Public Significance We found that a chatbot, or a computer program simulating human conversation, based on an established, cognitive-behavioral therapy-based eating disorders prevention program, was successful in reducing womens concerns about weight and shape through 6-month follow-up and that it may actually reduce eating disorder onset. These findings are important because this intervention, which uses a rather simple text-based approach, can easily be disseminated in order to prevent these deadly illnesses. Trial registration: OSF Registries;
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| 5. |
- Mechler, Jakob, et al.
(författare)
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Therapist-guided internet-based psychodynamic therapy versus cognitive behavioural therapy for adolescent depression in Sweden : a randomised, clinical, non-inferiority trial
- 2022
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Ingår i: The Lancet Digital Health. - : Elsevier. - 2589-7500. ; 4:8, s. E594-E603
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background Adolescent major depressive disorder (MDD) is highly prevalent and associated with lifelong adversity. Evidence-based treatments exist, but accessible treatment alternatives are needed. We aimed to compare internet-based psychodynamic therapy (IPDT) with an established evidence-based treatment (internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy [ICBT]) for the treatment of adolescents with depression. Methods In this randomised, clinical trial, we tested whether IPDT was non-inferior to ICBT in the treatment of adolescent MDD. Eligible participants were 15-19 years old, presenting with a primary diagnosis of MDD according to DSM-5. Participants were recruited nationwide in Sweden through advertisements on social media, as well as contacts with junior and senior high schools, youth associations, social workers, and health-care providers. Adolescents who scored 9 or higher on the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology for Adolescents (QIDS-A17-SR) in an initial online screening were contacted by telephone for a diagnostic assessment using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Participants were randomly assigned to ICBT or IPDT. Both interventions comprised eight self-help modules delivered over 10 weeks on a secure online platform. The primary outcome was change in depression severity measured weekly by the QIDS-A17-SR. Primary analyses were based on an intention -to-treat sample including all participants randomly assigned. A non-inferiority margin of Cohen's d=0.30 was predefined. The study is registered at ISRCTN, ISRCTN12552584. Findings Between Aug 19, 2019, and Oct 7, 2020, 996 young people completed screening; 516 (52%) were contacted for a diagnostic interview. 272 participants were eligible and randomly assigned to ICBT (n=136) or IPDT (n=136). In the ICBT group, 51 (38%) of 136 participants were classified as remitted, and 54 (40%) of 136 participants were classified as remitted in the IPDT group. Within-group effects were large (ICBT: within-group d=1.75, 95% CI 1.49 to 2.01; IPDT: within-group d=1.93, 1.67 to 2.20; both p<0.0001). No statistically significant treatment difference was found in the intention-to-treat analysis. Non-inferiority for IPDT was shown for the estimated change in depression during treatment (d=-0.18, 90% CI -0.49 to 0.13; p=0.34). All secondary outcomes showed non-significant between-group differences. Interpretation IPDT was non-inferior to ICBT in terms of change in depression for the treatment of adolescents with MDD. This finding increases the range of accessible and effective treatment alternatives for adolescents with depression. Copyright (C) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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| 6. |
- 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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| 7. |
- Topooco, Naira, 1980-, et al.
(författare)
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Chat- and internet-based cognitive-behavioural therapy in treatment of adolescent depression : randomised controlled trial
- 2018
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Ingår i: British Journal of Psychiatry. - : Royal College of Psychiatry. - 0007-1250 .- 1472-1465. ; 26:4, s. 199-207
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Depression is a major contributor to the burden of disease in the adolescent population. Internet-based interventions can increase access to treatment.Aims: To evaluate the efficacy of internet-based cognitive-behavioural therapy (iCBT), including therapist chat communication, in treatment of adolescent depression.Method: Seventy adolescents, 15-19 years of age and presenting with depressive symptoms, were randomised to iCBT or attention control. The primary outcome was the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II).Results: Significant reductions in depressive symptoms were found, favouring iCBT over the control condition (F(1,67) = 6.18, P < 0.05). The between-group effect size was Cohen's d = 0.71 (95% CI 0.22-1.19). A significantly higher proportion of iCBT participants (42.4%) than controls (13.5%) showed a 50% decrease in BDI-II score post-treatment (P < 0.01). The improvement for the iCBT group was maintained at 6 months.Conclusions: The intervention appears to effectively reduce symptoms of depression in adolescents and may be helpful in overcoming barriers to care among young people.Declaration of interest: N.T. and G.A. designed the programme. N.T. authored the treatment material. The web platform used for treatment is owned by Linköping University and run on a non-for-profit basis. None of the authors receives any income from the programme.
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| 8. |
- Vernmark, Kristofer, 1976-, et al.
(författare)
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Working alliance as a predictor of change in depression during blended cognitive behaviour therapy
- 2019
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Ingår i: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1650-6073 .- 1651-2316. ; 48:4, s. 285-299
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Blended Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (bCBT) is a new form of treatment, mixing internet-based modules and face-to-face therapist sessions. How participants rate the therapeutic alliance in bCBT has not yet been thoroughly explored, and neither is it clear whether therapist- and patient-rated alliances are predictors of change in depression during treatment. Depression and alliance ratings from 73 participants in a treatment study on bCBT (part of the E-COMPARED project) were analysed using growth curve models. Alliance, as rated by both patients and therapists, was high. The therapist-rated working alliance was predictive of subsequent changes in depression scores during treatment, whereas the patient-rated alliance was not. A therapeutic alliance can be established in bCBT. The role of the therapist-rated alliance seems to be of particular importance and should be carefully considered when collecting data in future studies on bCBT.
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