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- Andersson, Gerhard, et al.
(author)
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Internet-based psychodynamic versus cognitive behavioral guided self-help for generalized anxiety disorder : A randomized controlled trial
- 2012
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In: Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics. - Basel, Switzerland : Karger. - 0033-3190 .- 1423-0348. ; 81:6, s. 344-355
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Guided Internet-based cognitive behavior therapy (ICBT) has been tested in many trials and found to be effective in the treatment of anxiety and mood disorders. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) has also been treated with ICBT, but there are no controlled trials on guided Internet-based psychodynamic treatment (IPDT). Since there is preliminary support for psychodynamic treatment for GAD, we decided to test if a psychodynamically informed self-help treatment could be delivered via the Internet. The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of IPDT for GAD and to compare against ICBT and a waiting list control group.Method: A randomized controlled superiority trial with individuals diagnosed with GAD comparing guided ICBT (n = 27) and IPDT (n = 27) against a no treatment waiting list control group (n = 27). The primary outcome measure was the Penn State Worry Questionnaire.Results: While there were no significant between-group differences immediately after treatment on the main outcome measure, both IPDT and ICBT resulted in improvements with moderate to large within-group effect sizes at 3 and 18 months follow-up on the primary measure in the completer analyses. The differences against the control group, although smaller, were still significant for both PDT and CBT when conforming to the criteria of clinically significant improvement. The active treatments did not differ significantly. There was a significant group by time interaction regarding GAD symptoms, but not immediately after treatment.Conclusions: IPDT and ICBT both led to modest symptom reduction in GAD, and more research is needed.Copyright (C) 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel
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- Anderzén, Ingrid, et al.
(author)
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Psychophysiological reactions to international adjustment : Results from a controlled, longitudinal study
- 1999
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In: Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics. - : S. Karger AG. - 0033-3190 .- 1423-0348. ; 68:2, s. 67-75
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: This controlled prospective study examines psychophysiological reactions in employees during their first and second year abroad to identify individual as well as work-related factors predictive of positive adjustment. Methods: Employees (n = 47) relocating from Sweden to a foreign country on a work-related assignment were followed. The subjects completed a questionnaire before relocation and after 1 and 2 years abroad. Blood samples were collected for determination of the stressor-related hormones prolactin, cortisol and testosterone. A matched non-moving reference group of employees (n = 35) responded to the questionnaire at similar time periods, and also provided blood samples. Results: During the years abroad, the expatriate employees experienced increased psychosocial stress as well as negative adjustment as reflected in circulating levels of prolactin and testosterone, worse mental well-being and worsening subjective work environment, as compared with the non-moving group. The greatest change occurred during the first year. Individual factors such as social support, internal locus of control, self-esteem and sense of coherence modified the stress response and predicted employees’ ability to adjust to foreign assignments. Negative changes in the psychosocial work environment explained to a large degree the decrease in work adjustment during the first year and these findings were also reflected in physiological stress indicators. Conclusions: The study emphasises the importance for multinational organisations to look at these individual characteristics before sending employees abroad. They also need to get more involved in supporting employees to manage stressors characteristic of the first year of foreign work.
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- Arnetz, Bengt, et al.
(author)
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Leadership, Mental Health, and Organizational Efficacy in Health Care Organizations : Psychosocial Predictors of Healthy Organizational Development Based on Prospective Data from Four Different Organizations
- 2007
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In: Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics. - : S. Karger AG. - 0033-3190 .- 1423-0348. ; 76:4, s. 242-248
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Only a few studies of psychosocial determinants of employee health and organizational development have been prospective, involving more than one organization and applying standardized assessment tools. This limits the ability of providing evidence-based guidance as how to carry out healthy organizational transformations. Methods: A total of 6,000 employees responded twice to a validated psychosocial-leadership questionnaire within a 2-year period. The assessment focused on changes over time in the three outcome measures - mental health, efficacy, and leadership, determined to be important indicators of a healthy organization. Changes within and between organization were assessed statistically using regular t tests and general linear modeling. Results: There were major differences between organizations in psychosocial measures, both at the baseline and over time. At the organizational level, changes between study periods in management performance feedback, participatory management, and work tempo were the most consistent predictors of improvements over time in the three outcome measures. Conclusions: Performance feedback and participatory management might be two common predictors of healthy workplaces. Some of the psychosocial determinants of healthy organizations suggested in previous research might not be universally valid. It is suggested that future research should to a larger degree make use of multiple departments and organizations in studies of psychosocial determinants of healthy organizations.
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- Blom, Kerstin, et al.
(author)
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Psychological Treatment of Comorbid Insomnia and Depression : A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
- 2024
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In: Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics. - : S. Karger. - 0033-3190 .- 1423-0348. ; 93:2, s. 100-113
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction: Insomnia and depression are highly prevalent disorders and commonly occur together. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, CBT-I, has been shown to be effective in treating insomnia and also comorbid depression. However, it is unclear whether effects of CBT-I on depression are specific or nonspecific. Also, depressive symptoms often remain too high after CBT-I, indicating a need for improved treatments. The objective was to determine whether combining CBT-I with CBT for depression, without increasing treatment length, reduces both insomnia and depression more than CBT for depression with a placebo insomnia intervention. Methods: A 12-week double-blind randomized controlled trial with a 6-month follow-up in a psychiatric setting using therapist-guided internet-delivered treatments was conducted. Patients (N = 126) were diagnosed with insomnia disorder and major depression by physicians. Primary outcome measures were as follows: self-rating scales Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and Montgomery-angstrom sberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS-S). Results: The combined treatment showed specific effects on insomnia severity over the control treatment (p = 0.007) but was not more effective in reducing depression severity. Within-group effects (Cohen's d) at post and at 6 months were as follows: ISI 1.40 and 1.42 (combined treatment), 0.95 and 1.00 (control); MADRS-S 0.97 and 1.12 (combined), 0.88 and 0.89 (control). Conclusions: CBT-I shows large specific effects on insomnia severity and is superior to control in this regard. Both treatments had similar effects on depression severity, i.e., combining CBT-I with CBT for depression did not enhance outcomes on depression compared to control. We suggest CBT-I should always be offered to patients with insomnia and depression comorbidity, possibly as the first-hand choice. Combining it with a psychological treatment for depression could be too burdening and may not be beneficial.
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- Emdad, Reza, et al.
(author)
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Morphometric and psychometric comparisons between non-substance-abusing patients with posttraumatic stress disorder and normal controls
- 2006
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In: Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics. - : S. Karger AG. - 0033-3190 .- 1423-0348. ; 75:2, s. 122-132
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Hippocampal decrease in size in response to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is still a subject of controversy. The aims of this study were to: (1) confirm previous hippocampus findings in PTSD patients compared to controls, using ethnically similar study groups where alcohol and drug abuse were non-existent; (2) test influence of disease duration as well as depression scores on possible morphological changes; (3) test whether the voxel-based morphometry (VBM) data confirm the group differences seen in the region of interest (ROI) analysis, and (4) test the associations between the cognitive test scores and the morphological changes. METHODS: VBM and ROI-based analysis were applied in 23 patients and 17 healthy controls. Culture-neutral cognitive tests were used. RESULTS: The ROI-based method showed significantly decreased gray matter volumes for global hippocampal volume, as in a separate analysis of left and right sides in the PTSD group. Total volume of the hippocampus was significantly decreased on the left side, as in the global assessment. A multiple regression VBM model showed significant voxel clusters for group affiliation in the right hippocampus, modelling lowering of gray matter associated with the PTSD group. Disease duration was shown to be negatively correlated to bilateral hippocampal volume and high depression score to bilateral gray matter parahippocampal volume. No significant correlations were found between hippocampal or parahippocampal volumes and cognitive functions. CONCLUSION: The present and previous studies showed that morphologic differences do not appear to be due to drug or alcohol abuse. The VBM data partially confirm the group differences seen in the ROI-based method in the medial temporal lobe. The fact that the significantly lower score on the short-term memory test in the PTSD group is not correlated to hippocampal volume may suggest a more general basis for such memory impairment.
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12. |
- Emdad, R, et al.
(author)
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What prevents professional drivers from following physicians' cardiologic advice?
- 1998
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In: Psychotherapy and psychosomatics. - : S. Karger AG. - 0033-3190 .- 1423-0348. ; 67:4-5, s. 226-240
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- <b>Background:</b> There is a scarcity of published studies of the effects of cardiac counselling among professional drivers (PD). Aims of the study were: (1) to examine explanatory variables for two classical ‘driver’ risk factors – body mass index (BMI), and smoking – and to analyse the interrelations among smoking cessation, losing weight and work-related life changes; (2) to assess the effectiveness of risk factor counselling after 6 months, and (3) to gain insight into possible discrepancies between PD perception of needed changes and compliance with the physician’s advice. <b>Methods:</b> There were 4 groups of male PD: 13 with ischemic heart disease, 12 hypertensives, 10 borderline hypertensives and 34 normotensives. Baseline cardiovascular risk factors as well as occupational and behavioral data were assessed via questionnaire. The counselling was aimed at smoking cessation, weight loss and promoting leisure-time physical activity. Qualitative methods were used to assess PD perceptions about the work environment and health promotion. <b>Results:</b> Baseline smoking intensity was best predicted by the total burden of occupational stress and number of smoking years. Baseline BMI was best predicted by long work hours behind the wheel, low availability of attachment outside work and low self-reported job strain. Self-initiated smoking cessation was best predicted by few smoking years, low coffee intake and admitting fear during driving. Physical activity was significantly increased after 6 months. Losing weight was associated with: quitting or diminishing smoking and making other, work-related, life changes. None of the heavy smokers decreased their daily number of cigarettes after 6 months, although expressing the need to do so in self-generated statements. <b>Conclusions:</b> Exposure to occupational stressors, mainly, long work hours and the concomitant denial of job strain, in combination with low availability of social attachment outside work, could contribute to maintenance of maladaptive behavior in PD. These findings could serve as a basis for designing standardized intervention trials and suggest that modification of the work environment, with participation of the drivers, is a needed component of such trials. Particular attention should be paid to the length and scheduling of work shifts.
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- Evers, AWM, et al.
(author)
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Implications of Placebo and Nocebo Effects for Clinical Practice: Expert Consensus
- 2018
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In: Psychotherapy and psychosomatics. - : S. Karger AG. - 1423-0348 .- 0033-3190. ; 87:4, s. 204-210
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- <b><i>Background:</i></b> Placebo and nocebo effects occur in clinical or laboratory medical contexts after administration of an inert treatment or as part of active treatments and are due to psychobiological mechanisms such as expectancies of the patient. Placebo and nocebo studies have evolved from predominantly methodological research into a far-reaching interdisciplinary field that is unravelling the neurobiological, behavioural and clinical underpinnings of these phenomena in a broad variety of medical conditions. As a consequence, there is an increasing demand from health professionals to develop expert recommendations about evidence-based and ethical use of placebo and nocebo effects for clinical practice. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A survey and interdisciplinary expert meeting by invitation was organized as part of the 1st Society for Interdisciplinary Placebo Studies (SIPS) conference in 2017. Twenty-nine internationally recognized placebo researchers participated. <b><i>Results:</i></b> There was consensus that maximizing placebo effects and minimizing nocebo effects should lead to better treatment outcomes with fewer side effects. Experts particularly agreed on the importance of informing patients about placebo and nocebo effects and training health professionals in patient-clinician communication to maximize placebo and minimize nocebo effects. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> The current paper forms a first step towards developing evidence-based and ethical recommendations about the implications of placebo and nocebo research for medical practice, based on the current state of evidence and the consensus of experts. Future research might focus on how to implement these recommendations, including how to optimize conditions for educating patients about placebo and nocebo effects and providing training for the implementation in clinical practice.
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15. |
- Evers, AWM, et al.
(author)
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What Should Clinicians Tell Patients about Placebo and Nocebo Effects? Practical Considerations Based on Expert Consensus
- 2020
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In: Psychotherapy and psychosomatics. - : S. Karger AG. - 1423-0348 .- 0033-3190. ; 90:1, s. 49-56
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- <b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Clinical and laboratory studies demonstrate that placebo and nocebo effects influence various symptoms and conditions after the administration of both inert and active treatments. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> There is an increasing need for up-to-date recommendations on how to inform patients about placebo and nocebo effects in clinical practice and train clinicians how to disclose this information. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Based on previous clinical recommendations concerning placebo and nocebo effects, a 3-step, invitation-only Delphi study was conducted among an interdisciplinary group of internationally recognized experts. The study consisted of open- and closed-ended survey questions followed by a final expert meeting. The surveys were subdivided into 3 parts: (1) informing patients about placebo effects, (2) informing patients about nocebo effects, and (3) training clinicians how to communicate this information to the patients. <b><i>Results:</i></b> There was consensus that communicating general information about placebo and nocebo effects to patients (e.g., explaining their role in treatment) could be beneficial, but that such information needs to be adjusted to match the specific clinical context (e.g., condition and treatment). Experts also agreed that training clinicians to communicate about placebo and nocebo effects should be a regular and integrated part of medical education that makes use of multiple formats, including face-to-face and online modalities. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> The current 3-step Delphi study provides consensus-based recommendations and practical considerations for disclosures about placebo and nocebo effects in clinical practice. Future research is needed on how to optimally tailor information to specific clinical conditions and patients’ needs, and on developing standardized disclosure training modules for clinicians.
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- Hertting, A, et al.
(author)
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Physiological changes associated with downsizing of personnel and reorganisation in the health care sector
- 2002
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In: Psychotherapy and psychosomatics. - : S. Karger AG. - 0033-3190 .- 1423-0348. ; 71:2, s. 117-122
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- <i>Background:</i> The objective of this study was to assess potential physiological changes associated with downsizing/reorganisation in the health care sector. The personnel reductions (1995–1997) in the studied regional hospital corresponded to one fifth of the personnel. <i>Methods:</i> In a longitudinal study, female personnel had blood sampled twice (8 a.m. and 4 p.m.) during a working day in 1997 (in connection with the last completed round of personnel redundancies) and 1 year later in 1998. The participants were 31 women (82% of those initially sampled ); there were 14 registered nurses, 11 assistant nurses and 6 medical secretaries. No additional drop outs took place during follow-up. Outcome variables were changes in the difference in serum cortisol levels between the morning and afternoon and in serum/plasma concentrations of immunoglobulin G (IgG), oestradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), prolactin and apolipoproteins AI and B. <i>Results:</i> Significantly decreased serum/plasma concentrations of IgG (p < 0.001), apolipoprotein AI (p < 0.001) and oestradiol (p < 0.001) were found. The difference between morning and afternoon serum cortisol decreased, with a change at the significance level of p = 0.05. No significant changes were observed regarding prolactin, DHEAS and apolipoprotein B. <i>Conclusions:</i> These results could be an indication that protective and anabolic functions had suffered in these remaining ‘ageing’ female work groups. The circadian cortisol rhythm was possibly flattened, which could be a sign of physiological dysfunction associated with the long-lasting adaptation process. These conclusions are tentative, given the small size of the sample and the lack of a control group. However, the findings point to the significance of studies of physiological changes possibly associated with restructuring of the health care sector.
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20. |
- Hillert, L, et al.
(author)
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Cognitive behavioural therapy for patients with electric sensitivity - a multidisciplinary approach in a controlled study
- 1998
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In: Psychotherapy and psychosomatics. - : S. Karger AG. - 0033-3190 .- 1423-0348. ; 67:6, s. 302-310
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- <b>Background: </b>Electric sensitivity is a syndrome that still lacks diagnostic criteria and proven aetiology. The suffering of afflicted persons motivates development and evaluation of effective handling and treatments. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of cognitive behavioural therapy in patients with electric sensitivity. <b>Methods: </b>Cognitive behavioural treatment, as part of a multidisciplinary treatment package for patients with electric sensitivity, was evaluated in a controlled trial. Ten patients who received treatment were compared to 12 controls. Outcome measures included different dimensions such as symptoms, beliefs, behaviour, and biochemical measurements of stress-related variables. All outcome measures were collected prior to the study, post-treatment, and after an additional 6-month follow-up. <b>Results:</b> The therapy group rated their electric sensitivity as significantly lower than did the control group at the 6-month follow-up, and reduction of self-rated discomforts from triggering factors was significant in the therapy group. There were no systematic changes in the biochemical variables. The symptom indices were significantly reduced over time, and ability to work continued to be good in both groups. <b>Conclusion: </b>The prognosis for this syndrome is good with early intervention and cognitive therapy may further reduce the perceived hypersensitivity. This may have important implications on handling of patients with electric sensitivity.
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- Jaeger, B, et al.
(author)
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Body dissatisfaction and its interrelations with other risk factors for bulimia nervosa in 12 countries.
- 2002
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In: Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics. - 0033-3190 .- 1423-0348. ; 71:1, s. 54-61
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: It is widely accepted that risk factors for bulimia nervosa, mainly body dissatisfaction, are dependent on cultural factors. However, to date few studies have compared data from different cultures with an appropriate methodology. Therefore we aimed to gather reliable information on body dissatisfaction and other risk factors for bulimia from different nations and to reveal their functional interrelations.METHODS: A series of 10 silhouettes, designed to be as far as possible free from cultural and other detailed aspects, was shown to 1,751 medical and nursing students in 12 nations. A functional model was applied to each sample and tested by structural equation methodology.RESULTS: The most extreme body dissatisfaction was found in northern Mediterranean countries, followed by northern European countries. Countries currently undergoing a process of westernization show an intermediate amount of body dissatisfaction, and non-western countries demonstrate rather low values. Body dissatisfaction is the most important influence on dieting behaviour in most countries.CONCLUSIONS: Despite ongoing adoption of western values worldwide, we observe remarkable differences in body dissatisfaction between different cultures. That body dissatisfaction seems disturbingly partly detached from the actual BMI, i.e. possible overweight, as well as from feelings of low self-esteem in some western countries, raises new questions about the possible origin of the pressure to be thin.
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- Jasper, Kristine, et al.
(author)
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Internet-based guided self-help versus group cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic tinnitus : a randomized controlled trial
- 2014
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In: Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics. - : S. Karger. - 0033-3190 .- 1423-0348. ; 83:4, s. 234-246
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND:The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to investigate the effects of conventional face-to-face group cognitive behavioral therapy (GCBT) and an Internet-delivered guided self-help treatment (Internet-based CBT, ICBT) on tinnitus distress.METHODS:A total of 128 adults with at least mild levels of chronic tinnitus distress were randomly assigned to GCBT (n = 43), ICBT (n = 41), or a web-based discussion forum (DF) that served as a control condition (n = 44). Standardized self-report measures [the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Mini-Tinnitus Questionnaire (Mini-TQ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Insomnia Severity Index and Tinnitus Acceptance Questionnaire] were completed at the pre- and post-assessments and at the 6-month follow-up.RESULTS:Repeated-measures ANOVAs revealed significant time × group interaction effects on the primary outcomes (THI and Mini-TQ scores) in favor of both CBT interventions compared with the DF at post-assessment (0.56 ≤ g ≤ 0.93; all p ≤ 0.001). There were no significant differences between GCBT and ICBT (all p > 0.05) and the treatment effects remained stable at the 6-month follow-up.CONCLUSIONS:This study provides evidence that ICBT might be an equally effective alternative to conventional CBT in the management of chronic tinnitus. Despite encouraging results, further research is necessary to determine the actual potential of ICBT as a viable alternative to CBT, and under which circumstances it is effective.
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- Jonsson, BH, et al.
(author)
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Low plasma prolactin levels in patients with functional dyspepsia
- 1999
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In: Psychotherapy and psychosomatics. - : S. Karger AG. - 0033-3190 .- 1423-0348. ; 68:3, s. 151-156
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- <i>Background:</i> The purpose was to compare the levels and patterns of plasma cortisol and prolactin in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD) during a controlled laboratory experiment. <i>Method:</i> 25 patients (12 men, 13 women), aged 24–50, with recurrent FD, and 25 pair-wise gender- and age-matched community control subjects were studied at a gastroenterological laboratory in a Swedish university hospital. In an experiment, after a rest period, subjects were studied during a neutral interview and a stress interview. Before and during interventions, blood samples were drawn for later peptide analyses. The main outcome measures were the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, heart rate, blood pressure, plasma cortisol and prolactin. <i>Results:</i> Mean plasma cortisol concentration correlated negatively with diarrhoea symptoms (partial correlation; p < 0.01). The level of plasma proclatin (µg/l) was significantly lower (paired t test; p < 0.01) in the patient group (mean = 3.34, CI: 2.75–3.93) compared to the control group (mean = 4.70, CI: 3.63–5.78). During the stress interview, prolactin increased significantly in both groups. When the whole sample was divided according to degree of reflux symptoms, those with high reflux symptomatology had lower prolactin (ANCOVA with covariates for group, gender, age, body mass index and smoking; p < 0.05). <i>Conclusion:</i> Plasma prolactin concentration was significantly lower in FD patients compared to a matched control group. A high degree of reflux symptoms was significantly associated with inhibition of the prolactin increase during a stress interview.
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