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The article presents the discussion on correction notice "Gender Differences in Alcohol Treatment" including threat to health worldwide and leads to substantial expenses for society.

Introduction. Multiple efficacy studies have shown that treatment provided via video consultation (VC) can be equivalent to in-person (IP) consultation for people with psychiatric diagnoses. However, despite the great promise of VC, it has not been widely implemented in psychiatric outpatient services. This study investigated the feasibility aspects of VC in clinical practice and examined a range of factors associated with the implementation of this modality of treatment within psychiatric outpatient services. Methods. This study had a pragmatic design, where 40 consecutive referrals for people with anxiety, personality, or depressive disorders were given the choice to receive eight weekly treatment sessions via VC or IP modality within an outpatient psychiatric setting. Information on demand, acceptance, engagement, implementation, and potential negative effects for treatment conducted via VC were collected to help identify factors that may impact on the uptake of VC within the psychiatric outpatient service. Results. There was a high demand and acceptance for VC, with 44% (n = 15) of the patients choosing to receive eight weekly treatment sessions via VC, and acceptance was rated highly. Engagement with VC modality was good, with only a very small percentage (13%, n = 2) not completing treatment. A good level of working alliance was established and largely maintained throughout treatment for patients and case managers. There were differences in the utilization of VC compared to the IP modality, with the VC modality having a greater focus on supportive counseling and IP modality having a greater focus on psychotherapy. Overall, the duration of treatment conducted via VC was also slightly shorter than that of IP consultations. There were no negative effects registered for consultations via video. Conclusions. Findings suggest a high patient demand and acceptance for VC within psychiatric services, with good levels of engagement and alliance reported. Differences in focus and duration in VC compared to IP may reflect clinicians' different attitudes and/or approaches to providing treatment, depending on whether it is VC or IP consultations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A smartphone application (app) from the company Monsenso was developed to monitor anxiety symptoms in the treatment of anxiety disorders as an alternative to paper registrations. The aim of the study was to explore patient and therapist experiences of using the app in conjunction with standard treatment for anxiety disorder in a developmental and implementation phase. The study design was qualitative. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three therapists and seven patients from an outpatient clinic. The interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Three main themes emerged for both patients and therapists. The patient themes were usability (it was easier to use the app and remember daily mood registrations), insight in own disorder (awareness of symptom progress), and support to use the app (support from the therapist was wanted). The therapist themes were therapeutic quality (app registrations made it easier to prepare sessions), the role of the therapist (enthusiasm and technical assistance affected the patient), and implementation challenges (time allocation is important). The anxiety monitoring app is recommended in standard treatment as an alternative to paper registrations. However, a successful development and implementation process include ready available technical support, time allocation, and therapist effort and enthusiasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Online treatment for binge eating disorder (BED) is an easily available option for treatment compared to most standard treatment procedures. However, little is known about how motivation types characterize this population and how these impact treatment adherence and effect in an online setting. Therefore, we aimed to investigate a sample of written motivation statements from BED patients, to learn more about how treatment and online treatment in particular, presents in this population. Methods: Using self-determination theory in a mixed methods context, we investigated which types of motivation were prevalent in our sample, how this was connected with patient sentiment, and how these constructs influence treatment and adherence. Results: Contrary to what most current literature suggests, we found that in our sample (n = 148), motivation type was not connected with treatment outcome. We did find a strong association between sentiment scores and motivation types, indicating the model is apt at detecting effects. We found that when comparing an adult and young adult population, they did not differ in motivation type and the treatment was equally effective in young adults and adults. In the sentiment scores there was a difference between sentiment score and adherence in the young adult group, as the more positive the young adults were, the less likely they were to complete the program. Discussion: Because motivation type does not influence online treatment to the same degree as it would in face-to-face treatment it indicates that the typical barriers to treatment may be less crucial in an online setting. This should be considered during intake; as less motivated patients may be able to adhere better to online treatment, because the latter imposes fewer barriers of the kind that only strong motivation can overcome. The fact that motivation type and sentiment score of the written texts are strongly associated, indicate a potential for automated models to detect motivation based on sentiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Lack of motivation is widely acknowledged as a significant factor in treatment discontinuity and poor treatment outcomes in eating disorders. Treatment adherence is lower in internet-based treatment. The current study aimed to assess the relationship between treatment motivation and treatment outcomes in an internet-based therapist-guided intervention for Binge Eating Disorder (BED). Method: Adults (N = 153) with mild to moderate symptoms of BED participated in a 10-session internet-based treatment program. Baseline and between-session scores of "Readiness to change" and "Belief in change" were used to predict treatment completion and eating disorder symptom reduction (EDE-Q Global, BED-Q, and weekly number of binge eating episodes) at posttreatment. Results: Baseline treatment motivation could not predict treatment completion or symptom reduction. Early measures of treatment motivation (regression slope from sessions 1--5) significantly predicted both treatment completion and post-treatment symptom reduction. "Belief in change" was the strongest predictor for completing treatment (OR = 2.18, 95%-CI: 1.06, 4.46) and reducing symptoms (EDE-Q Global: B = --0.53, p = 0.001; number of weekly binge eating episodes: B = 0.81, p < 0.01). Discussion: The results indicated that patients entering online treatment for BED feel highly motivated. However, baseline treatment motivation could not significantly predict treatment completion, which contradicts previous research. The significant predictive ability of early measures of treatment motivation supports the clinical relevance of monitoring the development of early changes to tailor and optimize individual patient care. Further research is needed to examine treatment motivation in regard to internet-based treatment for BED with more validated measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To investigate the narratives of in- and outpatients at mental health and somatic hospitals, who suffer from alcohol use disorders (AUD) but have never sought AUD treatment. More specifically, to understand how the individuals view their alcohol use and explore their reasons for not seeking treatment. Methods: Individuals suffering from AUD were recruited at somatic and mental health hospitals. The study was qualitative, based on semi-structured individual interviews. A narrative analysis was performed. A total of six patients participated: three recruited at a mental health hospital, three from a somatic hospital. Results: The individuals described how heavy alcohol use had always characterised their lives; it was part of their surroundings and it added to their quality of life. Two narrative forms within the individuals' stories were identified, in which treatment was considered either as a positive option for others but not relevant for themselves, or as representing a threat to the individuals' autonomy. The participants expressed that they did not believe treatment was relevant for them, and if necessary, they preferred to deal with their heavy drinking themselves. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that a broad focus is needed if relatively more individuals suffering from AUD should seek treatment, since they – in spite of clearly suffering from AUD – nevertheless see themselves as heavy drinkers and have not even thought of seeking treatment. Thus, it is not (only) a question about the attractiveness of the treatment offer or due to lack of knowledge about treatment options that patients suffering from AUD do not seek treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Denmark, approximately 150,000 people have alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, only approximately 10% seek AUD treatment, preferably outside conventional health care settings and opening hours. The AUD treatment area experiences low adherence to treatment, as well as high numbers of no-show and premature dropouts. Objective: The purpose of the Blend-A (Blended Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder) feasibility and pilot study was to describe the process of translating and adapting the Dutch treatment protocol into Danish and Danish culture with a high amount of user involvement and to report how patients and therapists perceived the adapted version, when trying it out. Methods: The settings were 3 Danish public municipal outpatient alcohol clinics. Study participants were patients and therapists from the 3 settings. Data consisted of survey data from the System Usability Scale, individual patient interviews, and therapist group interviews. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Stata software and Excel. Qualitative analysis was conducted using a theoretical thematic analysis. Results: The usability of the treatment platform was rated above average. The patients chose to use the blended treatment format because it ensured anonymity and had a flexible design. Platform use formed the basis of face-to-face sessions. The use of the self-determined platform resulted in a more thorough process. Patient involvement qualified development of a feasible system. Managerial support for time use was essential. Guidance from an experienced peer was useful. Conclusions: This study indicates that, during the processes of translating, adapting, and implementing blended, guided, internet-based, and face-to-face AUD treatment, it is relevant to focus on patient involvement, managerial support, and guidance from experienced peers. Owing to the discrete and flexible design of the blended offer, it appears that it may reach patient groups who would not otherwise have sought treatment. Therefore, blended treatment may increase access to treatment and contribute to reaching people affected by excessive alcohol use, who would not otherwise have sought treatment. In addition, it seems that the blended offer may enhance the participants' perceived satisfaction and the effect of the treatment course. Thus, it appears that Blend-A may be able to contribute to existing treatment offers. Such findings highlight the need to determine the actual effect of the Blend-A offer; therefore, an effectiveness study with a controlled design is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the discussion on correction notice "Gender Differences in Alcohol Treatment."

Background: A major challenge to psychological treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) is patient non-compliance. A promising new treatment approach that is hypothesized to increase patient compliance is blended treatment, consisting of face-to-face contact with a therapist combined with modules delivered over the internet within the same protocol. While this treatment concept has been developed and proven effective for a variety of mental disorders, it has not yet been examined for AUD. Aims: The study described in this protocol aims to examine and evaluate patient compliance with blended AUD treatment as well as the clinical and cost effectiveness of such treatment compared to face-to-face treatment only. Methods: The study design is a pragmatic, stepped-wedge cluster randomized controlled trial. The included outpatient institutions (planned number of patients: n = 1800) will be randomized in clusters to implement either blended AUD treatment or face-to-face treatment only, i.e. treatment as usual (TAU). Both treatment approaches consist of motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy. Data on sociodemographics, treatment (e.g. intensity, duration), type of treatment conclusion (compliance vs. dropout), alcohol consumption, addiction severity, consequences of drinking, and quality of life, will be collected at treatment entry, at treatment conclusion, and 6 months after treatment conclusion. The primary outcome is compliance at treatment conclusion, and the secondary outcomes include alcohol consumption and quality of life at six-months follow-up. Data will be analyzed with an Intention-to-treat approach by means of generalized linear mixed models with a random effect for cluster and fixed effect for each step. Also, analyses evaluating cost-effectiveness will be conducted. Discussion: Blended treatment may increase treatment compliance and thus improve treatment outcomes due to increased flexibility of the treatment course. Since this study is conducted within an implementation framework it can easily be scaled up, and when successful, blended treatment has the potential to become an alternative offer in many outpatient clinics nationwide and internationally. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov.: NCT04535258, retrospectively registered 01.09.20. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Binge‐eating disorder (BED) is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating, accompanied by a lack of control and feelings of shame. Online intervention is a promising, accessible treatment approach for BED. In the current study, we compared completers with noncompleters in a 10‐session guided internet‐based treatment program (iBED) based on cognitive behavioral therapy. Methods: Adults (N = 75) with mild to moderate BED participated in iBED with weekly written support from psychologists. Participants were compared on the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE‐Q), diagnostic criteria for BED (BED‐Q), major depression inventory (MDI), quality of life (EQ‐5D‐5L), body mass index (BMI) and sociodemographic variables. Results: Minor differences were observed between completers and noncompleters on depression. No differences were found in BED‐symptoms, BMI, and sociodemographic variables. Participants who completed treatment showed large reductions in eating disorder pathology. Discussion: More research is needed to determine risk factors for attrition or treatment outcome in internet‐based interventions for BED. It is suggested that iBED is an efficient intervention for BED. However, more studies of internet‐interventions are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Creative writing may help patients find new powers in the acts of making art and expanding horizons beyond illness, including addiction. The aim of the present pilot study was to introduce creative writing workshops to alcohol use disorder (AUD) patients and investigate self-perceived rehabilitating impact, improvement in quality of life, and executive functions. The study was conducted in a mixed methods design; primarily semi-structured group and individual interviews as well as participant observation, supplemented by a small evaluation questionnaire at baseline and follow-up at the end of exposure. The patients had experienced the workshop as having influenced their lives in a positive direction, impacted by doing creative writing, sharing and receiving feedback, and the community of the group. The patients perceived both advantages and disadvantages about discussing alcohol in the workshop. The patients experienced an increase in quality of life from the beginning to the end of the workshop. There could be a need for creative writing workshops as add-ons to ordinary AUD treatment. In such an offer, creative writing might function as a means to improve patient rehabilitation, quality of life, and executive functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to describe patient perspectives on optional videoconferencing-based treatment for alcohol use disorders. The study was a qualitative descriptive study based on semistructured interviews with 27 patients using an interview guide. The analysis strategy used was qualitative content analysis. Videoconferencing was found relevant when having a choice was found positive, no differences to face-to-face were registered, the sense of security was enhanced, flexibility was enhanced, attending treatment was encouraged, and the treatment course was “blended care.” Videoconferencing was found irrelevant when intimacy was desired, there were concerns about the technical equipment, and a treatment form unsuitable for videoconferencing was offered. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]