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Introduction Family psychoeducation is an effective intervention extensively used in the treatment of mental disorders. Objectives To examine the efficacy of group psychoeducation in anxious and depressive symptoms in relatives of patients with addictive behaviours. To investigate satisfaction levels in relatives. Methods Seventy relatives of 53 outpatients were included into group psychoeducation between January and July 2012. This 8 session structured psychoeducational group is designed as follows: 1.5 hours every 3 weeks. To assess psychopathological symptoms, we used the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), at baseline and at the end of the follow-up period. Family satisfaction levels were assessed by using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Results 59% of relatives were men, and mean age was 55 years. 45% of the patients had a cocaine dependence disorder, 34% alcohol dependence disorder, and 93% co-dependence disorders. 74% had a dual diagnosis (Psychosis, affective disorders, or personality disorders). 90% had psychosocial stress (60% moderate or severe). Anxious symptoms were found in 30% of the relatives, being psychic anxiety most common in women than in men. Furthermore, depressive symptoms were found in 30% of relatives (mild:30%; moderate:25%, severe:15%). Women were more likely to have moderate-severe depression and men mild-depression disorders. After 8 sessions, mean satisfaction levels assessed by EVA Scale were 9.2 Conclusions Statistically significant gender differences in anxious and depressive symptoms were found in relatives. Satisfaction levels were higher than expected, and a significant reduction in anxiety and depression was found after the group psychoeducation.

Causes of pharmacoresistance or resistance to cognitive behavioral therapy in patients with panic disorder have not been yet explained. Therapeutic response during antidepressants treatment is worsened by high severity of symptoms, comorbidity of agoraphobia, other anxiety disorders, depression and personality disorders, high level of dissociative symptoms, unemployment and long duration of the disorder. Method The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of the in-patients therapeutic program for in patients suffering with pharmacoresistant panic disorder. The therapy was conducted in a group setting and systematic CBT steps were adapted to each individual patient in the group. Pharmacological treatment underwent no or minimal changes during the trial period. Outcome measures included the Clinical Global Impressions-Severity of Illness scale (CGI-S), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Dissociative Experience Scale (DES). The primary outcome measure for treatment response was a rating of 25% improvement in BAI. A remission was defined by CGI-S scores 1 or 2. Results 67 patients with pharmacoresistance panic disorder entering into the study. Five patients drop out. 62 patients were treated with inpatients therapeutic program consisting from intensive CBT and pharmacotherapy. All patients finished 6 weeks of CBT and showed statistically significant improvement on BAI, BDI and CGI-S scales. The main predictors of achieving the response or remission were scores less than 20 in BDI, droping more than 5 point during the first week of treatment in BAI, not been married and low level of dissociation. Supported by IGA MZ CR NT 11047-4/2010

Introduction The aim of study was to establish the efficacy of CBT or short psychodynamic psychotherapy on non-selected and medication-resistant patients with anxiety disorders and to search for predictors of response. Method Short psychodynamic psychotherapy or systematic CBT was tailored according the needs of each patient. Pharmacology treatment remained mainly unchanged during the trial period. Outcome measures were: Clinical Global Impression - Severity of Illness scale (CGI), Dissociative Experience Scale (DES), Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire (SDQ-20), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). The primary outcome measures were clinical response defined as 30% decrease in BAI and remission defined as a 1 or 2 points in CGI. Results 190 patients were included into the study and 15 dropped out. Altogether 175 patients completed at least 5 of 6 weeks of intensive psychotherapy program. Patients of all diagnostic groups showed significant improvement in CGI, BAI, BDI. At the end of the treatment 51.1% of the patients achieved clinical response and 42.3% clinical remission. The main characteristics present at the beginning of the trial increasing probability of achieving response or remission during the treatment were BAI score lower than 25, BDI score lower than 20, no comorbidity with personality disorder, no comorbid depression, no being divorced or widowed. Conclusion Therapeutic efficacy of the intensive psychotherapeutics programs for anxiety disorders was predicted with level of anxiety and depression, comorbidity with depression and personality disorders and marital status.