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Background This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effect of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of genicular nerve on muscle strength in osteoarthritis (OA) knee patients with chronic pain. Methodology Fifty-four patients with chronic knee OA, experiencing significant pain (visual numeric rating scale [VNRS] >50) and moderate to severe disease (Kellgren Lewis grade ≥2) were enrolled. Group 1 received RFA of genicular nerves of the affected knee while Group 2 received a sham procedure. The primary outcome was change in knee muscle strength evaluated using isokinetic peak torque (IPT) using IsoforceTM isokinetic dynamometer at 3 months. Secondary outcomes included changes in pain scores, function, perceived effect of the treatment and compliance to physiotherapy. Results At 3 months, significant difference was observed between IPT of flexor muscle at 60° and 180° between the treatment and the Sham control (P -value = .01). No significant difference was observed in the extensor muscle strength. Within-group analysis revealed a significant increase in the IPT values for both extension and flexion at 60°/sec and 180°/sec evident across various time intervals. Group1 consistently reported lower VNRS scores at all time points. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores of both groups were significantly different at all timepoints, with higher scores indicating reduced functionality in Group2. The Global Perceived Effect and compliance to physiotherapy were higher in Group1 patients at all times of follow up albeit decreasing trend in later periods. Conclusion Application of RFA to genicular nerves in chronic OA knee patients resulted in better pain relief, improved functionality, and increased muscle strength at extension and flexion at 3 months follow-up. Clinical Trial Registry of India — CTRI registration number CTRI/2020/05/025363. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a need to gain more knowledge of how interpersonally skilled therapists handle demanding clinical situations to better understand therapist effects. The aim of this single-case study was to investigate how the therapist encountered challenging situations where her interpersonal skills were put to test and how her handling likely contributed to patient change. From a larger research project on learning processes, this case was selected since it was judged to be both challenging and with a good outcome. Interpretative phenomenological analysis of video-recordings of a 42 session long psychodynamic psychotherapy, was conducted. The analysis yielded one superordinate theme: The therapist "detoxifies" demanding clinical material, such as aggression and shame. Three constituent sub-themes expressed different ways in which this process took place (1: The therapist tolerates the patient's skepticism and criticism in a non-defensive manner by focusing on the patient's underlying feeling; 2: The therapist responds to the patient's self-destructive behaviors in a non-judgmental and "containing" way that reduces shame; and 3: The therapist interprets the patient's rejection as separation anxiety related to termination of the therapy). Our findings provide a more nuanced understanding on how the interpersonal skills of the therapist come into use in a specific, challenging therapy process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a limited amount of research assessing the effectiveness of group therapy on acute inpatient psychiatric wards, and mixed results from research assessing inpatient psychological therapies in general. Previous studies highlight challenges for conducting research on psychiatric inpatient hospitals, such as short admissions, high patient turnover, engagement challenges, acuteness of illness, overmedication and feelings of stigma and disempowerment. Aims: This service evaluation aims to assess whether weekly ward‐based interpersonal group therapy reduces short‐term psychological distress for women on an acute psychiatric inpatient ward in inner‐city London (Tower Hamlets), UK. Methods: This service evaluation compared psychological distress, as measured by the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation 10 (CORE‐10), pre‐ and post‐intervention for women attending a weekly ward‐based interpersonal therapy group between February 2023 and August 2023. Results: There were 46 participants included in the analysis. There was an 11.3% decrease in the mean CORE‐10 score post‐intervention. Four (9%) patients exhibited significant and reliable change (i.e. short‐term psychological distress reduced to a 'healthy' level). A further three (7%) patients exhibited no significant change. Short‐term psychological distress did not significantly deteriorate for any patients who attended the ward‐based interpersonal therapy group. Conclusion: It is feasible to collect pre‐ and post‐outcome data to assess psychological distress following a weekly ward‐based interpersonal therapy group over a 6‐month period, which meet acceptable a priori sample size calculations. The group appears to have an immediate positive impact for the majority (95%) of patients where short‐term psychological distress reduced or stayed the same; however, this was only significant for 16% of patients. It would be important to collect qualitative data, ideally using multiple methods or data sources for triangulation, in order to corroborate and strengthen the current findings. Practitioners cannot rely solely on the results of this study to demonstrate effectiveness of psychotherapeutic group interventions in acute inpatient settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Objectives Methods Results Conclusions Depression is a common nonmotor complication in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, few studies have evaluated the efficacy of first‐line psychological therapies for depression in this patient population.This randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), an empirically validated intervention for depression that focuses on the bidirectional relationship between mood disturbance and interpersonal and social stressors. A secondary aim was to assess maintenance of treatment gains at 6‐month follow‐up.Participants with PD stages I to III and a comorbid depressive disorder were randomly assigned to 12 sessions of IPT (n = 32) or supportive therapy (ST) (n = 31), our active control intervention. The primary outcome was the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM‐D) administered blindly by telephone. Secondary outcomes included self‐report depression and anxiety, quality of life, clinician‐rated motor symptom, interpersonal relationships, and attachment style.IPT compared to ST resulted in a greater reduction in posttreatment HAM‐D scores (least square mean difference = −3.77, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −6.19 to −1.34, P = 0.003) and was associated with a greater odds of meeting remission (odds ratio = 3.23, 95% CI: 1.10–9.51, P = 0.034). The advantage of IPT over ST on HAM‐D scores and remission rates was not sustained at the 6‐month follow‐up. Both treatments improved self‐report depression, anxiety, quality of life, and aspects of interpersonal functioning.This trial demonstrates the benefits of acute treatment with IPT in reducing depressive symptoms in PD. Clinicians should consider psychotherapy, alone or in combination with medication, as an important treatment option for PD depression. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveMethodResultsConclusionThis evidence-based update (EBU) builds on three previous reviews (1998, 2008, 2017) sponsored by the Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology with the aim of evaluating the empirical support for psychosocial interventions for depression in youth.In the current review period (2014–2022), 25 randomized controlled trials (RCT) were identified: four in children and 21 in adolescents. Descriptive effect sizes and number-needed-to-treat (NNT) ratios were calculated for primary outcomes. Results were integrated with prior reviews, and cumulative evidence used to classify treatments as well-established, probably efficacious, possibly efficacious, or experimental. Published secondary analyses of predictors, moderators, and mediators were examined.For adolescents, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT-A), CBT in combination with antidepressant medication, and collaborative care programs were all classified as well-established. The evidence was considerably weaker for children, with no treatments achieving well-established or probably efficacious status. New developments include greater exploration of parent- and family-mediated treatment models and increasing evidence on technology-assisted interventions. Data on predictors, moderators, and mediators continued to be focused on adolescent depression samples and drawn from a limited number of RCT datasets.Since the prior EBU, there has been incremental progress in youth depression treatment research. There is an urgent need to: (a) develop innovative approaches to substantially improve on the modest effects seen in most RCTs, (b) expand the evidence base for children and other underserved groups, (c) craft evidence-based guidelines for choosing between interventions when multiple efficacious treatments do exist, and (d) address issues of treatment effectiveness and scalability to ameliorate the wide prevalence and high impact of depression in youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study represents a replication and extension of Kivlighan et al.'s (2021) study, focusing on the social microcosm hypothesis, which posits that group members' interpersonal relationships, operationalized by intimate behaviors such as expressing anger or caring, inside the group, mirror their interpersonal relationships outside of the group. We examined the reciprocal associations between a group member's (e.g., actors) and the other group members' (e.g., partners) in-session and intersession intimate behaviors. The participants were 122 Italian graduate students (89.3% identifying as women) participating in eight-session interpersonal growth groups led by six experienced group therapists. Before each session group members completed the Interpersonal Relations Scale Checklist (Shadish, 1984) indicating their intersession intimate behaviors in the previous week. After each session group members completed the Interpersonal Relations Scale Checklist indicating their own in-session intimate behaviors. We used dynamic structural equation modeling to examine the reciprocal, temporal associations among group members' intersession and in-session intimate behaviors. The replication hypotheses were not confirmed. However, when partners engaged in higher than average intersession intimate behaviors in the previous week, then actors engaged in more in-session intimate behaviors in the current session. In addition, when actors and partners engaged in higher than average in-session intimate behaviors in the previous session, then actors engaged in significantly more intersession intimate behaviors in the current week. The results provide partial support for social microcosm theory, which predicts a reciprocal relationship for in-session and intersession intimate behaviors. As described above, there was a reciprocal relationship for partners' but not for actors' intimate behaviors. Public Significance Statement: We examined the reciprocal relationship between a group member's intimate behaviors and the aggregate of other group members' intimate behaviors. If the other members of the group engage in more intimate behaviors, like sharing feelings and expressing anger or caring, in their relationships outside of group during the previous week, then a group member will be more likely to engage in these intimate behaviors in the current group session. In addition, if the group member and the other members of the group learn and practice new intimate behaviors in the previous group session, then the group member will be more likely to engage in these intimate behaviors in their relationships outside of the group during the current week. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectiveness of psychotherapy for depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been well-established in community samples but its effectiveness in carceral settings is less clear. The present systematic review thus sought to evaluate the effects of psychological therapies for PTSD and depression in incarcerated samples. We searched five databases from inception through January 2023, for eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Two reviewers independently reviewed the study eligibility, extracted the data, assessed the intervention reporting, and evaluated the risk of bias. Eleven RCTs met inclusion criteria, five addressing treatment of PTSD, and six addressing treatment of depression. Interventions produced mixed findings with respect to symptom reduction relative to active controls, with a significant risk of methodological bias in virtually all studies. Of the interventions studied, interpersonal psychotherapy produced the most encouraging, though clearly still tentative results for the treatment of depression. Results highlight the need for increased methodological rigor and additional research to examine the effectiveness of interventions that have yielded positive results in community samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In recent years, suicidal thoughts and behaviors have become increasingly common among children and adolescents, leading to an elevation in the number of visits to emergency departments in pediatric hospitals. In Israel, the rising demand for mental health treatment due to suicidal distress is also salient, creating prolonged wait periods and low case acceptance rates. Addressing the urgent need for streamlined interventions, the present study outlines the design and results of a non-inferiority effectiveness trial of an ultra-brief suicide crisis intervention based on Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Adolescents (IPT-A-SCI). Methods: 309 children and adolescents presenting to the Depression and Suicide Clinic at Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel with depressive and anxiety symptoms and/or suicidal ideation/behavior were assigned to either IPT-A-SCI, Treatment as Usual (TAU), or waitlist condition. Assessments were conducted pre- and post-intervention/after five sessions/five weeks (as secondary assessments) in accordance with group assignment. Results: At secondary assessment, post IPT-A-SCI, suicide ideation, and behavior as well as depression and anxiety symptoms significantly decreased, with no group differences observed between IPT-A-SCI, TAU, and control groups. Conclusion: IPT-A-SCI is feasible and as effective as the standard treatment in reducing suicidal, depressive, and anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, we showed that Metacognitive Interpersonal Therapy (MIT) is effective in improving clinical symptoms in borderline personality disorder (BPD). Here, we investigated whether the effect of MIT on clinical features is associated to microstructural changes in brain circuits supporting core BPD symptoms. Forty-seven BPD were randomized to MIT or structured clinical management, and underwent a clinical assessment and diffusion-weighted imaging before and after the intervention. Fractional anisotropy (FA), mean, radial, and axial diffusivities maps were computed using FSL toolbox. Microstructural changes were assessed (i) voxel-wise, with tract based spatial statistics (TBSS) and (ii) ROI-wise, in the triple network system (default mode, salience, and executive control networks). The effect of MIT on brain microstructure was assessed with paired tests using FSL PALM (voxel-wise), Linear Mixed-Effect Models or Generalized Linear Mixed Models (ROI-wise). Associations between microstructural and clinical changes were explored with linear regression (voxel-wise) and correlations (ROI-wise). The voxel-wise analysis showed that MIT was associated with increased FA in the bilateral thalamic radiation and left associative tracts (p <.050, family-wise error rate corrected). At network system level, MIT increased FA and both interventions reduced AD in the executive control network (p =.05, uncorrected). The DTI metrics can't clarify the nature of axonal changes. Our results indicate that MIT modulates brain structural connectivity in circuits related to associative and executive control functions. These microstructural changes may denote activity-dependent plasticity, possibly representing a neurobiological mechanism underlying MIT effects. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02370316 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02370316). • We investigated the effect of MIT on brain structural connectivity in BPD. • MIT increased FA in fronto-parietal pathways. • Fronto-parietal FA changes correlated with increased metacognitive abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depression is a common disorder for which there are several treatments options including different psychological treatments. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of internet-based interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) for symptoms of depression in randomized controlled trial. Following recruitment via advertisement a total of 113 participants with mild to moderate symptoms of depression were included and randomized to either a ten-week internet-based IPT with weekly therapist guidance or a waitlist control condition. The primary outcome was symptoms of depression measured weekly with the Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS-S) and at pre- and post-treatment assessment with the Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI-II). Secondary outcomes were self-rated quality of life and symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. We also measured therapeutic alliance and treatment credibility. Outcomes were evaluated with a latent growth curve model (for MADRS-S) and robust linear regression models (for the other measures). The trial was conducted during the Covid-19 pandemic in the spring of 2021. Significant differences favoring the treatment group were found on three of the four outcomes: BDI-II, quality of life ratings, and ratings of generalized anxiety. Between-group effect sizes for these outcomes were moderate (BDI-II, quality of life) or small (generalized anxiety). The latent growth curve model did not indicate a significant difference on the weekly MADRS-S ratings. Exploratory analyses did not show an association between therapeutic alliance, treatment credibility and outcome. Missing data at post-treatment was high in the treatment group (37 %), though the missingness was not significantly related to observed ratings at pre-treatment or estimated trajectories during the treatment. Few participants completed all modules. The Covid-19 pandemic situation may have affected both effects and dropout rates. Internet-based IPT can lead to significant improvements, though the reductions in symptoms of depression were not consistent across the two measures used. Completion rates and dropout patterns suggest a need for improved acceptability. The trial was preregistered at Clinicaltrials.gov (Identifier: NCT04721678). Registered January 2021. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04721678 • Internet-supported interpersonal psychotherapy has only been tested in a few trials • In this study internet-supported IPT for depression was tested against a waitlist condition. • Significant differences favoring the treatment group were found on three of the four outcomes: BDI-II, BBQ, and GAD-7. • The study adds to the literature on internet-delivered psychological treatments for depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fei-Yi Zhao,1– 3,&ast; Li Li,4,&ast; Peijie Xu,5,&ast; Wen-Jing Zhang,3,&ast; Gerard A Kennedy,2 Zhen Zheng,2 Yan-Mei Wang,3 Li-Ping Yue,1 Yuen-Shan Ho,6 Qiang-Qiang Fu,7 Russell Conduit2 1Department of Nursing, School of International Medical Technology, Shanghai Sanda University, Shanghai, 201209, People’s Republic of China; 2School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia; 3Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200071, People’s Republic of China; 4Shanghai Changning Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, 200335, People’s Republic of China; 5School of Computing Technologies, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia; 6School of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, SAR, People’s Republic of China; 7Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200090, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Yuen-Shan Ho, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, SAR, People’s Republic of China, Tel +852 2766-6410, Fax +852 2364-9663, Email janice.ys.ho@polyu.edu.hk Qiang-Qiang Fu, Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200090, People’s Republic of China, Tel + 86 021-6569 0520, Fax + 86 021-6569 6249, Email qiangqiang.fu@tongji.edu.cnBackground: Acupuncture is popular in the treatment of mental illness. This study determined its feasibility and role in managing postpartum depression (PPD) using a network meta-analysis.Methods: We systematically searched seven databases up to May 2024 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) appraising acupuncture’s efficacy and safety against waitlist-control, placebo, standard control, or as an add-on treatment. Cochrane criteria were followed.Results: Thirteen studies encompassing 872 participants underwent analysis. Both pairwise and network meta-analysis indicated that acupuncture, psychotherapy, and antidepressants were comparable in clinical efficacy rate and in reducing Hamilton Depression Scale and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale scores. Acupuncture and psychotherapy also effectively mitigated concurrent anxiety symptoms. Combining acupuncture with antidepressants augmented therapeutic efficacy and reduced reported gastrointestinal adverse effects associated with antidepressant use. Acupuncture combined with psychotherapy offered similar benefits with superior safety profile. However, the quality of evidence ranged from very low to low due to significant risks of bias and limited sample sizes. The efficacy of psychotherapy and the combination of acupuncture and psychotherapy might be underestimated, as most RCTs used supportive therapy or individual counseling as positive controls instead of recommended approaches like interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) per PPD guidelines.Conclusion: Current evidence precludes strong recommendations of administering acupuncture in PPD. Rigorous RCTs are essential to validate promising outcomes observed in comparisons between acupuncture, antidepressants, and their combined application. It remains inconclusive whether acupuncture’s antidepressive effect is specific or non-specific. Given that psychotherapy is a recommended first-line treatment, investigating the potential efficacy enhancement of combining acupuncture with IPT/CBT is paramount to ascertain the preferred therapeutic approach for PPD.Keywords: postpartum depression, acupuncture, antidepressants, interpersonal psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, clinical trials

Abstract Background This study is a cost-effectiveness study of two implementation strategies designed to train therapists in college and university counseling centers to deliver interpersonal psychotherapy. Costs of implementing a train-the-trainer (TTT) strategy versus an expert consultation strategy were estimated, and their relative effects upon therapist outcomes were calculated and compared. Methods Twenty four counseling centers were recruited across the United States. These centers were randomized to either a TTT (experimental) condition, in which an in-house therapist trained other center therapists, or an expert consultation condition, in which center therapists participated in a workshop and received 12 months of ongoing supervision. The main outcome was therapist fidelity (adherence and competence) to interpersonal psychotherapy, assessed via audio recordings of therapy sessions, and analyzed using linear mixed models. Costs of each condition were quantified using time-driven activity-based costing methods, and involved a costing survey administered to center directors, follow up interviews and validation checks, and comparison of time tracking logs of trainers in the expert condition. Mean costs to produce one therapist were obtained for each condition. The costs to produce equivalent improvements in therapist-level outcomes were then compared between the two conditions. Results Mean cost incurred by counseling centers to train one therapist using the TTT strategy was $3,407 (median = $3,077); mean cost to produce one trained therapist in the control condition was $2,055 (median = $1,932). Therapists in the TTT condition, on average, demonstrated a 0.043 higher adherence score compared to therapists in the control condition; however, this difference was not statistically significant. For the competence outcome, effect size for therapists in the TTT condition was in the large range (1.16; 95% CI: 0.85–1.46; p

SUMMARY: Personality disorders are a group of psychological disorders characterised by a developmental nature, long-lasting impairment and emotional suffering. Personality disorders have an estimated prevalence rate of approximately 8% in community settings, but in in-patient settings the rate might be as high as 76%. Cognitive–behavioural therapies (CBTs) include psychotherapies that emphasise the identification and modification of maladaptive thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to the maintenance of psychological disorders. CBTs have demonstrated their effectiveness in treating various types of personality disorder. This article focuses on the nature of personality disorders and their categorial and dimensional assessment and neurobiology. We present three influential CBT models used in personality disorders: schema therapy, cognitive interpersonal therapy and dialectical behaviour therapy. For each one, we outline the rationale, intervention strategies and therapeutic techniques, with practical examples and summary tables to illustrate their application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is an empirically validated treatment for mood disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and trauma. IPT is based on the concept of "relational frame"—that an individual's experience of psychological distress impacts those around them, and that their social support network impacts the distressed individual. This concept, along with the specific techniques and tools that flow from it and the theoretical bases of IPT (attachment and interpersonal theory) make IPT unique. In this article we review the theoretical bases of IPT (attachment and communication) and provide a brief history of IPT, as well as the evidence supporting its use for a variety of disorders. We also describe its application to groups, adolescents, and other diverse populations. Future directions for research and treatment development are proposed, particularly research in the area of combining IPT with other psychotherapeutic modalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The future welfare of older adults is a worldwide concern. By 2034, it is estimated that individuals 65 and older in the U.S. will be 77 million. Consequently, this reality will impact healthcare facilities and increase Medicare and Medicaid costs, resulting in higher incidents of homeless older adults, children caring for parents, the need for more caregivers, and an increased number of older individuals experiencing various forms of dementia. To address these concerns, the current trend for treating the onset of dementia and Alzheimer's disease has been moving toward nonpharmaceutical interventions. Even though researchers have tapped into the benefits of several nonpharmaceutical treatments, there appears to be a constant debate on establishing which method is most effective. Deciding on best practices and methods to slow down and/or halt the progression of dementia is the gap this research needs to fill. To provide clarity on the topic, an analysis of alternative interventions to treat the onset of dementia is what this paper strived to achieve. The analysis involved comparing and contrasting the benefits of each intervention as well as illustrating the implications of the findings. In this regard, a systematic review was conducted examining the benefits of five nonpharmaceutical strategies; mental training, music therapy, technology usage, physical activity, and social interaction. Although findings revealed some form of improvement in each of the nonpharmacological interventions examined, the overarching theme appeared to lean toward providing mental stimulation. It was also not conclusive that physical activity prevented cognitive decline. More research is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Burnout syndrome can have a negative impact on people who work in occupations that require close interaction with others, contributing to a decline in their psychological well‐being. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of Group Interpersonal Therapy (IPT‐G) in reducing burnout among care workers for older adults in a Turkish long‐term care facility. Methods: The study employed a pretest–post‐test randomised experimental design. Fifty care workers scoring 27 or above on emotional exhaustion and 10 or above on depersonalisation subscales of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) were randomly assigned to the intervention or control group for 8 weeks. The study utilised the World Health Organization (WHO) Group Interpersonal Therapy for Depression manual as a guide. The post‐test was conducted immediately after the last session of the intervention. Results: In comparing pre‐ and post‐test scores of the intervention group, a statistically significant difference was found in overall burnout scores (pretest M = 74.10, post‐test M = 63.08, p < 0.001; d = 1.12). Additionally, emotional exhaustion scores (pretest M = 30.99, post‐test M = 24.89, p < 0.001; d = 1.11) and depersonalisation scores (pretest M = 12.76, post‐test M = 8.53, p < 0.001; d = 1.69) exhibited significant differences. However, no significant difference was observed in personal accomplishment scores (p > 0.05). The control group had no significant differences concerning the overall burnout scores and all three subscales (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The IPT‐G used in this study effectively decreased burnout among care workers in a long‐term care facility in Türkiye. In addition, the participants reported high satisfaction with the IPT‐G program. Implications for Practice: Our results support the usefulness of the IPT‐G program for care workers in long‐term care facilities considering adding it to their occupational health management. This research aimed to determine whether IPT‐G successfully decreased care worker burnout. Future research focusing on various types of healthcare workers in long‐term care facilities and examining factors such as burnout, job satisfaction and self‐efficacy could provide more information on the effects of IPT‐G. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Self-harm is a major public health challenge, and repeated self-harm is common in those attending hospital following an episode. Evidence suggests psychological interventions could help people who self-harm, but few definitive studies have assessed their clinical and cost-effectiveness. Repeated self-harm is associated with poor quality of life, depression, suicide and increased health service costs which justify the development of psychotherapeutic interventions tailored for people with repeated self-harm. Methods: FReSH START is a multicentre individually 1:1 randomised controlled trial evaluating the clinical and cost-effectiveness of standard care plus psychological therapy or standard care alone for adults (≥ 18 years) presenting at an emergency department (ED) with repeated self-harm. Recruiting 630 participants, it includes an internal pilot, economic evaluation and process evaluation. The intervention will be delivered by mental health staff working in acute settings, with experience of assessing and managing risk in people presenting to emergency services with self-harm. Staff will be trained and supervised to deliver one of three specially adapted therapies: psychodynamic interpersonal therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy or acceptance and commitment therapy. Participants allocated to the intervention will receive one of the adapted therapies according to therapist allocation for up to 6 months via 12 weekly, one to one, 45–50-min sessions. The primary outcome is quality of life measured by the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation Outcome Measure at 12 months post-randomisation. Secondary outcomes include suicidal intent, depression and cost-effectiveness. Data are collected using hospital attendance records and online/postal/telephone questionnaires at 6 and 12 months post-randomisation, with resource use additionally collected at 3 and 9 months. Discussion: This protocol outlines a randomised controlled trial to investigate whether modified therapies are cost-effective and improve quality of life for people who repeatedly self-harm. Few interventions are proven to be deliverable in the NHS for this population. This study is strengthened by the involvement of qualified mental health workers experienced in managing risk as therapists. Trial registration: Registered on August 03, 2021. IRAS number: 297939. ISRCTN: https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN73357210. REC reference: 21/EE/0145. Sponsor: University of Leeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Individuals with eating disorders (EDs) often do not receive evidence‐based care, such as interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), partly due to lack of accessible training in these treatments. The standard method of training (i.e., in‐person workshops) is expensive and time consuming, prompting a need for more scalable training tools. The primary aim of this pilot and open trial was to examine the effects of an IPT online training platform on training outcomes (i.e., IPT fidelity, knowledge, and acceptance) and, secondarily, whether online training was different from in‐person training (using a comparative sample from a separate study) in terms of training outcomes and patient symptoms. Method: Participants were therapists (N = 60) and student patients (N = 42) at 38 college counseling centers. Therapists completed baseline questionnaires and collected data from a student patient with ED symptoms. Therapists then participated in an IPT online training program and completed post‐training assessments. Results: Following online training, acceptance of evidence‐based treatments, therapist knowledge of IPT, therapist acceptance of IPT, and treatment fidelity increased; acceptance of online training was high at baseline and remained stable after training. Using the 90% confidence interval on outcome effect sizes, results suggested IPT online training was not different from in‐person training on most outcomes. Results are based on 60% of therapists who originally enrolled due to high dropout rate of therapist participants. Conclusions: Findings from this preliminary pilot study support the use of IPT online training, which could increase access to evidence‐based ED treatment and improve patient care. Public significance: Lack of accessible therapist training has contributed to many therapists not delivering, and therefore many patients not receiving, evidence‐based treatment. This study evaluated a highly disseminable online training and compared outcomes to traditional in‐person training and found that training and patient outcomes were not different. Online training has the potential to enhance access to evidence‐base care, which could in turn optimize patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study is a cost-effectiveness study of two implementation strategies designed to train therapists in college and university counseling centers to deliver interpersonal psychotherapy. Costs of implementing a train-the-trainer (TTT) strategy versus an expert consultation strategy were estimated, and their relative effects upon therapist outcomes were calculated and compared. Methods: Twenty four counseling centers were recruited across the United States. These centers were randomized to either a TTT (experimental) condition, in which an in-house therapist trained other center therapists, or an expert consultation condition, in which center therapists participated in a workshop and received 12 months of ongoing supervision. The main outcome was therapist fidelity (adherence and competence) to interpersonal psychotherapy, assessed via audio recordings of therapy sessions, and analyzed using linear mixed models. Costs of each condition were quantified using time-driven activity-based costing methods, and involved a costing survey administered to center directors, follow up interviews and validation checks, and comparison of time tracking logs of trainers in the expert condition. Mean costs to produce one therapist were obtained for each condition. The costs to produce equivalent improvements in therapist-level outcomes were then compared between the two conditions. Results: Mean cost incurred by counseling centers to train one therapist using the TTT strategy was $3,407 (median = $3,077); mean cost to produce one trained therapist in the control condition was $2,055 (median = $1,932). Therapists in the TTT condition, on average, demonstrated a 0.043 higher adherence score compared to therapists in the control condition; however, this difference was not statistically significant. For the competence outcome, effect size for therapists in the TTT condition was in the large range (1.16; 95% CI: 0.85–1.46; p <.001), and therapists in this condition, on average, demonstrated a 0.073 higher competence score compared to those in the expert consultation condition (95% CI, 0.008–0.14; p =.03). Counseling centers that used the TTT model incurred $353 less in training costs to produce equivalent improvements in therapist competence. Conclusions: Despite its higher short run costs, the TTT implementation strategy produces greater increases in therapist competence when compared to expert consultation. Expanding resources to support this platform for service delivery can be an effective way to enhance the mental health care of young people seeking care in college and university counseling centers. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02079142. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on current research as well as evidence-based methodologies to assess the efficacy of various treatment modalities for teenagers who are experiencing depression and anxiety. Adolescents often have mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, which significantly impact their emotional, social, and academic well-being. The study examines medication, lifestyle adjustments, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and other modern therapeutic procedures. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an effective and structured treatment that may successfully target the negative thought patterns and behaviours associated with depression and anxiety. Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) has shown encouraging outcomes, particularly in the treatment of depressive symptoms. Its primary objective is to improve interpersonal relationships. Teens with severe or persistent symptoms may be considered for pharmacological treatment, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Medication may effectively reduce symptoms, but it is crucial to be vigilant for any negative effects and adjust the dose according to each individual patient. Patients suffering from mild to severe diseases may significantly enhance treatment outcomes by combining medication and psychotherapy. Adolescents afflicted with depression as well as anxiety may experience alleviation via a mix of medication and therapy. Additionally, they can derive advantages from implementing constructive modifications to their lifestyle and seeking assistance from friends and relatives. To provide comprehensive care for adolescents grappling with these challenging mental health illnesses, it is imperative that future research continues to evaluate and enhance these interventions, with the aim of increasing their efficacy and accessibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Importance: Approximately 9% of US adults experience major depression each year, with a lifetime prevalence of approximately 17% for men and 30% for women. Observations: Major depression is defined by depressed mood, loss of interest in activities, and associated psychological and somatic symptoms lasting at least 2 weeks. Evaluation should include structured assessment of severity as well as risk of self-harm, suspected bipolar disorder, psychotic symptoms, substance use, and co-occurring anxiety disorder. First-line treatments include specific psychotherapies and antidepressant medications. A network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials reported cognitive therapy, behavioral activation, problem-solving therapy, interpersonal therapy, brief psychodynamic therapy, and mindfulness-based psychotherapy all had at least medium-sized effects in symptom improvement over usual care without psychotherapy (standardized mean difference [SMD] ranging from 0.50 [95% CI, 0.20-0.81] to 0.73 [95% CI, 0.52-0.95]). A network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials reported 21 antidepressant medications all had small- to medium-sized effects in symptom improvement over placebo (SMD ranging from 0.23 [95% CI, 0.19-0.28] for fluoxetine to 0.48 [95% CI, 0.41-0.55] for amitriptyline). Psychotherapy combined with antidepressant medication may be preferred, especially for more severe or chronic depression. A network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials reported greater symptom improvement with combined treatment than with psychotherapy alone (SMD, 0.30 [95% CI, 0.14-0.45]) or medication alone (SMD, 0.33 [95% CI, 0.20-0.47]). When initial antidepressant medication is not effective, second-line medication treatment includes changing antidepressant medication, adding a second antidepressant, or augmenting with a nonantidepressant medication, which have approximately equal likelihood of success based on a network meta-analysis. Collaborative care programs, including systematic follow-up and outcome assessment, improve treatment effectiveness, with 1 meta-analysis reporting significantly greater symptom improvement compared with usual care (SMD, 0.42 [95% CI, 0.23-0.61]). Conclusions and Relevance: Effective first-line depression treatments include specific forms of psychotherapy and more than 20 antidepressant medications. Close monitoring significantly improves the likelihood of treatment success. This narrative review uses data from network meta-analyses and systematic reviews to explore the prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment of major depression in US adults, including specific forms of psychotherapy and more than 20 antidepressant medications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Metacognition is a crucial aspect of understanding and attributing mental states, playing a key role in the psychopathology of eating disorders (EDs). This study aims to explore the diverse clinical profiles of metacognition among patients with EDs using latent profile analysis (LPA). Method: A total of 395 patients with a DSM-5 diagnosis of ED (116 AN-R, 30 AN/BP, 100 BN, 149 BED) participated in this study. They completed self-report measures assessing metacognition, eating psychopathology, depression, emotional dysregulation, personality traits, and childhood adversities. LPA and Welch ANOVAs were conducted to identify profiles based on metacognition scores and examine psychological differences between them. Logistic regression models were employed to explore associations between personal characteristics and different profiles. Results: A 3-class solution had a good fit to the data, revealing profiles of high functioning (HF), intermediate functioning (IF), and low functioning (LF) based on levels of metacognitive impairments. Participants in the IF group were older and had a higher BMI than those in the HF and LF groups. Individuals with BN were largely categorized into HF and LF profiles, whereas participants with BED were mainly included in the IF profile. Participants in the LF group reported an impaired psychological profile, with high levels of depression, emotional dysregulation, childhood adversity, and personality dysfunction. Multinomial logistic regression analyses showed significant associations between metacognitive profiles and emotional and neglect abuse, emotion dysregulation, and detachment. Conclusion: This exploratory study unveils distinct metacognitive profiles in EDs, providing a foundation for future research and targeted interventions. In this light, metacognitive interpersonal therapy could be a valid and effective treatment for EDs, as suggested by the initial promising results for these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible Summary What is known on the subject? What the paper adds to existing knowledge? What are the implications for practice? What are the implications for future research? Introduction Aim Methods Results Discussion Implication for Practice The insecure attachment styles are associated with mental health problems and can influence reality perception, particularly in individuals with schizophrenia. The paper provides empirical evidence for the correlation between insecure attachment styles and reality‐testing impairment in clients with schizophrenia. Higher reality testing impairment scores were observed in specific demographics: males who were unmarried and aged between 40 and 50 years old, as well as those with a duration of illness of less than 5 years. The findings underscore the importance for nurses to understand insecure attachment styles, particularly anxious and avoidant styles, in clients with schizophrenia. Healthcare providers and nurses should understand the psychological dynamics of clients with insecure attachment styles to establish effective therapeutic relationships. A secure, structured and consistent environment is vital to modifying insecure attachment styles and promoting reality orientation. Secure Attachment Style Psycho‐Educational Program, Mentalization, Cognitive Interpersonal Therapy, and Cognitive Analytic Therapy can help reduce reality‐testing impairment. Imply early intervention through educating mothers on fostering secure bonds can potentially prevent future occurrences of schizophrenia. Conducting empirical studies to explore the associations between insecure attachment style, social functioning, and poor service engagement is essential. Research is needed to investigate specific techniques for managing insecure attachment styles, particularly the avoidant ones, and reality testing impairments within the therapeutic setting. Insecure attachment styles are associated with mental health problems and may influence reality perception.This study investigated the link between attachment styles and reality‐testing impairment in individuals with schizophrenia.A cross‐sectional survey with 200 participants diagnosed with schizophrenia assessed their attachment styles (Psychosis Attachment Measure) and reality‐testing abilities (Bell Reality Testing Inventory).A significant positive correlation emerged between insecure attachment and poorer reality testing (r = .394, p < .001). Avoidant attachment was most prevalent (mean scores: 17.01, SD = 3.71), followed by anxious attachment (16.53, SD = 4.20). Reality‐testing impairment manifested across all three domains: uncertainty of perception (7.16, SD = 2.45), reality distortion (3.52, SD = 1.21), and hallucinations/delusions (26.63, SD = 5.83). Interestingly, specific demographics (male, unmarried, 40–50 years old) and those with a duration of illness of less than 5 years had higher mean scores (27.35, SD = 5.61).Insecure attachment styles, notably anxious and avoidant, are dominant among clients with schizophrenia, who also struggle with reality distortion, perceptual uncertainty, and hallucinations/delusions in all three domains.Healthcare providers and nurses should understand the psychological dynamics of clients with insecure attachment styles to establish effective therapeutic relationships. A secure, structured, and consistent environment is vital to modifying insecure attachment styles and promoting reality orientation. Secure Attachment Style Oriented Psycho‐Educational Program, Mentalization, Cognitive Interpersonal Therapy, and Cognitive Analytic Therapy can help reduce reality‐testing impairment. Fostering Maternal and Child Health (MCH) centers on empathizing secure bonds between mothers (and mothers‐to‐be) and their children to promote healthy attachment styles as a preventive measure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Misophonia is a chronic condition in which the exposure to specific sounds increases the arousal and recurrence of specific intense negative emotions. We hypothesized that misophonia may be strongly related to maladaptive interpersonal schemas that create difficulties in interpersonal relationships. Subjects with maladaptive interpersonal schemas think that other people try to subjugate, criticize, dominate, exploit, deceive, disregard, and humiliate them. Furthermore, these patients typically endorse a representation of self as mistreated, constricted, harmed, damaged, humiliated, impotent, inadequate, or fragile. Methods: We describe the course of a treatment of Metacognitive Interpersonal Therapy (MIT) in a young man presenting misophonia and co-occurrent obsessive–compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) and avoidant personality disorder (AvPD), with narcissistic traits and normal hearing. We collected qualitative and quantitative data at the beginning of the intervention and at 2 years follow-up. Results: The therapy aimed at increasing awareness of maladaptive interpersonal schemas and promoting a healthy self. The results reported a significant decrease in misophonia; behavioural experiments were used to increase the quality of social relationships and tolerance to the trigger sounds. Conclusions: MIT can be an effective therapy for the treatment of misophonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite college students' high rates of depression, a large treatment gap remains in which many students in need are not receiving evidence-based care. This pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) delivered a novel adaptation of Interpersonal Psychotherapy for College Students (IPT-CS) in group modality at a college counseling center. Of 97 students expressing interest, 18 with mild to moderate depression were randomized to IPT-CS or referral-to-usual-care. The nine who initiated IPT-CS treatment had an average 96.67% attendance rate across 10 sessions and rated IPT-CS as satisfactory and accessible. Facilitators also rated IPT-CS as satisfactory, feasible, and faithful to IPT. Group-by-time analyses indicated that IPT-CS, compared to referral-to-usual-care, yielded a pattern of medium to large effects for depression, anxiety, quality of life, social adjustment and support, interpersonal concerns overall, and disconnection/loneliness specifically. As the pilot trial was powered to detect quite large effects, group-by-time analyses only reached statistical significance for depression and social support, as did within-group analyses for quality of life and interpersonal concerns overall. Importantly, reductions in depression and anxiety were clinically significant, dropping from moderate at pre-intervention to mild/no signs at post-intervention. These findings have implications for improving the accessibility, reach, and impact of effective mental health services for college students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persons with dependent personality disorder (DPD) have difficulties describing their inner world, and in realizing their negative ideas about the self, such as being weak, unworthy or powerless are just ideas. As a consequence, they tend to over‐rely on others and may lose control over their emotions. Treating these persons can gain benefits from including body‐focused techniques as they can promote a) awareness of internal states, b) better emotion regulation, c) the capacity to consider their negative ideas about themselves as not necessarily true, and d) gain power of and agency. We will describe the therapist used body‐focused techniques in the context of Metacognitive Interpersonal Therapy when treating Lia, a 40‐year‐old woman suffering from DPD who also suffered from generalized anxiety disorder and had difficulties in making autonomous choices. She had a romantic relationship with a man she described as distant and judgmental so she felt lonely and not entitled to express her discomfort or capable to break up. The therapist used body‐focused techniques, together with behavioural exposure, mindfulness and guided imagery, to let Lia be more aware of her thoughts and feelings, and then to regulate affects and realize she had previously capacities. At therapy termination anxiety diminished and she could break up with the partner and start a new one where she felt free to express herself. We suggest how bodily‐focused techniques can be used to enhance therapy effectiveness in DPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mental health problems are highly prevalent among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), yet mental health care in African countries is scarce. There is growing interest in understanding the effect of group therapy delivery models and task-shifting to support mental health care in African settings. We conducted a scoping review following the PRISMA-ScR statement on group therapy in PLWHA in Africa. We searched PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Google Scholar for articles published before October 2023 on evidence for effectiveness and acceptance of group therapies in PLWHA, and evidence of task-shifting approaches. A narrative synthesis approach for data analysis was used. We included 17 studies, which comprised 26 different outcome measures across seven countries in sub-Sahara Africa. The majority (72%) of the assessed single outcomes demonstrated a positive impact of group therapy delivery models on outcome measures, particularly depression, alcohol use, overall functioning, and social support in sub-Sahara Africa. High acceptance was demonstrated by quantitative and qualitative approaches. Task shifting approaches generally were shown to be effective, cost-effective, and accepted, and may support burdened healthcare systems in rural settings. The current evidence, albeit scarce, supports the use of group therapy and task shifting in addressing mental health among PLWHA living in sub-Sahara Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Physical activity supports mental health and well-being in children and youth. However, there are significant barriers to physical activity participation among individuals impacted by mental health disorders. This study investigates these barriers through the perspective of mental health clinicians who support children and youth. Methods: Fourteen mental health clinicians, including registered professional psychologists, psychotherapists, and social workers, were interviewed in a semi-structured format. Qualitative content analysis was performed to identify key themes, including both barriers and facilitators to physical activity. Results: Content analysis revealed that clinicians perceive both internal and external barriers and facilitators to their clients' participation in physical activity. Barriers included intrapersonal factors, such as the presence of depression, anxiety, or eating disorder symptoms; lack of motivation; and negative self-talk, as well as factors related to the influence of caregivers, financial limitations, screen time use, environmental and cultural factors, and lack of time. Facilitators included enjoyment of physical activity, knowledge about the benefits of physical activity, and caregiver participation. Conclusions: Mental health clinicians demonstrated clear knowledge about the barriers to and facilitators of their clients' participation in physical activity. These findings provide valuable insights that can be used to support children and youth experiencing mental health difficulty to access the beneficial effects of physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background In cases of adolescent and early adulthood eating disorders, despite the importance of the patients’ relationship with their parents, conflict and confusion frequently occur among them. Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is a present-focused psychotherapy that emphasizes the interpersonal context of symptoms. We developed a remote family education and support program exclusively for parents of patients with eating disorders, based on the principle of IPT. The use of IPT is expected to reduce conflicts in the patient-parent relationship. Consequently, parents will be better able to listen to patients, and patients will be better able to express their thoughts and desires. In this study, we describe the protocol for a randomized controlled trial designed to examine the effectiveness of this program in promoting effective communication in their home based on active listening skills of parents of patients with adolescent and early adulthood eating disorders. Methods Participants will be parents of patients aged 12–29 years with adolescent and early adulthood eating disorders. Individually randomized, parallel-group trial design will be employed. Seventy participants will be allocated to one of two treatment conditions: (1) remote family education and support program (four, 150 min weekly group sessions) for parents plus treatment-as-usual for patients (consultation by physicians or no treatment), or (2) waiting for the control condition (parents will wait to start the program for 8 weeks) plus treatment-as-usual for patients. The primary outcome measure will be parents’ active listening ability as measured by the Active Listening Attitude Scale at 8 weeks after randomization. Additionally, perception of social support (Social Provision Scale-10 item), loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale), mental health status (K6), family function (Family Assessment Device), and parent-evaluated eating disorder symptoms (Anorectic Behavior Observation Scale) will be assessed. Data from the intention-to-treat sample will be analyzed 8 weeks after randomization. Discussion This is the first study to evaluate the effectiveness of a family education and support program for parents of patients with adolescent and early adulthood eating disorders based on IPT. If this type of intervention is effective, although indirect, it could be a new support method for this patient population. Trial registration: Clinical Trials. gov ID NCT05840614.

Background: Depression among young people is a global health problem due to its rising prevalence and negative physical and social outcomes. The prevalence of depression and the treatment gap among young people in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is higher than global estimates. Most psychosocial interventions for adolescent and youth depression were developed in high-income countries and less is known about their effectiveness in SSA. Due to contextual differences, findings from High-Income Countries (HICs) are less applicable to SSA. Yet, no systematic review of psychosocial interventions for depression among young people in SSA has been conducted. Methods: A systematic literature search of four databases (Medline, Web of Science, PsycInfo, and Cochrane library) was conducted. Experimental studies published before May 2024 that evaluated the effect of psychosocial interventions on depressive symptoms among young people (aged 10–24 years) in SSA were included in the systematic review. Effect sizes (Hedge's g (g)) indicating differences between intervention and control groups were calculated using a random effects model. Results: Twenty-two eligible studies were identified for the systematic review, of which eighteen randomized control trials (RCTs) involving 2338 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The findings revealed that psychosocial interventions significantly reduced depressive symptoms (g = −1.55, 95% CI −2.48, −0.63), although heterogeneity was high (I2 = 98.8%). Subgroup analysis revealed that efficacy differed significantly by intervention type, with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (9 studies) showing the strongest effect (g = −2.84, 95% CI −4.29; −1.38). While Wise Interventions (a form of positive psychology interventions; 2 studies) had a moderate effect (g = −0.46, 95% C.I −0.53, −0.39), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (2 studies; g = −0.08, 95% CI −1.05, 0.88) and Creative Psychological Interventions (3 studies; g = −0.29, 95% CI −1.38, 0.79) showed smaller, non-significant effects. Sensitivity analysis excluding studies at high risk of bias strengthened the effect size. Few studies assessed factors affecting intervention efficacy and showed mixed effects of age, gender, and adherence levels. Conclusion: Psychosocial interventions, particularly CBT, significantly reduced depressive symptoms among young people in SSA. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the high heterogeneity which likely stems from variations in study populations and intervention delivery modalities. This highlights the need for further research to identify the specific intervention components and delivery methods that work best for distinct subpopulations. Future research should also explore how long intervention effects are maintained and factors affecting efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Patients with cancer experience significant psychosocial distress. Stressors include interpersonal difficulties like loneliness, isolation, thwarted belongingness, communication impediments, and conflicts. Interventions are required that address their specific psychosocial needs. Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) is a promising concept for the treatment of psychosocial distress associated with cancer because it addresses patients' interactions and role transformations. This review aims to provide an overview of the current evidence regarding interventions for patients with cancer based on IPT. Methods: A systematic review following PRISM guidelines was conducted, including randomized controlled trials of IPT-based interventions in patients with cancer, assessing effects on distress, depression, and anxiety. Results: Eight studies were included, sampling 390 patients in total. Seven out of eight studies assessed exclusively women with breast cancer. Two studies described IPT interventions and showed stronger improvement in depression and anxiety compared to TAU and equal improvement in depression compared to other psychotherapy interventions. Six studies described remote Interpersonal Counselling (IPC). One found remote IPC to be superior to control conditions regarding depression, and one found remote IPC to be superior to attention control, but not active control conditions. No study found remote IPC to be superior to control conditions regarding distress. Discussion: There are few randomized controlled trials of IPT for patients with cancer. Results regarding depression and anxiety are promising for in-person IPT, but mixed for remote IPC. Conclusion: The review suggests in-person IPT, but not remote IPC, may yield benefits for patients with cancer. Research on the subject is scarce, and to inform implementation of IPT interventions, research with diverse groups of patients with cancer is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article addresses the place of society in Erich Fromm's pioneering psychoanalytic work and in the evolution of interpersonal theory and practice. It suggests that there is much to be gained from a re-examination of Fromm's politically progressive perspective. By bridging sociology and psychoanalysis, Fromm developed a new approach known as "social psychoanalysis," which sought to explain and understand the centrality of society in human experience and the therapeutic process. Fromm moved beyond Freud and found an ally in the American psychiatrist Harry Stack Sullivan. Together, Fromm and Sullivan became the key founders of the Interpersonal School of Psychoanalysis located at the William Alanson White Institute in New York. Despite their commonalities, however, Fromm and Sullivan differed in central areas, particularly on the issue of "adaptation" to society. Sullivan believed that adaptation was a marker of successful personality development and Fromm maintained that society inscribed pathology into the human being. This difference would prove definitive as interpersonal psychoanalysis moved from its radical beginnings to become a dominant school of contemporary psychoanalysis that focused on the interpersonal dyad and the interactions between the analyst and patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"The Sullivanians: Sex, Psychotherapy, and the Wild Life of an American Commune" is a book that explores the history of a psychoanalytic cult in New York City. The Sullivan Institute for Research in Psychoanalysis, founded in 1957 and dissolved in 1991, attracted individuals interested in psychoanalysis and a hedonistic lifestyle. The group engaged in authoritarianism, sexual and financial exploitation, and aggressive attacks on familial and romantic relationships. The book highlights the abuses within the group and the impact it had on its members. [Extracted from the article]

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) describes those who have not responded to at least two other treatments for depression. These individuals require additional support to reach remission of their symptoms. Psychotherapy modalities can be a way to augment treatment of depression without additional medications. This article discusses the use of interpersonal therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, radically open dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy. All of these therapies can achieve increased rates of remission and improvement of depressive symptoms when compared to treatment as usual. No significant adverse events have noted in the studies that have looked at these various treatments. Areas for future research include delineation of which specific modalities are best suited to addressing the needs of individual patients. As part of a comprehensive treatment plan, psychotherapy should be considered when addressing TRD. [Psychiatr Ann. 2024;54(6):e182–e185.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a condition that can affect any woman regardless of ethnicity, age, party, marital status, income, and type of delivery. This condition is highly prevalent worldwide. PPD, if not treated timely, can affect the maternal‐child bond and can have a detrimental impact on the future cognitive, emotional, and behavioral development of the child. Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) has been reported as an effective treatment of PPD in previous studies as this focuses on relationship and social support issues. Previous reviews conducted in developed nations have reported the superior efficacy of IPT in comparison to other treatment options. There is no systematic review conducted in low to middle‐income countries on the efficacy of IPT on PPD. Therefore it was necessary to undertake a systematic review to assess the effectiveness of IPT in reducing the depression among postpartum women in low and middle‐income countries (LMICs). Objectives: The main aim of this systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of IPT alone or in conjunction with pharmacological therapy and/or other psychological and psychosocial interventions, in reducing depressive symptoms among women diagnosed with PPD residing in LMICs. Search Methods: The systematic search encompassed several prominent databases and grey literature. Furthermore, experts specializing in the field of IPT were consulted to identify any relevant studies conducted in LMICs that fulfilled the predetermined eligibility criteria. The most recent search update was performed in July 2022. Selection Criteria: The PICOS criteria were meticulously defined for this review as described. Participants: Postpartum women diagnosed with PPD in LMICs were included. Intervention: IPT either as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with pharmacological therapy was included. Comparison: any form of psychological therapy or pharmacological therapy, whether administered individually or in combination, was considered for comparison. Study designs: experimental and quasi‐experimental, factorial designs, and quantitative components (experimental, quasi‐experimental, factorial designs) of mixed methods designs were eligible to be included. Studies with single‐group study designs and qualitative studies were excluded from the review. Data Collection and Analysis: Two reviewers from our team conducted a rigorous screening process to determine the eligibility of articles for inclusion. This involved an initial evaluation of titles and abstracts, followed by a comprehensive assessment of the full text of selected articles. In instances where discrepancies arose between the two reviewers, resolution was achieved through discussion or consultation with a third author to establish a consensus. Following the screening process, two team members independently extracted pertinent information and data from the studies that met the inclusion criteria. The treatment effect of the intervention, in comparison to the control group, was subsequently analyzed utilizing the fixed effects model taking into account the small number of studies. Main Results: A total of 17,588 studies were identified from various databases, and 6493 duplicate studies were removed. Subsequently, 9380 studies underwent independent title and abstract screening resulting in the exclusion of 9040 studies. 345 full texts were thoroughly assessed leading to the exclusion of 341 studies, finally including 4 studies for review. The four included trials were randomized trials and comprised a total sample size of 188 women diagnosed with PPD residing in LMICs. Among these studies, three compared IPT with usual treatment, while one study compared IPT with antidepressant medications (ADMs). In terms of the providers of IPT, in one study, IPT was administered by nurses, while psychologists delivered IPT in another study. In one study, community health workers were responsible for providing IPT. However, in one study, information regarding the specific providers of IPT was not available or reported. The primary outcome measure reported in all four studies was depression, assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The geographical distribution of the studies included; one conducted in Zambia, one in Kenya, one in Pakistan, and one in Iran. Out of the four studies, three were included in the meta‐analysis, as missing data from one study could not be obtained. Based on the overall treatment effect, it was found that depression scores decreased significantly more in the IPT group compared to other interventions (usual treatment or ADMs) (standardized mean difference [SMD] −0.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] (−1.01, −0.23), Z = 3.13 (p = 0.002), χ2 = 49.49; df = 2; p < 0.00001; I2 = 96%; 3 studies, n = 136). Out of the three studies, two studies compared the effectiveness of IPT in reducing depression scores specifically when compared to the usual treatment, and in both studies, depression scores were reduced significantly in the IPT group as compared to the usual treatment group. Only one study directly compared the effectiveness of IPT with ADM, reporting that IPT was more effective than ADM in reducing depression scores among postpartum women. Regarding adverse outcomes, only one study reported suicidal ideation with one participant in the IPT group and two in the ADM group (RR 0.50, 95% CI (0.05, 5.30), p = 0.56, n = 78). The same study reported seven participants in the ADM group had adverse drug reactions as compared to none in the IPT group (RR 15.0, 95% CI (0.89, 254), p = 0.06, n = 78). Authors' Conclusions: Our comprehensive search yielded a limited number of four studies conducted in such settings. Despite the scarcity of available evidence, the findings collectively suggest that IPT is indeed an effective treatment for reducing PPD when compared to usual treatment and pharmacological therapy. However given the low certainty of evidence, there is a need for further research in the form of well‐designed randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes and a reduced risk of bias. Such studies would greatly contribute to enhancing the strength and reliability of the evidence base regarding the effectiveness of IPT in the context of PPD in LMICs. The knowledge generated from future research endeavors would be highly valuable in guiding the development of more affordable and cost‐effective treatment approaches for PPD in resource‐limited settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In cases of adolescent and early adulthood eating disorders, despite the importance of the patients' relationship with their parents, conflict and confusion frequently occur among them. Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is a present-focused psychotherapy that emphasizes the interpersonal context of symptoms. We developed a remote family education and support program exclusively for parents of patients with eating disorders, based on the principle of IPT. The use of IPT is expected to reduce conflicts in the patient-parent relationship. Consequently, parents will be better able to listen to patients, and patients will be better able to express their thoughts and desires. In this study, we describe the protocol for a randomized controlled trial designed to examine the effectiveness of this program in promoting effective communication in their home based on active listening skills of parents of patients with adolescent and early adulthood eating disorders. Methods: Participants will be parents of patients aged 12–29 years with adolescent and early adulthood eating disorders. Individually randomized, parallel-group trial design will be employed. Seventy participants will be allocated to one of two treatment conditions: (1) remote family education and support program (four, 150 min weekly group sessions) for parents plus treatment-as-usual for patients (consultation by physicians or no treatment), or (2) waiting for the control condition (parents will wait to start the program for 8 weeks) plus treatment-as-usual for patients. The primary outcome measure will be parents' active listening ability as measured by the Active Listening Attitude Scale at 8 weeks after randomization. Additionally, perception of social support (Social Provision Scale-10 item), loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale), mental health status (K6), family function (Family Assessment Device), and parent-evaluated eating disorder symptoms (Anorectic Behavior Observation Scale) will be assessed. Data from the intention-to-treat sample will be analyzed 8 weeks after randomization. Discussion: This is the first study to evaluate the effectiveness of a family education and support program for parents of patients with adolescent and early adulthood eating disorders based on IPT. If this type of intervention is effective, although indirect, it could be a new support method for this patient population. Trial registration: Clinical Trials. gov ID NCT05840614. Plain English summary: For patients with adolescent and early adulthood eating disorders, although the relationship with their parents is an important interpersonal dynamic, conflicts and confusion often arise between patients and their parents. On the other hand, parents who live with individuals with eating disorders are frequently involved in interpersonal disputes, leading to a heavy psychological burden and elevated levels of depression and anxiety. It has been found that highly depressed or anxious parents tend to have difficulty listening carefully to their patients. Additionally, parental anxiety often promotes an overprotective response. Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is a present-focused psychotherapy that emphasizes the interpersonal context of symptoms. In IPT, the patient and therapist work within interpersonal therapeutic domains, such as interpersonal role disputes with different expectations and role transitions. We developed a remote family education and support program exclusively for parents of patients with eating disorders based on IPT principles. In the present study, we describe the protocol for a randomized controlled trial designed to examine the effectiveness of this program in promoting effective communication within their homes, focusing on the active listening skills of parents of patients with adolescent and early adulthood eating disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are 10 million admissions to U.S. prisons and jails each year. More than half of those admitted have mental health problems. The goal of this article is to inform: (1) implementation of evidence-based mental health treatments in prisons and jails, an important effort that needs more evidence to guide it; (2) psychotherapy and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) training efforts, especially in low-resource settings. Methods: A randomized hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial of group IPT for major depressive disorder (MDD) in state prisons found that IPT increased rates of MDD remission and lowered posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms relative to prison treatment as usual. The trial used prison counselors, only some of whom had prior psychotherapy training/experience, to deliver IPT. IPT treatment adherence was high (96%), but trial training and supervision were too costly to be scalable outside the trial. The current article reports results from a planned qualitative analysis of 460 structured implementation and supervision documents in that trial to describe training and supervision processes and lessons learned, inform training recommendations, and facilitate future work to optimize training and supervision for under-resourced settings. Results: Themes identified in implementation and supervision process notes reflected: work on psychotherapy basics (reflective listening, focusing on emotions, open-ended questions, specific experiences), IPT case conceptualization (forming a conceptualization, what is and is not therapeutic work, structure and limit setting, structure vs. flexibility), IPT techniques (enhancing social support, role plays, communication analysis), psychotherapy processes (alliance repair, managing group processes), and managing difficult situations (avoidance, specific clients, challenging work settings). Counselors were receptive to feedback; some relied on study supervisors for support in managing stressful prison working conditions. Conclusions: Findings can be used to make future training and supervision more efficient. Based on our results, we recommend that initial and refresher training focus on IPT case conceptualization, steps for addressing each IPT problem area, and reflective listening. We also recommend supervision through at least counselors' first two rounds of groups. More low-cost, scalable training methods are needed to get mental health treatment to individuals who need it most, who are often served in challenging, low-resource settings such as prisons. This is a mental health access and equity issue. Trial registration: The trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01685294). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Jordanian pregnant women report high prevalence of antenatal depressive symptoms, compared to their counterparts internationally. One potential nonpharmacological intervention is Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), accessed by telephone. Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the depressive symptom level(s) among Jordanian pregnant women who received IPT treatment with those who received routine antenatal care. Methods: A prospective randomized controlled trial design was used. Following ethical approval, a sample of 100 pregnant women (50 in each group) at 24 to 37 weeks gestation, was drawn from one governmental public hospital. Seven sessions (each half an hour) of telephone-based IPT were offered twice weekly to those assigned to the intervention arm: one pretherapy orientation, five intermediates, and one closing session. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was administered before and after the intervention. Analysis of covariance was used to detect the intervention effect. The two groups were matched based on demographic and health characteristics. Results: Compared to the control group, pregnant women who received the intervention reported fewer depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Midwives and general nurses should screen all pregnant women for symptoms of depression. The effectiveness of IPT treatment in alleviating depressive symptoms indicates the importance of using such supportive interventions by midwives and general nurses, who are trained in psycho-educational counseling techniques. Moreover, data provided by this study may encourage policymakers to legislate policies that make psychotherapists available and accessible in antenatal care units and ensure that staff have adequate training via continuing education programs to screen for antenatal depressive symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frequent attenders in primary care (FAs) consume a disproportionate amount of healthcare resources and often have depression, anxiety, chronic health issues, and interpersonal problems. Despite extensive medical care, they remain dissatisfied with the care and report no improvement in quality of life. To pilot a Telephone-based Interpersonal Counseling intervention for Frequent Attenders (TIPC-FA) and assess its feasibility and efficacy in reducing symptoms and healthcare utilization. Top 10% of primary care visitors were randomly assigned to TIPC-FA, Telephone Supportive Contact (Support), or Treatment as Usual (TAU). TIPC-FA and Support groups received six telephone sessions over twelve weeks, while the TAU group was interviewed twice. Multilevel regression tested for changes over time, considering patient and counselor variance. TIPC-FA and Support groups demonstrated reduced depressive symptoms, and the TIPC-FA group showed decreased somatization and anxiety. The TIPC-FA group demonstrated a trend towards less healthcare utilization than the TAU group. This pilot study suggests that IPC via telephone outreach is a feasible approach to treating FAs, achieving a reduction in symptoms not seen in other groups. Promising reduction in healthcare utilization in the TIPC-FA group warrants further exploration in larger-scale trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the use of between-session homework (BSH) in psychotherapy and its effectiveness in promoting positive outcomes for clients. The authors present six case studies that demonstrate how BSH can be applied in different treatment modalities and for various disorders. They emphasize the importance of tailoring BSH to each individual client's needs and strengths, and stress the need for collaboration between therapists and clients in selecting and reviewing BSH. The article advocates for the integration of BSH into clients' daily lives to promote symptom improvement and personal growth. [Extracted from the article]

In order to effectively treat individuals suffering from Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), it is crucial to establish therapeutic goals and identify tasks to achieve them. However, this is a challenging process with NPD patients because they often struggle to find meaningful goals beyond the pursuit of status. Moreover, in order to change Furthermore, to promote change, they must confront painful emotions such as shame, guilt, or fear, which they habitually try to avoid. Additionally, they face difficulties in forming a positive perception of their therapists and cooperating towards mutually agreed‐upon goals and tasks. As a consequence, NPD patients ask for change but hardly engage themselves in the work necessary to achieve it. Therapists therefore need to pay the uttermost attention to drafting, negotiating and continuously updating a reasonable and realistic therapeutic contract. In this paper we describe the story of a man in his thirties with NPD who was ridden with depression, guilt, envy and anger and did not find ways to pursue the healthy and adaptive behaviors he would need to pursue in order to leave a richer social life. The therapist overcame ruptures in the therapeutic alliance and then involved the patient in a process where they set the steps to follow, making sure the patient was convinced they made sense. After a contract was reached progress became possible. Implications for the role of the therapeutic contract in NPD treatment are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the challenges and potential for treating individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). It acknowledges historical beliefs that NPD was difficult to treat, but presents more recent clinical observations that suggest treatment is possible. The article discusses the specific challenges therapists face when working with NPD patients, such as high dropout rates and slow progress, and emphasizes the importance of understanding the co-creation of treatment difficulties. It also explores different approaches to treatment development for NPD, aiming to provide clinicians with insights into effective interventions and promote a more hopeful approach to treatment. [Extracted from the article]

This paper takes as its premise the idea that transferential phenomena emerge out of the endless interactions between the wider social context, including myriad social injustices, and the inter and intra psychic events psychoanalytic therapists are more familiar with thinking about. Freud's was a neuro-psycho-social model of development, with the interrelationship between internal life and social practices carefully mapped in 'Totem and Taboo' (1913) and 'Civilisation and Its Discontents' (S. Freud, 1930). However, what Freud left undone, and is still only nascent in its development, is the work of mapping how this interaction between internal and external, between psycho and social, manifests in the consulting room. Focusing on race, as one aspect of identity that powerfully impacts transferential phenomena, the paper presents accounts of clinical events, one disguised, one fictionalised, to explore the meaning of the author's own Whiteness in this context. Using a Kleinian and post-Kleinian understanding of very early Oedipal struggles, 'Whiteness' is formulated as an anti-developmental merger with the ideal breast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects nearly 20% of postpartum women in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where HIV prevalence is high. Depression is associated with worse HIV outcomes in non-pregnant adults and mental health disorders may worsen HIV outcomes for postpartum women and their infants. PPD is effectively treated with psychosocial or pharmacologic interventions; however, few studies have evaluated the acceptability of treatment modalities in SSA. We analyzed interviews with 23 postpartum women with HIV to assess the acceptability of two depression treatments provided in the context of a randomized trial. Most participants expressed acceptability of treatment randomization and study visit procedures. Participants shared perceptions of high treatment efficacy of their assigned intervention. They reported ongoing HIV and mental health stigma in their communities and emphasized the importance of social support from clinic staff. Our findings suggest a full-scale trial of PPD treatment will be acceptable among women with HIV in Zambia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Depression is a serious illness; approximately 40%–60% of patients develop relapse, and this risk increases up to 90%. Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is an effective method to minimize depressive symptoms and relapse. Objectives: This randomized control trial study is designed to assess the effectiveness of IPT on depression symptom reduction and relapse prevention. Materials and Methods: Three hundred depressed patients from a selected psychiatric hospital in UP, India, were recruited by a simple random sampling technique that randomly allocated 150 participants to the experimental group and 150 to the control group by tossing a coin. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, which has 17 items. On the 2nd day of the trial, the experimental group received IPT. It helped the participants recognize their emotions and urge themselves to express them, both of which had a direct positive impact on their sad mood. The IPT efficacy assessment was done at the end of the 4 weeks of the intervention, and the relapse prevention assessment was undertaken 4 months later. The control group was kept with the actual treatment modalities and psychoeducation sessions, and they were assessed in the same way as the experimental group. Results: Findings illustrated that the reduction of depressive symptoms with (t = 33.61) (P = 0.0000) and relapse prevention with (t = 2.7484) (P = 0.0067) are significant, respectively. Furthermore, symptom reduction and relapse prevention had an association with some demographical data at P < 0.05, 0.001. Conclusion: IPT is an effective intervention for reducing depressive symptoms and preventing relapse.

The Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) has updated their clinical guidelines for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. The guidelines provide a comprehensive summary of the latest evidence for the assessment and treatment of MDD, including various treatment options such as psychological, pharmacological, and digital health interventions. The guidelines emphasize the importance of combining psychological approaches with pharmacotherapy and provide recommendations for treatment evaluation. However, there are variations in advice on treatment strategies among different guidelines, particularly regarding the use of lithium and ketamine as adjunct-treatments. In the future, there may be a shift towards personalized treatment approaches based on individual molecular features and the integration of artificial intelligence in the development of clinical guidelines. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Depression ranks as the foremost mental health concern among childbearing women. Within low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), between 20 and 25% of women encounter depression during pregnancy or soon after delivery. This condition impacts not only the mothers but also their offspring. Offspring of women suffering from postnatal depression (PND) exhibit suboptimal cognitive development and increased emotional and behavioural issues throughout their growth. This scenario becomes more pronounced in LMICs, where numerous adversities further jeopardise children's developmental progress. Despite antenatal services providing a pivotal platform to address women's mental health needs, PND treatment remains inaccessible in many LMICs. The World Health Organization advocates interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) for treating depression. While research from high-income countries has established the efficacy of IPT and group-IPT (g-IPT) for PND, its effectiveness within the LMIC context and its potential benefits for child development remain uncharted. This study seeks to gauge the potency of g-IPT for women with PND in two LMICs. Methods: This multi-site randomised controlled trial is a continuation of two preceding phases—conceptual mapping and a feasibility study executed in Lebanon and Kenya. Insights gleaned from these phases underpin this comprehensive RCT, which contrasts the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of high-quality standard care (HQ-SC) augmented with g-IPT against HQ-SC in isolation. The trial, characterised as an individually randomised superiority assessment, targets women with postnatal depression in Beirut, Lebanon, and Nairobi, Kenya. It aims to determine if culturally tailored g-IPT, administered within community settings in both countries, outperforms HQ-SC in influencing child developmental outcomes, maternal depression, and the quality of the mother–child bond. Discussion: The SUMMIT trial, designed with pragmatism, possesses the magnitude to evaluate g-IPT within two LMIC frameworks. It seeks to enlighten policymakers, service commissioners, professionals, and users about g-IPT's potential to alleviate maternal PND and bolster child developmental outcomes in LMICs. Additionally, the trial will generate valuable data on the clinical and economic merits of high-quality standard care. Trial registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN15154316. Registered on 27 September 2023, https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN15154316 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Families of individuals with hoarding symptoms report substantial burden; however, there has been no investigation of potential positive experiences. The objective of this study was to examine the experiences reported by individuals with a relative with elevated hoarding symptoms using a cross‐sectional design. The current investigation expands on the literature in this area by incorporating a detailed interview of experiences in conjunction with validated measures of hoarding symptomology. Methods: Twenty‐nine adults with relatives with elevated hoarding symptoms completed self‐report measures of hoarding severity for themselves and their relative and a clinician‐administered assessment of their experiences with their family member with hoarding symptoms. Results: Participants endorsed significant burden across a range of areas, including permanent changes in their daily routine. The majority (93%) of participants reported at least one positive experience, with 69% endorsing companionship as a benefit of the relationship. Greater symptom severity of the relative with hoarding symptoms was associated with greater subjective burden and decreased positive experiences. Conclusion: Our results add further evidence to the potential for interpersonal psychotherapy to lead to a reduction in hoarding symptomology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Twice weekly sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) for major depressive disorder (MDD) lead to less drop-out and quicker and better response compared to once weekly sessions at posttreatment, but it is unclear whether these effects hold over the long run. Aims: Compare the effects of twice weekly v. weekly sessions of CBT and IPT for depression up to 24 months since the start of treatment. Methods: Using a 2 × 2 factorial design, this multicentre study randomized 200 adults with MDD to once or twice weekly sessions of CBT or IPT over 16–24 weeks, up to a maximum of 20 sessions. Main outcome measures were depression severity, measured with the Beck Depression Inventory-II and the Longitudinal Interval Follow-up Evaluation. Intention-to-treat analyses were conducted. Results: Compared with patients who received once weekly sessions, patients who received twice weekly sessions showed a significant decrease in depressive symptoms up through month 9, but this effect was no longer apparent at month 24. Patients who received CBT showed a significantly larger decrease in depressive symptoms up to month 24 compared to patients who received IPT, but the between-group effect size at month 24 was small. No differential effects between session frequencies or treatment modalities were found in response or relapse rates. Conclusions: Although a higher session frequency leads to better outcomes in the acute phase of treatment, the difference in depression severity dissipated over time and there was no significant difference in relapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study explored the effectiveness of an anti-stigma group program for people with schizophrenia. Thirty-four participants recruited from a psychiatric day hospital were allocated to the experimental group (EG) or control group (CG). The Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (ISMIS), Perceived Psychiatric Stigma Scale (PPSS), and Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) were used to measure outcomes, which were evaluated at baseline, immediately post program, and 3-month follow up. Generalized estimating equations showed that the EG attained a greater reduction in the stigma resistance subscale of the ISMIS than the CG at posttest and 3-month follow up. Scores on the self-deprecation subscales (p = 0.025) and concerns about marital preclusion (p = 0.037) on the PPSS and BDI-II (p = 0.027) in the EG showed significant improvement over those of the CG at 3-month follow up. The anti-stigma group program seems to be effective in reducing self-stigma and depressive symptoms in people with schizophrenia. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 62(2), 37–45.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]