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Chronic neuropathic pain is common in people living with HIV. Psychological treatments can improve quality of life for people with chronic pain in general, and online delivery can increase access to these treatments. However, the acceptability of psychological treatment and online delivery have not been investigated in-depth in people living with HIV and chronic neuropathic pain. Therefore, a qualitative study was undertaken to explore views about a psychological treatment for pain management in this population and to investigate the acceptability of online treatment delivery. Qualitative interviews were conducted and analysed using inductive thematic analysis, adopting a critical realist perspective. Twenty-six people living with HIV and chronic neuropathic pain completed semi-structured interviews. Their views about a psychological treatment for pain management and online delivery were explored in-depth. Three themes and 12 subthemes were identified. Theme one represents a desire for a broader approach to pain management, including not wanting to take more pills and having multidimensional goals that were not just focussed on pain relief. Theme two includes barriers to online psychologically-based pain management, including concerns about using the Internet and confidentiality. Theme three describes treatment facilitators, including accessibility, therapist support, social connection, and experiencing success. A psychological treatment for chronic neuropathic pain management appears acceptable for people living with HIV. Therapist-supported online delivery of cognitive-behavioural pain management may be acceptable for people living with HIV given appropriate development of the treatment to address identified barriers to engagement. These data can inform developments to enhance engagement in online psychologically-informed pain management in people living with HIV and more broadly in remote delivery of psychological treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Methamphetamine dependence is a serious health problem among Iranian methadone patients. Aim The current study is the first research that reviewed the prevalence of methamphetamine dependence and the associated harms among Iranian methadone patients. The other aims were to review the history of receiving methamphetamine treatment among methadone patients and the evaluated psychosocial treatments for methamphetamine dependence and/or associated harms. Methods Searching included both peer-reviewed literature and grey literature in English and Persian. Reference lists of the relevant papers and reports were searched manually for more information. The time period between 1 January 2005 and 28 October 2017 was set for searching. Findings Available evidence indicated that methamphetamine dependence increased from 3.9% among the two genders in 2007 to 60.3% among men in 2014 and 89.5% among women in 2015–2016. The prevalence of methamphetamine dependence was higher among female methadone patients than their male counterparts. Methamphetamine dependence was associated with multiple health problems in the social and health contexts of the two genders especially women. However, receiving methamphetamine treatment was negligible. The review indicated that cognitive-behavioural therapy improved psychological well-being. The Matrix Model led to abstinence from methamphetamine and improved psychological well-being. Motivational interviewing increased attendance in treatment. Family therapy improved the quality of life and social support. However, more similar studies were needed. Conclusion Despite a serious increase in methamphetamine dependence, there were a few evaluated psychosocial treatments. There is an immediate need to evaluate efficacious psychosocial treatments especially for women. Methamphetamine treatment should be provided in methadone treatment services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is generally related to reproductive health and is most commonly transmitted through injection addiction, sexual relationship, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. Therefore, the promotion of reproductive health of women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is very important. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of counselling on cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) on reproductive health in women with HIV. Material and methods: This randomised controlled trial was conducted in 2017. Sixty HIV-infected women who referred to Imam Khomeini Hospital Consultation Centre for clients with risky behaviour in Tehran participated in this study. The sampling method was census, and samples were randomly assigned to two groups: control and intervention. In addition to routine care, the intervention group received seven cognitive-behavioural counselling sessions on reproductive health. The questionnaire used in this study was a reproductive health assessment scale for HIV-positive women. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the demographic characteristics in the control and intervention groups. The result of repeated measures test showed that the length of time affects the total score of reproductive health (p < 0.000) and there was a significant difference between the two groups (p < 0.000). Conclusions: It is suggested that CBT counselling approaches be included in educational programs for the health of women with HIV. Given the widespread dimensions of reproductive health, counselling with a cognitive therapy approach in each dimension with the number of further sessions is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé Le syndrome de l’imposteur réfère à des personnes qui, en dépit de leur réussite ou de preuves objectives expliquant leur situation actuelle, ne se sentent pas légitimes quant à leur statut. Un degré relativement acceptable de ce syndrome peut être vécu positivement et permettre la motivation, l’engagement ou l’humilité – bien que ces témoignages se fassent rares. Son expression peut cependant devenir source d’une importante détresse psychologique et une barrière à l’expression du potentiel individuel, parfois même à une faible intensité. Parmi les cormordités liées à ce syndrome figurent notamment les troubles anxiodépressifs, de stress aigu, le burnout ou encore certains troubles de la personnalité. Cet article propose une description clinique du syndrome de l’imposteur ainsi que des propositions thérapeutiques. The impostor phenomenon refers to people who express an internal experience of intellectual phoniness despite their successes or objective proofs explaining their current situation. A low level of this syndrome can be relatively acceptable and be positively lived: its allow motivation, commitment or humility – although these testimonies are rare. Its expression can however cause an important psychological distress and a barrier in the expression of the individual potential even in a low intensity. Anxiodepressive disorders, burnout, or personality disorders can be cited. This article proposes a clinical description of the impostor phenomenon as well as therapeutic proposals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revija za Sociologiju is the property of Revija za Sociologiju and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is often a severe and highly debilitating disorder, in which many patients inadequately respond to standard outpatient care. While specialized intensive residential treatment (IRT) for OCD provides promise, factors to improve treatment adherence in these settings is currently unknown but crucial to optimize treatment response. This naturalistic study examined the rates and predictors of patient adherence to exposure and response preventions (EX/RP) for 49 patients attending IRT. A therapist assessed between-session adherence to EX/RP, and participants completed self-report measures at pre- and post-treatment, and 1-month follow-up. Linear mixed effects models analyses revealed that IRT resulted in significant improvements in OCD and comorbid symptoms. Treatment readiness, specific obsessional beliefs, depression and stress symptoms, level of insight, avoidance, and responsibility for harm were significantly associated with patient adherence. Directions for future research that may interact with adherence to EX/RP and lead to targeted interventions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of European Review of Applied Psychology is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this paper, it is presented and discussed in a few pages the hypothetical case study of a ‘perfectionist clerk'. The perfectionist clerk is an employee who considers himself as being stainless and unblemished not only at work but also in his relationship unto God. This case study is an example of how a psychologist of religion could be able to deal with a client like that in terms of helping him overcoming obsessions related to faulty assumptions regarding oneself. Here, there are discussed possible scenarios as how a psychologist of religion would work with a client like one, and which ways would he be suggesting in undertaking as to therapeutic processes to his client's case. There is also discussed what could be done better, as to that client's case, so that a balance to be brought upon in view to the client's faulty assumptions and cognitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Purpose: Patients with colorectal cancer experience physical, psychological and social challenges. Psychosocial interventions seem to be effective in improving the physical, psychological and social outcomes of cancer patients. There is a lack of research exploring the effectiveness of pre-operative and post-operative psychosocial interventions on the outcomes of colorectal patients. This literature review aimed to explore the effects of pre-operative and post-operative psychosocial interventions on the outcomes of patients with colorectal cancer, including physical, psychological and social functioning, as well as the quality of life. Methods and sample: A literature search for studies on psychosocial interventions for patients with colorectal cancer published between 2002 and 2012 was undertaken from electronic databases of Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, PsycINFO, Mednar, and Proquest. Hand-searching was conducted to find relevant papers from the reference lists of included articles. Key results: Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria and were included after methodological quality appraisal. A narrative summary was carried out. Various psychosocial interventions, including educational interventions, cognitive-behavioural therapy, relaxation training and supportive group therapy were found to reduce colorectal patients' length of hospital stay, days to stoma proficiency and hospital anxiety and depression, and to improve patients' quality of life. Home visits, telephone sessions, individual teaching sessions and group sessions were commonly conducted. Conclusions: Various forms of psychosocial interventions were used to improve outcomes of patients with colorectal cancer. Further research is recommended to investigate the effects of psychosocial interventions carried out during both the pre- and post-operative period on colorectal patients' outcomes. Given the small number of studies identified, it is essential to take this into consideration when identifying strategies and conducting future psychosocial interventions for colorectal patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Psychiatria Polska is the property of Editorial Committee of Polish Psychiatric Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: A better knowledge of the biochemical mechanisms implicated in the development and progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, linking fatty liver to insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome, has shifted the goal of treatment from a mere clearing of fat from the liver to a systematic treatment of metabolic risk factors for fatty liver. Any attempt to modify the “unhealthy” habits responsible for fatty liver requires an integrated approach, based on the cognitive theory of behaviour by a multidisciplinary team including physicians, psychologists, dieticians and physical exercise experts, and recent data demonstrate that this is feasible and effective. Whenever this goal is not attained, a treatment based on insulin-sensitizers remains the best option, to simultaneously tackle all metabolic alterations of the metabolic syndrome. However, in individual patients, both raised blood pressure and dyslipidemia need to be controlled, in order to reduce cardiovascular risk. In these areas, any attempt should be made to use of drugs less likely to induce a deterioration of glucose control. It remains to be determined whether these treatments are able to modify the natural history of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in the long term. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Psychiatria Polska is the property of Editorial Committee of Polish Psychiatric Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: This article summarizes various aspects of anxiety disorder in children and adolescents using the latest research findings. Anxiety is an emotion, an unpleasant feeling of tension or apprehension accompanied by physiological changes and worries or fears. It can become maladaptive if excessive or developmentally inappropriate; if it also causes significant functional impairment, it can be considered to be an anxiety disorder. The type of disorder depends on age of onset, the symptomatology, and the presence or not of a specific feared situation. Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent categories of psychopathology in children. Making an early diagnosis is important; anxiety disorders may impede academic and social functioning. At least one-third of children with anxiety disorders meet the criteria for two or more anxiety disorders. General comorbidity with other psychiatric disorders is 40%. Various aetiological factors include: temperament, genetics, neurobiological changes, parent–child interactions, negative life events, and social adversity. The prognosis of anxiety disorders depends on several factors, including comorbidity, age of onset, severity at baseline and type of disorder. As well as psycho-education, evidence-based treatments include cognitive–behavioural therapy and, in more severe cases, medication such as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors. Other comorbid disorders need to be assessed for and treated as appropriate. Recent research has demonstrated the effectiveness of prevention strategies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Obsessive–compulsive disorder is a neurobiological disorder with a prevalence in children and adolescents of about 1%. It can initially be hidden by sufferers, but may cause distress, impact upon family life, social activities, and education, and become chronic and severe. Nonetheless it is very treatable, by means of both cognitive–behavioural therapy and medication. A developmental approach to both assessment and treatment should be undertaken in children and young people, and it is helpful to involve family members. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder are complex eating disorders with a major impact on the life of the patient and that of their family. Over the past two decades, increasing prevalence and incidence rates have confronted primary care and mental health services with high demands for treatment for these disorders that are difficult to meet. Psychotherapeutic interventions are the first-choice treatment. Cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) is efficacious in both bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, but there is a need to improve outcomes further. Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) has also been shown to have benefits, although in bulimia nervosa the response has been slower than with CBT. In general, delivering psychotherapy is costly and is often hampered by limited availability. Self-help versions of CBT may help to overcome these difficulties. Although promising, further exploration is required as to whether self-help strategies are an alternative to or can reduce therapist involvement. Alternatively, pharmacotherapy is a potential treatment option for bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, with evidence predominantly on antidepressants. Fluoxetine in a higher dose has been recommended because it is relatively better tolerated than antidepressants of other classes. Overall, combined psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy in patients with bulimia nervosa produces somewhat better outcomes than pharmacotherapy alone, but is not clearly superior to psychotherapy alone. Data on combination treatment in binge eating disorder are less conclusive. Although the therapeutic arsenal for the treatment of bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder is expanding, several domains required further investigation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) has been adapted to treat individuals with personality disorder. The model is biosocial, recognizing that the origins of personality problems are likely to lie in inherent temperament, the internal working model of relationships, self-identity, self-worth, and the emotional availability of the infant’s caregivers. To date, there are six randomized controlled trials that suggest that CBT is an effective treatment for patients with borderline and avoidant personality disorder, although some trials have shown more evidence of improvement than others. The therapy is structured, based on an individual formulation of the patient’s problems, and uses methods that take into account problems arising in the therapeutic relationship. Although more sessions are needed to change long-standing behavioural patterns and associated core beliefs in individuals with personality disorder, important changes, such as a reduction in self-harm and modification of beliefs, can take place within months rather than years. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Unfortunately for many sufferers, medical management alone is often not successful in alleviating chronic pain or in improving the emotional impacts and disability that come with it. The patients’ psychological experience of pain, the behaviour patterns they adopt, and the emotional, social, and cognitive influences on those behaviour patterns are critical in the management of many, if not most, cases. When pain has a significant impact on daily functioning, these parameters ought to be the central focus of treatment, and not be seen as secondary. This article presents a description of current psychological methods for the treatment of chronic pain, highlights some challenges of addressing psychological issues during a medical consultation, and notes that structured psychological approaches to chronic pain have a good record of success, whether these services are delivered by a single provider or by an interdisciplinary team of providers working from a cognitive–behavioural framework. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: There is a wide and ubiquitous gap between the demand for and the supply of cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) for anxiety states. Radical means of closing this gap are required, and computerizing the routine aspects of the delivery of CBT is one option. A few randomized controlled trials and effectiveness studies have been conducted, indicating that this approach has much promise, with therapy delivered via the Internet, CDs, palmtops and virtual reality. Outcomes appear to be comparable to those with face-to-face therapy, and patients report high levels of satisfaction. For many patients computer-guided CBT may be the only specialist treatment available to them. Many aspects require further research attention, such as cost-effectiveness, the suitability of this approach for particular groups, and the implications for the therapeutic relationship. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Distressing mental images are common in anxiety disorders and have recently been found to have an important role in the maintenance of anxious problems. For example, in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) the hallmark feature is the presence of recurrent sensory images of a past trauma, known as ‘flashbacks’. These flashbacks comprise the key information that needs to be addressed in cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) to treat this disorder successfully. Another example of imagery having a key role in maintaining clinical problems is social phobia. Clients with social phobia are concerned about how they come across to other people. They spontaneously generate distorted negative images of themselves performing poorly in social situations. These idiosyncratic images represent the clients’ key fears. The images are often stereotyped, with the same imagery being generated across a range of anxiety-provoking social situations. When the images are generated, the clients feel more anxious and believe that others can see their symptoms of anxiety. Research that has manipulated self-imagery in social phobia has shown that negative imagery has a key role in maintaining the disorder. Anxious imagery often relates to a memory of an earlier aversive or traumatic situation, but the clients experience it as if it is happening in the ‘here and now’ and that the imagery is a true representation of how they appear to others. Clinicians need to assess and target imagery in the psychological treatment of anxiety disorders. CBT has techniques to target imagery and the associated traumatic memories across anxiety disorders. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Psychology as a discipline has played a major part in both addiction research and treatment. It is a key player in the multidisciplinary approach that the ‘biopsychosocial’ conceptualization demands. Applied psychology in the area of addictions can be categorized into the following broad areas: learning theory-based; psychodynamic; and transtheoretical approaches. Brief outlines of the popular models are presented in this contribution. Significant recent developments in psychology of addictions are the Dynamic Model of Relapse from the learning theory area and the PRIME theory of motivation from the transtheoretical area. Both these developments are departures from the linear two-dimensional perspective that has been characteristic of existing models, to multidimensional non-linear models, and they utilize theories such as chaos theory and catastrophe theory in the modelling process. Explanations and predictions based on these approaches are similar to those used in explaining and predicting complex phenomena such as weather patterns. Since both these developments are new they are yet to be tested in the field. The comprehensive nature of the models holds a lot of promise for the greater understanding of addiction and for the development of effective interventions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This meta-analysis examined the effectiveness of stand-alone body image (BI) cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). Nineteen studies met inclusion criteria. The behavioural dimension of BI improves most after BI CBT while the investment dimension improves the least. Individuals with clinical BI disturbances improve more than do college student samples. Treatments addressing the attitudinal, behavioural, and perceptual components of BI are more effective than treatments addressing attitude and behaviour only. Therapist-assisted therapy is more effective than is self-directed therapy. BI variables improve somewhat more than do general psychological variables, while the latter show equivalent improvement. Finally, treatment gains are maintained at follow-up. More research is needed to better understand and treat the investment dimension of BI. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Pratiques Psychologiques is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of EMC-Psychiatrie is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: This article discusses the psychiatric assessment of patients referred for a cosmetic procedure. Putative factors associated with poor outcome include being male; young; suffering from psychosis, severe depression or mania, an eating disorder, body dysmorphic disorder or significant personality disorder; having a ‘type-change’ procedure (e.g. rhinoplasty) rather than ‘restorative’ procedure (e.g. rhytidectomy); experiencing significant interference in their social and occupational functioning; having unrealistic expectations of outcome (for example, believing that they will obtain a new partner or job); or being dissatisfied by multiple areas of their body. It should be emphasized that a single factor by itself is unlikely to be relevant and that there have been no prospective studies to evaluate the putative factors properly. The article focuses on body dysmorphic disorder and some suggestions are provided on engagement in therapy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is now seen as a leading evidence-based treatment for a range of psychological disorders in children and adolescents. In this chapter we review the basic premises of the model, highlight some key model programmes, and consider the current state of the research for certain disorders. We conclude that the evidence supporting the use of CBT for psychological disorders in children and adolescents is quite strong, and that there are prospects for applying CBT interventions in large-scale preventions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Delivering Race Equality (DRE) in mental health action plan endorses the need for a balanced range of effective therapies including psychotherapeutic and counselling treatments that are culturally appropriate and effective. Cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) is a widely used and acceptable therapy for most mental health disorders, but explanations used in CBT are based on Western concepts and illness models. For reasons explained here, CBT remains the psychotherapeutic model of choice across cultures if adapted appropriately. Dissemination of cognitive therapy across widely diverse cultures is increasingly occurring. The evidence to support this is explored as are problems associated with using therapy that is not culturally adapted. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Psychoanalytic psychotherapy has a unique contribution to make to the understanding and treatment of psychological disorder. In essence, psychoanalysis is the therapeutic application of the science of interpersonal interaction. Moving towards and contemporary account of psychoanalysis that takes into account the findings of neuroscience and genetics, and links those with the cutting edge of other psychotherapies, such as CBT, is an urgent task for psychosocial psychiatry. It is hopes that this issue of Psychiatry will help in a small way to further that aim. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]