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This study evaluated the efficacy of an interactive media-based, computer-delivered depression treatment program (imbPST) compared to a no-treatment control condition (NTC) in a parallel-group, randomized, controlled trial conducted in an outpatient psychiatric research clinic. 45 adult participants with major depressive disorder or dysthymia were randomized to receive either 6 weekly sessions of imbPST or no treatment (No Treatment Control; NTC). The primary outcome measure was the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II). There was a significant Group x Time interaction effect [F (1.73, 43)= 58.78; p<.001; η2=.58, Cohens d=1.94], such that the patients receiving imbPST had a significantly greater reduction in depressive symptoms compared to the patients in the NTC condition. Participants in the imbPST group improved their depression symptoms significantly from moderate (BDI-II=21.9±4.20) to mild levels of depression (BDI-II=17.9±4.0) after receiving 3 weekly sessions of imbPST (p<0.001), and progressed to still milder levels of depression after six weekly sessions (BDI-II=14.5±3.7, p<0.001). NTC participants showed no significant reduction in BDI-II scores (BDI-II=21.8±4.2 pre, BDI-II=21.5±5.2 post, N.S.). Additionally, 40% of the imbPST group showed a clinically significant and reliable change in depression levels while none of the NTC group met this criterion. imbPST participants rated the program highly usable on the system usability scale (SUS) after the first session (SUS Session 1=74.6±7.2) and usability scores increased significantly by the last session (SUS Session 6=85.4±5.6). We conclude that imbPST is an effective, engaging, and easily used depression treatment program that warrants further evaluation with heterogeneous depressed populations in a stand-alone, self-administered fashion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with hypoactivation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, a brain region involved in emotion regulation and basic cognitive control processes. Recent studies have indicated that computerized interventions designed to activate this region may reduce depressive and ruminative symptoms. In this double-blind randomized controlled trial, we tested whether one such program, called Cognitive Control Training (CCT), enhanced treatment outcomes when used in adjunct to brief behavior therapy for MDD.Methods: Thirty-four adults with MDD were randomly assigned to complete four sessions of either computerized CCT or a control task, concurrently with four sessions of Brief Behavioral Activation Therapy for Depression (BATD). Post-treatment and one-month follow-up assessments were conducted, with self-reported depressive symptoms as the primary outcome and clinician-rated depressive symptoms and self-reported rumination as secondary outcomes.Results: In both intent-to-treat and completer analyses, depressive symptoms and rumination decreased significantly over the course of treatment in both treatment conditions. There were no significant differences in treatment outcome depending on the augmentation condition.Limitations: The sample size was small, hindering secondary analyses and identification of potential predictors or moderators of treatment effect.Conclusions: Results demonstrate substantial clinical benefit following four sessions of BATD; however, adjunctive CCT did not enhance outcomes. This study and other recent research suggest that the effects of CCT may not be as robust as previously indicated, highlighting the need for continued investigation of the conditions under which CCT may be effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Integrated psychological treatment addressing co-existing alcohol misuse and depression has not been compared with single-focused treatment. This trial evaluates changes over 36months following randomization of 284 outpatients to one of four motivational interviewing and cognitive–behavior therapy (MICBT) based interventions: (1) brief integrated intervention (BI); or BI plus 9 further sessions with (2) an integrated-, (3) alcohol-, or (4) depression-focus. Outcome measures included changes in alcohol consumption, depression (BDI-II: Beck Depression Inventory) and functioning (GAF: Global Assessment of Functioning), with average improvements from baseline of 21.8 drinks per week, 12.6 BDI-II units and 8.2 GAF units. Longer interventions tended to be more effective in reducing depression and improving functioning in the long-term, and in improving alcohol consumption in the short-term. Integrated treatment was at least as good as single-focused MICBT. Alcohol-focused treatment was as effective as depression-focused treatment at reducing depression and more effective in reducing alcohol misuse. The best approach seems to be an initial focus on both conditions followed by additional integrated- or alcohol-focused sessions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objectives: Many patients with noncardiac chest pain or benign palpitations have poor prognosis in terms of symptom persistence, limitations in everyday activities, and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The aim of the study was to compare a three-session manualized cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention with normal care for patients with noncardiac chest pain or benign palpitations in a randomized controlled trial. Methods: Patients with persistent complaints six months after a negative evaluation at a cardiological outpatient clinic were invited to participate. Of the 94 eligible patients, 40 agreed to participate and were randomly assigned to either an intervention or control group. Patients in the intervention group received three manualized sessions with CBT, including one physical activity exposure session. The control group received usual care from their general practitioner. Results: There were significantly larger improvements in the treatment group regarding fear of bodily sensations, avoidance of physical activity, depression and some domains of HRQOL at the end of treatment, and at three- and 12-month follow-up. A substantial proportion (about three-quarters) of the intervention effects on depression and avoidance of physical activity could be attributed to (was mediated by) the large reduction in catastrophic interpretations of bodily sensations. Conclusion: A three-session program of manualized CBT, including exposure to physical activity, was effective treatment for patients with noncardiac chest pain and benign palpitations up to the 12-month follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]