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BackgroundAnxiety is an extremely prevalent condition, and yet, it has received notably less attention than depression and other mental health conditions from a research, clinical, and public health perspective. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated growing concerns about the burden of anxiety due to the confluence of physical health risks, economic stressors, social isolation, and general disruption of daily activities. ObjectiveThis study examines differences in anxiety outcomes by care modality (coaching, teletherapy and telepsychiatry, and combined care) within an on-demand mental health system. We also explore the association between levels of engagement within each care modality and odds of improvement in symptoms of anxiety. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective observational study of individuals who accessed Ginger, an on-demand mental health system. Data were collected from 1611 Ginger members between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2019. We used logistic regression to assess the association between care modality and improvement in anxiety symptoms. Within each modality, we assessed the association between level of engagement and improvement. ResultsOf 1611 Ginger members, 761 (47.0%) experienced a decrease in anxiety symptoms, as measured by a change from a positive to a negative 2-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-2) screen. Among members who still screened positive at follow-up (865/1611, 53%), a total of 192 members (11.9%) experienced a clinically significant score reduction in the full GAD-7 (ie, a score reduction of >5 points), even though their GAD-2 scores were still positive. All modalities showed increased odds of improvement compared to those who were not engaged with coaching or clinical services (“app-only”). Higher GAD-7 intake scores were also associated with decreased odds of improvement. ConclusionsThis study found increased odds of anxiety improvement for all care modalities compared to those who did not engage in care, with larger effect sizes for higher utilization within all care modalities. Additionally, there is a promising observation that those engaged in combined care (teletherapy and text-based coaching) had the greatest odds of anxiety improvement. Future directions include more detailed classifications of utilization patterns and an exploration of explanations and solutions for lower-utilization members.

ObjectiveDigital Mental Health Interventions (DMHI) can diminish inequities in mental health care provision. As DMHIs increase in popularity, however, older adults may be unintentionally excluded due to barriers such as lack of awareness, internet access, digital tools, technological socialization and education, physiological accessibility, and communication technology infrastructure. The aim of this study was to examine longitudinal treatment engagement patterns and 15-week clinical outcomes of depressed and anxious older adults compared to a matched cohort of younger adults seeking treatment from a large asynchronous telemedicine provider.MethodsThe 2,470 older adults (55+ years) and a matched cohort of younger adults (26-35 years) diagnosed with depression or anxiety were treated by licensed therapists via messaging 5 days a week. Patterns of treatment engagement on the platform were compared across groups by examining total number of days in treatment, days actively messaging on the platform, and average words and messages per week sent by patients over the entire period they remained in treatment. Symptoms were assessed every 3 weeks using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and changes were compared across age groups over 15 weeks.ResultsOlder patients attended more days in treatment than younger patients, but there were no differences in number of days actively messaging on the platform, number of messages per week, or word count per week. The two age groups did not differ in their final anxiety or depressive symptoms when controlling for total number of weeks attended. Patients in the younger age group experienced a quicker rate of reduction than older adults in their anxiety, but not depressive symptoms.ConclusionsAmong individuals willing to initiate care through a DMHI, older adults had overall similar engagement as younger adults and they showed similar improvement in symptoms of depression and anxiety. Given the advantages of message-based care for aiding a mental health workforce in serving larger numbers of individuals in need and the expected growth of the aging population, these findings could help healthcare systems in evaluating a variety of treatment options and delivery media for meeting the healthcare needs of the future.

BackgroundDespite decades of research and development, depression has risen from the fifth to the leading cause of disability in the United States. Barriers to progress in the field are (1) poor access to high-quality care; (2) limited mental health workforce; and (3) few providers trained in the delivery of evidence-based treatments (EBTs). Although mobile platforms are being developed to give consumers greater access to high-quality care, too often these tools do not have empirical support for their effectiveness. In this study, we evaluated PRIME-D, a mobile app intervention that uses social networking, goal setting, and a mental health coach to deliver text-based, EBT's to treat mood symptoms and functioning in adults with depression.MethodsThirty-six adults with depression remotely participated in PRIME-D over an 8-week period with a 4-week follow-up, with 83% retained over the 12-week course of thestudy.ResultsOn average, participants logged into the app 5 days/week. Depression scores (PHQ-9) significantly improved over time (over 50% reduction), with coach interactions enhancing these effects. Mood-related disability (Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS)) also significantly decreased over time with participants no longer being impaired by their mood symptoms. Overall use of PRIME-D predicted greater gains in functioning. Improvements in mood and functioning were sustained over the 4-week follow-up.ConclusionsResults suggest that PRIME-D is a feasible, acceptable, and effective intervention for adults with depression and that a mobile service delivery model may address the serious public health problem of poor access to high-quality mental health care.

ObjectiveLittle is known about mental health service use by adults with prior suicidal behavior and current mood or anxiety disorders. This study determined nationally representative prevalence estimates of current mental health service use by these adults, examining racial-ethnic, age, and gender differences.MethodsService use across the life course was examined with Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiology Survey data from 1,139 adults with a history of suicidal behavior and current mood or anxiety disorders.ResultsOverall service use was 47.3%. Across the life course, African Americans showed increasing service use that paralleled use by non-Hispanic whites, Hispanics, and others, whereas use by these three groups decreased in the latter half of the life course (p interaction=.01).ConclusionsAdults with prior suicidal behavior and current mood or anxiety disorders have low mental health service use. Findings of racial-ethnic disparities in use can help identify those in need of care.

The goal of this qualitative study was to describe the beliefs and experiences of Vietnamese caregivers caring for a family member with dementia and to elicit their ideas about promising interventions. We recruited 10 caregivers from support groups, the Alzheimer's Association, and local community-based organizations in Northern California. We conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with all caregivers, as well as a focus group to obtain ideas about supportive strategies. Several themes emerged from the data: (1) Filial piety was influential in caregiving; (2) A sense of loss/grief or trauma was pervasive; and (3) Caregivers had clear sources of stress and sources of support. An overarching theme underlying these three topics was that cultural beliefs, values, and expectations impacted the caregiving experience. Suggestions for promising interventions included education, language-congruent and/or telephone support groups, case management, inclusion of the care recipient in the intervention, and importance of credibility of the intervention. It also may be valuable to include an understanding of cultural values and promotion of spirituality and religion as key components. Findings highlight targets for dementia caregiver interventions to reduce burden and distress in an understudied population.

ObjectiveTo compare patterns of cognitive performance in older adults with late-onset depression (LOD; ≥65 years of age) with that of older adults with early-onset depression (EOD;

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine the impact of psychotherapy on cognitive functioning in older adults with late-life depression (LLD) and executive dysfunction.MethodsTwo hundred twenty-one adults aged 60 years and older participated in a randomized clinical trial comparing the efficacy of Problem Solving Therapy (PST) and Supportive Therapy (ST) for LLD. Cognitive performance on seven tests of executive functioning, verbal learning, and memory was evaluated at baseline, after 12 weeks of treatment, and at 24 weeks after the completion of treatment.ResultsPerformance on a measure of executive functioning with a significant information processing speed component (Stroop Color and Word Test) improved after treatment, F (1, 312) = 8.50, p = 0.002, and improved performance was associated with a reduction in depressive symptoms but not treatment type. Performance on other measures of executive functioning, verbal learning, and memory did not change significantly after 12 weeks of psychotherapy treatment.ConclusionOur results suggest that improvements in cognitive functioning after psychotherapy treatment for depression in older adults with executive dysfunction are likely focal and not distributed across all cognitive domains. Although previous analyses reported that PST was superior to ST in the treatment of depression, this analysis indicated no difference between the two treatments with regard to improvements in cognitive functioning.

OBJECTIVE Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations among regimen distress (RD), selfmanagement, and glycemic control were undertaken to explore mechanisms of operation among these variables. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In a behavioral randomized contr

Background: Intervention adaptation is often necessary to improve the fit between evidence-based practices/programs and implementation contexts. Existing frameworks describe intervention adaptation processes but do not provide detailed steps for prospectively designing adaptations, are designed for researchers, and require substantial time and resources to complete. A pragmatic approach to guide implementers through developing and assessing adaptations in local contexts is needed. The goal of this project was to develop Making Optimal Decisions for Intervention Flexibility during Implementation (MODIFI), a method for intervention adaptation that leverages human centered design methods and is tailored to the needs of intervention implementers working in applied settings with limited time and resources. Method: MODIFI was iteratively developed via a mixed-methods modified Delphi process. Feedback was collected from 43 implementation research and practice experts. Two rounds of data collection gathered quantitative ratings of acceptability and inclusion (Round 1) and feasibility (Round 2), as well as qualitative feedback regarding MODIFI revisions analyzed using conventional content analysis. Results: In Round 1, most participants rated all proposed components as essential but identified important avenues for revision which were incorporated into MODIFI prior to Round 2. Round 2 emphasized feasibility, where ratings were generally high and fewer substantive revisions were recommended. Round 2 changes largely surrounded operationalization of terms/processes and sequencing of content. Results include a detailed presentation of the final version of the three-step MODIFI method (Step 1: Learn about the users, local context, and intervention; Step 2: Adapt the intervention; Step 3: Evaluate the adaptation) along with a case example of its application. Discussion: MODIFI is a pragmatic method that was developed to extend the contributions of other research-based adaptation theories, models, and frameworks while integrating methods that are tailored to the needs of intervention implementers. Guiding teams to tailor evidence-based interventions to their local context may extend for whom, where, and under what conditions an intervention can be effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations among regimen distress (RD), self-management, and glycemic control were undertaken to explore mechanisms of operation among these variables. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In a behavioral randomized control trial (RCT) to reduce RD, 392 adults with type 2 diabetes were assessed for RD, diet, exercise, medication adherence, and HbA1c at baseline and at 4 and 12 months. Associations among RD, self-management, and HbA1c were examined in cross-sectional analyses at baseline, in prospective analyses using baseline values to predict change over time, and in time-varying analyses. RESULTS At baseline, greater RD and poorer medication adherence were independently associated with higher HbA1c (P = 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively), and greater RD was associated with poorer medication adherence (P = 0.03). No consistent pattern of significant prospective associations was found. Significant time-varying findings showed that decreases in RD were associated with improvements in medication adherence (P < 0.01), physical activity (P < 0.001), and HbA1c (P = 0.02) over time following intervention. Changes in self-management were not associated with changes in HbA1c over time. CONCLUSIONS In the context of an RCT to reduce distress, RD, self-management, and HbA1c were interrelated in cross-sectional and time-varying analyses. Decreases in RD were associated with improvements in both self-management and HbA1c over 12 months. Findings point to the complex and likely multifaceted pathways of association among these key constructs, with results indicating significant linkages between RD and both self-management and glycemic control over time.

OBJECTIVE: To compare three interventions to reduce diabetes distress (DD) and improve self-management among non-clinically depressed adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: In REDEEM, 392 adults with T2DM and DD were randomized to computer-assisted self-management (CASM), CASM plus DD-specific problem solving (CAPS), or a computer-administered minimal supportive intervention. Primary outcomes were Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS) total, the Emotional Burden (EB) and Regimen Distress (RD) DDS subscales, and diet, exercise, and medication adherence. RESULTS: Significant and clinically meaningful reductions in DD (DDS, EB, and RD) and self-management behaviors occurred in all three conditions (P < 0.001), with no significant between-group differences. There was, however, a significant group × baseline distress interaction (P < 0.02), in which patients with high baseline RD in the CAPS condition displayed significantly larger RD reductions than those in the other two conditions. RD generated the most distress and displayed the greatest distress reduction as a result of intervention. The pace of DD reduction varied by patient age: older patients demonstrated significant reductions in DD early in the intervention, whereas younger adults displayed similar reductions later. Reductions in DD were accompanied by significant improvements in healthy eating, physical activity, and medication adherence, although not by change in HbA1c. CONCLUSIONS: DD is malleable and highly responsive to intervention. Interventions that enhance self-management also reduce DD significantly, but DD-specific interventions may be necessary for patients with high initial levels of DD. Future research should identify the minimal, most cost-effective interventions to reduce DD and improve self-management.

OBJECTIVE-To compare three interventions to reduce diabetes distress (DD) and improve self-management among non-clinically depressed adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS-In REDEEM, 392 adults with T2DM and DD were random

ObjectiveCortical atrophy has been associated with late-life depression (LLD) and recent findings suggest that reduced right hemisphere cortical thickness is associated with familial risk for major depressive disorder, but cortical thickness abnormalities in LLD have not been explored. Furthermore, cortical atrophy has been posited as a contributor to poor antidepressant treatment response in LLD, but the impact of cortical thickness on psychotherapy response is unknown. This study was conducted to evaluate patterns of cortical thickness in LLD and in relation to psychotherapy treatment outcomes.MethodsParticipants included 22 individuals with LLD and 12 age-matched comparison subjects. LLD participants completed 12 weeks of psychotherapy and treatment response was defined as a 50% reduction in depressive symptoms. All participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, and cortical mapping of gray matter tissue thickness was calculated.ResultsLLD individuals demonstrated thinner cortex than controls prominently in the right frontal, parietal, and temporal brain regions. Eleven participants (50%) exhibited positive psychotherapy response after 12 weeks of treatment. Psychotherapy nonresponders demonstrated thinner cortex in bilateral posterior cingulate and parahippocampal cortices, left paracentral, precuneus, cuneus, and insular cortices, and the right medial orbitofrontal and lateral occipital cortices relative to treatment responders.ConclusionsOur findings suggest more distributed right hemisphere cortical abnormalities in LLD than have been previously reported. In addition, our findings suggest that reduced bilateral cortical thickness may be an important phenotypic marker of individuals at higher risk for poor response to psychotherapy.

BackgroundTo determine the characteristics associated with having a mentor, the association of mentoring with self-efficacy, and the content of mentor-mentee interactions at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), we conducted a baseline assessment prior to implementing a comprehensive faculty mentoring program.MethodWe surveyed all prospective junior faculty mentees at UCSF. Mentees completed a web-based, 38-item survey including an assessment of self-efficacy and a needs assessment. We used descriptive and inferential statistics to determine the association between having a mentor and gender, ethnicity, faculty series, and self-efficacy.ResultsOur respondents (n=464, 56%) were 53% female, 62% white, and 7% from underrepresented minority groups. More than half of respondents (n=319) reported having a mentor. There were no differences in having a mentor based on gender or ethnicity (p>or=0.05). Clinician educator faculty with more teaching and patient care responsibilities were statistically significantly less likely to have a mentor compared with faculty in research intensive series (p

ObjectiveTo determine the concurrent, prospective, and time-concordant relationships among major depressive disorder (MDD), depressive symptoms, and diabetes distress with glycemic control.Research design and methodsIn a noninterventional study, we assessed 506 type 2 diabetic patients for MDD (Composite International Diagnostic Interview), for depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression), and for diabetes distress (Diabetes Distress Scale), along with self-management, stress, demographics, and diabetes status, at baseline and 9 and 18 months later. Using multilevel modeling (MLM), we explored the cross-sectional relationships of the three affective variables with A1C, the prospective relationships of baseline variables with change in A1C over time, and the time-concordant relationships with A1C.ResultsAll three affective variables were moderately intercorrelated, although the relationship between depressive symptoms and diabetes distress was greater than the relationship of either with MDD. In the cross-sectional MLM, only diabetes distress but not MDD or depressive symptoms was significantly associated with A1C. None of the three affective variables were linked with A1C in prospective analyses. Only diabetes distress displayed significant time-concordant relationships with A1C.ConclusionsWe found no concurrent or longitudinal association between MDD or depressive symptoms with A1C, whereas both concurrent and time-concordant relationships were found between diabetes distress and A1C. What has been called "depression" among type 2 diabetic patients may really be two conditions, MDD and diabetes distress, with only the latter displaying significant associations with A1C. Ongoing evaluation of both diabetes distress and MDD may be helpful in clinical settings.

Objective. This study examined the effects of gender, ethnicity, and medical illness on cessation of alcohol consumption in late life, by analyzing characteristics that distinguish current drinkers from former drinkers. Method. Participants were 211 medical patients aged 55-91, recruited from four public-sector primary care clinics. Respondents completed the Short Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (SMAST), and provided health and demographic data. A subset (n = 139) reported drinking history. Of these participants, 40% reported cessation of alcohol consumption at least one year prior to their participation in the study. Results. Older age, hypertension and heart problems were associated with drinking cessation among women but not among men. In logistic regression, drinking cessation was predicted by being unmarried, being a member of an ethnic minority group, heart problems and diabetes. Discussion. Physical illnesses may contribute to drinking cessation, especially in older women. Results have implications for alcohol interventions with older adults.

Aims This study compared 5-year treatment outcomes of older adults to thoseof middle-aged and younger adults in a large managed care chemical dependency program. We examined age group differences in individual, treatment and extra-treatment factors, which may influence long-term outcome. Design Seventy-seven per cent of original study participants completed a telephone interview 5 years after out-patient chemical dependency treatment at Kaiser Permanente. This sample (N = 925) included 65 patients aged 55-77, 296 patients aged 40-54 and 564 patients aged 18-39 (age at baseline). Measurements Measures at follow-up included alcohol and drug use, Addiction Severity Index (ASI), Alcoholics Anonymous Affiliation Scale, social resource and self-reported health questions. Mortality data were obtained from contact with family members of patients as well as automated health plan records. Findings Older adults were less likely to be drug-dependent at baseline than younger and middle-aged adults, and had longer retention in treatment than younger adults. At 5 years, older adults were less likely than younger adults to have close family or friends who encouraged alcohol or drug use. Fifty-two per cent of older adults reported total abstinence from alcohol and drugs in the previous 30 days versus 40% of younger adults. Older women had higher 30-day abstinence than older men or younger women. Among participants dependent only on alcohol, there were no significant age differences in 30-day abstinence. In logistic regression analysis, age group was not significant. Variables associated with greater age that independently predicted 30-day abstinence in the logistic regression model included longer retention in treatment and having no close family or friends who encouraged alcohol or drug use at 5 years: female gender was also significant. Conclusions Results indicate that older adults have favorable long-term outcome following treatment relative to younger adults, but these differences may be accounted for by variables associated with age such as type of substance dependence, treatment retention, social networks and gender. Age differences in these characteristics inform intervention strategies to support long-term recovery of older adults and provide direction for investigation of how age affects outcome.