Articles tagged with Psychotherapy
Despite ample evidence supporting its effectiveness, psychotherapy is on a decline in the US. This stems from a lack of definition, adoption, and articulation of its own evidence base, whereas medications have done so. Research shows that many therapists prioritize personal experience over evidence-based treatment.
A University of Zurich study found online psychotherapy to be equally effective, and in some cases better than, face-to-face therapy in reducing depression. After treatment, 53-57% of patients showed significant improvement, with higher satisfaction rates for both groups.
A Concordia University study shows that a veil of shame surrounds suicide in cultures worldwide, forcing those affected to grieve alone. Researchers used arts therapy to facilitate dialogue and find common themes across diverse communities, promoting healing and hope.
Female family physicians in Canada are practising differently, working fewer hours and seeing more patients with longer visits, but younger male physicians also work less than older counterparts
A study published in JAMA found that couple's therapy, specifically cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy (CBCT), can significantly decrease PTSD symptom severity and improve intimate relationship satisfaction in couples. The treatment was more effective than a wait-list condition, with improvements maintained at a 3-month follow-up.
A study compared the effectiveness of face-to-face and telephone-administered cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for treating depression in primary care patients. The results found that telephone CBT had lower rates of discontinuing treatment, but was less effective at reducing depressive symptoms in the long term.
A new study in Biological Psychiatry found that D-cycloserine augmentation enhances exposure therapy for PTSD, particularly in patients with severe symptoms. This approach may improve treatment outcomes by promoting neuroplasticity and reducing deficits in brain regions involved in emotion and memory.
Recent studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of group schema therapy in treating borderline personality disorder, with a 94% recovery rate over an 8-month period. The approach combines theoretical, conceptual, and practical information, including therapist tips and patient workbook materials.
Rhode Island Hospital is conducting a 5-year study on the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) versus supportive psychotherapy for treating Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). The study aims to reduce BDD symptoms and improve daily functioning.
A review of 160 reports found that common mental health interventions, such as counselling and child-friendly spaces, often lack rigorous scrutiny. The authors call for increased research into these interventions to improve their effectiveness and sustainability in humanitarian settings.
Several prominent scientists respond to a call for rethinking the current approach to mental health care, highlighting innovative programs like those developed by the US Department of Veterans Affairs. The authors emphasize the need to reduce the burden of mental illness in the United States through improved treatment and accessibility.
A new psychotherapy intervention, dignity therapy, significantly improves quality of life and enhances the dignity of patients at the end of life, while helping their families. The study found that dignity therapy reduces distress and enriches the end-of-life experience compared to standard palliative care and client-centred care.
A Canadian psychological scientist team found improvements in brain activity after group cognitive behavior therapy for patients with social anxiety disorder. The study used EEGs and found that changes in brain electrical interactions paralleled clinicians' and patients' reports of easing symptoms.
Research suggests that MDMA produces empathogenic effects, increasing feelings of friendliness, playfulness, and loving feelings in individuals. However, it also reduces the ability to recognize facial expressions of fear, potentially leading to increased social risk-taking.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine found that family-based therapy is twice as effective as individual psychotherapy in producing full remission of anorexia nervosa. The study compared the two treatment approaches in 121 adolescents and found that family-based therapy led to a significantly higher rate of patients re...
The book recounts Ellis's life, including his development of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), which helps individuals create healthy ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving. Ellis's principles and methods have influenced many fields, including cognitive therapy, coaching, and personal development.
A completed clinical trial found that MDMA-assisted psychotherapy significantly improved symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in patients who had failed traditional treatments. Eighty percent of trial participants no longer met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD, with notable improvements in workability and emotional regulation.
A new study published by the American Psychological Association finds psychodynamic psychotherapy to be highly effective in alleviating mental health symptoms, with benefits persisting after treatment has ended. The therapy's focus on self-reflection and examining relationship patterns leads to substantial treatment benefits.
A pilot study found that Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) can help 'at risk' teenage girls stabilize or reduce their body mass index (BMI), preventing excessive weight gain. IPT targets social and interpersonal difficulties linked to loss of control eating, a key factor in childhood obesity.
A randomized trial found that organized phone therapy for depression significantly improved symptoms, leading to a gain of 46 depression-free days over two years. The treatment was cost-effective, with only a $397 increase in outpatient health care costs, compared to $676 for phone care management alone.
Researchers developed a new form of CBT-E that can effectively treat over 80% of eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. The treatment has been shown to improve symptoms and sustain changes over time.
A new research review concludes that the most important factor in successful therapy is a motivated and engaged client who can use therapy to build on their strengths. A strong relationship between therapist and client is also a key indicator of a positive therapeutic outcome.
A meta-analysis found that longer psychodynamic psychotherapy lasting at least a year is effective and superior to shorter-term therapy for patients with complex mental disorders. The study suggests that short-term therapy may be insufficient for these patients, who often require more intensive treatment.
A new meta-analysis found that phone psychotherapy retained 97.4% of patients compared to face-to-face therapy's 50%. This breakthrough suggests a more accessible and effective treatment option for those struggling with depression.
A recent study found that the provision of psychotherapy by US psychiatrists declined significantly between 1996 and 2005, with a decline in both office-based visits and the percentage of patients receiving therapy. This shift is attributed to reimbursement policies favoring brief medication management visits over psychotherapy.
A study led by a nursing professor is evaluating the effectiveness of telephone-based interpersonal psychotherapy for treating postpartum depression. The trial involves trained nurses providing therapy to clinically depressed women in remote areas with limited access to mental health services.
The new edition of Change for the Better provides valuable insights into how learned patterns contribute to psychological problems like depression and anxiety. With updated theories and case studies, readers can identify their inner dialogues and achieve lasting change through mindfulness-based psychotherapy.
Experts warn that psychotherapies like CBT can have serious adverse effects, including worsening of conditions, psychological dependency, and exploitation. They call for rigorous regulation and monitoring to ensure patient safety and effectiveness.
A recent study found that 60% of psychotherapy clients felt their therapy either lasted too long or ended too soon. Clients who experienced a positive termination were more satisfied and reported feeling an expression of independence, reflection of positive therapeutic gains, and a sense of positive gains.
A new study found that individuals with a specific GABRA2 genotype may have fewer drinking days and better treatment response to psychotherapy. The findings suggest that genetic information could be used to match patients with the most effective treatments.
A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that family-based treatment was more effective than supportive psychotherapy in reducing binge eating and purging behaviors in adolescents with bulimia. The treatment showed promising results, with 39% of patients achieving remission after treatment.
Researchers found group interpersonal psychotherapy effective in reducing depressive symptoms among adolescent girls affected by war and displacement. In contrast, the same treatment was less effective for boys. The study suggests that additional interventions may be needed to address depression and anxiety in boys.
A randomized controlled trial found that group psychotherapy was effective in reducing depression symptoms among displaced adolescent girls, but not boys, who were survivors of war in northern Uganda. The intervention also showed promise for helping adolescents living in poor, rural, and illiterate communities.
A new study reveals that intensive forms of talk therapy, particularly transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP), can reduce symptoms and improve social functioning in individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). TFP was found to show improvement in ten out of twelve domains studied, including reduced suicidal behaviors and i...
A recent study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found no evidence linking psychotherapy to increased survival rates among cancer patients. Despite previous studies suggesting a potential benefit, the authors conclude that psychotherapy can improve quality of life without extending lifespan.
A University of Colorado study found that intensive psychotherapy added to medication significantly improved bipolar disorder symptoms, with patients experiencing better mental health faster. The research also highlighted the importance of family-focused therapy in stabilizing daily routines and coping strategies.
A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that intensive psychotherapy was more effective than brief therapy in treating bipolar depression. Patients who received intensive psychotherapy had a faster recovery rate and were more likely to stay well over time.
A new study by Group Health researchers found that phone-based therapy can lead to long-term positive effects on depression symptoms. Patients who received telephone psychotherapy soon after starting antidepressant medication showed strong positive effects at 18 months, with 77 percent reporting improved depression symptoms.
Schema Therapy has been shown to be more effective than traditional Transference Focused Psychotherapy in treating Borderline Personality Disorder. The therapy achieved full recovery in about 50% of patients and significant improvement in two-thirds, with a lower dropout rate and lower cost.
A clinical trial tested maintenance therapy to prevent depression recurrence in patients 70 years and older. The study found that long-term antidepressant medication and psychotherapy were effective, but specific types of psychotherapy may be needed for this population.
A long-term controlled trial found that continuing antidepressants for two years can reduce the chance of another depressive episode by 60 percent. Interpersonal psychotherapy was not effective in preventing new episodes of depression in this age group.
Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) has been found to be an effective treatment for bipolar disorder, helping patients manage daily routines and relationships to prevent mania and depression. The study suggests that IPSRT is particularly beneficial for individuals with more regular social routines and better physical health.
A new study found that telephone-administered cognitive-behavioral therapy (T-CBT) significantly improved depression symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis. The treatment was more effective than supportive emotion-focused therapy (T-SEFT) and showed lasting gains.
A newly developed treatment for severe grief, known as Complicated Grief Treatment (CGT), has been shown to be more effective than standard therapy in reducing symptoms of complicated grief and improving response rates. CGT was compared to Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) in a randomized controlled trial involving 83 women and 12 men.
Researchers found that both medication (nefazodone) and psychotherapy (CBASP) are effective in treating chronic depression even when the initial treatment fails. The study showed that switching between these two treatments resulted in improved symptoms for many patients, suggesting a strong basis for adjusting treatment plans.
A study at Binghamton University investigates how instruction can enhance people's response to hypnotic suggestions, with the goal of making hypnosis a more effective tool for managing anxiety and promoting positive changes. The research also explores the link between mindfulness and hypnotic responsiveness.
A collaborative care program for adolescent depression in primary care clinics significantly reduces symptoms, improves quality of life, and increases access to effective treatments. The study suggests that clinicians can effectively treat youth depression with a team-based approach.
A study of 28 individuals with acrophobia found that combining D-cycloserine (DCS) with virtual reality exposure therapy significantly reduced fear of heights, with effects lasting at least three months. The treatment works by facilitating 'fear extinction' in the brain, a process previously used to treat phobias and post-traumatic str...
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that patients use laughter to convey emotional intensity during psychotherapy, while therapists' laughter magnifies this effect. The study suggests that therapists should pay attention to when patients laugh, as it may indicate the need for further exploration of emotions.
A randomized trial found that telephone-based psychotherapy added significantly to usual care pharmacotherapy for patients with depression. The study showed improved patient-rated improvement and satisfaction rates compared to usual care.
Research suggests that men tend to have poorer outcomes in short-term group therapy for complicated grief, with symptoms improving less among males than females. The study's findings emphasize the importance of considering patient gender when selecting treatment options.
A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that school-based interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT-A) is an effective treatment for depressed adolescents. The therapy helped reduce depressive symptoms and improve overall functioning, particularly among females and Hispanic participants.
A new study finds that pairing medication with intensive outreach and encouragement significantly reduces depressive symptoms and improves daily functioning among low-income, minority women. The treatment approach was most effective for this population compared to traditional care.
A study of 61 patients with HIV-related peripheral neuropathy found that psychotherapy reduced pain intensity and improved daily life functions. However, high dropout rates and short attendance periods made it challenging to assess the treatment's effectiveness.
A study of 162 patients with binge-eating disorder found that interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) was as effective as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating the condition. Both therapies resulted in significant reductions in binge eating and improvements in quality of life.
A new study found a combination therapy of Serzone and psychotherapy to be highly effective in treating chronic forms of major depression, with an 85-percent response rate. The treatment approach produced significant improvement in patients sooner than psychotherapy alone, and with fewer side effects.
A national study found that 85% of chronically depressed patients improved after three months of treatment combining antidepressant Serzone with Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP). The combination therapy was more effective than either medication or psychotherapy alone for treating chronic depression.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association suggests that psychoanalytic psychotherapy can be an effective treatment for psychiatric conditions when implemented over a longer period. The research found a positive incremental effect up to 32 months of treatment, with increased session frequency hav...
A combination of nefazodone and psychotherapy is more effective than either medication or therapy alone in treating chronic depression, with an 85% response rate. The study also found significant improvement in insomnia and early symptom reduction.
A researcher found that cognitive behavioral psychotherapies effectively treat various traumatic events, reducing intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Long-lasting benefits were also observed in studies following participants after treatment.