Trauma-focused guided self-help (TF-GSH) is an important alternative to psychological therapy delivered by a therapist. This meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy of TF-GSH in reducing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and comorbid depressive and anxiety symptoms. A total of 17 trials were included that compared a TF-GSH intervention (N = 610) to various control comparators (N = 570). Control conditions included treatment as usual (k = 2), waiting list (k = 11), phone monitoring (k = 1), nontrauma writing (k = 1), general support (k = 1), and supportive counseling (k = 1). A moderate- to large-sized effect favouring TF-GSH was observed for PTSD (k = 17, g = −0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −1.24, −0.39) and a moderate-sized effect was observed for depressive (k = 13, g = −0.73, 95% CI: −1.16, −0.31) and anxiety (k = 11, g = −0.72, 95% CI: −1.18, −0.27) symptoms, with considerable heterogeneity. Moderator analyses were all not statistically significant. Results indicate that TF-GSH is a promising treatment for PTSD and comorbid depressive and anxiety symptoms. We discuss the nature, extent, and quality of the literature to provide a point of departure for future research. TF-GSH (and unguided self-help) may not be appropriate for certain individuals at certain times. Exploring a broad range of treatment delivery modalities will move the field closer towards a model of evidence-based care in which the likely appropriate dose and type of intervention can be matched to individuals based on presenting problems and other variables.
Siddaway, A.P., Meiser-Stedman, R., Chester, V., Finn, J., O Leary, C., Peck, D. & Loveridge, C.
Read researchJesu, A.J.M., Gangadharan, S.K., Bhaumik, S., & Alexander, R.T.
Read researchPsychological stress has an established bi-directional relationship with obesity. Mindfulness techniques reduce stress and improve eating behaviours, but their long-term impact remains untested. CALMPOD (Compassionate Approach to Living Mindfully for Prevention of Disease) is a psychoeducational mindfulness-based course evidenced to improve eating patterns across a 6-month period, possibly by reducing stress. However, no long-term evaluation of impact exists.
This study retrospectively evaluates 2-year outcomes of CALMPOD on patient engagement, weight and metabolic markers.
Hanson, P., Lange, M., Oduro-Donkor, D., Shuttlewood, E., Weickert, M.O., Randeva, H.S., Menon, V., Alexander, R.T., Basset, P., Shankar, R., & Barber, T.M.
Read researchAn increasing number of children, adolescents and adults with intellectual disabilities and/or autism are being admitted to general psychiatric wards and cared for by general psychiatrists.
The aim of this systematic review was to consider the likely effectiveness of in-patient treatment for this population, and compare and contrast differing models of in-patient care.
Melvin, C. L., Barnoux, M., Alexander, R., Roy, A., Devapriam, J., Blair, R., Tromans, S., Shepstone, L., & Langdon, P. E.
Read researchWe examined whether a series of variables were related to the number of psychiatric inpatients using publicly available data about English psychiatric bed utilisation and NHS workforce.
Langdon, P. E., Thompson, P. A., Shepstone, L., Perez-Olivas, G., Melvin, C. L., Barnoux, M., Alexander, R., Roy, A., & Devapriam, J.
Read researchThis project sought to ascertain views and experiences of people with intellectual disabilities, their carers’, and specialist intellectual disability psychiatrists as to use of telepsychiatry consultations.
Gates, G., Sawhney, I., Alexander, R., Shardlow, S. & Zia, A
Read researchPharmacists have a critical role in monitoring the use of anticholinergic medication and preventing adverse effects on oral health.
Tharian, R. Patteril, E. & Shah, C.
Read researchThe draft Mental Health Bill, which amends the Mental Health Act 1983 for England and Wales, proposes protections for people with intellectual disability and/or autism (ID/A) to prevent detention in hospital in the absence of mental illness. This editorial critically appraises the positive impact and unintended consequences of the proposed reforms for people with ID/A.
Tromans, S., Bhui, K., Sawhney, I., Odiyoor, M., Courtenay, K., Roy, A., Boer, H., Alexander, A., Biswas, A., McCarthy, J., Gulati, G., Laugharne, R., & Shankar, R.
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