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Relapse Prevention (relapse + prevention)
Selected AbstractsTreatment of Cocaine-Alcohol Dependence with Naltrexone and Relapse Prevention TherapyTHE AMERICAN JOURNAL ON ADDICTIONS, Issue 4 2004Joy M. Schmitz Ph.D. This study evaluates whether patients with cocaine-alcohol dependence might benefit from naltrexone (NTX) pharmacotherapy when delivered in conjunction with psychotherapy. Eighty outpatients meeting DSM-IV criteria for alcohol and cocaine dependence were randomly assigned to receive NTX (placebo or 50mg/d) combined with psychotherapy (Relapse Prevention [RP] or Drug Counseling [DC]) for twelve weeks. It was hypothesized that the skills training focus of RP therapy, in combination with NTX 50 mg/d, would produce greater reductions in cocaine and alcohol use. Outcome measures included self- and objective reports of substance use, treatment retention, medication compliance, and adverse effects. During the first four weeks of treatment, the percentage of cocaine-positive urine screens was significantly lower for those receiving RP therapy (22%) than those receiving DC (47%); however, this difference subsequently diminished. No medication effects were found. All groups reported less alcohol use at the end of treatment. Treatment retention was the same among the groups, with about 33% of the subjects completing all twelve weeks of treatment. The active medication group showed better medication compliance, while the number of adverse events was low overall and not significantly different by group. In conclusion, NTX at 50 mg/d did not reduce cocaine or alcohol use. These findings stand in contrast to previously reported positive findings for NTX and RP in patients with a single diagnosis of cocaine dependence. [source] Relapse prevention with sex offenders: practice, theory and researchCRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR AND MENTAL HEALTH, Issue 1 2001Gilles Launay Head of Psychology Introduction Relapse prevention (RP) is now applied to sex offending. It has been questioned as to whether RP is worthwhile. This paper aims to evaluate this technique. The Rochester RP programme The purpose of the Rochester RP programme is to refine and strengthen skills gained in the prison department's sex offender treatment programme. The objective of the programme is to teach prisoners to recognize the chain of events leading up to their current offences and to practise strategies to interrupt this chain. Theoretical basis for RP Stopping an undesired behaviour and maintaining abstinence are two different problems. RP aims to address the maintenance problems. At the centre of RP theory is a study of the conditions that can turn lapse into relapse. Yet RP has been criticized as a lot of jargon saying very little. Ward and Hudson criticize RP constructs and their interaction. Such debates have few implications for clinical work and most of the criticism flies in the face of clinical experience. Research basis for RP Risk factors for sex offenders are being identified. Local evaluation of the Rochester programme suggests that prisoners do learn to identify risk factors and to develop coping strategies. As yet, however, there is no evidence as to whether RP works or not. Discussion A way to improve the efficacy of an RP programme may be to augment it with additional modules, e.g. behaviour therapy, drug treatment, continued work with the same prison staff and relaxation training. Conclusion RP theory is sound in essence but suffers from an overlay of cumbersome vocabulary. Reliable research is emerging. Copyright © 2001 Whurr Publishers Ltd. [source] Evaluation of a cognitive behaviourally oriented service for relapse prevention in schizophreniaACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 5 2010S. Klingberg Klingberg S, Wittorf A, Fischer A, Jakob-Deters K, Buchkremer G, Wiedemann G. Evaluation of a cognitive behaviourally oriented service for relapse prevention in schizophrenia. Objective:, There is little work demonstrating the effectiveness of cognitive behaviourally oriented interventions in routine service settings. This pragmatic trial is designed to test the impact of a group treatment service on relapse rates under the conditions of routine health care. Method:, A total of 169 schizophrenia patients were randomly allocated either to a comprehensive cognitive behaviourally oriented service (CBOS) or to treatment as usual (TAU). The primary outcome is the time until the first relapse after discharge from hospital. Relapse was defined as an increase in positive or negative symptoms as assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Survival analysis has been conducted up to the 6-month assessment. Results:, The mean time to relapse after discharge from hospital in the CBOS group was significantly longer than in the TAU group (log rank test, P = 0.033). This was due to less exacerbations regarding negative symptoms in the CBOS condition (log rank test, P = 0.014). The number of social contacts was improved in the CBOS group only. Conclusion:, The CBOS intervention appears to be beneficial in reducing early negative symptom exacerbations. [source] The Bech,Rafaelsen Melancholia Scale (MES) in clinical trials of therapies in depressive disorders: a 20-year review of its use as outcome measureACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 4 2002P. Bech Bech P. The Bech,Rafaelsen Melancholia Scale (MES) in clinical trials of therapies in depressive disorders A 20-year review of its use as outcome measure. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2002: 106: 252,264. © Blackwell Munksgaard 2002. Objective:,To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Bech,Rafaelsen Melancholia Scale (MES) by reviewing clinical trials in which it has been used as outcome measure. Method:,The psychometric analysis included internal validity (total scores being a sufficient statistic), interobserver reliability, and external validity (responsiveness in short-term trials and relapse prevention in long-term trials). Results:,The results showed that the MES is a unidimensional scale, indicating that the total score is a sufficient statistic. The interobserver reliability of the MES has been found adequate both in unipolar and bipolar depression. External validity including both relapse, response and recurrence indicated that the MES has a high responsiveness and sensitivity. Conclusion:,The MES has been found a valid and reliable scale for the measurement of changes in depressive states during short-term as well as long-term treatment. [source] Early intervention with second-generation antipsychotics in first-episode psychosis: results of an 8-week naturalistic studyEARLY INTERVENTION IN PSYCHIATRY, Issue 1 2010Richard C. Josiassen Abstract Objective: The objective was to compare short-term effectiveness of aripiprazole with three other second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) in the treatment of first-episode psychosis. Method: In a naturalistic, ,single-blind' design, 60 subjects experiencing their first psychotic episode were treated for 8 weeks with aripiprazole (n = 19), risperidone (n = 16), olanzapine (n = 14) or quetiapine (n = 11). Medication and dosing decisions were made by treating psychiatrists, constrained to once-a-day dosing, low initial doses and no clozapine. Weekly ratings were obtained using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Simpson-Angus Rating Scale and Barnes Akathasia Rating Scale. Weight and vital signs were also collected weekly. Results: The group presented with severe psychotic symptoms (mean baseline PANSS total score of 105.2), which were reduced rapidly (P < 0.0005). The between-group and group by time interaction terms were non-significant. Similar reductions were seen across all PANSS sub-scales. At Week 1 the mean PANSS Activation Scale score was reduced more with olanzapine than in the other groups (P < 0.002). Few instances of extrapyramidal symptoms occurred; all were sporadic and did not require treatment. Group body weight increased by 7.3% over the study. Vital signs remained unchanged. Conclusions: Early intervention with low doses of four SGAs led to rapid symptom reduction in first-episode psychotic patients with severe psychopathology. Although no clear medication advantages were observed in the short term, longer duration studies with larger samples will be required for determining efficacy, rates of compliance, relapse prevention and diminished incidence of extrapyramidal signs and symptoms. [source] The development of the Recovery and Prevention of Psychosis Service in Melbourne, AustraliaEARLY INTERVENTION IN PSYCHIATRY, Issue 2 2009Brendan P. Murphy Abstract Aim: To describe the establishment of a multicomponent, phase-specific, early intervention service for young people experiencing psychosis. Methods: The Recovery and Prevention of Psychosis Service commenced streamed clinical service delivery in November 2004, providing comprehensive case management for up to 3 years within Victoria's largest metropolitan health service. It delivers phase-oriented treatment focusing on early detection, recovery and relapse prevention, and minimizing disability and secondary comorbidity. The combined programme covers training and professional development, data collection and evaluation, specialist intervention services, group programme work and community development. Results: Of the first 151 clients, 70.2% were male, the average age at first presentation was 20.9 years, 15% were under 18 at first contact and 67% required inpatient admission at least once. Mean age at first contact was 20.84 years for those requiring inpatient services and 70% admitted were male. The average length of stay was 25.69 days and 23% were secluded, with an average of 2.1 seclusions. A large percentage of Recovery and Prevention of Psychosis Service clients (81%) required involuntary treatment, a significantly greater proportion of admitted patients were on Community Treatment Orders compared to those never admitted (22.5% cf. 4.1%; P = 0.04) and 92% of those admitted subsequently relapsed compared to 8% of those not admitted (P = 0.02). Conclusions: Recovery and Prevention of Psychosis Service is successfully developing a fully integrated first episode service. Recent developments include expanding the period of care up to 5 years for selected patients, the recruitment of a health promotions officer and planning for the development of a youth inpatient unit. [source] A systematic review of the effectiveness of smoking relapse prevention interventions for abstinent smokersADDICTION, Issue 8 2010Shade Agboola ABSTRACT Aims To carry out a systematic review of the effectiveness of relapse prevention interventions (RPIs) among abstinent smokers who had completed an initial course of treatment or who had abstained unassisted, pooling only outcome data from similar follow-up time points. Methods We used the same search strategy as was used in Cochrane reviews of RPIs to identify randomized trials of behavioural and pharmacological studies of smoking RPIs published up to July 2008. Abstinence from smoking was defined as either continuous abstinence or point prevalence abstinence, measured at three follow-up time points: short term (1,3 months post randomization), medium term (6,9 months) and long term (12,18 months). Abstinence among pregnant/postpartum women was also measured at delivery or the last follow-up prior to delivery. Random effect meta-analysis was used to estimate pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results Thirty-six studies randomizing abstainers were included. Self-help materials appeared to be effective in preventing relapse at long-term follow up in initially unaided quitters (pooled OR 1.52; 95% CI 1.15 to 2.01, I2 = 0%, NNT = 11, 3 studies). Other behavioural interventions for relapse prevention appeared effective in the short term only. There were positive results for the use of pharmacotherapies for relapse prevention. Bupropion was effective at long-term follow-up (pooled OR 1.49; 95% CI 1.10 to 2.01; I2 = 0%; NNT = 11; 4 studies). Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) was effective at medium-term (pooled OR 1.56; 95% CI 1.16 to 2.11; I2 = 37%; NNT = 14; 4 trials) and long-term follow-ups (pooled OR 1.33; 95% CI 1.08 to 1.63; I2 = 0%; NNT = 20; 4 trials). Single trials of extended treatment of Varenicline and rimonabant were also found to be effective at short-term and medium-term follow-ups. Conclusions Self-help materials appear to prevent relapse in initially unaided quitters. Use of NRT, bupropion and varenicline appears to be effective in preventing relapse following an initial period of abstinence or an acute treatment episode. There is currently no good evidence that behavioural support prevents relapse after initial unaided abstinence or following an acute treatment period. [source] Computer-delivered interventions for alcohol and tobacco use: a meta-analysisADDICTION, Issue 8 2010Sally Rooke ABSTRACT Aims To quantify the overall effectiveness of computer-delivered interventions for alcohol and tobacco use. Methods Meta-analysis of 42 effect sizes from randomized controlled trials, based on the responses of 10 632 individuals. Results The weighted average effect size (d) was 0.20, P < 0.001. While lower effect sizes were associated with studies addressing tobacco use (d = 0.14) this may well reflect differences in the types of outcome measure used. Effect sizes did not vary significantly as a function of treatment location, inclusion of entertaining elements, provision of normative feedback, availability of a discussion feature, number of treatment sessions, emphasis on relapse prevention, level of therapist involvement or follow-up period. Conclusion Findings of the meta-analysis suggest that minimal contact computer-delivered treatments that can be accessed via the internet may represent a cost-effective means of treating uncomplicated substance use and related problems. [source] Determinants of continuity and change over 10 years in young women's smokingADDICTION, Issue 3 2009Liane McDermott ABSTRACT Aims To examine prospectively continuity and change in smoking behaviour and associated attributes over a 10-year period. Design, setting and participants Participants (initially aged 18,23 years) in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health completed postal questionnaires in 1996, 2000, 2003 and 2006. The analysis sample was 6840 women who participated in all surveys and provided complete smoking data. Measurements Outcome variables were transitions in smoking behaviour between surveys 1 and 2, 2 and 3, 3 and 4 and 1 and 4. Attributes that differentiated continuing smokers from quitters, relapsers from ex-smokers and adopters from never smokers were examined for each survey period. Explanatory variables included previous smoking history, demographic, psychosocial, life-style risk behaviour and life-stage transition factors. Findings Over 10 years, 23% of participants either quit, re-started, adopted or experimented with smoking. Recent illicit drug use and risky or high-risk drinking predicted continued smoking, relapse and smoking adoption. Marriage or being in a committed relationship was associated significantly with quitting, remaining an ex-smoker and not adopting smoking. Living in a rural or remote area and lower educational attainment were associated with continued smoking; moderate and high physical activity levels were associated positively with remaining an ex-smoker. Conclusions Life-style and life-stage factors are significant determinants of young women's smoking behaviour. Future research needs to examine the inter-relationships between tobacco, alcohol and illicit drug use, and to identify the determinants of continued smoking among women living in rural and remote areas. Cessation strategies could examine the role of physical activity in relapse prevention. [source] Naltrexone versus acamprosate in the treatment of alcohol dependence: a multi-centre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trialADDICTION, Issue 10 2006Kirsten C. Morley ABSTRACT Aim To compare the efficacy of acamprosate and naltrexone in the treatment of alcohol dependence., Design A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial., Setting Three treatment centres in Australia., Participants A total of 169 alcohol dependent subjects were given naltrexone (50 mg/day), acamprosate (1998 mg/day) or placebo for 12 weeks. Intervention All subjects were offered manualized compliance therapy, a brief intervention that targets problems that may affect treatment compliance such as ambivalence and misperceptions about medication. Measurements Time to the first drink, time to first relapse, drinks per drinking day and cumulative abstinence. Findings In intention-to-treat analyses, there were no differences between groups on outcome measures of drinking, craving or biochemical markers. Similarly, analyses of the 94 subjects that completed the study in full and demonstrated 80% compliance, revealed no significant treatment effects. Differential treatment effects were identified after stratification according to scores on the Alcohol Dependence Scale (ADS) and Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS). A significant beneficial treatment effect on time to first relapse was revealed for subjects with ,no depression' allocated to naltrexone (n = 56; P < 0.01). In addition, a significant beneficial treatment effect was revealed in subjects with ,low dependence' allocated to naltrexone (n = 34; P < 0.05). Conclusions The results of this study support the efficacy of naltrexone in the relapse prevention of alcoholism amongst those with low levels of clinical depression and alcohol dependence severity. No effect of acamprosate was found in our sample. [source] Towards consensus in the long-term management of relapse prevention in schizophreniaHUMAN PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY: CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL, Issue 3 2005M. Taylor Abstract Approach to developing guidance When developing guidance for the long-term management of schizophrenia, one approach is to adopt a proactive strategy that sets out clear treatment goals and strategies. This should involve a broad view being taken, embracing overall mental and physical well-being rather than simply the absence of illness. Although relapse prevention is an important goal of any long-term management strategy, there are other aspects that need to be considered, such as reintegration into society, regaining independence and quality of life. Current treatment To help achieve these goals, a range of interventions can be incorporated into long-term management strategies for schizophrenia, including pharmacological interventions, psychosocial therapies and alliance-building initiatives. The current UK National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidelines already recommend that continuous therapy should be practised using an atypical (second-generation) antipsychotic drug, whenever possible, in preference to older typical drugs. The launch of the first long-acting atypical antipsychotic is an interesting new advance that may benefit many patients with schizophrenia. Psychosocial interventions, particularly family-based therapies, as well as cognitive behavioural and compliance therapies, when used alongside antipsychotics, have been shown to reduce relapse rates dramatically and to assist in social reintegration. In addition, forging collaborative alliances with patients and their carers can help to demystify schizophrenia and empower patients to take responsibility for their illness. Consensus statement This article outlines a consensus reached by a panel of leading UK healthcare professionals working with schizophrenia brought together to discuss long-term management strategies. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Iloperidone for schizophrenia: a review of the efficacy and safety profile for this newly commercialised second-generation antipsychoticINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 8 2009L. Citrome Summary Objective:, The aim of the study was to describe the efficacy and safety of iloperidone for the treatment of schizophrenia. Data sources:, The pivotal registration trials were accessed by querying http://www.pubmed.gov, http://www.fda.gov and http://www.clinicaltrials.gov for the search term ,iloperidone'. Study selection:, Four published primary reports of phase III studies were identified as well as preclinical animal and receptor affinity studies that describe potential mechanisms of action and pharmacogenomic studies that identify potential genetic biomarkers for efficacy and tolerability. Product labelling provided additional data. Data extraction:, Descriptions of the principal results and calculation of number needed to treat (NNT) and number needed to harm (NNH) for relevant dichotomous outcomes were extracted from the study reports. Additional safety outcomes subject to NNH analysis were obtained from product labelling. Data synthesis:, Iloperidone is a second-generation antipsychotic agent indicated for the acute treatment of schizophrenia in adults. Iloperidone has been evaluated in several double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trials. The oral formulation has demonstrated efficacy in reducing the symptoms of acute schizophrenia at fixed daily doses ranging from 12 to 24 mg. Data reported for categorical definitions of response using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale were limited to one study and specifically to rates of achieving a , 20% decrease in the positive subscale from baseline; significantly more patients receiving iloperidone 24 mg/day (72%) than placebo (52%) met this criterion, yielding a NNT of five. Iloperidone should be titrated slowly to avoid orthostatic hypotension, potentially delaying the achievement of a therapeutic dose level. There appears to be a dose relationship for adverse events such as dizziness, somnolence and dry mouth; for example NNH vs. placebo for somnolence was 25 for iloperidone 10,16 mg/day and 10 for 20,24 mg/day. There is a possibility of a therapeutic dose response as well. Iloperidone is essentially free of extra-pyramidal side effects. Iloperidone is associated with weight gain comparable with risperidone. Long-term double-blind maintenance studies have demonstrated iloperidone's non-inferiority to haloperidol for relapse prevention. Product labelling includes a warning about the potential for QT interval prolongation. At present there are no efficacy studies available that are powered to directly compare iloperidone with other second-generation antipsychotics. The development of a depot formulation of iloperidone as well as efforts to identify genetic biomarkers for prediction of both efficacy and tolerability are in progress. Conclusions:, Aside from paliperidone, iloperidone is the first new second-generation antipsychotic to be commercialised in the USA since 2002. From the limited registration data, iloperidone appears to be relatively well tolerated once titrated to a therapeutic level and can be a useful option to consider. The development of a depot formulation and potential for genetic biomarkers may make this agent compelling. Further comparisons with other available agents among patients with schizophrenia in the ,real world' are needed. [source] Continuation and long-term maintenance treatment with Hypericum extract WS® 5570 after successful acute treatment of mild to moderate depression , rationale and study designINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF METHODS IN PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH, Issue 3 2004Chairman, S. Kasper Professor Abstract Unipolar major depression is often a chronic disease that may require lifelong prophylaxis. Recovery from an acute episode is followed by 4-6 months of relapse prevention. After that, long-term maintenance treatment is administered to avoid recurrence. We present the rationale and design of an ongoing double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial investigating the efficacy of Hypericum extract WS® 5570 in relapse prevention in recurrent unipolar depression. An estimated sample of 425 adults with recurrent, mild to moderate major depression (ICD-10 and DSM-IV criteria), ,3 previous episodes (last 5 years) and a total score ,20 points on the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD) will be included. After a one-week wash out patients receive 3 × 300 mg/day WS® 5570 single-blind for 6 weeks. Responders are randomized to 26 weeks of double-blind continuation treatment with 3 × 300 mg/day WS® 5570 or placebo. Patients completing continuation treatment without relapse enter 52 weeks of double-blind maintenance treatment, where those treated with WS® 5570 are re-randomized to 3 × 300 mg/day WS® 5570 or placebo. The primary outcome measure is the time to relapse during continuation treatment (HAMD ,16, clinical diagnosis of depression, or premature treatment termination for inefficacy). Hypericum extract, with its favourable tolerability profile, could be an interesting option for long-term prophylaxis. The trial was designed according to current consensus and guidance. Notably, it includes long-term prophylactic treatment with the same drug and the same therapeutic dose applied during acute treatment, uses well-defined outcome measures and provides a clear distinction between relapse and recurrence. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd. [source] Do paediatricians provide brief intervention for adolescents who smoke?JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH, Issue 6 2007Bronwyn Milne Aims: This study aimed to describe the self-reported practice of paediatricians in brief interventions for adolescents who smoke. We also aimed to compare practice with confidence, skills and knowledge of brief intervention and nicotine replacement therapy after a targeted training programme. Methods: Medical staff at The Children's Hospital at Westmead completed a questionnaire of clinical practice and confidence in brief intervention for smoking cessation. Data were analysed comparing self-reported practice with confidence, skill and knowledge of brief interventions, based on Fiore's 5A's approach (Ask about smoking at every opportunity, Assess willingness to quit, Advise patients to quit smoking, Assist quit attempts and Arrange follow up). Results: Fifty-seven clinicians completed questionnaires, 55 (96%) recognised the importance of asking adolescents about smoking. Thirty-one (54%) identified adolescent smokers all or most of the time, increasing to 50 (88%) if their presenting condition was associated with smoking. Twenty-five (44%) clinicians assessed the stage of change, 33 (58%) advised the adolescent to quit smoking, nine (16%) assisted quit attempts and 10 (17.5%) arranged follow up. Clinicians more confident in brief intervention skills, motivational interviewing and relapse prevention were more likely to use the 5A's (P < 0.05). Training increased clinician's confidence in brief intervention skills and knowledge of nicotine replacement therapy (P < 0.01); however, there was no statistically significant change in clinical practice 1 month post training. Conclusion: Training paediatricians in brief intervention skills, motivational interviewing and relapse prevention can increase the use of 5A's brief intervention in clinical practice, potentially increasing quit attempts in adolescents who smoke. [source] Glycine Receptors Involved in Acamprosate's Modulation of Accumbal Dopamine Levels: An In Vivo Microdialysis StudyALCOHOLISM, Issue 1 2010PeiPei Chau Background:, Glycine receptors (GlyRs) in the nucleus accumbens (nAc) and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) have been suggested to be involved in the positive reinforcing and dopamine elevating effects of ethanol. Recent studies have also shown that ethanol high-preferring rats substantially decrease their ethanol intake when treated with a glycine transporter 1 inhibitor (ORG 25935). Acamprosate, a drug used for relapse prevention in treatment of alcohol dependence, has also been demonstrated to elevate extracellular dopamine levels in the nAc. However, the underlying mechanism of action of acamprosate is not fully understood. Here we investigated whether acamprosate interferes with a neuronal circuitry that previously has been demonstrated to be involved in the dopamine elevating effects of ethanol and taurine. Methods:, In vivo microdialysis in freely moving rats was used to assess accumbal dopamine levels before and during local (nAc) or systemic administration of acamprosate. Results:, Perfusion of 0.5 mM acamprosate in the nAc significantly increased dopamine levels. Pretreatment either with 10 ,M strychnine in the nAc or 100 ,M mecamylamine in the VTA, completely antagonized the acamprosate-induced elevation of accumbal dopamine levels. Also, systemic acamprosate administration elevated accumbal dopamine output, an effect that was abolished by local (nAc) pretreatment with 10 ,M strychnine. Conclusions:, These results suggest that both systemic and local application of acamprosate elevate extracellular dopamine levels in the nAc by activating accumbal GlyRs, and, secondarily, tegmental nAChRs. [source] Becoming a success story: how boys who have molested children talk about treatmentJOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC & MENTAL HEALTH NURSING, Issue 3 2003L. LAWSON PhD RN This grounded theory study was designed to generate a mid-range theory of treatment from the perspective of boys who have molested children and undergone outpatient treatment. Data included information from seven boys' charts, their written responses to open-ended questions, and audio-taped interviews. The interviews generated a series of statements reflecting the boys' experiences in treatment, which were analysed by the constant comparative method. The basic social process of treatment was ,becoming a success story'. The structural elements of becoming a success story included relapse prevention, compliance and decision-making. The boys integrated these structural elements by talking to people they trusted, listening to what people said, and using what people said to help them do what was right. Becoming a success story took place in a context of family and community support. In its current form, this theory of treatment success can be used in practice to monitor progress through treatment. [source] Acamprosate: Recent Findings and Future Research DirectionsALCOHOLISM, Issue 7 2008Karl Mann This article explores the mechanisms of action and the potential responder profile of acamprosate, a compound efficacious in relapse prevention of alcoholism. New evidence at the molecular and cellular level suggests that acamprosate attenuates hyper-glutamatergic states that occur during early abstinence and involves iono (NMDA)- and metabotrotropic (mGluR5) glutamate receptors along with augmented intracellular calcium release and electrophysiological changes. Thus mutant mice with enhanced glutamate levels exhibit higher alcohol consumption than wild type mice and respond better to acamprosate, demonstrating that acamprosate acts mainly on a hyper-glutamatergic system. This mode of action further suggests that acamprosate exhibits neuroprotective properties. In rats, cue-induced reinstatement behavior is significantly reduced by acamprosate treatment whereas cue-induced craving responses in alcohol-dependent patients seem not to be affected by this treatment. An ongoing study ("Project Predict") defines specific responder profiles for an individualized use of acamprosate and naltrexone. Neurophysiological as well as psychometric data are used to define 2 groups of patients: "reward cravers" and "relief cravers". While naltrexone should work better in the first group, acamprosate is hypothesized to be efficacious in the latter where withdrawal associated and/or cue induced hyper-glutamatergic states are thought to trigger relapse. Further research should target the definition of subgroups applying endophenotypic approaches, e.g. by detecting a hyperglutamatergic syndrome using MR spectroscopy. [source] Financial Costs of Alcoholism Treatment Programs: A Longitudinal and Comparative Evaluation Among Four Specialized CentersALCOHOLISM, Issue 1 2003B. Nalpas Background: Alcoholism is a worldwide problem. Many strategies for alcohol detoxification and relapse prevention exist, but each alcohol treatment center has its own program. The objective of this study was to analyze and compare the financial cost and effectiveness of alcohol treatment programs from inpatient stay to follow-up 1 year later. This was a prospective, open, nonrandomized study of 4 specialized alcohol treatment centers and 267 patients admitted for alcohol detoxification. Methods: We recorded all medical and nonmedical interventions related to the program during patient stay in the hospital and every 3 months after discharge for 1 year and recorded the occurrence of alcohol relapse. Financial evaluation was based on the prices of refund from the French national health insurance service. Results: The mean cost of hospitalization ranged from ,1326 to ,1917 (p= 0.001), a variation mainly due to the difference in the length of hospital stay but also to the cost of the inpatient program, routine medical checkups, and drugs administered. The mean cost of 1 year of follow-up per patient ranged from ,419 to ,1704 (p= 0.001). The efficiency, corresponding to the money spent to prevent the relapse of one patient during 1 month, was approximately ,500/month in three centers and ,658 in the fourth. However, for a similar efficiency, the effectiveness, assessed by the mean time without relapse, was significantly (p= 0.001) different; center 1, which had the highest total cost, had an effectiveness 1.56 times higher than center 3, which had the lowest cost. Conclusions: This work emphasizes the heterogeneity of the costs and effectiveness of alcoholism treatment programs and suggests that research should be conducted to determine which program is the most rational, cost-efficient, and beneficial for patients and the public health office economy. [source] Promoting Lifestyle Change in the Prevention and Management of Type 2 DiabetesJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NURSE PRACTITIONERS, Issue 8 2003APRN, Robin Whittemore PhD Purpose To present the theoretical background for lifestyle change interventions in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes and to provide pragmatic strategies for advanced practice nurses (APNs) to incorporate such interventions into their practices. Data Sources Selected scientific literature and the Internet. Conclusions There is an epidemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes among adults in the United States. Preventing or managing these health conditions requires significant lifestyle changes by individuals. Implications for Practice APNs are in a key role to deliver lifestyle change interventions, particularly in the primary care setting. Strategies to assist APNs with lifestyle change counseling include (a) assessment, (b) mutual decision making, (c) referral to education programs, (d) individualized treatment goals, (e) strategies to assist with problem solving, (f) continuing support and encouragement, (g) relapse prevention, and (h) ongoing follow-up. [source] Effect of a family psychoeducational program on relatives of schizophrenia patientsPSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES, Issue 4 2008Satoko Sota Aims:, Family psychoeducational programs have been shown to be effective in terms of knowledge acquirement and relapse prevention, but few studies have looked at whether one mode of educational method is more effective than another. The aim of the present study was to compare several modes of educational approaches and to elucidate which mode of education is more effective. Methods:, A total of 110 relatives of 95 patients with schizophrenia received three types of family psychoeducational programs between January 1995 and September 2003: a small group with two sessions (P1), a large group with nine sessions (P2), and a large group with five sessions (P3). In addition to the demographic data, acquired knowledge was measured using the modified Knowledge About Schizophrenia Interview (KASI), family expressed emotion (EE), and relapse episodes. Results:, Overall there were significant increases in many KASI subcategory scores after the three programs, in mothers in particular. The change in KASI scores indicated that the low EE group was able to be highly educated and that the relatives of non-relapsers were more effectively educated. As for the mode of the family psychoeducational program, the P1 and P2 groups surpassed the P3 in terms of knowledge acquired. Conclusions:, Effects of family psychoeducation may depend not on the number of members or sessions but on the time spent on the program per member. [source] New Developments in the Pharmacotherapy of Alcohol DependenceTHE AMERICAN JOURNAL ON ADDICTIONS, Issue 2001Hugh Myrick M.D. Neuroscientific underpinnings and pharmacotherapeutic treatments of sub-stance use disorders are rapidly developing areas of study. In particular, there have been exciting new developments in our understanding of the involvement of excitatory amino acid neurotransmitter systems and the opiate and serotonin systems in the pathophysiology of alcohol withdrawal, alcohol dependence, and in subtypes of individuals with alcoholism. In this article, new developments in the pharmacotherapy of alcohol dependence will be reviewed. In particular, the use of anticonvulsants in alcohol withdrawal and protracted abstinence syndromes will be discussed. New data on opiate antagonists and acamprosate, an agent that exerts actions through excitatory amino acid systems in relapse prevention, will be reviewed. Finally, there will be a review of new data concerning the use of serotonin reuptake inhibitors in subtypes of alcoholism and the use of combination pharmacotherapy. [source] Effects of recurrence on the cognitive performance of patients with bipolar I disorder: implications for relapse prevention and treatment adherenceBIPOLAR DISORDERS, Issue 5 2010Carlos López-Jaramillo López-Jaramillo C, Lopera-Vásquez J, Gallo A, Ospina-Duque J, Bell V, Torrent C, Martínez-Arán A, Vieta E. Effects of recurrence on the cognitive performance of patients with bipolar I disorder: implications for relapse prevention and treatment adherence. Bipolar Disord 2010: 12: 557,567. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Objective:, To determine if the repeated occurrence of manic episodes in bipolar I disorder (BD-I) patients is associated with reduced cognitive performance, which could in turn imply a worsening in the disorder's evolution. Method:, Cognitive performance in euthymic patients was assessed using attention, memory, and executive function tests on 24 BD-I patients who had experienced only 1 manic episode, on 27 BD-I patients with 2 manic episodes, on 47 BD-I patients with 3 or more manic episodes, and on 66 healthy control subjects. Results:, In BD-I patients, number of manic episodes was positively associated with poorer performance on neurocognitive tests, an association that was not accounted for by depression, disease chronicity, onset, or medication. Significant differences in attention and executive function were found between patients and controls and in those patients who had had just 1 manic episode compared to those who had 3 or more. Conclusion:, The number of manic episodes predicted poor cognitive performance, suggesting that the recurrence of mania may have a long-term neuropsychological impact. Prospective follow-up studies need to be completed to explore this effect further as better treatment adherence may have a protective effect on neurocognitive function. [source] Psychological therapies in bipolar disorder: the effect of illness history on relapse prevention , a systematic reviewBIPOLAR DISORDERS, Issue 5 2009Dominic H Lam Objectives:, Despite some encouraging outcomes and shared components of psychological therapies specific to bipolar disorders, not all studies found conclusively that the addition of a psychosocial intervention to pharmacological interventions improves outcomes. There was some tentative evidence from post hoc analyses that patients with more than 12 previous episodes did not benefit from psychoeducation or cognitive therapy. This paper presents a systematic review and meta-analysis which examines the overall efficacy of bipolar disorder-specific psychological therapies and the impact of the number of previous episodes on the efficacy of psychological therapies in relapse prevention. Methods:, Systematic literature searches of electronic databases and reference lists of existing reviews were carried out. The number of participants experiencing relapse in randomized, controlled studies was combined in a meta-analysis to determine the overall treatment effect in relapse prevention. Metaregression modeling was used to examine whether the number of previous episodes confounded the number of relapses experienced by participants by the end of treatment. Results:, Meta-analysis of relapse calculated an overall relative risk of 0.74 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.64,0.85] with some heterogeneity present (I2 = 43.3%). Metaregression of six studies showed no relationship between number of episodes and number of relapses by endpoint. Conclusion:, Psychological therapy specifically designed for bipolar disorder is effective in preventing or delaying relapses in bipolar disorders, and there is no clear evidence that the number of previous episodes moderated the effect. [source] Psychosocial interventions for bipolar disorderACTA NEUROPSYCHIATRICA, Issue 6 2009David J. Castle Aim: To provide a selected overview of the literature on psychosocial treatments for bipolar disorder Method: Selective literature review Results: Randomised controlled trials of psychosocial interventions in bipolar disorder fall largely into five categories, namely: psychoeducation, integrated treatments, family based therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy and interpersonal social rhythm therapy. Most studies have shown some benefit in terms of relapse prevention, but have tended to be effective for either the depressed or the manic pole, and not both. Broader outcome parameters such as quality of life have not been reported consistently. The mechanisms whereby treatments might exert their effects have not been clearly delineated. Many studies have excluded patients with bipolar II and other variants, and those with psychiatric and substance use comorbidities, reducing their generalisability. Discussion: Whilst psychosocial treatments show promise in the area of bipolar disorder, more work is required to delineate the effective elements of such interventions, and to ensure generalisability to individuals with bipolar II and other forms of bipolar disorder, as well as those with psychiatric and substance use comorbidities. Other forms of delivery, such as via the internet, deserve further exploration. [source] Long-term effects of pharmacotherapy on relapse prevention in alcohol dependenceACTA NEUROPSYCHIATRICA, Issue 5 2004F. Kiefer Background:, There is growing evidence that pharmacological treatment with two of the best validated anticraving drugs, acamprosate and naltrexone, is efficacious in promoting abstinence in recently detoxified alcohol-dependent subjects. Objective:, The stability of effects after termination of treatment remains to be answered, especially when combining both the drugs. Method:, After detoxification, 160 alcohol-dependent subjects participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Patients received naltrexone or acamprosate or a combination of naltrexone and acamprosate or placebo for 12 weeks. Patients were assessed weekly by interview, self-report, questionnaires and laboratory screening. Additionally, follow-up evaluation based on telephone interview of participants, general practitioners and relatives was conducted 12 weeks after terminating the medication. Results:, At week 12, the proportion of subjects relapsing to heavy drinking was significantly lower in the group with combined medication compared with both placebo and acamprosate (P < 0.05). No difference was detectable between acamprosate and naltrexone, both of which were superior to placebo (P < 0.05). Relapse rates were 28% (combined medication), 35% (naltrexone), 50% (acamprosate) and 75% (placebo). After follow-up (week 24), combined medication led to relapse rates significantly lower than placebo, but not lower than acamprosate. Again, both naltrexone and acamprosate were superior to placebo. Relapse rates were 80% (placebo), 54% (acamprosate), 53% (naltrexone) and 34% (combined medication). Conclusions:, The results of this study highlight the stability of effects of pharmacotherapy on relapse prevention in alcohol dependence. [source] Emotion regulation therapy for generalized anxiety disorderCLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHOTHERAPY (AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF THEORY & PRACTICE), Issue 1 2004Douglas S. Mennin Generalized anxiety disorder is increasingly being recognized as a considerable mental health concern. However, it remains a poorly understood and insufficiently treated chronic disorder. Recent conceptualizations have highlighted the role of emotion acceptance, utilization and management as a core feature of the disorder. An emotion regulation perspective may shed light on treatment approaches to GAD. An integrative approach to treating GAD, entitled Emotion Regulation Therapy (ERT) is presented through the case of a young woman. ERT addresses cognitive, emotional and contextual factors of GAD and is divided into four phases: (1) psychoeducation, monitoring and developmental history; (2) skills training in somatic awareness and emotional knowledge, utilization and regulation; (3) use of these skills to confront core thematic issues using experiential exposure exercises; (4) and progress review, relapse prevention and termination processing. ERT was shown to successfully treat symptomatic, functional and qualitative aspects of the case presented, suggesting a future direction for therapeutic investigation of GAD.,Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] | |||||||||||||