Psychological intervention

About: Psychological intervention is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 82654 publications have been published within this topic receiving 2608356 citations.

Nonpharmacologic Interventions for Inappropriate Behaviors in Dementia: A Review, Summary, and Critique

Abstract: Inappropriate behaviors are very common in dementia and impose an enormous toll both emotionally and financially. Three main psychosocial theoretical models have generally been utilized to explain inappropriate behaviors in dementia: the "unmet needs" model, a behavioral/learning model, and an environmental vulnerability/reduced stress-threshold model. A literature search yielded 83 nonpharmacological intervention studies, which utilized the following categories of interventions: sensory, social contact (real or simulated), behavior therapy, staff training, structured activities, environmental interventions, medical/nursing care interventions, and combination therapies. The majority are reported to have a positive, albeit not always significant, impact. Better matching of the available interventions to patients' needs and capabilities may result in greater benefits to patients and their caregivers.

Interventions for the Treatment and Management of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Systematic Review

Abstract: ContextA variety of interventions have been used in the treatment and management of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Currently, debate exists among health care professionals and patients about appropriate strategies for management.ObjectiveTo assess the effectiveness of all interventions that have been evaluated for use in the treatment or management of CFS in adults or children.Data SourcesNineteen specialist databases were searched from inception to either January or July 2000 for published or unpublished studies in any language. The search was updated through October 2000 using PubMed. Other sources included scanning citations, Internet searching, contacting experts, and online requests for articles.Study SelectionControlled trials (randomized or nonrandomized) that evaluated interventions in patients diagnosed as having CFS according to any criteria were included. Study inclusion was assessed independently by 2 reviewers. Of 350 studies initially identified, 44 met inclusion criteria, including 36 randomized controlled trials and 8 controlled trials.Data ExtractionData extraction was conducted by 1 reviewer and checked by a second. Validity assessment was carried out by 2 reviewers with disagreements resolved by consensus. A qualitative synthesis was carried out and studies were grouped according to type of intervention and outcomes assessed.Data SynthesisThe number of participants included in each trial ranged from 12 to 326, with a total of 2801 participants included in the 44 trials combined. Across the studies, 38 different outcomes were evaluated using about 130 different scales or types of measurement. Studies were grouped into 6 different categories. In the behavioral category, graded exercise therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy showed positive results and also scored highly on the validity assessment. In the immunological category, both immunoglobulin and hydrocortisone showed some limited effects but, overall, the evidence was inconclusive. There was insufficient evidence about effectiveness in the other 4 categories (pharmacological, supplements, complementary/alternative, and other interventions).ConclusionsOverall, the interventions demonstrated mixed results in terms of effectiveness. All conclusions about effectiveness should be considered together with the methodological inadequacies of the studies. Interventions which have shown promising results include cognitive behavioral therapy and graded exercise therapy. Further research into these and other treatments is required using standardized outcome measures.

Facilitating health behaviour change and its maintenance: Interventions based on Self-Determination Theory

Abstract: Despite many recent technical breakthroughs in health care, human behaviour remains the largest source of variance in health-related outcomes (Schroeder, 2007). People’s health and well-being are robustly affected by lifestyle factors such as smoking, hygiene, diet, and physical activity, all of which involve behaviours that are potentially controllable by the individual. In addition, outside of acute care settings, the effectiveness of most health care interventions is highly dependent on the patient’s adherence to self-care activities such as taking medications, performing self-examinations, or refraining from specific activities or habits. A significant problem is the poor adherence to prescribed changes or recommended behaviours over time.

Parent implemented early intervention for young children with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review.

Abstract: Background Recent estimates concerning the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) suggest that at least one in 200 children is affected. This group of children and families have important service needs. The involvement of parents in implementing intervention strategies designed to help their autistic children has long been accepted as helpful. The potential benefits are increased skills and reduced stress for parents as well as children. Methods This research review focused on interventions for children aged 1‐6 years, and was carried out using systematic methodology: a comprehensive search of psychological, educational and biomedical databases, as well as bibliographies and reference lists of key articles, contact with experts in the field, and hand search of key journals. Only studies which involved a concurrent element of control were included. Results The review found very few studies that had adequate research design from which to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of parent-implemented early intervention. Both randomized and controlled studies tended to suggest that parent training leads to improved child communicative behaviour, increased maternal knowledge of autism, enhanced maternal communication style and parent child interaction, and reduced maternal depression. Conclusion It seems that parent training can successfully contribute to intervention for young children with ASD. However, the review highlights the need for improved research in this area.

Theoretical Approaches to Individual-Level Change in HIV Risk Behavior

Abstract: Over the course of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic, large numbers of HIV prevention interventions have been implemented in a broad array of settings. Unfortunately, there typically has been an enormous gap between what is known about effective HIV prevention interventions and HIV prevention practice as typically implemented.1 To date, the vast majority of interventions targeting groups that practice high-risk behavior have been enacted by the public health sector and are government-funded projects. Generally, these are either implemented directly by state or provincial health departments, or funded by them and administered by community-based organizations (CBOs). All too often, neither behavioral scientists nor well-tested theories of behavior change are incorporated into the intervention design process,2,3 and rigorous evaluations of the efficacy of these programs are rare. A large number of additional HIV prevention interventions have been undertaken by the public schools,4 and in many jurisdictions there are laws mandating that HIV education be provided but without stipulations concerning how this should be done. Primary and secondary educational institutions generally have fielded extremely weak, atheoretical interventions designed not to offend the religious right wing, with content that is highly unlikely to effectively change HIV risk behavior.4 Until recently, of the entire “portfolio” of HIV prevention interventions that have been implemented, most have focused primarily —and in many cases solely—on providing information about HIV. Such information consistently has been shown to be unrelated to HIV risk behavior change.5–8