Mindfulness intervention, homogeneous medical concept, and concentrated solution nursing for colorectal cancer patients: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: We aim to explore the differences of the psychological distress of postoperative chemotherapy patients with colorectal cancer between mindfulness intervention combined with homogeneous medical concepts and mindfulness intervention only. METHODS: One hundred patients with colorectal cancer undergoing chemotherapy after surgery from Sep 2020 to Sep 2022 were enrolled and divided into active control group (Solution centered nursing interventions; homogenized medical and nursing professional teams; dedicated personnel responsible for "admission notices"; Regular follow-up after discharge) and mindfulness group (homogeneous medical concept + and concentrated solution + Mindfulness intervention) with 50 cases in each group according to different nursing methods. RESULTS: After nursing, the physical function, emotional function, cognitive function, and social function of the patients in the mindfulness group were significantly higher than those in the active control group. However, the overall life and economic difficulties of the patients in the mindfulness group were significantly lower than those in the active control group (P < 0.05). After nursing, the observation score, description score, action score, intrinsic experience score, non-judgment score and non-reaction score of the mindfulness group were significantly higher than those of the active control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The implementation of mindfulness intervention in colorectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy can alleviate the patients' negative emotions, improve the level of mindfulness, and improve the quality of life of patients.

Solution-focused approaches for treating self-injurious thoughts and behaviours: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Self-injurious thoughts and behaviours are a major global public health concern, not least because they are one of suicide's strongest predictors. Solution-focused approaches are a psychotherapeutic approach currently being used to treat individuals with self-injurious thoughts and behaviours but there is little published evidence of their use. We conducted a scoping review to provide a comprehensive overview of how solution-focused approaches are being used to treat self-injurious thoughts and behaviours. METHODS: Publications describing a solution-focused approach being delivered to any individuals experiencing any form of self-injurious thought and/or behaviour were eligible for inclusion. Five databases were searched (EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Knowledge, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar) from inception to August 2024. Search terms contained keywords relating to both solution-focused and self-injurious thoughts and/or behaviours. Data were analysed using relevant steps from a narrative synthesis approach to summarise the participants, concepts, context and outcomes described in the included publications. RESULTS: Twenty-four publications were included in the review. Publications demonstrated a global reach although the majority were published in the UK and USA. Five publications formally assessed and reported outcomes; two randomised controlled trials, one experimental pilot study, one case study, and one single group study. Only the Beck Depression Inventory was collected in more than one study (n = 4), with a range of other psychopathology and wellbeing-related measures. Three studies reported qualitative data, finding positive perceptions of the approaches by patients and clinicians. Fifty-one unique components were identified within solution-focused approaches. Often specific adaptations were described, or components were introduced, that specifically addressed suicide or self-harm. For example, identifying and working on goals related to reducing or stopping self-harm, or scaling questions that assess how suicidal someone currently feels on a 0 to 10 scale. CONCLUSIONS: This review demonstrates the application of solution-focused approaches for treating individuals with self-injurious thoughts and behaviours. The findings provide a comprehensive overview of how these approaches are delivered. The lack of outcome data and empirical studies highlights a need for more formalised evidence.

The effect of individual short- and long-term psychotherapy on perceived social support: analysis of secondary outcomes of a randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Social support is important for maintaining and restoring psychological well-being but the effects of individual psychotherapies on perceived social support are not well known. In this analysis of secondary outcomes from a randomized clinical study, we compared the effects of long-term psychotherapy and two short-term psychotherapies on social support during a 5-year follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Altogether 326 adult outpatients suffering from depressive and/or anxiety disorders were randomly assigned to long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (LPP, n = 126), short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (SPP, n = 101) and solution-focused therapy (SFT, n = 97). Outcome was measured by the global index and six subscores of the self-reported Brief Inventory of Social Support and Integration scale (BISSI) at baseline and at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years after the beginning of the therapy. RESULTS: Social support improved in all therapy groups and the improvement was relatively stable, lasting several years after the end of therapy. Little difference in improvement was observed either between therapy orientations or durations. CONCLUSIONS: While no major differences were observed between treatment groups, the slight differences call for further research to verify these findings and to better understand how different therapies may improve perceived social support.

The effect of solution-focused approach on attitudes to violence against women in high school students.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to examine the Effect of Solution-Oriented Approach on Attitudes of Violence Against Women in High School Students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research was designed as a pretest-posttest and repeated-measurement randomized controlled experimental study. The population of the research consisted of 1473 students studying at 5 high schools randomly selected from a city center. Out of these students, 166 students who did not accept the study or did not meet the research criteria were excluded, and the school numbers of the remaining 1307 students were numbered separately for girls and boys, and 90 (45 girls and 45 boys) students were included in the study by simple randomization method. Personal Information Form and Violence Against Women Attitude Scale (ISKEBE) were used to collect data. RESULTS: Before the program, the personal characteristics of the control and experimental group students were similar in terms of ISKEBE and subscale scores. Significant differences were found between the groups in the Attitude Toward Identity, Attitude Toward Body sub-dimensions, and the total scores of ISKEBE of the scale used to collect data in the post-program and follow-up test (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It was seen that the solution-oriented approach applied to high school students had positive effects on the students' attitudes toward violence against women. In this context, it is thought that this study will develop a new perspective in breaking the cycle of violence against women.

Development and evaluation of a narrative therapy program combined with a solution-focused approach for nursing home residents: A quasi-experimental study.

The transition from the family home to a nursing home can be an emotionally stressful experience for older adults. This study aimed to examine the feasibility and effects of a narrative therapy combined with a solution focus (NTCSF) program on the psychological adjustment, depression, and self-efficacy of nursing home residents. A non-random concurrent controlled trial was conducted in Fujian, China that involved 81 participants (intervention = 41, comparison = 40) from four separate nursing homes. The control group received routine institutional care, while the intervention group underwent a three-week NTCSF program in addition to receiving routine care. In the variance analyses, significant differences were found in "psychological adjustment" (T = 4.007, P < 0.001) and "self-efficacy" (T = 3.204, P = 0.002), compared to the control group. There was no significant difference in "depression" (t = -1.550, P = 0.125) between the groups at the baseline, but the experimental group showed a significant decrease in depression (t = -2.204, P = 0.033) after the intervention. The NTCSF program was found to be effective in improving the psychological adjustment of nursing home residents. Trial registration This study was registered on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Registration No: ChiCTR-2100042767).

The effects of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy on self-care and mental health among older adults at risk of coronary heart disease: A randomized controlled trial.

This study tested the effectiveness of a nursing program developed based on Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) in improving self-care skills and mental health among community-dwelling older adults at risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). A total of 120 older adults were randomly assigned to either an SFBT group or a control group. Participants' self-care ability, depressive symptoms, and anxiety at baseline and post-intervention were assessed using the Self-care Ability Scale for the Elderly (SASE), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), respectively. The t-test, Mann-Whitney U, and chi-square tests were conducted for group comparisons. After 6 months of intervention, the intervention group had significantly higher self-concept, self-skills, self-care awareness, and health knowledge scores than the baseline and the control group (all P-values < 0.05). The intervention group had significantly lower depression and anxiety scores than the baseline and the control group (all P-values < 0.05). SFBT is effective in improving older adults' self-care and mental health and may be widely applied among older adults to prevent CHD and promote well-being in the future.

Effectiveness of solution-focused brief therapy: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

OBJECTIVE: This umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses evaluates the effectiveness of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) across various populations and settings. METHOD: A total of 25 systematic reviews, including 15 meta-analyses, were analyzed. Reviews were included if they used systematic search methods and quality assessments and focused on the effectiveness of SFBT as a therapeutic approach. RESULTS: SFBT demonstrated significant positive outcomes across different issues, settings, and cultural contexts, with no evidence of harm. High confidence in evidence of effectiveness was established for depression, overall mental health, and progress towards individual goals for the adult population. In addition, findings indicated mainly moderate confidence in evidence of SFBT effectiveness for a wide variety of outcomes for all age groups. No difference was found in the confidence in the evidence by world region, though Western and Eastern studies researched some different aspects. CONCLUSION: SFBT is an effective therapeutic approach for various psychological, social, school, medical, couple, or self-related issues. Further research with rigorous methodologies and comprehensive reporting is needed to strengthen the confidence in these findings and provide evidence for the brevity of the intervention.

The effect of mechanical feedback on outcome in self-care support tool based on solution-focused brief therapy.

Little is known about the impact of mechanical feedback in self-care support tools. Technically, natural language processing and machine learning can provide mechanical feedback in self-care support tools. This study compared the differences between mechanical feedback and no feedback conditions in a self-care support tool based on solution-focused brief therapy. In the feedback condition, feedback was provided by mechanically determining the probability that the goal answered in goal setting was concrete or realistic.A total of 501 participants were recruited and randomly assigned to either the feedback (n = 268) or no feedback (n = 233) condition.The results showed that the mechanical feedback increased the probability of problem-solving. In contrast, solution-building, positive and negative affect, and the probability of living an ideal life increased when using the self-care support tool based on solution-focused brief therapy, regardless of the feedback. In addition, the higher the probability of goal concreteness and reality, the greater the improvement in solution-building and positive affect.This study suggests that self-care support tools based on solution-focused brief therapy with feedback are more effective than those without feedback. Self-care support tools based on solution-focused brief therapy with feedback can be used as an easily accessible tool to maintain and promote mental health.

Quasi-randomized trial of solution-focused brief therapy intervention for readiness to change and alcohol and other drug use in a Brazilian community-based treatment center.

OBJECTIVE: Strategies to increase readiness to change may enhance community-based substance use treatment outcomes. This study evaluated the effect of solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) on readiness to change and substance use compared to treatment as usual (TAU) in a Brazilian community-based substance use treatment center. METHODS: One hundred two adults (M = 36.79, SD = 10.29) were quasi-randomized into SFBT or TAU groups. Assessments were completed at baseline, post-test, and 1-month follow-up. The primary outcome was the changes in readiness to change at post-test and 1-month follow-up. The secondary outcome was the change in substance use at 1-month follow-up. RESULTS: Through Quade non-parametric analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), both groups decreased tobacco, alcohol, and cocaine/crack use at 1-month follow-up, but SFBT had greater reductions in alcohol use (p = .05). ANCOVA analysis demonstrated no differences between groups on readiness to change at any time point. However, among participants who used multiple substances (n = 59), SFBT showed higher readiness to change at post-test (p = .05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings strengthen the evidence that SFBT holds promise for positive community-based substance use treatment outcomes.

Effect of online solution-focused counseling on the sexual quality of life of women with a history of breast cancer: a clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer, as the most prevalent malignancy among women globally and in Iran, affects important aspects of the lives of the survivors of this condition, especially the quality of sexual life. Solution-focused brief therapy is one of the therapeutic counseling approaches used in various fields, including sexual function problems. In recent years, online and internet-mediated counseling methods have received more attention. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of online counseling based on a solution-focused approach in improving the sexual quality of life (SQL) of women with breast cancer. MATERIALS & METHODS: In this clinical trial, the research population consisted of women with a history of breast cancer with a recorded file in Shahid Ramazanzadeh Radiation Oncology Center in Yazd and at least 6 months had elapsed since the end of their treatment. After selecting 80 samples based on the random numbers table, they were assigned into two groups of 40, i.e., active control and intervention, using random allocation software. Participants in the intervention group were given online counseling through the Skyroom space with a solution-focused approach. Eight weekly sessions were held each lasting 60-90 min. The active control group received an educational file to improve the SQL. All participants in two groups completed the SQL questionnaire at the beginning of the study, at the end of the study, and 1 month after the study. Data were analyzed with SPSS18 using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: Finally, the data of 33 participants in the intervention group and 32 participants in the active control group were analyzed. The mean score of the SQL in the intervention group increased from 68.57 ± 18.63 before the intervention to 78.84 ± 12.7 immediately after the intervention (P = 0.015), and to 79.60 ± 19.88 1 month after the intervention (P = 0.012). The mean score of the SQL in the active control group increased from 64.45 ± 22.76 before the intervention to 67.20 ± 20.29 immediately after the intervention (P = 0.33), and to 68.70 ± 20.76 1 month after the intervention (P = 0.62). The difference in the mean score of the SQL before and after the intervention between the two groups was statistically significant (P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: It seems that the use of counseling with a solution-focused approach in women with a history of breast cancer improves the SQL. Thus, considering the effectiveness of this type of training, it is recommended that this method be used as a sexual health counseling method in medical centers. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This clinical trial is registered in Iranian registry center of clinical trials (IRCT) by registration code of IRCT20201221049784N1 in 06/03/2021.

Effect of solution-focused approach on problematic internet use, health behaviors in schoolchildren.

BACKGROUND: Problematic internet use negatively affects adolescents' health behaviors and school success. PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effects of a solution-focused approach (SFA) on adolescents' problematic internet use, health behaviors, and perceived academic success. METHODS: A randomized controlled experimental design was used with pre-test-post-test. The sample comprised 128 middle school students, with 64 in the intervention group and 64 in the control group. Data were collected using an information form, Young's Internet Addiction Test, the Nutrition-Exercise Behavior Scale, and the Nutrition-Exercise Attitude Scale. The intervention group attended six SFA group meetings. RESULTS: "The intervention group's, mean pre- and post-test internet addiction scores were 35.65 ± 4.43 and 17.07 ± 5.01, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between the post test groups (p < 0.05) for mean internet addiction, total nutrition-exercise attitude, and total nutrition-exercise behavior and subdimension (except regular meals) scores and perceived academic success. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH: SFA may prevent students' uncontrolled internet use, help them gain positive health behaviors, and increase perceived academic success. The school nurse, on the other hand, may support the adolescent and their families with solution-focused interview strategies.

A randomized controlled trial of a nurse-led psychological pain solution-focused intervention for depressed inpatients: study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Depressed patients commonly experience psychological pain. Research pointed to positive psychological interventions as an effective means of ameliorating psychological pain, although the exact effect is unclear. Based on the hope theory and solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), this study combines hope theory with solution-focused brief therapy to develop a nurse-led psychological pain solution-focused (PPSF) intervention in depressed patients. METHODS: This is an assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial following the SPIRIT guidance. A total of 84 depressed patients will be recruited from the inpatient wards of a psychiatric hospital and randomly assigned to the control and experimental groups. Patients in the control group will be treated as usual. In contrast, patients in the experimental group will receive 6 sessions of the PPSF intervention for two weeks on top of the routine care. Primary outcomes are psychological pain, hope, cognitive distortions. Secondary outcomes are depression and suicidal ideation. Data will be collected at 5-time points: baseline, 1 and 2 weeks (post-intervention), 1 month (follow up), and 6 months after baseline. Generalized equation evaluation will be used to assess the effectiveness of the PPSF intervention. DISCUSSION: From a positive psychology perspective, there remains much room for developing psychological pain interventions in depressed patients. SFBT and hope theory are both based on positive psychology. With hope theory as the general framework and SFBT questions as the practical guide, the PPSF intervention program is designed that nursing staff can implement. If the intervention is effective, it will advance the development of psychological pain interventions for patients with depression. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR2100048223.

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OBJECTIVES: Depression is often accompanied by various degrees of cognitive decline, with a high incidence. Guidelines recommend medication combined with psychological therapy. Solution focused group therapy (SFGT) is a newer group psychotherapy technique. This study aims to explore the difference between SFGT combined with escitalopram and only use escitalopram in treating depression. METHODS: A total of 84 patients who met the diagnostic criteria of international classification of diseases-10 (ICD-10) were enrolled into the combined group (SFGT combined with escitalopram, n=42) and the control group (only escitalopram, n=42) for an 8-week treatment. Patients were measured with the 24-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-24) and the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory (CFI) at baseline (T0), week 4 (T1), and week 8 (T2), respectively. Differences in depressive symptoms and cognitive flexibility between the 2 groups were compared and analyzed. RESULTS: At T2, 8 patients were dislodged in the combined group and 10 in the control group. There was no difference in the subscales and total scores of HAMD-24 and CFI between the 2 groups at T0 (all P>0.05). At T1 and T2, compared with the control group, the total scores and anxiety somatization, cognitive impairment, delay, and a sense of despair subscales scores of HAMD-24 were lower, and the total scores and subscales scores of CFI in the combined group were higher (all P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: SFGT combined with escitalopram is more effective than monotherapy for improving the anxiety somatization symptoms, cognitive impairment, retardation symptoms and despair symptoms, and increasing the cognitive flexibility.

Common patient experiences across three resource-oriented interventions for severe mental illness: a qualitative study in low-resource settings.

INTRODUCTION: Resource-oriented interventions can be a low-cost option to improve care for patients with severe mental illnesses in low-resource settings. From 2018 to 2021 we conducted three randomized controlled trials testing resource-oriented interventions in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), i.e. befriending through volunteers, multi-family groups, and improving patient-clinician meetings using the DIALOG+ intervention. All interventions were applied over 6 months and showed significant benefits for patients' quality of life, social functioning, and symptom levels. In this study, we explore whether patient experiences point to common processes in these interventions. METHODS: In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 patients from each intervention, resulting in a total sample of 45 patients. Patients were purposively selected at the end of the interventions including patients with different levels of engagement and different outcomes. Interviews explored the experiences of patients and were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using the thematic analysis framework proposed by Braun and Clark. RESULTS: Three broad themes captured the overall experiences of patients receiving resource-oriented interventions: An increased confidence and agency in the treatment process; A new and unexpected experience in treatment; Concerns about the sustainability of the interventions. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that the three interventions - although focusing on different relationships of the patients - lead to similar beneficial experiences. In addition to being novel in the context of the mental health care system in B&H, they empower patients to take a more active and confident role in treatment. Whilst strengthening patients' agency in their treatment may be seen as a value in itself, it may also help to achieve significantly improved treatment outcomes. This shows promise for the implementation of these interventions in other low-resource countries with similar settings.

Survey of intention among public health nurses in providing solution-focused parenting support.

OBJECTIVE: Parenting support has shifted from a problem-focused to a strengths-based solution-focused approach. This study surveyed public health nurses to explain their intention to provide solution-focused parenting support in their practice. DESIGN: The design of this study was cross-sectional. SAMPLE: The initial sample included 781 public health nurses who were employed with various youth healthcare organizations in the Netherlands. MEASUREMENTS: Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior, a questionnaire was developed and administered to measure (a) behavioral, normative, and control beliefs, (b) attitudes, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control, and (c) intention. The data were subjected to structural equation modeling. RESULTS: A total of 449 (57.5%) public health nurses completed questionnaires. Associations as indicated by the Theory of Planned Behavior were confirmed with the exception of that between perceived behavioral control and intention. Statistically significant paths and correlations were added. The final model accounted for 53% of the variance in the intention to perform solution-focused parenting support. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, public health nurses strongly intended to provide solution-focused parenting support, thus indicating their acceptance of the approach. Their intention was predominantly associated with subjective norm.

The effect of solution-focused approach on anger management and violent behavior in adolescents: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of a solution-focused approach on anger management and violent behavior in adolescents. METHOD: The study was an experimental and randomized controlled trial including pre-test and post-test measurements and control group. The sample of experimental (n = 24) and control groups (n = 24) of the study consisted of 48 students. A 7-session program of anger management and prevention of violent behavior based on a solution focused approach was applied to the experimental group. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between trait anger, anger in, anger out, anger control sub-dimensions and VTS scores of the experimental and control groups before the intervention (p > 0.05). In post-test and follow-up test, trait anger (23.32 ± 2.83) (21.10 ± 3.51), anger-out (14.95 ± 4.16) (15.50 ± 3.49) and the mean scores of VTS (30.77 ± 4.01) (32.80 ± 4.53) of the individuals in the experimental group were significantly lower, whereas their mean score of anger control (24.86 ± 3.62) (23.65 ± 4.44) were significantly higher than the control group. CONCLUSION: Solution-oriented approach programs should be used by psychiatric nurses to provide anger management and reduce violence tendencies in adolescents.

A Path to Inclusiveness - Peer Support Groups as a Resource for Change.

Being bullied is associated with anxiety, depression symptoms, and long-term negative health outcomes. The aim of this qualitative pilotstudy was to explore bullied children's experiences of support groups and how participating in a group affected the children. The sample consisted of 24 children aged 11-13 years. Four of them were bullied, while 20 participated in support groups. Individual and focus group interviews were conducted. The main theme identified was that support groups provide an opportunity for change and can help children to be included among peers. The changes were achieved through encouragement and support from peers. The children participating in the support groups reported a feeling of being selected. The groups provided fellowship, and an opportunity for change. Both getting support from and being part of a support group contributed to inclusion, strength, and valuable experiences. The findings suggest that a systemic approach to bullying is advantageous.

Acceptability of a technology-supported and solution-focused intervention (DIALOG+) for chronic depression: views of service users and clinicians.

BACKGROUND: Treating chronic depression represents a significant burden for the NHS, yet there is a lack of evidence-based interventions and research specifically focused on this condition. DIALOG+, a technology-assisted and resource-oriented intervention found effective for people with psychosis, may improve care for this service user group. The aim of this study was to explore the acceptability and relevance of DIALOG+ for the treatment of chronic depression in community-based settings. METHODS: A convenience sample of 16 mental health professionals and 29 service users with chronic depression tested the DIALOG+ intervention in routine community care appointments for 3 months across 3 different mental health NHS Trusts in England. Of these, 15 clinicians and 19 service users were individually interviewed about their experiences. Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis by an analytic team which included a service user researcher. RESULTS: Analysis of the combined dataset identified five overarching themes: DIALOG+ Structure; Therapeutic Communication; Reflecting and Monitoring; Empowerment and Powerlessness; and The Impact of Technology. Overall, service users and clinicians were interested in the continued use of DIALOG+ as part of routine care. CONCLUSIONS: DIALOG+ was viewed as acceptable by both service users with chronic depression and their clinicians who work in community care settings, albeit with some caveats. Clinician training required significant improvements to address the issues that were referenced, most notably around support with using technology.

The effect of solution-focused counseling on violence rate and quality of life of pregnant women at risk of domestic violence: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Domestic violence during pregnancy as one of the most common social problems and major challenges of health systems can affect the health of the mother and fetus. The study aimed to compare the two groups of intervention based on solution-focused counseling and control in terms of violence and quality of life amounts in women who had experienced domestic violence. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial on 90 pregnant women was blocked into two intervention groups (n = 45) and a control (n = 45). The intervention group received six counseling sessions with a solution-focused approach. Study tool included conflict tactics scale (CTS- 2) and short form health survey (SF-36). The tools were completed once before the intervention and again 6 weeks after the end of the counseling sessions by the participants of both groups. The P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 82/90 pregnant women were analyzed. The results showed that median and interquartile range (IQR) of physical, psychological and sexual violence significantly decreased in the intervention group than the control group (Ps = 0.001). Moreover, quality of life scores significantly improved in the intervention group compared to the control group (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Solution-focused counseling could be an effective approach to reduce the amount of violence and increase the quality of life in women exposed to domestic violence. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT2017040628352N4 . Date of registration: August 20th 2017.

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy for Substance Use: A Review of the Literature.

Substance use is a prevalent public health issue. Most social workers may encounter substance use in their work with clients and need effective therapeutic strategies for this issue. Since the 1980s, solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) has been practiced with clients who have substance use problems, and clinical training materials have been developed to help practitioners learn and use SFBT in substance use treatment. Despite the longevity of the use of SFBT in practice, there are no published reviews of outcome studies to guide practitioners using SFBT. This article fills a gap in current literature on SFBT and substance use treatment by reviewing the published studies on SFBT where the focus was on substance use treatment. Five databases were searched to identify eligible studies. Experts and reference lists of relevant studies were also consulted. Nine studies were identified and included in the review. All studies reviewed found promising evidence on SFBT's effectiveness in improving substance use behaviors and related psychosocial problems. Five of the nine studies reviewed showed that SFBT can change substance use and comorbid mental health and psychosocial problems such as depression, trauma, and school- and work-related behavior problems. The article concludes with a discussion of the study results' implications for clinical practice and future research.