Perceived Need for a Faith-Based Trauma-Focused Treatment in a Sample of Forcibly Displaced Muslims.

Forcibly displaced Muslims, including refugees, internally displaced persons, and asylum seekers who have fled their homes to escape violence, conflict, and persecution, often have inequitable access to quality mental health services, despite substantial trauma exposure and high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Understanding factors associated with domains of perceived need (i.e., community, individual, friends/family) for culturally-responsive, trauma-focused mental health interventions among forcibly displaced Muslims may provide insight into those most likely to seek psychological treatment. A sample of 108 forcibly displaced Muslims endorsed moderate to high perceived need across all three domains for a trauma healing group tailored for Muslim refugees. PTSD severity related to perceived individual need, regardless of locus of displacement. Among participants with minimal PTSD symptoms, those who were externally displaced had higher perceived community and friends or family need than those who were internally displaced. Findings highlight a need for culturally responsive, trauma-focused mental health services to facilitate access to mental health care for forcibly displaced Muslims.

An empirical investigation of definitions of subthreshold posttraumatic stress disorder.

Subthreshold posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has long been recognized as an important construct that identifies a subgroup of individuals who report significant PTSD symptoms and associated disability but do not endorse enough symptoms to meet the criteria for a full PTSD diagnosis. Different investigators have defined subthreshold PTSD in various ways, making it difficult to interpret findings across studies. To address this problem, we systematically compared individuals who met criteria for nine different subthreshold PTSD definitions with individuals diagnosed with either full PTSD or no PTSD (i.e., failed to meet the criteria for a subthreshold definition) with respect to prevalence and associated clinical outcomes of interest. Participants were 1,082 veterans enrolled in the Veterans After Discharge Longitudinal Registry. PTSD and subthreshold PTSD diagnostic status were determined using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5) and validated self-report instruments were used to assess clinical outcomes. Across outcomes, subthreshold definitions generally identified a group of participants that was distinguishable from participants in both the PTSD and no PTSD groups, rs = .02-.47. We discuss the benefits and drawbacks of various subthreshold definitions and highlight the need for additional work evaluating these definitions across additional outcomes and samples. In the interim, we propose a working case definition of subthreshold PTSD as meeting any three of the four DSM-5 symptom criteria (i.e., Criteria B, C, D, and E) along with Criterion A and Criteria F-H. The results suggest subthreshold PTSD is a clinically meaningful construct.

Within-patient association between emotion regulation and outcome in prolonged exposure for posttraumatic stress disorder.

OBJECTIVE: Difficulties with emotion regulation (ER) are a risk factor for the development and maintenance of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Less is known about temporal relations between ER and PTSD symptom change during treatment, including whether ER may represent a more potent change ingredient for some patients relative to others. This study examined the association between within-patient changes in ER and next-session PTSD symptom change and whether this association was more pronounced for patients with poorer baseline ER, more severe depression, or higher borderline personality disorder symptoms. METHOD: Data derived from a randomized controlled trial (NCT01600456) in which 149 adults with PTSD received up to 10 sessions of prolonged exposure (PE) or PE + sertraline. Patients rated difficulties with ER and PTSD symptoms repeatedly during treatment. Moderators were assessed at baseline. RESULTS: Cross-lagged, dynamic structural equation models revealed that ER improvements were associated with next-session reductions in PTSD (standardized effect = 0.13). PTSD symptom reduction was also associated with next-session ER improvement (standardized effect = 0.34). Moderator analyses revealed that the within-person ER-PTSD symptoms association was stronger for patients with higher baseline depression (standardized effect = 0.39). CONCLUSIONS: Reductions in PTSD symptoms may facilitate ER improvements during PE and PE augmented with sertraline rather than improvements in ER producing changes in PTSD symptoms. For patients with higher severity co-occurring depression, ER may represent a more active change ingredient. PE therapists could therefore consider placing particular emphasis on improving ER capabilities when working with this subgroup of patients. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Comparing the Prevalence of Probable DSM-IV and DSM-5 Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in a Sample of U.S. Military Veterans Using the PTSD Checklist.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) changed substantially when Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders transitioned from fourth (DSM-IV) to fifth (DSM-5) edition. Hoge et al. found that although diagnostic prevalence remained consistent across nomenclatures, diagnostic concordance was low (55%). Study goals were to examine both the generalizability of these findings and whether either diagnosis systematically excluded patients. U.S. veterans (N = 1,171) who completed the PTSD Checklist for DSM-IV (PCL-S) and DSM-5 (PCL-5) were classified as: probable PTSD on both measures; probable PTSD on PCL-S only; probable PTSD on PCL-5 only; or no PTSD on either measure. Diagnostic prevalence was equivalent. Unlike Hoge et al.'s findings, diagnostic concordance was high (91.3%). Furthermore, observed demographic and severity differences were driven by disparities between veterans in the no PTSD versus the probable PTSD groups, not diagnostic changes. Findings suggest translatability across measures and that diagnostic changes do not systematically exclude patients.

WhatsApp supervision for a lay-led Islamic trauma-focused intervention in Somaliland: Qualitative content analysis.

Clinical supervision is critical for the uptake of psychotherapy but difficult to facilitate in countries with limited providers, resources, and internet infrastructure. Innovative supervision approaches are needed to increase access to mental health treatments in low-to-middle income countries (LMICs). This study examined the content and feasibility of remote WhatsApp text supervision conducted as part of an open clinical trial in Somaliland. Islamic Trauma Healing ITH) is a brief, group, lay-lead, trauma-focused, mosque-based intervention that has demonstrated initial efficacy in pilot studies in the United States and Somaliland. After a 2-day, in-person training, lay leaders led four groups of five to seven members focused on trauma-related psychopathology and community reconciliation. Somali lay leaders trained in ITH (n = 9) and the research team (n = 6) attended weekly WhatsApp supervision during the intervention. Content was logged and subjected to qualitative analysis by two coders. Comments related to intervention implementation indicated that lay leaders understood the treatment rationale, adhered to treatment procedures, and believed the intervention components to be helpful and culturally relevant. Themes related to engagement suggested perfect attendance across groups and high levels of participation. Lay leader psychoeducation and skill development; supervisor praise, support, and encouragement; and supervisee gratitude emerged as additional themes. Remote text supervision conducted via WhatsApp was technologically feasible and may have facilitated skill development and the effective implementation of this lay-led intervention. When tailored to the local context, remote supervision approaches hold promise for increasing access to services in LMICs with limited resources.

Bridging the science-practice gap in treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder: Testing strategies to enhance beliefs toward exposure therapy.

OBJECTIVE: Exposure therapies (e.g., prolonged exposure [PE]), are first-line interventions for posttraumatic stress disorder but remain underutilized, partially due to providers' negative beliefs about these interventions. We examined two experimental strategies aimed at enhancing beliefs towards PE and subsequent utilization. METHOD: Clinicians (N = 155) were randomized to one of three conditions presenting a PE rationale: basic, empirically-based, or emotionally-based description. Participants were rerandomized to write or not write arguments for utilizing PE. Before and after PE rationales and 1-month later, participants completed questions about PE beliefs and utilization. RESULTS: Participants reported small yet durable belief change across all rationale conditions, with greatest change following the empirically-based description. Across conditions, belief change was not impacted by writing condition or associated with utilization. CONCLUSION: Addressing negative beliefs with empirical information may be a brief, cost-effective strategy to improve clinicians' beliefs toward PE. Complementary strategies that leverage belief modification to increase utilization are needed.

Reaching the Unreached: Bridging Islam and Science to Treat the Mental Wounds of War.

Radical new paradigms are needed to equip non-professionals and leverage community faith-based infrastructure to address the individual and communal wounds of war- and conflict-related trauma. Muslims in war-torn regions like Somalia experience high rates of trauma and posttraumatic stress; yet, lack of providers, potential stigma, and lack of integration with one's faith are substantial barriers to care. In this pre-post feasibility clinical trial (NCT03761732), mosque leaders implemented a brief, group- and mosque-based intervention, Islamic Trauma Healing, targeting trauma-related psychopathology and community reconciliation for trauma survivors (N = 26) in Somaliland, Somalia. Leaders were trained in a brief 2-day training, with supervision provided remotely via WhatsApp. This six-session intervention combines empirically-supported trauma-focused psychotherapy and Islamic principles, focusing on wisdom from the lives of the Prophets and turning to Allah in dua about trauma. There were large, clinically meaningful effects for PTSD (g = 1.91), depression (g = 2.00), somatic symptoms (g = 2.73), and well-being (g = 1.77). Qualitative data from group members highlighted how well the program was aligned with their Islamic faith, built community, and need to expand the program. These results highlight the feasibility of this non-expert, easily up-scalable mental health approach in war-torn Muslim regions and refugee communities. This program has the potential to provide a low-cost, self-sustaining, Islam-based intervention addressing the psychological wounds of war consistent with the IOM's call to develop novel approaches to address unmet clinical needs. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03761732.

Exposure Therapy Beliefs and Utilization for Treatment of PTSD: A Survey of Licensed Mental Health Providers.

Exposure-based therapies for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety disorders remain underutilized, despite their effectiveness and widescale dissemination efforts. This study surveyed a broad range of licensed providers (N = 155) to examine rates at which prolonged exposure (PE) and other interventions are used to treat PTSD and to investigate provider characteristics linked to exposure beliefs and utilization. While 92.3% of clinicians reported understanding of or training in exposure, only 55.5% of providers reported use of PE to treat PTSD. Clinicians with current cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) orientation, CBT training orientation, a doctoral degree, and training in PE endorsed greater likelihood of exposure utilization for PTSD (ps < .001, ds = 0.82-1.98) and less negative beliefs about exposure (ps < .01, ds = 0.55-2.00). Exposure beliefs also differed based on healthcare setting (p < .001). Among providers trained in exposure (n = 106), master's degree and non-CBT current theoretical orientation were associated with high utilization yet also negative beliefs. Results suggest exposure training, accurate beliefs, and utilization still lag among some groups of providers. Additionally, negative beliefs and misunderstanding of the exposure rationale may persist even among providers who are trained and report high utilization.

The Role of Negative Affect in Differentiating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, and Their Comorbidity Among United States Veterans.

Following trauma exposure, two frequently co-occurring forms of psychopathology include posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). Although these diagnoses have been identified as distinct constructs, the proper classification of these disorders remains a challenge due to overlapping symptoms. Instead, systematically establishing higher- and lower-order personality traits associated with each diagnosis may avoid this confound and improve differential diagnosis. In the present study, we examined how higher-order negative affect and its lower-order facets (i.e., anxiousness, emotional lability, and separation insecurity) may be associated with a diagnosis of PTSD only, MDD only, both diagnoses, or neither diagnosis. Participants were 1,175 veterans enrolled in the Veterans After Discharge Longitudinal Registry. Higher- and lower-order negative affect were assessed using the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5), and PTSD and MDD diagnoses were based on the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5). Multinomial logistic regressions were used to model the association between higher- and lower-order negative affect and diagnostic status, after controlling for potential covariates. Diagnostic utility analyses were conducted to examine the degree to which higher- and lower-order negative affect classified participants across groups. Higher-order negative affect and lower-order anxiousness differentiated diagnostic groups, ORs = 1.76-4.66, and had strong specificity and negative predictive value for individuals with PTSD and MDD and those with MDD only. These findings help explain the role of higher-order negative affect and lower-order anxiousness in differentiating PTSD from MDD and comorbid PTSD and MDD and may have implications for assessment, differential diagnosis, and treatment planning.

Differentiating "types" of treatment dropout: Nonstarters in an RCT of prolonged exposure versus sertraline.

Despite effective interventions for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), many patients prematurely drop out. Differentiating "types" of dropout at various stages of treatment may improve our ability to predict and prevent attrition. Using data from a doubly randomized preference trial, this study examined patient dropout prior to treatment and compared these "nonstarters" with treatment starters and in-treatment dropouts. Patients (N = 200) with chronic PTSD were randomized to "choice" (prolonged exposure [PE] or sertraline) or "no choice" (re-randomized to PE or sertraline) and received up to 10 weeks of treatment. Overall dropout rate was 33.0% (n = 66). A substantial minority were nonstarters (n = 19; 28.8%). Relative to patients who began treatment, nonstarters reported less severe PTSD symptomatology (p = .03, d = 0.57) and were less likely to have received their preferred treatment (p < .001). These differences remained even when comparing nonstarters to patients that began treatment but eventually dropped out. Differences in beliefs (i.e., perceived credibility) toward one treatment versus the other were also linked to pretreatment dropout. Reasons underlying dropout likely differ during various treatment stages. Better understanding risk factors for types of dropout may inform strategies to boost engagement and retention, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

The association between insomnia-related sleep disruptions and cognitive dysfunction during the inter-episode phase of bipolar disorder.

Sleep disturbance and cognitive dysfunction are two domains of impairment during inter-episode bipolar disorder. Despite evidence demonstrating the importance of sleep for cognition in healthy and sleep-disordered samples, this link has been minimally examined in bipolar disorder. The present study tested the association between insomnia-related sleep disruptions and cognitive dysfunction during inter-episode bipolar disorder. Forty-seven participants with bipolar disorder and a comorbid insomnia diagnosis (BD-Insomnia) and 19 participants with bipolar disorder without sleep disturbance in the last six months (BD-Control) participated in the study. Two domains of cognition were assessed: working memory and verbal learning. Insomnia-related sleep disruptions were assessed both categorically (i.e., insomnia diagnosis) and dimensionally (i.e., total wake time, total sleep time, total wake time variability, and total sleep time variability). Hierarchical linear regressions, adjusting for participant age, demonstrated that insomnia diagnosis did not have an independent or interactive effect on cognition. However, regardless of insomnia diagnosis, greater total sleep time variability predicted poorer working memory and verbal learning performance. Further, following sleep treatment, a reduction in total wake time predicted improved working memory performance and a reduction in total sleep time variability predicted improved verbal learning performance. These findings raise the possibility that sleep disturbance may contribute to cognitive dysfunction in bipolar disorder and highlight the importance of treating sleep disturbance in bipolar disorder.

Smoking Cessation Intervention on Facebook: Which Content Generates the Best Engagement?

BACKGROUND: Social media offer a great opportunity to deliver smoking cessation treatment to young adults, but previous online and social media interventions targeting health behavior change have struggled with low participant engagement. We examined engagement generated by content based on the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change (TTM) in a motivationally tailored smoking cessation intervention on Facebook. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify which intervention content based on the TTM (Decisional Balance and 10 processes of change) generated the highest engagement among participants in pre-action stages of change (Precontemplation, Contemplation, and Preparation). METHODS: Participants (N=79, 20% female, mean age 20.8) were assessed for readiness to quit smoking and assigned to one of 7 secret Facebook groups tailored to their stage of change. Daily postings to the groups based on TTM Decisional Balance and the 10 processes of change were made by research staff over 3 months. Engagement was operationalized as the number of participant comments to each post. TTM content-based predictors of number of comments were analyzed and stratified by baseline stage of change, using negative binomial regression analyses with and without zero inflation. RESULTS: A total of 512 TTM-based posts generated 630 individual comments. In Precontemplation and Contemplation groups, Decisional Balance posts generated above average engagement (P=.01 and P<.001). In Contemplation groups, posts based on the TTM processes Dramatic Relief and Self-Liberation resulted in below average engagement (P=.01 and P=.005). In Preparation groups, posts based on Consciousness Raising generated above average engagement (P=.009). Participant engagement decreased over time and differed between groups within Precontemplation and Contemplation stages, but was independent of day of the week and time of day the content was posted to the groups. No participant baseline characteristics significantly predicted engagement. CONCLUSIONS: Participants not ready to quit in the next 30 days (in Precontemplation or Contemplation) engaged most when prompted to think about the pros and cons of behavior change, while those in the Preparation stage engaged most when posts increased awareness about smoking and smoking cessation. Findings support tailoring intervention content to readiness to quit and suggest intervention components that may be most effective in generating high participant engagement on social media.