Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Older Adults With Stress Disorders and Neurocognitive Difficulties: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether neurocognitive performance and clinical outcomes can be enhanced by a mindfulness intervention in older adults with stress disorders and cognitive complaints. To explore decreased hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity as a possible mechanism. METHODS: 103 adults aged 65 years or older with an anxiety or depressive disorder (diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria) and subjective neurocognitive difficulties were recruited in St. Louis, Missouri, or San Diego, California, from September 2012 through August 2013 and randomly assigned in groups of 5-8 to mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) or a health education control condition matched for time, attention, and credibility. The primary outcomes were memory (assessed by immediate and delayed paragraph and list recall) and cognitive control (Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System Verbal Fluency Test and Color Word Interference Test). Other outcomes included clinical symptoms (worry, depression, anxiety, and global improvement). HPA axis activity was assessed using peak salivary cortisol. Outcomes were measured immediately post-intervention and (for clinical outcomes only) at 3- and 6-month follow up. RESULTS: On the basis of intent-to-treat principles using data from all 103 participants, the mindfulness group experienced greater improvement on a memory composite score (P = .046). Groups did not differ on change in cognitive control. Participants receiving MBSR also improved more on measures of worry (P = .042) and depression (P = .049) at posttreatment and on worry (P = .02), depression (P = .002), and anxiety (P = .002) at follow-up and were more likely to be rated as much or very much improved as rated by the Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement scale (47% vs 27%, χ² = 4.5, P = .03). Cortisol level decreased to a greater extent in the mindfulness group, but only among those participants with high baseline cortisol. CONCLUSIONS: In this population of older adults with stress disorders and neurocognitive difficulties, a mindfulness intervention improves clinical outcomes such as excessive worry and depression and may include some forms of immediate memory performance. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01693874.

Examining changes in negative mood regulation expectancies, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and substance use following integrated cognitive-behavioral therapy.

BACKGROUND: The comorbidity of depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance use disorder (SUD) is common among veterans. Some research indicates that poor expectancies for negative mood regulation (NMR) may be associated with depression, trauma symptoms, and substance abuse. However, little is known about whether NMR expectancies can be changed through psychotherapy and if so, whether changes in NMR expectancies are related to changes in depression, PTSD, and SUD. METHODS: Therefore, this study examined (1) whether NMR expectancies correlate with depression, PTSD, and SUD symptoms; (2) whether NMR expectancies improve after group integrated cognitive-behavioral therapy (ICBT); and (3) whether these changes were associated with improvements in depression, PTSD, and SUD symptoms in a sample of 123 veterans (89% male, 64% non-Hispanic Caucasian) recruited from a Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Healthcare System. RESULTS: Findings indicated that (1) NMR expectancies were significantly associated with depression and PTSD symptoms but not substance use at baseline; (2) NMR expectancies significantly improved following group ICBT treatment; (3) following treatment, improvements in NMR expectancies were associated with decreases in depression and PTSD symptoms but were unrelated to changes in substance use outcomes; and (4) baseline NMR expectancies did not predict treatment outcomes. Similarly, pre-post NMR expectancies change scores were significantly associated with changes in depression and PTSD symptoms, but not percentage days using or percentage days heavy drinking. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this study suggests that group ICBT is associated with improvements in NMR expectancies among veterans with depression, PTSD, and SUD, which are associated with improvements in depression and PTSD symptoms.

Treatment Attendance Among Veterans With Depression, Substance Use Disorder, and Trauma.

OBJECTIVE: Low attendance in psychotherapy, particularly among individuals with comorbid disorders, is a pervasive challenge. The present study examined predictors of treatment attendance in a sample of veterans with depression, substance use disorder, and trauma. METHODS: This is an analysis of data collected as part of a larger clinical trial involving outpatients at a Veterans Administration dual diagnosis clinic. Individuals were excluded if they had significant memory deficits, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or substantial travel constraints. Participants (N = 146) received 12 weeks of group-delivered integrated cognitive behavioral therapy for depression and substance use, followed by randomization to 12 additional weeks of individually delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (n = 62) or cognitive processing therapy (n = 61) modified to address substance use and trauma. Participants, therapists, and researchers were not blinded to group assignment. For this study, we included only the 123 participants who were randomized into the second phase, analyzing predictors of treatment attendance categorized into predisposing factors, enabling factors, and need factors. RESULTS: Participants were primarily male (89%) and Caucasian (76%) and averaged 47 years old (SD = 12). Forty-four percent had alcohol use disorder, 16% had drug use disorder, and 40% had polysubstance use disorder. Most met criteria for PTSD (82%), with 44% having combat-related trauma, 33% sexual trauma, and 28% other trauma. Treatment attendance did not differ between groups. More education was associated with increased group (r = .19, p = .04) and individual session attendance (r = .28, p = .002). Individuals with chronic housing problems attended fewer group sessions (r = -.19, p = .04), while individuals with sexual trauma, compared to those with other traumas, attended more individual sessions (r = .23, p = .01). Number of group sessions attended was positively associated with individual session attendance. CONCLUSIONS: Few variables were significantly predictive of treatment attendance, possibly due to the complex nature of comorbid disorders. Including a focus on trauma was not associated with lower attendance. Special consideration may need to be given to education level, homelessness, and trauma when trying to engage and retain patients with comorbid disorders in treatment. This clinical trial is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00958217.

Integrated Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Versus Cognitive Processing Therapy for Adults With Depression, Substance Use Disorder, and Trauma.

The comorbidity of substance use disorder (SUD), depression, and PTSD is common among veterans. Prior research has shown that among veterans with SUD and depression, those with PTSD did not maintain cognitive-behavioral treatment gains as well as those without PTSD. Thus, the current study was designed to evaluate whether adding trauma-focused treatment following an initial group-based integrated cognitive behavioral treatment (ICBT) for SUD and depression improved treatment outcomes. Participants were 123 veterans (89% male) recruited from the VA San Diego Healthcare System. All participants received ICBT in twice weekly, group-delivered sessions for 12 weeks (Phase 1). Participants were then randomized to receive 12 sessions of individual follow-up sessions (Phase 2) utilizing either ICBT or cognitive processing therapy that was modified to integrate SUD treatment (CPT-M). Results indicated that PTSD and depression symptoms slightly improved at the end of Phase 1 group ICBT and further improved through Phase 2 individual treatment (except for participants without PTSD who received CPT-M), with treatment gains maintained one year later. Substance use significantly improved at the end of Phase 1 group ICBT and these improvements were maintained through Phase 2 and the one year follow-up. Participants in the trauma-focused Phase 2 treatment (CPT-M) exhibited similar levels of symptom reduction and maintenance of treatment gains as those in the non-trauma-focused Phase 2 treatment (ICBT). However, there was a slight advantage for Phase 2 CPT-M over Phase 2 ICBT with respect to heavy drinking outcomes for individuals with PTSD. Overall, the combination of group ICBT followed by either CPT-M or ICBT individual therapy appears to be effective for veterans with depression, SUD, and trauma history.

Chronic physical health problems moderate changes in depression and substance use among dual diagnosed individuals during and after treatment.

BACKGROUND: Physical illnesses frequently co-occur with depression and substance use disorders and may impact their improvement. Physical illness symptoms may overlap with or exacerbate somatic symptoms of depression. Individuals may use substances to cope with symptoms of physical illness. OBJECTIVES: We examined whether chronic physical health problems moderated changes in depression and substance use among dual diagnosed individuals during and in the year following treatment. METHODS: Participants were recruited from a Veterans Affairs dual diagnosis outpatient program between March 2000 and November 2007 and were randomized to either Integrated Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy or Twelve-Step Facilitation Therapy. A total of 214 veterans with assessment data for the variables of interest were included in analyses. Participants completed quarterly depression, substance use, and health assessments over an 18 month period. We used linear-mixed effects models to analyze patterns of change for depression and substance use. RESULTS: Individuals with severe chronic health problems and higher intake depression showed slower improvements in both nonsomatic and somatic depression symptoms. Individuals with severe chronic health problems and higher midtreatment substance use showed less improvement in substance use. CONCLUSIONS: Assessing and addressing physical health issues during depression and substance use disorder treatment may improve outcomes.

Self-efficacy and social networks after treatment for alcohol or drug dependence and major depression: disentangling person and time-level effects.

Proximal personal and environmental factors typically predict outcomes of treatment for alcohol or drug dependence (AODD), but longitudinal treatment studies have rarely examined these factors in adults with co-occurring psychiatric disorders. In adults with AODD and major depression, the aims of this study were to: (a) disaggregate person-and time-level components of network substance use and self-efficacy, (b) examine their prospective effects on posttreatment alcohol/drug use, and (c) examine whether residential environment moderated relations between these proximal factors and substance use outcomes. Veterans (N = 201) enrolled in a trial of group psychotherapy for AODD and independent MDD completed assessments every 3 months during 1 year of posttreatment follow-up. Outcome variables were percent days drinking (PDD) and using drugs (PDDRG). Proximal variables included abstinence self-efficacy and social network drinking and drug use. Self-efficacy and network substance use at the person-level prospectively predicted PDD (ps < .05) and PDDRG (ps < .05). Within-person, time-level effects of social networks predicted future PDD (ps < .05) but not PDDRG. Controlled environments moderated person-level social network effects (ps < .05), such that greater time in controlled settings attenuated the association between a heavier drinking/using network and posttreatment drinking and drug use. Both individual differences and time-specific fluctuations in proximal targets of psychosocial interventions are related to posttreatment substance use in adults with co-occurring AODD and MDD. More structured environmental settings appear to alleviate risk associated with social network substance use, and may be especially advised for those who have greater difficulty altering social networks during outpatient treatment.

Mediated and moderated effects of neurocognitive impairment on outcomes of treatment for substance dependence and major depression.

OBJECTIVE: Neurocognitive impairment has not consistently predicted substance use treatment outcomes but has been linked to proximal mediators of outcome. These indirect effects have not been examined in adults with substance dependence and co-occurring psychiatric disorders. We examined mediators and moderators of the effects of neurocognitive impairment on substance use among adults in treatment for alcohol or drug dependence and major depression (MDD). METHOD: Participants were veterans (N = 197, mean age = 49.3 years, 90% male, 75% Caucasian) in a trial of 2 group interventions for alcohol/drug dependence and MDD. Measures examined here included intake neurocognitive assessments and percent days drinking (PDD), percent days using drugs (PDDRG), self-efficacy, 12-step affiliation, and depressive symptoms measured every 3 months from intake to the 18-month follow-up. RESULTS: Greater intake neurocognitive impairment predicted lower self-efficacy, lower 12-step affiliation, and greater depression severity, and these time-varying variables mediated the effects of impairment on future PDD and PDDRG. The prospective effects of 12-step affiliation on future PDD were greater for those with greater neurocognitive impairment. Impairment also interacted with depression to moderate the effects of 12-step affiliation and self-efficacy on PDD. Adults with greater impairment and currently severe depression had the strongest associations between 12-step affiliation/self-efficacy and future drinking. CONCLUSIONS: Greater neurocognitive impairment may lead to poorer outcomes from group therapy for alcohol/drug dependence and MDD due to compromised change in therapeutic processes. Distal factors such as neurocognitive impairment can interact with dynamic risk factors to modulate the association between therapeutic processes and future drinking outcomes.

Impact of Physical Health on Treatment for Co-occurring Depression and Substance Dependence.

OBJECTIVE: There is a high rate of comorbidity among substance dependence, depression, and physical health problems. This study aimed to examine the impact of pre-treatment physical health stressors (acute and chronic conditions) on outcomes of treatment in a sample of veterans with dual disorders (depression and substance dependence) who were randomized to integrated cognitive behavioral therapy versus 12-Step interventions. METHODS: This study included 205 veterans (89.8% male, mean age = 49.5 years) enrolled in a clinical treatment outcomes trial. Chronic health problems (persistent, ongoing conditions lasting 2 weeks or more; e.g., arthritis, diabetes) and acute health events (occurring on a discrete date; e.g., injury, surgery, myocardial infarction) were coded dichotomously (presence versus absence) and evaluated separately. The impact of physical health stressors on abstinence (defined dichotomously), percentage of days abstinent, and depression symptoms were analyzed at the end of 12 and 24 weeks of treatment. Additionally, associations between intake motivation to change, health stressors, and substance use were examined. RESULTS: Analyses revealed that participants who had experienced a pretreatment acute health event had higher rates of abstinence at 12-weeks, higher percentage of days abstinent at 24-weeks, and higher depression symptoms at intake. Participants with chronic health difficulties had more severe depression at intake and those participants with severe chronic difficulties had greater depression symptoms across all time points. Chronic health difficulties were related to the Taking Steps factor of motivation to change substance use, but acute health events were not related to motivation to change. Motivation to change was also not related to substance outcomes in our sample. CONCLUSIONS: Physical health appears to have a complex relationship with co-occurring depression and substance dependence. Acute health problems predicted lower substance use, whereas chronic health problems were associated with higher depression levels. Explicitly addressing the connection between substance use and health events during treatment may improve addiction treatment outcomes. However, individuals with chronic health problems may benefit from extending treatment or adjunct strategies focused on addressing chronic health concerns. This is an analysis of data collected as part of a clinical trial registered at www.ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT00108407.

12-step affiliation and attendance following treatment for comorbid substance dependence and depression: a latent growth curve mediation model.

Among substance-dependent individuals, comorbid major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with greater severity and poorer treatment outcomes, but little research has examined mediators of posttreatment substance use outcomes within this population. Using latent growth curve models, the authors tested relationships between individual rates of change in 12-step involvement and substance use, utilizing posttreatment follow-up data from a trial of group Twelve-Step Facilitation (TSF) and integrated cognitive-behavioral therapy (ICBT) for veterans with substance dependence and MDD. Although TSF patients were higher on 12-step affiliation and meeting attendance at end-of-treatment as compared with ICBT, they also experienced significantly greater reductions in these variables during the year following treatment, ending at similar levels as ICBT. Veterans in TSF also had significantly greater increases in drinking frequency during follow-up, and this group difference was mediated by their greater reductions in 12-step affiliation and meeting attendance. Patients with comorbid depression appear to have difficulty sustaining high levels of 12-step involvement after the conclusion of formal 12-step interventions, which predicts poorer drinking outcomes over time. Modifications to TSF and other formal 12-step protocols or continued therapeutic contact may be necessary to sustain 12-step involvement and reduced drinking for patients with substance dependence and MDD.

Mediational relations between 12-Step attendance, depression and substance use in patients with comorbid substance dependence and major depression.

AIMS: Among patients with substance dependence and comorbid major depressive disorder (MDD) receiving treatment in a controlled trial, we examined if group differences in depression were mediated by 12-Step involvement, and if the effects of 12-Step involvement on future alcohol and drug use were mediated by reductions in depression. DESIGN: Controlled trial of Twelve-Step facilitation (TSF) and integrated cognitive-behavioral therapy (ICBT), delivered in out-patient groups for 6 months with adjunct pharmacotherapy. SETTING: Out-patient dual diagnosis clinic in Veteran's Affairs Healthcare Center. PARTICIPANTS: Veterans (n = 209) diagnosed with alcohol, stimulant or marijuana dependence and substance-independent MDD. MEASUREMENTS: Twelve-Step attendance and affiliation, depression severity, percentage of days drinking and percentage of days using drugs assessed at baseline and months 3, 6 and 9. FINDINGS: In multi-level analyses greater 12-Step meeting attendance predicted lower depression and mediated the superior depression outcomes of the TSF group, explaining 24.3% of the group difference in depression. Independent of treatment group, lower depression severity predicted lower future alcohol use and mediated the effects of 12-Step meetings, explaining 15.7% of their effects on future drinking. Controlled, lagged models indicated these effects were not confounded by current substance use, suggesting that depression had unique associations with 12-Step meeting attendance and future drinking. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with substance dependence and major depressive disorder, attendance at 12-Step meetings is associated with mental health benefits that extend beyond substance use, and reduced depression could be a key mechanism whereby 12-Step meetings reduce future drinking in this population.

Comorbid depression and substance use disorder: longitudinal associations between symptoms in a controlled trial.

This study examined the longitudinal association between substance use and depressive symptoms in veterans receiving outpatient treatment for comorbid substance use disorder and major depression. Veterans (N = 237, mean age = 48.2 years, 90% male, 70% Caucasian) received either 6 months of group integrated cognitive-behavioral therapy or twelve-step facilitation. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores and percent days using any substance were assessed every 3 months up to 1 year posttreatment. Greater substance use predicted time-varying elevations in depression above individual patterns of change in depression. Moreover, change in depressive symptoms was associated with change in both the likelihood of any substance use and the frequency of use during the treatment and follow-up periods. Changes in these symptoms appear to be linked, such that individuals with greater reductions in substance use have greater reductions in depressive symptoms (and vice versa).

Predictors of suicide-related hospitalization among U.S. veterans receiving treatment for comorbid depression and substance dependence: who is the riskiest of the risky?

This study examined whether widely accepted suicide risk factors are useful in predicting suicide-related hospitalization, beyond history of a suicide attempt, in high-risk treatment-seeking veterans with depression and substance dependence. Negative mood regulation expectancies were the only significant predictor of hospitalization during 6-months of outpatient treatment. History of a suicide attempt was the only significant predictor of hospitalization during the one-year follow-up period. Results suggest that within high-risk populations, standard suicide risk factors may not identify individuals who will engage in suicidal behaviors resulting in hospitalization. Assessing negative mood regulation expectations may assist in identifying those most at risk.

Predictors of treatment retention for substance-dependent adults with co-occurring depression.

Low attendance in addiction treatment, particularly in cases of comorbidity, has been identified as a pervasive challenge. We examine predictors of treatment retention in a sample of veterans (N = 253) participating in a clinical trial comparing two types of psychotherapy for co-occurring depression and substance use disorders. The study protocol included 24 weeks of outpatient group psychotherapy in either a newly developed Integrated Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ICBT) or Twelve-Step Facilitation Therapy (TSF). Using a model of treatment utilization developed by Aday and Anderson, we analyzed predictors categorized into predisposing factors, enabling resources, need for treatment, and type of treatment received. Outcome included total number of sessions attended (maximum of 36 sessions). Treatment retention did not differ between the two study interventions. Bivariate analyses indicated that predisposing factors were most predictive, with older participants, Caucasians, and those using only alcohol in the month before treatment attending more sessions, and individuals who had recently experienced a health event remained in treatment longer. Importantly, several factors were not related to treatment retention: marital status, education, neuropsychological functioning, financial stress, chronic health problems, treatment motivation, and psychiatric severity. In the combined model of predisposing, enabling and need factors, age and ethnicity were the only significant predictors.

Neuropsychological functioning and outcomes of treatment for co-occurring depression and substance use disorders.

BACKGROUND: We previously published findings from our clinical trial comparing treatment outcomes for substance-dependent veterans with co-occurring depression who received Integrated Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ICBT) or Twelve-Step Facilitation (TSF) Therapy. OBJECTIVES: This study is a secondary analysis that examined whether neuropsychological functioning at baseline moderated substance use and depression outcomes in ICBT relative to TSF. METHODS: This study was a randomized clinical trial in which 164 veterans with major depressive disorder and comorbid alcohol, cannabinol, and/or stimulant dependence were randomly assigned to either ICBT or TSF group therapy. A comprehensive neuropsychological test battery was administered at baseline. RESULTS: Contrary to our hypothesis, participants with poor neuropsychological functioning had better substance use outcome in ICBT than in TSF, whereas participants with good neuropsychological functioning had comparable substance use outcomes in TSF and ICBT by 18-month follow-up. Depression outcomes, in contrast, were not moderated by neuropsychological functioning by 18-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS AND SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: The substance use outcomes may suggest that substance-dependent depressed adults with poorer neuropsychological functioning should be offered ICBT over TSF. These individuals may be less able to develop and use novel coping skills for managing substance use and depressive symptoms on their own without formal structured training in cognitive and behavioral skills provided in ICBT.

Clinical outcomes of an integrated treatment for depression and substance use disorders.

The authors compared longitudinal treatment outcomes for depressed substance-dependent veterans (N = 206) assigned to integrated cognitive-behavioral therapy plus standard pharmacotherapy (ICBT + P) or 12-step facilitation therapy plus standard pharmacotherapy (TSF + P). Drug and alcohol involvement and depressive symptomology were measured at intake and at 3-month intervals during treatment and up to 1 year posttreatment. Participants in both treatment conditions showed decreased depression and substance use from intake. ICBT + P participants maintained improvements in substance involvement over time, whereas TSF + P participants had more rapid increases in use in the months following treatment. Decreases in depressive symptoms were more pronounced for TSF + P than ICBT + P in the 6 months posttreatment. Within both treatment groups, higher attendance was associated with improved substance use and depression outcomes over time. Initial levels of depressive symptomology had a complex predictive relationship with long-term depression outcomes. Early treatment response predicted long-term substance use outcomes for a portion of the sample. Although both treatments were associated with improvements in substance use and depression, ICBT + P may lead to more stable substance use reductions compared with TSF + P.

Service utilization during and after outpatient treatment for comorbid substance use disorder and depression.

Patients with comorbid substance use disorder (SUD) and depression incur greater treatment costs than those with either disorder alone. Integrated treatment targeting both issues concurrently has been shown to reduce substance use and depression in this population, but little is known about the effects of such treatment on the utilization of costly health services. This study compared 18-month patterns of service utilization for 236 veterans with comorbid SUD depression randomly assigned to 6 months of either Integrated Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ICBT) or Twelve-Step Facilitation Therapy. Treatment group differences were found for the utilization of psychotropic medication services and inpatient hospitalization. Higher rates of therapy attendance, lower baseline depression, and receiving ICBT all predicted shorter admissions for those hospitalized during treatment. Ethnicity and gender predicted medication service use both during and following treatment. The findings provide evidence supporting the long-term cost-effectiveness of integrated treatment for this high-risk population.

Posttraumatic stress disorder's role in integrated substance dependence and depression treatment outcomes.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) frequently co-occurs with depression and substance use disorder (SUD). This study investigates the impact of PTSD diagnosis on treatment outcomes of 178 veterans treated for depression and SUD, with Integrated Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (ICBT) or 12-Step Facilitation Therapy (TSF). Percentage days abstinent (PDA) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale total score (HDRS total) trajectories were created. PDA was similar through initial follow-up; however, by 18 months, ICBT participants without PTSD had better PDA (M = 91%) than those without PTSD in TSF (M = 76%) and those with PTSD in either group (M = 75%-77%). Across time, participants with PTSD had higher depression levels than those without PTSD but benefited similarly from treatment (main effect, p < .004). Both conditions demonstrated reductions in average HDRS at 18 months (M = 17%-29%). Findings highlight the need to assess for PTSD and to investigate how to treat concomitant SUD, depression, and PTSD.

Comorbidity of substance dependence and depression: role of life stress and self-efficacy in sustaining abstinence.

The authors examined life stress and self-efficacy as predictors of time to relapse for 113 adults with comorbid major depressive disorder and alcohol and/or substance dependence in a randomized clinical trial comparing 2 psychotherapy interventions (integrated cognitive- behavioral therapy and 12-step facilitation therapy). Life stress, self-efficacy, and substance use were assessed at treatment entry, 12 weeks (mid-treatment), and 24 weeks (end of treatment). Time to relapse was defined as the number of days from treatment initiation until first alcohol and/or drug use. Half of the sample relapsed within the study period of 24 weeks. There was no significant difference between treatment groups. Individuals experiencing life stressors were more likely to relapse early than those not experiencing life stressors. Lower self-efficacy also predicted earlier relapse. Chronic stress levels and self-efficacy were stable across time for most individuals. In contrast, acute stress events occurred at differing times, and survival analyses provided evidence of heightened relapse risk in the month following acute stressors. The interaction of self-efficacy and life stress was not significant. The results highlight the significance of life stress and self-efficacy as predictors of early relapse.

Does initial treatment focus influence outcomes for depressed substance abusers?

Interventions for alcohol- and substance-dependent adults with comorbid depressive disorders are needed, but few have been empirically tested. In a randomized clinical trial of two psychotherapy interventions for these disorders, we examined whether initial focus of treatment was related to retention, substance use, and depression outcomes. Both interventions, integrated cognitive-behavioral therapy (ICBT; n = 105) and twelve-step facilitation (n = 92), were delivered in group formats with entry points every 4 weeks at the beginning of three content-distinct modules. Entry module (i.e., initial treatment focus) was not related to percentage days abstinent, proportion of the sample abstinent, or depression symptoms for either intervention. This was true at both 12 and 24 weeks postbaseline. Furthermore, attendance was similar for both treatments, regardless of initial treatment focus, with a single exception in the ICBT condition. Our findings support the use of modular formats with multiple or rotating entry points for psychotherapy group interventions.

Mechanisms of action in integrated cognitive-behavioral treatment versus twelve-step facilitation for substance-dependent adults with comorbid major depression.

OBJECTIVE: In a population of veterans with co-occurring substance use disorders and concomitant major depressive disorder, the current study compared mechanisms of change and therapeutic effects relevant to both disorders between integrated, dual disorder-specific cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) and twelve-step facilitation (TSF). METHOD: Veterans (N = 148) were given standard pharmacotherapy for depression and were randomly assigned to receive 24 weeks of either TSF or ICBT. Process measures were selected to quantify (1) changes in self-efficacy in ICBT, (2) changes in ability to terminate negative affect in ICBT, (3) twelve-step affiliation (TSA) in TSF, and (4) changes in social support in both conditions. Measures of depression and substance use were administered to all participants before treatment, during treatment, and at the end of treatment. RESULTS: Self-efficacy increased among both TSF and ICBT participants during treatment, whereas self-reported ability to regulate negative affect did not change. Consistent with predictions, TSF participants increased community TSA during treatment, whereas those receiving ICBT reduced TSA. Changes in self-efficacy and TSA were associated with improvement in substance use outcomes at the end of treatment. Hypothesized changes in social support were not supported. CONCLUSIONS: Both ICBT and TSF produce improvements in self-efficacy, and these changes are related to substance use outcomes for depressed substance abusers. In TSF, intervention-specific changes in TSA occur during the course of treatment and are related to substance use outcomes.