Video Game Playing and Internet Gaming Disorder: A Profile of Young Adolescents.

In recent times, growing concern has arisen regarding the utilization of technology, video games, and the emergence of internet gaming disorder (IGD), particularly among young adolescents. This worry arises from the ambiguity in distinguishing between "normal" and "problematic" video game behavior, despite efforts to establish clear criteria for defining both. The goal of this study is to outline distinct profiles of adolescent video game players and identify variables associated with their gaming practices that correlate with problematic gaming. The study utilizes a substantial sample of adolescents drawn from a representative cross-section of educational institutions in the city of Madrid, ranging in age from 12 to 16 years. In total, 1516 participants (75%) acknowledged engaging in video game activities. The research delves into characterizing prevailing profiles of video game participants within this cohort and scrutinizes the profile that aligns with issues of IGD. In summary, approximately three-quarters of young adolescents participate in video gaming, with males constituting the majority. Typically, participants immerse themselves in action genre games for over three days per week, with males exhibiting a higher frequency than their female counterparts. Elevated gaming frequency correlates with heightened IGD scores, particularly among females. Young adolescents show a preference for game consoles (males) and mobile phones (females) and often play alone at home. Specific factors such as the device used, online mode, company, and gaming location impact the IGD scores. These profiles aim to assist families and educators in recognizing potential risk behaviors and IGD concerns; however, it is crucial to emphasize the necessity for case-specific screening and evaluation before deliberating on such behaviors.

Cognitive Patterns and Problematic Use of Video Games in Adolescents: A Cluster Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Video game playing (VGP) is an increasingly common leisure activity among children and adolescents, although in some cases, it is accompanied by problems due to misuse. METHOD: A sample of 2884 children and adolescents aged between 12 and 20, representative of the Community of Madrid (Spain), were studied using a cluster analysis to explore the existence of cognitive patterns associated with engagement, attitudes, and concurrent cognitions. We also explored the relationship between these patterns and problematic VGP, using the 2173 gamers as a reference. RESULTS: The concurrent cognitions were not qualitatively different between the problematic users and the others. High engagement and high activation of concurrent cognitions (intensity and frequency) showed the greatest relationship with problematic VGP. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest the existence of different groups of gamers and the relevance to include psycho-educational aspects in intervention programs, as well as the training of specific skills, especially those related with the control of activation. Limitations related to the sample size and potential supplementary analyses are acknowledged.

Presence and predictors of suicide ideation in a clinical outpatient context / Presencia y predictores de la ideación suicida en contexto clínicoambulatorio

Abstract: Background: It is of vital importance to study the risk factors associated with suicidal behaviour. The purpose of this study is to analyse the presence of suicide ideation and related factors in an applied clinical environment. Method: A correlative-predictive study is conducted with a sample of 180 adult patients, 64% women, with an average age of 31.88 (SD = 14.473) at the University Psychology Clinic of Universidad Complutense of Madrid. Suicide ideation is analysed (measured by Item 9 of the BDI-II), together with its relationship with clinical diagnosis, symptoms of depression, hopelessness and a range of sociodemographic variables. Results: 31.7% of the sample had shown suicide ideation. Significant differences were found depending on: cohabitation unit, symptoms of depression, presence of hopelessness, personal history and being under pharmacological treatment. Living alone is postulated as a stable predictor of suicide ideation (with an OR of 0.403). Together with personal history, symptoms of depression and hopelessness, these factors explain 42.5% of the presence of suicide ideation (?2(13) = 65.056; p < .001; R2 = 0.425). Conclusions: The high prevalence of suicide ideation in the clinical population and the risk factors found, confirm the importance of focusing on this phenomenon, in particular taking into account its presence within different problems beyond the diagnostic label and the significance in certain contextual factors (e.g., living alone).(AU)

Antecedentes: El estudio sobre los factores de riesgo asociados a la conducta suicida es primordial debido al alarmante aumento de suicidios consumados en España en estos últimos años. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar la presencia de ideación suicida y factores relacionados con ésta, tanto sociodemográficos como clínicos. Método: Se realiza un estudio descriptivo, correlacional, transversal y retrospectivo con una muestra de 180 pacientes mayores de edad de la Clínica Universitaria de Psicología de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Se analiza la ideación suicida (medida a través del ítem 9 del BDI-II), su relación con el diagnóstico clínico, la sintomatología depresiva, la desesperanza y diversas variables sociodemográficas. Resultados: Un 31,7% de la muestra presentó ideación suicida. Se encontraron diferencias significativas dependiendo de: núcleo de convivencia, sintomatología depresiva, presencia de desesperanza, antecedentes personales y estar bajo tratamiento farmacológico. Vivir solo, tener antecedentes personales, sintomatología depresiva y desesperanza fueron predictores estadísticamente significativos de la aparición de ideación suicida (? 2 (13) = 65, 056; p < 0,001; R 2 = 0,425). Conclusiones: La alta prevalencia en población clínica y los factores de riesgo encontrados confirman la importancia de prestar atención a este fenómeno, sobre todo teniendo en cuenta el elevado porcentaje de ideación en diferentes problemáticas más allá de la etiqueta diagnóstica.(AU)

Women and videogames: What do they play? / Mujeres y videojuegos: ¿A qué juegan las mujeres?

La información sobre el uso de Videojuegos (VJ) en muestras generales refleja fundamentalmente las características de los hombres, por su mayor participación en VJ, dificultando identificar las características de las mujeres y su actividad de juego. Objetivo: Describir el comportamiento lúdico de adolescentes y jóvenes madrileñas y su relación con el desarrollo de problemas de juego. Método: Se aplicó un cuestionario de autoinforme (Gamertest) a una muestra de 1.228 mujeres (12 -22 años) (M = 14.84; DT= 2.469), seleccionadas mediante muestreo aleatorio en centros educativos de la Comunidad de Madrid. Resultados: el 51% de las mujeres admite jugar. El perfil típico es una mujer que juega a VJ de forma esporádica y por cortos periodos de tiempo, preferiblemente juegos de Acción y Aventura o Puzles y Plataformas; principalmente en smartphones, en casa y sola, con el propósito de divertirse. Las principales variables predictivas de problemas de juego, identificadas con el Trastorno del Juego de Internet (TJI) en mujeres son: mayor número de horas de uso, participación en juegos de rol multijugador masivo online (MMORPG) y VJ de estrategia. El factor protector más importante es jugar a VJ acompañado. Se discuten los resultados.(AU)

The information on the use of Videogames (VG) in general samples fundamentally reflects the characteristics of men, because of their greater participation in VG, making it difficult to identify the characteristics of women and their gaming activity. Objective: To describe the gaming behaviour of adolescent and young women in Madrid, and its relation with the development of gaming problems. Method: A self-report questionnaire(Gamertest) was applied to a sample of 1,228 women (12 -22 years old) (M= 14.84; SD= 2.469), selected by randomized sampling in schools in the Community of Madrid. Results: 51% of women admit gaming. The typical profile is a woman who plays VG sporadically and for short periods of time, preferably Action and Adventure games or Puzzlesand Platforms, mainly on smartphones, at home and alone, with the purpose of having fun. The main predictive variables of gaming problems, identified with the Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) in women are: a greater number of hours of use, playing MassivelyMultiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG), and Strategy VG. The most protective factor is playing VG accompanied. The results are discussed.(AU)

A comparative study of climacteric symptoms among two populations of mid-aged women.

The purpose of this study was to compare climacteric symptoms associated with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among women from Madrid (Spain) and Belgrade (Serbia). A cross-sectional study included 461 women from Madrid and 513 women from Belgrade aged 40-65 years. Climacteric symptoms and HRQOL were examined using the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). There were no differences in MRS total score (p = 0.873), somato-vegetative and urogenital domain scores regarding country groups. However, women from Belgrade had poorer psychological domain score than women from Madrid (p = 0.027). Madrilenian women were more likely to have worse MRS score if they were coupled, had gynaecological complaints and longer duration of amenorrhoea. In Belgradian women, having higher level of education and using hormone-replacement therapy was associated with worse MRS score. Midlife women from Madrid and Belgrade had similar perception of intensity of urogenital and somato-vegetative climacteric symptoms. Belgradian women, however, perceived psychological symptoms as more severe.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Social and cultural meanings of menopause vary across countries. It is quite delicate to strike a balance between two or more populations of women that can be compared, but also have specific features that are unique to their area. Similarities such as position of women in the society, access to education, contraception and safe induced abortion can facilitate this comparison.What do the results of this study add? Spanish and Serbian women rated similarly somato-vegetative and urogenital complaints, but Serbian women had worse psychological symptoms compared to Spanish women. Spanish women were more likely to endure climacteric symptoms until they withdraw spontaneously. Serbian women of higher education were more likely to use hormone-replacement therapy to manage climacteric complaints.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This study is the first to compare climacteric symptoms between women in Spain and Serbia. Despite the universality of menopause, culture seems to play a major role in differences in the perception of specific climacteric symptoms. Examination of quality of life in menopausal transition is an important measure of health status and should become a part of the routine health care in midlife.

Exposición de jóvenes y adolescentes a la publicidad de los juegos de azar: una revisión sistemática / Exposure of adolescents and youth to Gambling advertising: a sys-tematic review

Los posibles efectos negativos de la publicidad de juegos de azar (JdA), sobre todo en Adolescentes y Jóvenes (AyJ), generan alarma social. Se realizó una revisión sistemática de las investigaciones sobre publicidad y juego en AyJ, en los últimos 10 años, siguiendo las directrices PRISMA, seleccionándose 31 trabajos. Los resultados destacan que AyJ, en contra de la legislación, participan con frecuencia en JdA, presentando problemas de juego. La publicidad de JdA es variada e intensa en especial en TV, eventos deportivos y redes sociales, estando dirigida a JyA, aunque suelen ser críticos con ella. Afecta más a varones jóvenes y con conductas de juego inadecuadas, consolidándolas. Los contenidos principales tratan de normalizar el juego y resaltar ganancias (sociales o económicas). El nivel de recuerdo y las actitudes sobre la publicidad del juego se asocian a incrementos en la intención de jugar, comportamientos de juego, y problemas de juego. Los incentivos más eficaces para jugar incluyen promociones económicas. La publicidad parece tener efecto, aunque reducido, para mejorar la actitud hacia los JdA e incrementar la participación en éstos, pero es difícil identificar sus efectos a medio y largo plazo. Son necesarios más estudios sobre JdA y publicidad, en especial en España

The possible negative effects of gambling Advertising (GA), especially in Adolescents and Youth (A&Y), generate social alarm. A systematic review of the research on advertising and gambling in A&Y in the last 10 years was carried out, following the PRISMA guidelines, including 31 studies. The results highlight that A&Y, against the law, frequently participate in gambling, with some having gambling problems. GA is varied and intense, especially on TV, sporting events and social networks, also targeting A&Y, although they are often critical of it. It affects more young men and people with inappropriate gambling behaviours, consolidating those behaviours. The main messages try to normalise gambling and highlight profits (social or economic). The levels of recall, as well as the attitudes about GA are associated with an increase in gambling intentions, behaviours, and problems. The most effective incentives to gamble include economic promotions. Advertising seems to have an effect, albeit reduced, to improve the attitude towards gambling and increase participation, but it is difficult to identify its effects in the medium and long term. More studies on gambling and advertising are necessary, especially in Spain

Spanish Validation and Scoring of the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale - Short-Form (IGDS9-SF).

Since the inclusion of the Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) in the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.) (DSM-5), the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form (IGDS9-SF), a short nine items test, has become one of the most used standardized instruments for its psychometric evaluation. This study presents a validation and psychometric evaluation of the Spanish version of the IGDS9-SF. A sample of 2173 videogame players between 12 and 22 years old, comprising both genders, was employed, achieved with a randomized selection process from educational institutions in the city of Madrid. Participants completed the adapted version of the IGDS9-SF, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and a negative cognitions scale associated with videogame use, as well as sociodemographic data and frequency of videogame play. A unifactorial structure with sufficient reliability and internal consistency was found through exploratory and confirmatory analyses. In addition, the instrument was found to have good construct validity; the scoring of the IGDS9-SF were found to show a positive association with gaming frequency, with general health problems, and to a greater extent, with problematic cognitions with regard to videogames. Factorial invariance was found concerning the age of participants. However, even though the factorial structure was consistent across genders, neither metric nor scalar invariance were found; for this reason, we present a scale for the whole sample and a different one for gender. These results suggest that this Spanish version of the IGDS9-SF is a reliable and valid instrument, useful to evaluate the severity of IGD in Spanish students, and we provide a scoring scale for measurement purposes.

Spanish validation and scoring of the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale - Short-Form (IGDS9-SF)

Since the inclusion of the Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) in the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.) (DSM-5), the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form (IGDS9-SF), a short nine items test, has become one of the most used standardized instruments for its psychometric evaluation. This study presents a validation and psychometric evaluation of the Spanish version of the IGDS9-SF. A sample of 2173 videogame players between 12 and 22 years old, comprising both genders, was employed, achieved with a randomized selection process from educational institutions in the city of Madrid. Participants completed the adapted version of the IGDS9-SF, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and a negative cognitions scale associated with videogame use, as well as sociodemographic data and frequency of videogame play. A unifactorial structure with sufficient reliability and internal consistency was found through exploratory and confirmatory analyses. In addition, the instrument was found to have good construct validity; the scoring of the IGDS9-SF were found to show a positive association with gaming frequency, with general health problems, and to a greater extent, with problematic cognitions with regard to videogames. Factorial invariance was found concerning the age of participants. However, even though the factorial structure was consistent across genders, neither metric nor scalar invariance were found; for this reason, we present a scale for the whole sample and a different one for gender. These results suggest that this Spanish version of the IGDS9-SF is a reliable and valid instrument, useful to evaluate the severity of IGD in Spanish students, and we provide a scoring scale for measurement purposes

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Accuracy of the Menopause Rating Scale and the Menopause Quality of Life Questionnaire to discriminate menopausal women with anxiety and depression.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the accuracy of the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and the Menopause Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL) to discriminate women suffering from anxiety (AD) and depression disorder (DD). METHODS: A cohort of 416 women aged 45 to 65 years (51.7 ±â€Š3.8) completed the MRS, MENQOL and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, plotting receiver operator curves to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the MRS and MENQOL items related to anxiety and depression. RESULTS: Both the MRS6 (area under the ROC curve [AUC] 0.773, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.721-0.824) and MENQOL5 (AUC: 0.772, 95% CI 0.723-0.822) proved to be accurate tools to identify individuals with anxiety or with a likelihood to develop AD. Likewise, the items MRS4 (AUC: 0.771, 95% CI 0.625-0.797) and MENQOL8 (AUC: 0.744, 95% CI 0.668-0.821) appeared to be suitable to discriminate individuals with DD. Two cut-off points were established for each item in the different scales to optimize their capacity to detect and discriminate problems of anxiety and depression. Lower cut-off values (MRS ≥ 1; MENQOL ≥ 2) were established to detect AD and DD, the sensitivity of which varied between 76.0% and 84.6%% and a negative predictive value varying between 86.7% and 95.3%. A more specific cut-off was established for the discrimination of AD and DD (MRS ≥ 2; MENQOL ≥ 7), with a specificity ranging from 86.2% to 99.4% and a positive predictive value varying between 68.6% and 92.6%. CONCLUSIONS: The MRS and MENQOL display moderate accuracy in discriminating menopausal women with symptoms of anxiety and depression. The intensity of the symptoms appears to be related to the probability of detecting a probable or definitive disorder.

Factores que interfieren en el curso del tratamiento de los problemas de ansiedad: La prolongación y la terminación prematura del tratamiento / Factors interfering with the course of treatment for anxiety disorders: Prolongation and premature termination of treatment

El tratamiento de los trastornos de ansiedad ha demostrado su eficacia y efectividad. Sin embargo, no siempre se consiguen los resultados deseados. Estudiar aquellos factores que interfieren en el curso natural del tratamiento contribuirá a tomar medidas oportunas. Dos de estos factores son la prolongación innecesaria de los tratamientos y el fenómeno de la terminación prematura. Como es esperable, la duración del tratamiento depende de la naturaleza del problema y de la existencia de problemas comórbidos, pero también de planificaciones demasiado ambiciosas (exceso de técnicas) o la combinación con psicofármacos (con incrementos de hasta un 21% de sesiones). La terminación prematura se sitúa entorno al 30-35% y los pacientes "anuncian el desenlace" con peor ejecución de tareas y asistencias más irregulares desde el principio. Aproximadamente 50% de los abandonos ocurren antes de la sesión 8 y entorno al 80% de los tratamientos completados exitosamente concluyen antes de la sesión 20

The efficacy and the effectiveness of anxiety disorder treatments have been proven. However, the desired results are not always achieved. Studying the factors that interfere with the natural course of the treatments could help to correct and to adapt them. Two of these factors are the unnecessary prolongation of treatments and premature termination. As expected, the duration of the treatment depends on the nature of the problem and the existence of comorbid problems, however also treatments that are too ambitious (an excess of techniques) or combined with pharmacological treatments (increasing sessions by up to 21%) have a longer duration. Premature termination was around 30-35% and patients "announce" their drop-out by displaying poorer task performance and more irregular attendance from the beginning. More than 50% of the therapeutic dropout occurs before the eighth session and 80% of successful treatments were completed before the 20th session

Psychometric properties of a brief on-line screening instrument to detect at-risk gamblers / Propiedades psicométricas de un instrumento de cribado breve on-line para la detección de jugadores de riesgo

Background: Gambling facilitates the development of psychopathological problems in some gamblers. Rapid and easy detection of the presence of these problems, or the risk of their development, will allow early action at the beginning of the problem, including preventive action. For this purpose, we developed the "Sistema de Cribado de Riesgo de Problemas de Juegos" (SCRI-PJ [Risk of Gambling Problems Screening System]), an on-line instrument for the detection of people who have, or may develop, gambling problems. The goal of this work is to present and validate the SCRI-PJ. Method: 85 people with gambling problems undergoing treatment and 119 people from the general population were assessed with the SCRI-PJ and the DSM-RT Diagnostic Criteria for Pathological Gambling questionnaire. Results: the SCRI-PJ showed high internal consistency (α= .96), sensitivity (94.2%) specificity (91.4%), with a negative predictive value of 98.6%. Conclusion: the SCRI-PJ is a brief and effective screening instrument to detect people with gambling problems or who are at risk of developing them (AU)

Antecedentes: los juegos de azar facilitan el desarrollo de problemas psicopatológicos en algunos jugadores. Detectar de forma rápida y sencilla la presencia de estos problemas, o el riesgo de su desarrollo, permitirá actuar precozmente al inicio del problema, incluso de forma preventiva. Con este propósito se ha desarrollado el Sistema de Cribado de Riesgo de Problemas de Juego (SCRI-PJ), un instrumento on-line para la detección de personas que tengan o puedan desarrollar problemas con el juego. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar y validar el SCRI-PJ. Método: 85 personas con problemas de juego en tratamiento y 119 personas de la población general fueron evaluados mediante el SCRI-PJ y el cuestionario Criterios diagnósticos DSM-IV-TR para el Juego Patológico. Resultados: el SCRI-PJ mostró una alta consistencia interna (α= .96), sensibilidad (94,2%) y especificidad (91,4%), con un valor predictivo negativo del 98,6%. Conclusión: el SCRI-PJ es un instrumento de cribado breve y eficaz para detectar a las personas con problemas de juego o en riesgo de desarrollarlos (AU)

Psychometric properties of a brief on-line screening instrument to detect at-risk gamblers.

BACKGROUND: Gambling facilitates the development of psychopathological problems in some gamblers. Rapid and easy detection of the presence of these problems, or the risk of their development, will allow early action at the beginning of the problem, including preventive action. For this purpose, we developed the “Sistema de Cribado de Riesgo de Problemas de Juegos” (SCRI-PJ [Risk of Gambling Problems Screening System]), an on-line instrument for the detection of people who have, or may develop, gambling problems. The goal of this work is to present and validate the SCRI-PJ. METHOD: 85 people with gambling problems undergoing treatment and 119 people from the general population were assessed with the SCRI-PJ and the DSM-RT Diagnostic Criteria for Pathological Gambling questionnaire. RESULTS: the SCRI-PJ showed high internal consistency (α= .96), sensitivity (94.2%) specificity (91.4%), with a negative predictive value of 98.6%. CONCLUSION: the SCRI-PJ is a brief and effective screening instrument to detect people with gambling problems or who are at risk of developing them.

Premature termination of psychological treatment for anxiety disorders in a clinical setting / Terminación prematura del tratamiento psicológico para los trastornos de ansiedad en el contexto clínico

BACKGROUND: Empirically supported psychological treatments (ESTs) have demonstrated their effectiveness and clinical utility for the treatment of anxiety disorders (AD) but few studies have assessed the factors associated with premature termination in ESTs for AD. METHOD: The goals of this study, which involved 291 patients with a diagnosis of anxiety who had received outpatient psychological care, consisted of examining premature termination of treatment (PTT), comparing the individual characteristics of the patients who successfully completed treatment with those who terminate it prematurely, and analyzing the predictors of PTT. RESULTS: Of the sample, 8.2% refused to start treatment, 28.5% dropped out before completing it, and 63.2% successfully completed treatment. In 50% of the cases, PTT occurred during the first 7 sessions, and in 80%, before the 15th session. Alternatively, 76.4% of the patients who complete treatment successfully do so before session 20. We found that patients with PTT attended a significantly lower number of treatment sessions and attended the sessions more irregularly and unpunctually. Presenting a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), problems with punctuality and with task performance were predictors of failure to complete treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest the need to reinforce early adherence to treatments to help patients remain in treatment

ANTECEDENTES: los tratamientos psicológicos empíricamente apoyados (TEAs) han demostrado utilidad clínica para el abordaje de los trastornos de ansiedad (TA), pero pocos estudios han evaluado los factores asociados a la terminación prematura (TPT). MÉTODO: se examinaron las tasas de TPT, sus predictores y las características de aquellos pacientes que terminaron prematuramente frente a los que completan, en una muestra de 291 pacientes, en atención ambulatoria y diagnosticados de algún trastorno de ansiedad. RESULTADOS: el 8,2% de los participantes rechazaron comenzar el tratamiento, el 28,5% abandonaron antes de completarlo y el 63,2% completaron con éxito. El 50% de los casos de TPT se produce durante las 7 primeras sesiones y en el 80% antes de la sesión 15. El 76,4% de los pacientes que finalizan con éxito su tratamiento lo hacen antes de la sesión 20. El grupo TPT acudió a un número significativamente menor de sesiones y asistieron de manera más irregular e impuntual. Resultaron predictores de no completar el tratamiento presentar un Trastorno de Ansiedad Generalizada, problemas de puntualidad y en la ejecución de tareas. CONCLUSIONES: los resultados apuntan la necesidad de reforzar la adhesión temprana a los tratamientos para ayudar a los pacientes a mantenerse en los mismos

Premature termination of psychological treatment for anxiety disorders in a clinical setting.

BACKGROUND: Empirically supported psychological treatments (ESTs) have demonstrated their effectiveness and clinical utility for the treatment of anxiety disorders (AD) but few studies have assessed the factors associated with premature termination in ESTs for AD. METHOD: The goals of this study, which involved 291 patients with a diagnosis of anxiety who had received outpatient psychological care, consisted of examining premature termination of treatment (PTT), comparing the individual characteristics of the patients who successfully completed treatment with those who terminate it prematurely, and analyzing the predictors of PTT. RESULTS: Of the sample, 8.2% refused to start treatment, 28.5% dropped out before completing it, and 63.2% successfully completed treatment. In 50% of the cases, PTT occurred during the first 7 sessions, and in 80%, before the 15th session. Alternatively, 76.4% of the patients who complete treatment successfully do so before session 20. We found that patients with PTT attended a significantly lower number of treatment sessions and attended the sessions more irregularly and unpunctually. Presenting a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), problems with punctuality and with task performance were predictors of failure to complete treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest the need to reinforce early adherence to treatments to help patients remain in treatment.

Characteristics of demand and psychological treatments in a university clinic / Características de la demanda y de los tratamientos psicológicos en una clínica universitaria

The objectives of this study are to describe the most common characteristics of patients receiving psychological treatment and the treatments administered. We analyzed a sample of 856 patients at the University Psychology Clinic of the Complutense University of Madrid. Five diagnostic categories accounted for 78.4% of demand: anxiety disorders (31.9%), no diagnosis (15.4%), other problems requiring clinical attention (14.2%), mood disorders (9.5%) and adaptive disorders (7.4%). A total of 17.7% presented a comorbid diagnosis and 49.3% had received treatment previously. The mean of assessment and treatment sessions was 3.5 and 12.7, respectively. The most commonly applied techniques included psychoeducation (95.1%), cognitive restructuring (74.8%), relaxation (74.4%), and control of internal dialogue (68.1%).Of the patients that had finished contact with the clinic, 68.3% were a therapeutic success. We discuss the generalization of the results and the implications for the profession and clinical practice

Los objetivos del estudio son describir las características de los pacientes que acuden a tratamiento psicológico y de los tratamientos aplicados. Se analiza una muestra de 856 pacientes de la Clínica Universitaria de Psicología de la Universidad Complutense. Cinco categorías diagnósticas cubren el 78.4% de la demanda: trastornos de ansiedad (31.9%), sin diagnóstico (15.4%), otros problemas objeto de atención clínica (14.2%), trastornos del estado de ánimo (9.5%) y trastornos adaptativos (7.4%). El 17.7% presentaba un diagnóstico comórbido y el 49.3% habían recibido un tratamiento previo. La media de sesiones de evaluación fue de 3.5 y 12.7, respectivamente. Las técnicas más utilizadas fueron psicoeducación (95.1%), reestructuración cognitiva (74.8%), relajación (74.4%) y control del diálogo interno (68.1%).De los pacientes que habían finalizado el contacto con el centro el 68.3% obtuvo el alta terapéutica. Se discute la generalización de los resultados e implicaciones para la profesión y la práctica clínica

Treatment of Anxiety Disorders in a Psychology Clinic.

People with anxiety disorders demand psychological attention most often. Therefore, it seems important to identify both the characteristics of the patients who demand help and the clinical variables related to that demand and its treatment. A cohort of 292 patients who requested help at a university clinical facility was studied. The typical profile of the patient was: being female, young, unmarried, with some college education, and having previously received treatment, especially pharmacological one. The three most frequent diagnoses of anxiety, which include 50% of the cases, were: Anxiety Disorder not otherwise specified, Social Phobia, and Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia. Regarding the characteristics of the intervention, the average duration of the assessment was 3.5 sessions (SD = 1.2), and the duration of the treatment was 14 sessions (SD = 11.2). The percentage of discharges was 70.2%. The average cost of treatment was around €840. The results are discussed, underlining the value of empirically supported treatments for anxiety disorders.

Factors associated with prolonging psychological treatment for anxiety disorders.

BACKGROUND: Anxiety disorders are one of the disorders most frequently requested for psychological attention. The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that can explain a longer duration of psychological treatment for anxiety disorders. METHOD: 202 patients from the University Psychology Clinic of the Complutense University of Madrid were analyzed. RESULTS: Multivariate regression analysis showed that the presence of obsessive-compulsive disorder and the application of arousal control techniques followed by modeling and other specific techniques were the best predictors of treatment duration. CONCLUSION: Reducing as much as possible the number of techniques applied without reducing intervention efficacy is suggested. In some disorders that produce a greater life disorganization, it may be useful to try to organize the patient´s life either as a first goal or at the same time as the intervention program, so as to increase its effectiveness and reduce the number of sessions.

Factors associated with prolonging psychological treatment for anxiety disorders / Factores asociados a la prolongación del tratamiento psicológico en los trastornos de ansiedad

BACKGROUND: Anxiety disorders are one of the disorders most frequently requested for psychological attention. The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that can explain a longer duration of psychological treatment for anxiety disorders. METHOD: 202 patients from the University Psychology Clinic of the Complutense University of Madrid were analyzed. RESULTS: Multivariate regression analysis showed that the presence of obsessive-compulsive disorder and the application of arousal control techniques followed by modeling and other specific techniques were the best predictors of treatment duration. CONCLUSION: Reducing as much as possible the number of techniques applied without reducing intervention efficacy is suggested. In some disorders that produce a greater life disorganization, it may be useful to try to organize the patient's life either as a first goal or at the same time as the intervention program, so as to increase its effectiveness and reduce the number of sessions

ANTECEDENTES: uno de los motivos más frecuentes de atención psicológica son los trastornos de ansiedad. El objetivo de este trabajo es identificar los factores que pueden explicar una mayor duración del tratamiento psicológico en los problemas de ansiedad. MÉTODO: se analizaron los datos de 202 pacientes de la Clínica Universitaria de Psicología de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid. RESULTADOS: el análisis de regresión multivariado mostró que los mayores predictores de la duración del tratamiento eran la presencia de un diagnóstico principal de Trastorno Obsesivo-Compulsivo y la aplicación de técnicas para el control de la activación seguidas de modelado y otras técnicas específicas. CONCLUSIONES: se recomienda reducir en la medida de lo posible el número de técnicas aplicadas sin que se reduzca la eficacia de la intervención. En algunos trastornos que producen una mayor desestructuración puede ser conveniente intentar organizar la vida del paciente antes o durante el programa de intervención para incrementar la efectividad y reducir el número de sesiones

Organización vital de una muestra clínica que demanda atención psicológica / Life Functioning among a Clinical Sample Demanding Psychological Treatment

La asociación entre trastornos psicopatológicos y variables de funcionamiento psicosocial ha sido documentada, pero son escasos los estudios que evalúan su impacto sobre la eficacia de los tratamientos psicológicos. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la organización vital de 78 pacientes de un servicio de atención psicológica y examinar la relación con variables clínicas y con el éxito del tratamiento. Esta organización se evaluó mediante una escala confeccionada ad hoc para este estudio. El área de pareja resultó la menos organizada frente a la familiar y personal, con las mayores puntuaciones. La organización vital se relacionó de forma significativa con distintos ejes del DSM-IV-TR. Se confirmó que pacientes con baja organización vital requieren un mayor número de objetivos terapéuticos.

The association between psychological disorders and psychosocial functioning variables has been previously documented, but relatively few studies have examined the impact of these variables on psychological treatment outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the life functioning of 78 patients from a psychological service centre, and to examine its relationship with clinical variables and treatment success. Life functioning was evaluated with a scale elaborated ad hoc for this study. The partner area of functioning was the most impaired while family and personal areas obtained the highest functioning scores. Patient's life functioning was significantly associated with several axis of DSM-IV-TR. It was confirmed that patients with poorer life functioning required a greater number of treatment objectives.

Treatment of anxiety disorders in a psychology clinic

People with anxiety disorders demand psychological attention most often. Therefore, it seems important to identify both the characteristics of the patients who demand help and the clinical variables related to that demand and its treatment. A cohort of 292 patients who requested help at a university clinical facility was studied. The typical profile of the patient was: being female, young, unmarried, with some college education, and having previously received treatment, especially pharmacological one. The three most frequent diagnoses of anxiety, which include 50% of the cases, were: Anxiety Disorder not otherwise specified, Social Phobia, and Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia. Regarding the characteristics of the intervention, the average duration of the assessment was 3.5 sessions (SD = 1.2), and the duration of the treatment was 14 sessions (SD = 11.2). The percentage of discharges was 70.2%. The average cost of treatment was around 840 Euros. The results are discussed, underlining the value of empirically supported treatments for anxiety disorders (AU)

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