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.

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.

Measurement instruments of online gaming disorder in adolescents and young people according to DSM-5 criteria: a systematic review. / Instrumentos de medida del trastorno de juego en internet en adolescentes y jóvenes según criterios DSM-5: una revisión sistemática.

The inclusion of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) in the DSM-5 has generated controversy over its diagnosis, and it therefore seems necessary to establish a clear cut-off point to identify when excessive gaming becomes problematic. Such identification is especially difficult in adolescents and young people, who frequently dedicate a great deal of time to online games. The goal of this systematic review was to analyze the instruments developed to assess IGD in adolescents and young people since its inclusion in the DSM-5. We identified 13 studies which included validations of seven assessment instruments for IGD in adolescents and young people. Each instrument and its validations in different languages are described. In comparison to previous reviews, a lower diversity of assessment instruments, a reduction in the number of items and a more uniform form of measurement was observed, maintaining high internal consistency and good criterion validity. However, problems related to sample selection, the lack of sensitivity and specificity studies, and the establishment of cut points and profiles of gamers remain. Advances in the analysis of the psychometric qualities of the instruments and their validation in different countries are needed, and cultural differences should be considered in order to allow the prevalence of this problem to be compared.

La inclusión del Trastorno de Juego en Internet (TJI) en el DSM-5 ha generado polémica sobre su diagnóstico, no obstante parece necesario establecer un punto de corte claro para identificar cuando este juego excesivo se convierte en problemático. Esta identificación se hace especialmente difícil en adolescentes y jóvenes, entre los que suele ser frecuente la dedicación a este tipo de juegos. El objetivo de esta revisión sistemática fue analizar los instrumentos que desarrollados para la evaluación del TJI en adolescentes y jóvenes desde su inclusión en el DSM-5. Se identificaron 13 estudios que incluían validaciones de 7 instrumentos de evaluación del TJI en adolescentes y jóvenes. Se describió cada instrumento y sus validaciones en distintos idiomas. En relación con revisiones previas, se observó una menor diversidad de instrumentos de evaluación, una reducción en el número de ítems y una forma de medida más uniforme, manteniéndose una alta consistencia interna y una buena validez de criterio. Sin embargo, siguen presentes los problemas referidos a la selección de muestras, la falta de estudios de sensibilidad y especificidad, y el establecimiento de puntos de corte y perfiles de jugadores. Se recomienda avanzar en el análisis de las cualidades psicométricas de los instrumentos, y su validación en distintos países para considerar las diferencias culturales y poder comparar la presencia de este problema.

Cognitive Distortions in Gamblers and Non-gamblers of a Representative Spanish Sample.

Cognitive biases or distortions related to gambling, present in all people, are considered a relevant factor in the development of gambling-related problems. OBJECTIVE: to establish whether the presence of these biases or cognitive distortions, in gamblers and non-gamblers, is related to the presence of gambling problems. METHOD: 3000 people aged 18-81 years, representative of the Spanish adult population, underwent a structured survey. RESULTS: the presence of distortions was relevant to distinguish gamblers according to their level of gambling engagement and problems. There is a constant and significant tendency to have more cognitive distortions as gambling problems increase. But not all distortions have the same ability to distinguish between the different groups of gamblers. The results seem to group gamblers into three groups according to the presence of cognitive distortions, from less to more: (1) non-gamblers, (2) low-risk and at-risk gamblers, and (3) problem and pathological gamblers. The relevance of this research and its practical implications for both treatment and prevention work is discussed.

Instrumentos de medida del trastorno de juego en internet en adolescentes y jóvenes según criterios DSM-5: una revisión sistemática / Measurement instruments of online gaming disorder in adolescents and young people according to DSM-5 criteria: a systematic review

La inclusión del Trastorno de Juego en Internet (TJI) en el DSM-5 ha generado polémica sobre su diagnóstico, no obstante parece necesario establecer un punto de corte claro para identificar cuando este juego excesivo se convierte en problemático. Esta identificación se hace especialmente difícil en adolescentes y jóvenes, entre los que suele ser frecuente la dedicación a este tipo de juegos. El objetivo de esta revisión sistemática fue analizar los instrumentos que desarrollados para la evaluación del TJI en adolescentes y jóvenes desde su inclusión en el DSM-5. Se identificaron 13 estudios que incluían validaciones de 7 instrumentos de evaluación del TJI en adolescentes y jóvenes. Se describió cada instrumento y sus validaciones en distintos idiomas. En relación con revisiones previas, se observó una menor diversidad de instrumentos de evaluación, una reducción en el número de ítems y una forma de medida más uniforme, manteniéndose una alta consistencia interna y una buena validez de criterio. Sin embargo, siguen presentes los problemas referidos a la selección de muestras, la falta de estudios de sensibilidad y especificidad, y el establecimiento de puntos de corte y perfiles de jugadores. Se recomienda avanzar en el análisis de las cualidades psicométricas de los instrumentos, y su validación en distintos países para considerar las diferencias culturales y poder comparar la presencia de este problema

The inclusion of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) in the DSM-5 has generated controversy over its diagnosis, and it therefore seems necessary to establish a clear cut-off point to identify when excessive gaming becomes problematic. Such identification is especially difficult in adolescents and young people, who frequently dedicate a great deal of time to online games. The goal of this systematic review was to analyze the instruments developed to assess IGD in adolescents and young people since its inclusion in the DSM-5. We identified 13 studies which included validations of seven assessment instruments for IGD in adolescents and young people. Each instrument and its validations in different languages are described. In comparison to previous reviews, a lower diversity of assessment instruments, a reduction in the number of items and a more uniform form of measurement was observed, maintaining high internal consistency and good criterion validity. However, problems related to sample selection, the lack of sensitivity and specificity studies, and the establishment of cut points and profiles of gamers remain. Advances in the analysis of the psychometric qualities of the instruments and their validation in different countries are needed, and cultural differences should be considered in order to allow the prevalence of this problem to be compared

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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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

Análisis de las Técnicas Psicológicas Utilizadas en el Trastorno de Fobia Social en un Centro Sanitario de Psicología / Psychological analysis of techniques used in the social phobia disorder in a psychology health center

El objetivo del trabajo es analizar el tratamiento psicológico en la fobia social, identificando niveles de efectividad, técnicas de intervención utilizadas, duración y costes del tratamiento. La muestra consta de 51 pacientes, de edad promedio 30.14 (DT = 8.309), mayoritariamente mujeres (60.8%), solteras (78.4%) y estudiantes (64.7%). Se realizaron análisis descriptivos para las características sociodemográficas y el coste del tratamiento. Se subdividió la muestra en dos grupos (pacientes de alta y pacientes que abandonan), analizándose diferencias entre ellos. Se efectuaron técnicas de análisis de clústers y multivariados para conocer qué técnicas predecían éxito terapéutico. Se alcanzó un 61% de éxito, con una media de 20 sesiones y 1,200€ de coste del tratamiento. Las técnicas predictivas del éxito son la exposición y el uso de otras técnicas (p < .05). Se defiende el uso de protocolos para la fobia social que incluyan las técnicas mencionadas en la clínica cotidiana

The purpose of this study is to analyze psychological treatment in social phobia, identifying levels of effectiveness, treatment length, treatment cost and techniques used. The sample consists of 51 patients, average age 30.14 (SD = 8.309), mainly women (60.8%), single (78.4%), and students (64.7%). Descriptive analyses for sociodemographic characteristics and therapy cost were performed; besides, the sample was divided into two groups (patients who achieved discharge and patients who dropped-out), and differences between the two groups were made. Finally, cluster analysis techniques were performed and multivariate analyses were conducted to know what techniques predicted therapeutic success. Of the patients, 61% are discharged, with an average duration of 20 sessions and a treatment cost of €1,200. The techniques which predict success are exposure and use of other techniques (p < .05). The use of protocols for social phobia which include the aforementioned techniques is suggested

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.

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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Empirically supported treatments for panic disorder with agoraphobia in a spanish psychology clinic

The aim of this work is to study the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia (PD/Ag), as well as the characteristics of the treatment and its results and cost in a University Psychology Clinic. Fifty patients demanded psychological assistance for PD/Ag; 80% were women, with an average age of 29.22 years (SD = 9.03). Mean number of evaluation sessions was 3.26 (SD = 1.03), and of treatment sessions, 13.39 (SD = 9.237). Of the patients, 83.33% were discharged (that is, questionnaire scores were below the cut-off point indicated by the authors, and no PD/Ag was observed at readministration of the semistructured interview), 5.5% refused treatment, and 11% were dropouts. The average number of treatment sessions of patients who achieved therapeutic success was 15.13 (SD = 8.98). Effect sizes (d) greater than 1 were obtained in all the scales. Changes in all scales were significant (p < .05). The estimated cost of treatment for patients who achieved therapeutic success was 945.12 euros. The treatment results are at least similar to those of studies of efficacy and effectiveness for PD/Ag. The utility of generalizing treatments developed in research settings to a welfare clinic is discussed (AU)

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Uso de técnicas de exposición en una clínica de psicología / Use of Exposure Techniques in a Psychology Clinic

El objetivo del artículo es indagar el uso de las técnicas de exposición en la práctica de la psicología clínica asistencial. Se analiza el tipo de técnicas de exposición, su frecuencia de uso, tanto en general como en función del diagnóstico, y su relación con los resultados del tratamiento. De los 880 pacientes de la Clínica Universitaria de Psicología de la Universidad Complutense, con todo tipo de diagnóstico, el 67.2% son mujeres y su edad media es de 32.79 años. Los resultados señalan que el 39.5% de los casos ha utilizado alguna técnica de exposición, siendo la Exposición Gradual la más frecuente (31.6%). Predomina el uso de las técnicas de exposición en trastornos de ansiedad (70.8%), somatomorfos (47.4%) y sexuales (47.1%). Se observa un incremento en el uso de técnicas de exposición en los casos con comorbilidad (55.4% frente a 36.3%). De los casos que han recibido alguna técnica de exposición, el 74.1% ha finalizado con éxito el tratamiento, frente al 61.9% de los que no han utilizado ninguna técnica de exposición. Se discuten los resultados, destacando el valor de usar técnicas de exposición para reducir la evitación o las respuestas de miedo con independencia del diagnóstico.

The aim of this work is to explore the use of exposure techniques at the health care context of a clinical psychology facility. Different modalities of exposure techniques, their frequency of usage - both across the entire sample and considering different diagnostic groups - and their relationship to the treatment results, were analysed. From the 880 patients with diverse diagnosis treated at the University Psychology Clinic of the Universidad Complutense of Madrid, 67.2% were women, with a mean of32.79 years. Results show that exposure techniques were used in 39.5% of total cases, being gradual exposure the most frequent (31.6%). Exposure techniques were employed foremost on anxiety disorders (70.8%), somatoform disorders (47.4%), and sexual disorders (47.1%). Also, it was observed that exposure techniques were used more often in cases with one or more comorbid diagnosis (55.4 vs. 36.3%). 74.1% of the patients treated with exposure techniques received therapeutic discharge, while 61.9% of patients not treated with exposure techniques were discharged. The results are discussed, emphasizing the utility of exposure techniques to treat avoidant or fearful behaviour regardless of the diagnosis.

El uso de las técnicas de relajación en la práctica de una clínica de psicología / The use of relaxation techniques in a psychology clinic practice

El objetivo del artículo es identificar el uso de las técnicas de relajación (TR) en la práctica de la Psicología Clínica asistencial. Se analiza el tipo de técnicas de relajación, su frecuencia de uso, tanto en general como en función del diagnóstico, y su relación con los resultados del tratamiento. De los 880 pacientes en una clínica universitaria asistencial, con todo tipo de diagnóstico, el 67.2% son mujeres y su edad media es de 32.79 años. Los resultados señalan que el 70.5% de los casos ha utilizado alguna TR, siendo el Control de la Respiración la más frecuente (72.3%). Predomina su uso en trastornos de ansiedad (87.8%), somatomorfos (84.2%) y control de impulsos (77.8%). Hay un incremento importante en el uso de TR en los casos con comorbilidad (82.4% frente a 68%). Y el uso de técnicas de control de respiración o relajación progresiva entre los pacientes que obtienen el alta es de alrededor del 69%. Se discuten los resultados destacando el valor de usar TR, incluso con independencia del diagnóstico

The aim of this article is to describe the use of relaxation techniques (RT) in the practice of clinic psychology care. Relaxation techniques are analyzed considering what type of technique they are and their use, going from a general overview to a specific diagnosis context and treatment results. 67.2 % of 880 clinic patients with all types of diagnosis are women and the average age is 32.79 years old. The results show that some RT has been used in 70.5 % of the cases being breath control the most frequent one (72.3 %). It is mainly used for anxiety disorders (87.8%), somatoform disorder (84.2%) and impulse control disorder (77.8%). The use of these techniques is more frequent in cases of comorbid disorder (82.4% versus 68%). Breathe control and progressive muscular relaxation techniques are used in about 69 per cent of discharged patients. The discussion of this paper focuses on the results of using RT regardless of the diagnosis