Christine E Gould1, Brian C Kok2, Vanessa K Ma2, Julie Loebach Wetherell3, Keith Sudheimer4, Sherry A Beaudreau5. 1. Palo Alto Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (CEG, BCK, VKM), VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (CEG, KS, SAB), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA. Electronic address: cegould@stanford.edu. 2. Palo Alto Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (CEG, BCK, VKM), VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA; Pacific Graduate School of Psychology (BCK, VKM), Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA. 3. Psychology Service (JLW), VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA; Department of Psychiatry (JLW), University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA. 4. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (CEG, KS, SAB), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA. 5. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (CEG, KS, SAB), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA; Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (SAB), VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The study's aim was to demonstrate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a 4-week video-delivered relaxation program called Breathing, Relaxation, and Education for Anxiety Treatment in the Home Environment (BREATHE) for reducing anxiety and increasing activity engagement in older adults with anxiety disorders. METHODS: This was an 8-week pilot randomized controlled trial performed as outpatient and self-directed learning at home among 40 community-dwelling adultsaged 60years or older who met criteria for an anxiety disorder (generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, or anxiety disorder unspecified). The study looked at the BREATHE intervention compared with a wait list control condition. The primary outcome measure was anxiety symptoms (Geriatric Anxiety Scale). Secondary outcomes included activity engagement (modified Activity Card Sort), depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire), and somatic symptoms (Somatic Symptom Scale). RESULTS: In linear mixed-effects models, findings indicated a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms. There was no significant effect of group on activity engagement. Results also showed significant reductions in depressive and somatic symptoms associated with the BREATHE intervention compared with wait list. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate feasibility and preliminary efficacy for this brief video-delivered relaxation intervention and suggest that older adults can benefit from technology-delivered interventions with minimal provider contact. Although activity engagement did not improve, lessons learned suggest that targeted coaching around activity goals may help target this outcome. Published by Elsevier Inc.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: The study's aim was to demonstrate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a 4-week video-delivered relaxation program called Breathing, Relaxation, and Education for Anxiety Treatment in the Home Environment (BREATHE) for reducing anxiety and increasing activity engagement in older adults with anxiety disorders. METHODS: This was an 8-week pilot randomized controlled trial performed as outpatient and self-directed learning at home among 40 community-dwelling adults aged 60years or older who met criteria for an anxiety disorder (generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, or anxiety disorderunspecified). The study looked at the BREATHE intervention compared with a wait list control condition. The primary outcome measure was anxiety symptoms (Geriatric Anxiety Scale). Secondary outcomes included activity engagement (modified Activity Card Sort), depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire), and somatic symptoms (Somatic Symptom Scale). RESULTS: In linear mixed-effects models, findings indicated a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms. There was no significant effect of group on activity engagement. Results also showed significant reductions in depressive and somatic symptoms associated with the BREATHE intervention compared with wait list. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate feasibility and preliminary efficacy for this brief video-delivered relaxation intervention and suggest that older adults can benefit from technology-delivered interventions with minimal provider contact. Although activity engagement did not improve, lessons learned suggest that targeted coaching around activity goals may help target this outcome. Published by Elsevier Inc.
Authors: Annika B E Benz; Raphaela J Gaertner; Maria Meier; Eva Unternaehrer; Simona Scharndke; Clara Jupe; Maya Wenzel; Ulrike U Bentele; Stephanie J Dimitroff; Bernadette F Denk; Jens C Pruessner Journal: Front Psychol Date: 2022-06-10