Applications of dialectical behavioural therapy in the perinatal period: A scoping review.

Psychological distress is the most common complication of pregnancy. High-risk concerns can include severe emotion dysregulation, suicidality and self-injury, and health risk behaviours, which bear substantial consequences for caregivers and families. Yet, effective, comprehensive interventions for high-risk caregivers have received limited attention. Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is a frontline treatment for such concerns. Accordingly, we conducted a scoping review on the implementation of DBT in the perinatal period. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Seven studies were identified; study designs included case studies and single-arm pilot trials. Most studies used DBT-informed protocols with significant adaptations, few included multiple components of DBT (i.e. skills group, individual therapy, phone coaching and consultation team), and none met criteria for adherent delivery of all four modes of DBT treatment. Findings suggest DBT-informed interventions may be successfully implemented to treat a range of perinatal mental health symptoms, including borderline personality disorder, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress, and to promote emotion regulation and positive parenting behaviours. While results provide preliminary support for perinatal DBT, this literature is scant and empirical rigour considerably lacking. Clinical implications and future directions are outlined to aid researchers and providers in addressing the ongoing perinatal mental health crisis and developing sorely needed interventions to address the needs of high-risk caregivers.

Situating reproductive coercion in the sociocultural context: An ecological model to inform research, practice, and policy in the United States.

Reproductive coercion (RC) can be conceptualized as any behavior that limits one's ability to make decisions about their reproductive health. Here, we broaden this definition to consider the impact of systemic and sociocultural factors on RC using an ecological model. Specifically, we use Bronfenbrenner's model as a framework for organizing the multilevel factors that influence reproductive coercion (RC) and its impacts on individual health. This paper is intended to offer a primer to historical, sociocultural, community, interpersonal, and individual processes that may interact to shape reproductive decision-making and its effect on individual health outcomes. We emphasize the importance of conceptualizing RC within the broader sociocultural and community context, and the potential implications for reproductive and sexual health research, clinical care, and policy in the United States.

Psychological distress and treatment preferences among parents amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented many stressors for parents. This study was conducted to examine treatment preferences and barriers to care amidst COVID-19. Parents (N â€‹= â€‹95) completed self-report measures. Education was provided on interventions (e.g., individual therapy, medication), and acceptability assessed. Elevated stress and distress were observed. Parents indicated interest in services for parenting concerns, stress, anxiety, and depression. Individual therapy and telehealth were highly acceptable, while medication and group therapy were less accepted. Findings highlight the need for specific supports among parents amidst the pandemic. Factors that influence treatment preference warrant further attention. Implications for healthcare service delivery are discussed.

Barriers to the use of Veterans Affairs health care services among female veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The study investigated barriers to the utilization of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care services among female veterans who served in served in Iraq and Afghanistan, including reasons for not choosing VA health care, reasons for not seeking mental health treatment, and types of desired VA services. Female respondents to a survey assessing Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans' needs and health (N = 186) completed measures of military history, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, barriers to VA health care, and preferences for services. Barriers to use of VA health care endorsed by female veterans included receiving care elsewhere and logistical issues. Barriers to utilization of mental health services among female veterans who screened positive for depression or posttraumatic stress disorder included negative treatment biases and concerns about stigma, privacy, and cost. Female veterans endorsed preferences for services related to eligibility education, nonprimary care physical health services, vocational assistance, and a few behavioral/mental health services. Findings highlight the need for ongoing outreach and education regarding eligibility and types of resources for physical and mental health problems experienced by female veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as inform types of VA programming and services desired by female veterans. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Clinical relevance of the proposed sexual addiction diagnostic criteria: relation to the Sexual Addiction Screening Test-Revised.

The present article examines and compares the various diagnostic rubrics proposed to codify symptoms of sexual addiction, and then briefly summarizes the ongoing controversy on whether sexual addiction is a valid construct. Using the diagnostic criteria proposed by , the prevalence rate of each criterion is examined in terms of scores on the Sexual Addiction Screening Test-Revised scales (). Differences in diagnostic criteria endorsement associated with sex, sexual orientation, and setting were also explored. Results from a clinical sample of men and women seeking treatment for sexual addiction demonstrated clinical relevance of the criteria, in that all but 3 criteria are endorsed at more than 50% of participants screening positive for sexual addiction on the Sexual Addiction Screening Test-Revised. Sex differences were also noted for endorsement rates of several of the criteria. Finally, several proposed criteria may pose a higher clinical threshold and thus be utilized by clinicians to identify patients with increased pathology. Results are discussed in the context of existing diagnostic frameworks across etiological perspectives.

Equine-related treatments for mental disorders lack empirical support: a systematic review of empirical investigations.

CONTEXT: Equine-related treatments (ERT) for mental disorders are becoming increasingly popular for a variety of diagnoses; however, they have been subjected only to limited systematic investigation. OBJECTIVE: To examine the quality of and results from peer-reviewed research on ERT for mental disorders and related outcomes. METHOD: Peer-reviewed studies (k = 14) examining treatments for mental disorders or closely related outcomes were identified from databases and article reference sections. RESULTS: All studies were compromised by a substantial number of threats to validity, calling into question the meaning and clinical significance of their findings. Additionally, studies failed to provide consistent evidence that ERT is superior to the mere passage of time in the treatment of any mental disorder. CONCLUSION: The current evidence base does not justify the marketing and utilization of ERT for mental disorders. Such services should not be offered to the public unless and until well-designed studies provide evidence that justify different conclusions.