Trauma-specific mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for women with post-traumatic stress disorder and a history of domestic abuse: intervention refinement and a randomised feasibility trial (coMforT study).

BACKGROUND: Women who have experienced domestic violence and abuse (DVA) are at increased risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (CPTSD). In 2014-2015, we developed a prototype trauma-specific mindfulness-based cognitive therapy curriculum (TS-MBCT) for the treatment of PTSD in a DVA population. This study aimed to refine the prototype TS-MBCT and evaluate the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial (RCT) testing its effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. METHODS: Intervention refinement phase was informed by evidence synthesis from a literature review, qualitative interviews with professionals and DVA survivors, and a consensus exercise with experts in trauma and mindfulness. We tested the refined TS-MBCT intervention in an individually randomised parallel group feasibility trial with pre-specified progression criteria, a traffic light system, and embedded process and health economics evaluations. RESULTS: The TS-MBCT intervention consisted of eight group sessions and home practice. We screened 109 women in a DVA agency and recruited 20 (15 TS-MBCT, 5 self-referral to National Health Service (NHS) psychological treatment), with 80% follow-up at 6 months. Our TS-MBCT intervention had 73% uptake, 100% retention, and high acceptability. Participants suggested recruitment via multiple agencies, and additional safety measures. Randomisation into the NHS control arm did not work due to long waiting lists and previous negative experiences. Three self-administered PTSD/CPTSD questionnaires produced differing outcomes thus a clinician administered measure might work better. We met six out of nine feasibility progression criteria at green and three at amber targets demonstrating that it is possible to conduct a full-size RCT of the TS-MBCT intervention after making minor amendments to recruitment and randomisation procedures, the control intervention, primary outcomes measures, and intervention content. At 6 months, none of the PTSD/CPTSD outcomes ruled out a clinically important difference between trial arms indicating that it is reasonable to proceed to a full-size RCT to estimate these outcomes with greater precision. CONCLUSIONS: A future RCT of the coMforT TS-MBCT intervention should have an internal pilot, recruit from multiple DVA agencies, NHS and non-NHS settings, have an active control psychological treatment, use robust randomisation and safety procedures, and clinician-administered measures for PTSD/CPTSD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN64458065 11/01/2019.

Evaluation of Teen BodyWise: A pilot study of a body image group adapted for adolescent inpatients with anorexia nervosa.

PURPOSE: Body image disturbance is a key characteristic of anorexia nervosa (AN); however, research into these difficulties among adolescents with AN is limited and is yet to assess the best treatments for this population. METHODS: Fifty-two adolescents receiving inpatient treatment for AN attended Teen BodyWise, an eight-session body image group adapted for adolescents. Measures assessing shape and weight concerns, ability to discuss body image, sociocultural attitudes, body avoidance, body checking, and motivation were given before and after the group, and participant feedback was elicited. RESULTS: Significant improvements were found for shape and weight concerns, ability to discuss body image, body checking and sociocultural attitudes. Participants were generally satisfied with the group and found it helpful, yet some aspects were experienced as challenging. CONCLUSIONS: Teen BodyWise has potential benefits for adolescents with AN. Controlled research is needed to determine the effectiveness of Teen BodyWise. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Evidence obtained from multiple time series with or without the intervention, such as case studies, Level IV.

The recognition of the personality disorders among young people.

BACKGROUND: Previous research suggests that mental health literacy regarding the personality disorders is low, with few disorders being recognised. AIMS: The current study aimed to examine the effect of a background in psychology as a predictor of knowledge of the personality disorders. METHODS: An opportunistic sample of 165 participants (mean age = 30.12 years, standard deviation (SD) = 15.27 years) took part in the study. Participants were instructed to read 10 personality disorder vignettes and other 'filler' items and rate each person in terms of how happy, successful at work and good at personal relationships they are, as well as whether they have a psychological problem. RESULTS: Results showed, as predicted, that those with a background in psychology were more accurate at labelling disorders. In addition, laypeople's mental health literacy was good for identifying the presence of personality disorders, but was considerably poorer when naming them. CONCLUSION: Recognising that people may have a disorder and having a 'correct' or recognised label are not the same thing.

Decreasing the risk of iatrogenic lymphoedema after axillary surgery: a threefold intervention.

Procedures such as venepuncture and cannulation can precipitate Breast Cancer Related Lymphoedema (BCRL) in patients who have undergone axillary surgery. We noted that procedures were inadvertently being performed on the side of surgery at our hospital, as susceptible patients were not clearly identifiable to staff. An online anonymous staff survey at our hospital revealed that 26.9% of responders had seen procedures being performed on at risk arms in non-emergency settings. 83.3% of responders felt an intervention to allow easy identification of at risk arms would be useful. Our intervention was threefold. Firstly, we created an 'At Risk Arm' alert on the computerised records system. Secondly, we produced a warning sign for each susceptible patient's bed. The signs are displayed above beds, and returned to notes for use if the patient is re-admitted. Thirdly, we informed GPs via discharge summaries of the need to perform procedures on the opposite side to surgery. A second staff survey was conducted after implementation. 46.2%of responders felt that the new interventions would decrease the chance of patients developing BCRL. 61.5% felt that susceptible patients being more identifiable to staff would decrease the likelihood of procedures being performed on at risk arms. Our project showed the importance of ensuring axillary surgery patients are clearly identifiable to hospital staff during admission. Further interventions could include wristbands or patient alert cards. This work could be extended to include primary care and outpatient settings.