Slide
Centre Interdisciplinaire
de Recherche et d’Innovation
en Cybersécurité et Société
de Recherche et d’Innovation
en Cybersécurité et Société
1.
Belleville, G.; Ouellet, M. -C.; Békés, V.; Lebel, J.; Morin, C. M.; Bouchard, S.; Guay, S.; Bergeron, N.; Ghosh, S.; Campbell, T.; Macmaster, F. P.
In: Behavior Therapy, vol. 54, no. 2, pp. 230–246, 2023, ISSN: 00057894 (ISSN), (Publisher: Elsevier Inc.).
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: adult, Anxiety, article, clinical effectiveness, clinical feature, cognitive behavioral therapy, controlled study, Depression, disaster, Disasters, disease severity, e-mental health, female, human, Humans, insomnia, Internet-Based Intervention, major clinical study, male, Middle Aged, natural disaster, physical disability, Post-Traumatic, posttraumatic stress disorder, psychotherapist, PTSD, randomized controlled trial, risk factor, Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders, Stress Disorders, telepsychotherapy, treatment outcome, wildfire
@article{belleville_efficacy_2023,
title = {Efficacy of a Therapist-Assisted Self-Help Internet-Based Intervention Targeting PTSD, Depression, and Insomnia Symptoms After a Disaster: A Randomized Controlled Trial},
author = {G. Belleville and M. -C. Ouellet and V. Békés and J. Lebel and C. M. Morin and S. Bouchard and S. Guay and N. Bergeron and S. Ghosh and T. Campbell and F. P. Macmaster},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85140981202&doi=10.1016%2fj.beth.2022.08.004&partnerID=40&md5=261383919bbdaa149ac0eeb6d3317fc0},
doi = {10.1016/j.beth.2022.08.004},
issn = {00057894 (ISSN)},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-01-01},
journal = {Behavior Therapy},
volume = {54},
number = {2},
pages = {230–246},
abstract = {This study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of an online CBT intervention with limited therapist contact targeting a range of posttraumatic symptoms among evacuees from the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfires. One hundred and thirty-six residents of Fort McMurray who reported either moderate PTSD symptoms (PCL-5 ≥ 23) or mild PTSD symptoms (PCL-5 ≥ 10) with moderate depression (PHQ-9 ≥ 10) or subthreshold insomnia symptoms (ISI ≥ 8) were randomized either to a treatment (n = 69) or a waitlist condition (n = 67). Participants were on average 45 years old, and mostly identified as White (82%) and as women (76%). Primary outcomes were PTSD, depression, and insomnia symptoms. Secondary outcomes were anxiety symptoms and disability. Significant Assessment Time × Treatment Condition interactions were observed on all outcomes, indicating that access to the treatment led to a decrease in posttraumatic stress (F[1,117.04] = 12.128},
note = {Publisher: Elsevier Inc.},
keywords = {adult, Anxiety, article, clinical effectiveness, clinical feature, cognitive behavioral therapy, controlled study, Depression, disaster, Disasters, disease severity, e-mental health, female, human, Humans, insomnia, Internet-Based Intervention, major clinical study, male, Middle Aged, natural disaster, physical disability, Post-Traumatic, posttraumatic stress disorder, psychotherapist, PTSD, randomized controlled trial, risk factor, Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders, Stress Disorders, telepsychotherapy, treatment outcome, wildfire},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
This study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of an online CBT intervention with limited therapist contact targeting a range of posttraumatic symptoms among evacuees from the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfires. One hundred and thirty-six residents of Fort McMurray who reported either moderate PTSD symptoms (PCL-5 ≥ 23) or mild PTSD symptoms (PCL-5 ≥ 10) with moderate depression (PHQ-9 ≥ 10) or subthreshold insomnia symptoms (ISI ≥ 8) were randomized either to a treatment (n = 69) or a waitlist condition (n = 67). Participants were on average 45 years old, and mostly identified as White (82%) and as women (76%). Primary outcomes were PTSD, depression, and insomnia symptoms. Secondary outcomes were anxiety symptoms and disability. Significant Assessment Time × Treatment Condition interactions were observed on all outcomes, indicating that access to the treatment led to a decrease in posttraumatic stress (F[1,117.04] = 12.128
2.
Békés, V.; Belleville, G.; Lebel, J.; Ouellet, M. -C.; Chen, Z.; Morin, C. M.; Bergeron, N.; Campbell, T. S.; Ghosh, S.; Bouchard, S.; Guay, S.; MacMaster, F. P.
Trainee Therapists’ Perceptions of a Blended Intervention to Promote Resilience after a Natural Disaster: A Qualitative Case Study Journal Article
In: Journal of Clinical Medicine, vol. 11, no. 15, 2022, ISSN: 20770383, (Publisher: MDPI).
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: adult, Alberta, article, case study, Depression, emotion, Empathy, expectation, female, human, insomnia, natural disaster, perception, personal experience, posttraumatic stress disorder, psychological resilience, psychotherapist, qualitative analysis, survivor, thematic analysis, therapeutic alliance, wildfire, Young Adult
@article{bekes_trainee_2022,
title = {Trainee Therapists’ Perceptions of a Blended Intervention to Promote Resilience after a Natural Disaster: A Qualitative Case Study},
author = {V. Békés and G. Belleville and J. Lebel and M. -C. Ouellet and Z. Chen and C. M. Morin and N. Bergeron and T. S. Campbell and S. Ghosh and S. Bouchard and S. Guay and F. P. MacMaster},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85136961448&doi=10.3390%2fjcm11154361&partnerID=40&md5=9705da30150789ca11a9c7719d221dac},
doi = {10.3390/jcm11154361},
issn = {20770383},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Clinical Medicine},
volume = {11},
number = {15},
abstract = {Background: Natural disasters happen in an increased frequency, and telemental health interventions could offer easily accessible help to reduce mental health symptoms experienced by survivors. However, there are very few programs offered to natural disaster survivors, and no research exists on therapists’ experiences with providing blended interventions for natural disaster survivors. Aims: Our qualitative case study aims to describe psychologists’ experiences with an online, therapist-assisted blended intervention for survivors of the Fort McMurray wildfires in Alberta, Canada. Method: The RESILIENT intervention was developed in the frames of a randomized controlled trial to promote resilience after the Fort McMurray wildfires by providing survivors free access to a 12-module, therapist-assisted intervention, aiming to improve post-traumatic stress, insomnia, and depression symptoms. A focus group design was used to collect data from the therapists, and emerging common themes were identified by thematic analysis. Results: Therapists felt they could build strong alliances and communicate emotions and empathy effectively, although the lack of nonverbal cues posed some challenges. The intervention, according to participating therapists, was less suitable for participants in high-stress situations and in case of discrepancy between client expectations and the intervention content. Moreover, the therapists perceived specific interventions as easy-to-use or as more challenging based on their complexity and on the therapist support needed for executing them. Client engagement in the program emerged as an underlying theme that had fundamental impact on alliance, communication, and ultimately, treatment efficiency. Therapist training and supervision was perceived as crucial for the success of the program delivery. Conclusions: Our findings provided several implications for the optimalization of blended interventions for natural disaster survivors from our therapists’ perspective. © 2022 by the authors.},
note = {Publisher: MDPI},
keywords = {adult, Alberta, article, case study, Depression, emotion, Empathy, expectation, female, human, insomnia, natural disaster, perception, personal experience, posttraumatic stress disorder, psychological resilience, psychotherapist, qualitative analysis, survivor, thematic analysis, therapeutic alliance, wildfire, Young Adult},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Background: Natural disasters happen in an increased frequency, and telemental health interventions could offer easily accessible help to reduce mental health symptoms experienced by survivors. However, there are very few programs offered to natural disaster survivors, and no research exists on therapists’ experiences with providing blended interventions for natural disaster survivors. Aims: Our qualitative case study aims to describe psychologists’ experiences with an online, therapist-assisted blended intervention for survivors of the Fort McMurray wildfires in Alberta, Canada. Method: The RESILIENT intervention was developed in the frames of a randomized controlled trial to promote resilience after the Fort McMurray wildfires by providing survivors free access to a 12-module, therapist-assisted intervention, aiming to improve post-traumatic stress, insomnia, and depression symptoms. A focus group design was used to collect data from the therapists, and emerging common themes were identified by thematic analysis. Results: Therapists felt they could build strong alliances and communicate emotions and empathy effectively, although the lack of nonverbal cues posed some challenges. The intervention, according to participating therapists, was less suitable for participants in high-stress situations and in case of discrepancy between client expectations and the intervention content. Moreover, the therapists perceived specific interventions as easy-to-use or as more challenging based on their complexity and on the therapist support needed for executing them. Client engagement in the program emerged as an underlying theme that had fundamental impact on alliance, communication, and ultimately, treatment efficiency. Therapist training and supervision was perceived as crucial for the success of the program delivery. Conclusions: Our findings provided several implications for the optimalization of blended interventions for natural disaster survivors from our therapists’ perspective. © 2022 by the authors.
3.
Belleville, G.; Ouellet, M. -C.; Lebel, J.; Ghosh, S.; Morin, C. M.; Bouchard, S.; Guay, S.; Bergeron, N.; Campbell, T.; MacMaster, F. P.
Psychological Symptoms Among Evacuees From the 2016 Fort McMurray Wildfires: A Population-Based Survey One Year Later Journal Article
In: Frontiers in Public Health, vol. 9, 2021, ISSN: 22962565, (Publisher: Frontiers Media S.A.).
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: adult, Alberta, Anxiety disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Depressive Disorder, female, human, Humans, Major, major depression, male, Post-Traumatic, posttraumatic stress disorder, Stress Disorders, wildfire, Wildfires
@article{belleville_psychological_2021,
title = {Psychological Symptoms Among Evacuees From the 2016 Fort McMurray Wildfires: A Population-Based Survey One Year Later},
author = {G. Belleville and M. -C. Ouellet and J. Lebel and S. Ghosh and C. M. Morin and S. Bouchard and S. Guay and N. Bergeron and T. Campbell and F. P. MacMaster},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85105988601&doi=10.3389%2ffpubh.2021.655357&partnerID=40&md5=4971ac1ba23f88f8b6fa132caed4785d},
doi = {10.3389/fpubh.2021.655357},
issn = {22962565},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-01-01},
journal = {Frontiers in Public Health},
volume = {9},
abstract = {Background: The 2016 wildfires in Fort McMurray (Alberta, Canada) led to a massive displacement of 88,000 people and destroyed 2,400 homes. Although no direct human fatality resulted, many individuals feared for their lives or those of their loved ones. Objectives: (1) To estimate the prevalence of post-traumatic stress, major depressive, insomnia, generalized anxiety, and substance use disorders in the adult population of Fort McMurray 1 year after the evacuation; (2) To identify pre-, peri-, and post-disaster correlates of mental health disorders. Methods: A phone survey using random digit sampling was used to survey evacuees. A total of 1,510 evacuees (response rate = 40.2%, 55.5% women, mean age = 44.11},
note = {Publisher: Frontiers Media S.A.},
keywords = {adult, Alberta, Anxiety disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Depressive Disorder, female, human, Humans, Major, major depression, male, Post-Traumatic, posttraumatic stress disorder, Stress Disorders, wildfire, Wildfires},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Background: The 2016 wildfires in Fort McMurray (Alberta, Canada) led to a massive displacement of 88,000 people and destroyed 2,400 homes. Although no direct human fatality resulted, many individuals feared for their lives or those of their loved ones. Objectives: (1) To estimate the prevalence of post-traumatic stress, major depressive, insomnia, generalized anxiety, and substance use disorders in the adult population of Fort McMurray 1 year after the evacuation; (2) To identify pre-, peri-, and post-disaster correlates of mental health disorders. Methods: A phone survey using random digit sampling was used to survey evacuees. A total of 1,510 evacuees (response rate = 40.2%, 55.5% women, mean age = 44.11
4.
Binet, É.; Ouellet, M. -C.; Lebel, J.; Békés, V.; Morin, C. M.; Bergeron, N.; Campbell, T.; Ghosh, S.; Bouchard, S.; Guay, S.; MacMaster, F. P.; Belleville, G.
In: Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, vol. 48, no. 6, pp. 1006–1018, 2021, ISSN: 0894587X (ISSN), (Publisher: Springer).
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Depression, female, Gender, health care delivery, Health Services Accessibility, human, Humans, insomnia, male, mental health service, Mental Health Services, Mental health services utilization, natural disaster, Patient Acceptance of Health Care, patient attitude, Post-Traumatic, posttraumatic stress disorder, Stress Disorders, wildfire, Wildfires
@article{binet_portrait_2021,
title = {A Portrait of Mental Health Services Utilization and Perceived Barriers to Care in Men and Women Evacuated During the 2016 Fort McMurray Wildfires},
author = {É. Binet and M. -C. Ouellet and J. Lebel and V. Békés and C. M. Morin and N. Bergeron and T. Campbell and S. Ghosh and S. Bouchard and S. Guay and F. P. MacMaster and G. Belleville},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85101819468&doi=10.1007%2fs10488-021-01114-w&partnerID=40&md5=4130f3aeaaf2d3894820e7fce46e67f0},
doi = {10.1007/s10488-021-01114-w},
issn = {0894587X (ISSN)},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-01-01},
journal = {Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research},
volume = {48},
number = {6},
pages = {1006–1018},
abstract = {This study examines the influence of gender on mental health services utilization and on perceived barriers to treatment one year after the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfires. Data was collected through a phone survey from May to July 2017 (N = 1510). Participants were English-speaking evacuees aged 18 and older. Mental health services utilization and barriers to mental health care were assessed with the Perceived Need for Care questionnaire. Probable diagnoses of posttraumatic stress disorder, depression and insomnia were assessed with validated self-report questionnaires. Multiple logistic regressions confirmed that gender was a significant predictor of services utilization, after controlling for associated sociodemographic variables and presence of probable diagnoses. Women were respectively 1.50, 1.55 and 1.86 times more likely than men to receive information, medication and psychological help. Self-reliance was the most frequently reported reason for not receiving help, and motivational barriers, such as pessimism and stigma, were reported in a higher proportion than structural barriers, including nonresponse and finance. No significant gender differences were found in the types of perceived barriers to services. Among the Fort McMurray fire evacuees, mental health services utilization was similar to other studies on natural disaster victims, and higher in women than in men. Efforts to increase services utilization in natural disaster victims should focus on motivational barriers and offering treatments fostering people’s autonomy, such as online treatments. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC part of Springer Nature.},
note = {Publisher: Springer},
keywords = {Depression, female, Gender, health care delivery, Health Services Accessibility, human, Humans, insomnia, male, mental health service, Mental Health Services, Mental health services utilization, natural disaster, Patient Acceptance of Health Care, patient attitude, Post-Traumatic, posttraumatic stress disorder, Stress Disorders, wildfire, Wildfires},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
This study examines the influence of gender on mental health services utilization and on perceived barriers to treatment one year after the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfires. Data was collected through a phone survey from May to July 2017 (N = 1510). Participants were English-speaking evacuees aged 18 and older. Mental health services utilization and barriers to mental health care were assessed with the Perceived Need for Care questionnaire. Probable diagnoses of posttraumatic stress disorder, depression and insomnia were assessed with validated self-report questionnaires. Multiple logistic regressions confirmed that gender was a significant predictor of services utilization, after controlling for associated sociodemographic variables and presence of probable diagnoses. Women were respectively 1.50, 1.55 and 1.86 times more likely than men to receive information, medication and psychological help. Self-reliance was the most frequently reported reason for not receiving help, and motivational barriers, such as pessimism and stigma, were reported in a higher proportion than structural barriers, including nonresponse and finance. No significant gender differences were found in the types of perceived barriers to services. Among the Fort McMurray fire evacuees, mental health services utilization was similar to other studies on natural disaster victims, and higher in women than in men. Efforts to increase services utilization in natural disaster victims should focus on motivational barriers and offering treatments fostering people’s autonomy, such as online treatments. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC part of Springer Nature.
5.
Ikic, V.; Bélanger, C.; Bouchard, S.; Gosselin, P.; Langlois, F.; Labrecque, J.; Dugas, M. J.; Marchand, A.
Reduction in costs after treating comorbid panic disorder with agoraphobia and generalized anxiety disorder Journal Article
In: Journal of Mental Health Policy and Economics, vol. 20, no. 1, pp. 11–20, 2017, ISSN: 10914358, (Publisher: ICMPE).
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: adult, agoraphobia, Anxiety disorder, Anxiety Disorders, article, cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, comorbidity, controlled study, dysthymia, economics, female, follow up, generalized anxiety disorder, health care cost, Health Care Costs, human, Humans, major clinical study, major depression, male, Mental health, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic, Panic Disorder, phobia, posttraumatic stress disorder, procedures, Quebec, social phobia, statistics and numerical data
@article{ikic_reduction_2017,
title = {Reduction in costs after treating comorbid panic disorder with agoraphobia and generalized anxiety disorder},
author = {V. Ikic and C. Bélanger and S. Bouchard and P. Gosselin and F. Langlois and J. Labrecque and M. J. Dugas and A. Marchand},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85018690998&partnerID=40&md5=0d0600e6dd4e2a381f733ac063d639dc},
issn = {10914358},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Mental Health Policy and Economics},
volume = {20},
number = {1},
pages = {11–20},
abstract = {Background: Panic disorder with agoraphobia (PDA) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) are impairing and costly disorders that are often misdiagnosed and left untreated despite multiple consultations. These disorders frequently co-occur, but little is known about the costs associated with their comorbidity and the impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) on cost reduction. Aims of the Study: The first objective of this study was to assess the mental health-related costs associated with the specific concomitance of PDA and GAD. The second aim was to determine whether there is a reduction in direct and indirect mental healthrelated costs following conventional CBT for the primary disorder only (PDA or GAD) or combined CBT adapted to the comorbidity (PDA and GAD). Methods: A total of 123 participants with a double diagnosis of PDA and GAD participated in this study. Direct and indirect mental health-related costs were assessed and calculated from a societal perspective at the pre-Test, the post-Test, and the three-month, sixmonth and one-year follow-ups. Results: At the pre-Test, PDA-GAD comorbidity was found to generate a mean total cost of CAD2,000.48 (SD = 2,069.62) per participant over a three-month period. The indirect costs were much higher than the direct costs. Both treatment modalities led to significant and similar decreases in all cost categories from the pretest to the post-Test. This reduction was maintained until the oneyear follow-up. Discussion: Methodological choices may have underestimated cost evaluations. Nonetheless, this study supports the cost offset effects of both conventional CBT for primary PDA or GAD and combined CBT for PDA-GAD comorbidity. Implications for Healthcare Provision and Use: Treatment of comorbid and costly disorders with evidence-based treatments such as CBT may lead to considerable economic benefits for society. Implications for Health Policies: Considering the limited resources of healthcare systems, it is important to make choices that will lead to better accessibility of quality services. The application of CBT for PDA, GAD or both disorders and training mental health professionals in this therapeutic approach should be encouraged. Additionally, it would be favorable for insurance plans to reimburse employees for expenses associated with psychological treatment for anxiety disorders. Implications for Further Research: In addition to symptom reduction, it would be of great pertinence to explore which factors can contribute to reducing direct and indirect mental health-related costs. © 2017 ICMPE.},
note = {Publisher: ICMPE},
keywords = {adult, agoraphobia, Anxiety disorder, Anxiety Disorders, article, cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, comorbidity, controlled study, dysthymia, economics, female, follow up, generalized anxiety disorder, health care cost, Health Care Costs, human, Humans, major clinical study, major depression, male, Mental health, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic, Panic Disorder, phobia, posttraumatic stress disorder, procedures, Quebec, social phobia, statistics and numerical data},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Background: Panic disorder with agoraphobia (PDA) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) are impairing and costly disorders that are often misdiagnosed and left untreated despite multiple consultations. These disorders frequently co-occur, but little is known about the costs associated with their comorbidity and the impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) on cost reduction. Aims of the Study: The first objective of this study was to assess the mental health-related costs associated with the specific concomitance of PDA and GAD. The second aim was to determine whether there is a reduction in direct and indirect mental healthrelated costs following conventional CBT for the primary disorder only (PDA or GAD) or combined CBT adapted to the comorbidity (PDA and GAD). Methods: A total of 123 participants with a double diagnosis of PDA and GAD participated in this study. Direct and indirect mental health-related costs were assessed and calculated from a societal perspective at the pre-Test, the post-Test, and the three-month, sixmonth and one-year follow-ups. Results: At the pre-Test, PDA-GAD comorbidity was found to generate a mean total cost of CAD2,000.48 (SD = 2,069.62) per participant over a three-month period. The indirect costs were much higher than the direct costs. Both treatment modalities led to significant and similar decreases in all cost categories from the pretest to the post-Test. This reduction was maintained until the oneyear follow-up. Discussion: Methodological choices may have underestimated cost evaluations. Nonetheless, this study supports the cost offset effects of both conventional CBT for primary PDA or GAD and combined CBT for PDA-GAD comorbidity. Implications for Healthcare Provision and Use: Treatment of comorbid and costly disorders with evidence-based treatments such as CBT may lead to considerable economic benefits for society. Implications for Health Policies: Considering the limited resources of healthcare systems, it is important to make choices that will lead to better accessibility of quality services. The application of CBT for PDA, GAD or both disorders and training mental health professionals in this therapeutic approach should be encouraged. Additionally, it would be favorable for insurance plans to reimburse employees for expenses associated with psychological treatment for anxiety disorders. Implications for Further Research: In addition to symptom reduction, it would be of great pertinence to explore which factors can contribute to reducing direct and indirect mental health-related costs. © 2017 ICMPE.
6.
Loranger, C.; Bouchard, S.
Validating a Virtual Environment for Sexual Assault Victims Journal Article
In: Journal of Traumatic Stress, vol. 30, no. 2, pp. 157–165, 2017, ISSN: 08949867, (Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Inc.).
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Adolescent, adult, analysis of variance, case control study, Case-Control Studies, crime victim, Crime Victims, female, human, Humans, Post-Traumatic, posttraumatic stress disorder, procedures, Psychiatric Status Rating Scales, psychological rating scale, psychology, questionnaire, Random Allocation, randomization, Sex Offenses, sexual crime, Stress Disorders, Surveys and Questionnaires, validation study, virtual reality exposure therapy, Young Adult
@article{loranger_validating_2017,
title = {Validating a Virtual Environment for Sexual Assault Victims},
author = {C. Loranger and S. Bouchard},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85018587270&doi=10.1002%2fjts.22170&partnerID=40&md5=d24c8415c38b310e673f7579441aacd4},
doi = {10.1002/jts.22170},
issn = {08949867},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Traumatic Stress},
volume = {30},
number = {2},
pages = {157–165},
abstract = {Virtual reality has shown promising results in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for some traumatic experiences, but sexual assault has been understudied. One important question to address is the relevance and safety of a virtual environment (VE) allowing patients to be progressively exposed to a sexual assault scenario. The aim of this study was to validate such a VE. Thirty women (victims and nonvictims of sexual assault) were randomly assigned in a counter-balanced order to 2 immersions in a virtual bar: a control scenario where the encounter with the aggressor does not lead to sexual assault and an experimental scenario where the participant is assaulted. Immersions were conducted in a fully immersive 6-wall system. Questionnaires were administered and psychophysiological measures were recorded. No adverse events were reported during or after the immersions. Repeated-measures analyses of covariance revealed a significant time effect and significantly more anxiety (Cohen's f = 0.41, large effect size) and negative affect (Cohen's f = 0.35, medium effect size) in the experimental scenario than in the control condition. Given the safety of the scenario and its potential to induce emotions, it can be further tested to document its usefulness with sexual assault victims who suffer from PTSD. Copyright © 2017 International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies},
note = {Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Inc.},
keywords = {Adolescent, adult, analysis of variance, case control study, Case-Control Studies, crime victim, Crime Victims, female, human, Humans, Post-Traumatic, posttraumatic stress disorder, procedures, Psychiatric Status Rating Scales, psychological rating scale, psychology, questionnaire, Random Allocation, randomization, Sex Offenses, sexual crime, Stress Disorders, Surveys and Questionnaires, validation study, virtual reality exposure therapy, Young Adult},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Virtual reality has shown promising results in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for some traumatic experiences, but sexual assault has been understudied. One important question to address is the relevance and safety of a virtual environment (VE) allowing patients to be progressively exposed to a sexual assault scenario. The aim of this study was to validate such a VE. Thirty women (victims and nonvictims of sexual assault) were randomly assigned in a counter-balanced order to 2 immersions in a virtual bar: a control scenario where the encounter with the aggressor does not lead to sexual assault and an experimental scenario where the participant is assaulted. Immersions were conducted in a fully immersive 6-wall system. Questionnaires were administered and psychophysiological measures were recorded. No adverse events were reported during or after the immersions. Repeated-measures analyses of covariance revealed a significant time effect and significantly more anxiety (Cohen's f = 0.41, large effect size) and negative affect (Cohen's f = 0.35, medium effect size) in the experimental scenario than in the control condition. Given the safety of the scenario and its potential to induce emotions, it can be further tested to document its usefulness with sexual assault victims who suffer from PTSD. Copyright © 2017 International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
7.
Grenier, S.; Forget, H.; Bouchard, S.; Isere, S.; Belleville, S.; Potvin, O.; Rioux, M. -È.; Talbot, M.; Pachana, N. A.; Voshaar, R. C. Oude
In: International Psychogeriatrics, vol. 27, no. 7, pp. 1217–1225, 2015, ISSN: 10416102, (Publisher: Cambridge University Press).
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: adult, aged, aging, Anxiety, Anxiety disorder, Anxiety Disorders, clinical effectiveness, cognition, cognitive defect, cognitive therapy, Depression, disease association, exposure, Fear, generalized anxiety disorder, gerontopsychiatry, human, Humans, late life anxiety disorder, panic, patient counseling, posttraumatic stress disorder, procedures, psychology, randomized controlled trial (topic), relaxation training, Research, review, Social Support, treatment outcome, trends, virtual reality, virtual reality exposure therapy
@article{grenier_using_2015,
title = {Using virtual reality to improve the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in the treatment of late-life anxiety: Preliminary recommendations for future research},
author = {S. Grenier and H. Forget and S. Bouchard and S. Isere and S. Belleville and O. Potvin and M. -È. Rioux and M. Talbot and N. A. Pachana and R. C. Oude Voshaar},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84931830085&doi=10.1017%2fS1041610214002300&partnerID=40&md5=6a937a7a7f13fca31c84fc7859b365d0},
doi = {10.1017/S1041610214002300},
issn = {10416102},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-01-01},
journal = {International Psychogeriatrics},
volume = {27},
number = {7},
pages = {1217–1225},
abstract = {Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) using traditional exposure techniques (i.e. imaginal and in vivo) seems less effective to treat anxiety in older adults than in younger ones. This is particularly true when imaginal exposure is used to confront the older patient to inaccessible (e.g. fear of flying) or less tangible/controllable anxiety triggers (e.g. fear of illness). Indeed, imaginal exposure may become less effective as the person gets older since normal aging is characterized by the decline in cognitive functions involved in the creation of vivid/detailed mental images. One way to circumvent this difficulty is to expose the older patient to a virtual environment that does not require the ability to imagine the frightening situation. In virtuo exposure has proven to be efficient to treat anxiety in working-age people. In virtuo exposure could be employed to improve the efficacy of CBT with exposure sessions in the treatment of late-life anxiety? The current paper explores this question and suggests new research avenues. Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2014.},
note = {Publisher: Cambridge University Press},
keywords = {adult, aged, aging, Anxiety, Anxiety disorder, Anxiety Disorders, clinical effectiveness, cognition, cognitive defect, cognitive therapy, Depression, disease association, exposure, Fear, generalized anxiety disorder, gerontopsychiatry, human, Humans, late life anxiety disorder, panic, patient counseling, posttraumatic stress disorder, procedures, psychology, randomized controlled trial (topic), relaxation training, Research, review, Social Support, treatment outcome, trends, virtual reality, virtual reality exposure therapy},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) using traditional exposure techniques (i.e. imaginal and in vivo) seems less effective to treat anxiety in older adults than in younger ones. This is particularly true when imaginal exposure is used to confront the older patient to inaccessible (e.g. fear of flying) or less tangible/controllable anxiety triggers (e.g. fear of illness). Indeed, imaginal exposure may become less effective as the person gets older since normal aging is characterized by the decline in cognitive functions involved in the creation of vivid/detailed mental images. One way to circumvent this difficulty is to expose the older patient to a virtual environment that does not require the ability to imagine the frightening situation. In virtuo exposure has proven to be efficient to treat anxiety in working-age people. In virtuo exposure could be employed to improve the efficacy of CBT with exposure sessions in the treatment of late-life anxiety? The current paper explores this question and suggests new research avenues. Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2014.
8.
Katzman, M. A.; Bleau, P.; Blier, P.; Chokka, P.; Kjernisted, K.; Ameringen, M. Van; Antony, M. M.; Bouchard, S.; Brunet, A.; Flament, M.; Rabheru, K.; Grigoriadis, S.; Richter, P. M. A.; Mendlowitz, S.; O'Connor, K.; Robichaud, M.; Walker, J. R.; Asmundson, G.; Klassen, L. R.; Lam, R. W.; McIntyre, R. S.; Szpindel, I.
Canadian clinical practice guidelines for the management of anxiety, posttraumatic stress and obsessive-compulsive disorders Journal Article
In: BMC Psychiatry, vol. 14, no. SUPPL.1, 2014, ISSN: 1471244X (ISSN), (Publisher: BioMed Central Ltd.).
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: agoraphobia, Anxiety disorder, Anxiety Disorders, benzodiazepine derivative, buspirone, Canada, clinical trial, clomipramine, comorbidity, duloxetine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, fluvoxamine maleate, GAD, generalized anxiety disorder, guidelines, human, Humans, obsessive compulsive disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, OCD, panic, Panic Disorder, paroxetine, periodic medical examination, pharmacotherapy, Post-Traumatic, posttraumatic stress disorder, practice guideline, Practice Guidelines as Topic, psychotherapy, PTSD, recommendations, review, sertraline, social anxiety disorder, social phobia, special populations, Specific phobia, Stress Disorders, venlafaxine
@article{katzman_canadian_2014,
title = {Canadian clinical practice guidelines for the management of anxiety, posttraumatic stress and obsessive-compulsive disorders},
author = {M. A. Katzman and P. Bleau and P. Blier and P. Chokka and K. Kjernisted and M. Van Ameringen and M. M. Antony and S. Bouchard and A. Brunet and M. Flament and K. Rabheru and S. Grigoriadis and P. M. A. Richter and S. Mendlowitz and K. O'Connor and M. Robichaud and J. R. Walker and G. Asmundson and L. R. Klassen and R. W. Lam and R. S. McIntyre and I. Szpindel},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84903778611&doi=10.1186%2f1471-244X-14-S1-S1&partnerID=40&md5=4787fc6f97c204c1428770a5e4a57a00},
doi = {10.1186/1471-244X-14-S1-S1},
issn = {1471244X (ISSN)},
year = {2014},
date = {2014-01-01},
journal = {BMC Psychiatry},
volume = {14},
number = {SUPPL.1},
abstract = {Background: Anxiety and related disorders are among the most common mental disorders, with lifetime prevalence reportedly as high as 31%. Unfortunately, anxiety disorders are under-diagnosed and under-treated.Methods: These guidelines were developed by Canadian experts in anxiety and related disorders through a consensus process. Data on the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment (psychological and pharmacological) were obtained through MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and manual searches (1980-2012). Treatment strategies were rated on strength of evidence, and a clinical recommendation for each intervention was made, based on global impression of efficacy, effectiveness, and side effects, using a modified version of the periodic health examination guidelines.Results: These guidelines are presented in 10 sections, including an introduction, principles of diagnosis and management, six sections (Sections 3 through 8) on the specific anxiety-related disorders (panic disorder, agoraphobia, specific phobia, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder), and two additional sections on special populations (children/adolescents, pregnant/lactating women, and the elderly) and clinical issues in patients with comorbid conditions.Conclusions: Anxiety and related disorders are very common in clinical practice, and frequently comorbid with other psychiatric and medical conditions. Optimal management requires a good understanding of the efficacy and side effect profiles of pharmacological and psychological treatments. © 2014 Katzman et al.},
note = {Publisher: BioMed Central Ltd.},
keywords = {agoraphobia, Anxiety disorder, Anxiety Disorders, benzodiazepine derivative, buspirone, Canada, clinical trial, clomipramine, comorbidity, duloxetine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, fluvoxamine maleate, GAD, generalized anxiety disorder, guidelines, human, Humans, obsessive compulsive disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, OCD, panic, Panic Disorder, paroxetine, periodic medical examination, pharmacotherapy, Post-Traumatic, posttraumatic stress disorder, practice guideline, Practice Guidelines as Topic, psychotherapy, PTSD, recommendations, review, sertraline, social anxiety disorder, social phobia, special populations, Specific phobia, Stress Disorders, venlafaxine},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Background: Anxiety and related disorders are among the most common mental disorders, with lifetime prevalence reportedly as high as 31%. Unfortunately, anxiety disorders are under-diagnosed and under-treated.Methods: These guidelines were developed by Canadian experts in anxiety and related disorders through a consensus process. Data on the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment (psychological and pharmacological) were obtained through MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and manual searches (1980-2012). Treatment strategies were rated on strength of evidence, and a clinical recommendation for each intervention was made, based on global impression of efficacy, effectiveness, and side effects, using a modified version of the periodic health examination guidelines.Results: These guidelines are presented in 10 sections, including an introduction, principles of diagnosis and management, six sections (Sections 3 through 8) on the specific anxiety-related disorders (panic disorder, agoraphobia, specific phobia, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder), and two additional sections on special populations (children/adolescents, pregnant/lactating women, and the elderly) and clinical issues in patients with comorbid conditions.Conclusions: Anxiety and related disorders are very common in clinical practice, and frequently comorbid with other psychiatric and medical conditions. Optimal management requires a good understanding of the efficacy and side effect profiles of pharmacological and psychological treatments. © 2014 Katzman et al.
9.
Marchand, A.; Beaulieu-Prévost, D.; Guay, S.; Bouchard, S.; Drouin, M. S.; Germain, V.
Relative efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy administered by videoconference for posttraumatic stress disorder: A six-month follow-up Journal Article
In: Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment and Trauma, vol. 20, no. 3, pp. 304–321, 2011, ISSN: 10926771.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: adult, article, cognitive therapy, female, follow up, human, major clinical study, male, posttraumatic stress disorder, symptom, teletherapy, treatment outcome, videoconferencing
@article{marchand_relative_2011,
title = {Relative efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy administered by videoconference for posttraumatic stress disorder: A six-month follow-up},
author = {A. Marchand and D. Beaulieu-Prévost and S. Guay and S. Bouchard and M. S. Drouin and V. Germain},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-79956028546&doi=10.1080%2f10926771.2011.562479&partnerID=40&md5=aa0fbbe8f8211070310d0559d9e21d63},
doi = {10.1080/10926771.2011.562479},
issn = {10926771},
year = {2011},
date = {2011-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment and Trauma},
volume = {20},
number = {3},
pages = {304–321},
abstract = {Until recently, only one study was published on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in individual therapy via videoconference (Germain, Marchand, Bouchard, Drouin, & Guay, 2009); however, it only assessed the posttreatment effect. This study presents the follow-up of Germain et al.'s (2009) study. The main goal was to compare the effectiveness after six months of CBTfor PTSD either face-to-face (n = 24) or by videoconference (n = 12). Each participant received CBT for 16 to 25 weeks and completed various questionnaires before and after treatment and at a six-month follow-up. The two treatments had equivalent levels of symptom reduction (Modified PTSD Symptom Scale: η2 < 0.01, p >.05) and proportion of patients with a clinically significant change in symptoms (42% for face-to-face vs. 38% for videoconferencing, p >.05). Thus, CBTfor PTSD via videoconference seems to be a viable alternative when adequate face-to-face treatments are less available. Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.},
keywords = {adult, article, cognitive therapy, female, follow up, human, major clinical study, male, posttraumatic stress disorder, symptom, teletherapy, treatment outcome, videoconferencing},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Until recently, only one study was published on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in individual therapy via videoconference (Germain, Marchand, Bouchard, Drouin, & Guay, 2009); however, it only assessed the posttreatment effect. This study presents the follow-up of Germain et al.'s (2009) study. The main goal was to compare the effectiveness after six months of CBTfor PTSD either face-to-face (n = 24) or by videoconference (n = 12). Each participant received CBT for 16 to 25 weeks and completed various questionnaires before and after treatment and at a six-month follow-up. The two treatments had equivalent levels of symptom reduction (Modified PTSD Symptom Scale: η2 < 0.01, p >.05) and proportion of patients with a clinically significant change in symptoms (42% for face-to-face vs. 38% for videoconferencing, p >.05). Thus, CBTfor PTSD via videoconference seems to be a viable alternative when adequate face-to-face treatments are less available. Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
10.
Baus, O.; Bouchard, S.
The sense of olfaction: Its characteristics and its possible applications in virtual environments Journal Article
In: Journal of Cyber Therapy and Rehabilitation, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 31–50, 2010, ISSN: 17849934.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Arousal, article, brain region, conditioning, drug dependence, emotionality, human, Learning, leisure, Memory, mental function, neuroanatomy, odor, olfactory discrimination, olfactory system, pain assessment, posttraumatic stress disorder, sex difference, smelling, social interaction, virtual reality, visual stimulation
@article{baus_sense_2010,
title = {The sense of olfaction: Its characteristics and its possible applications in virtual environments},
author = {O. Baus and S. Bouchard},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-78650054636&partnerID=40&md5=959d26e8022423056fe9a9345b5ba084},
issn = {17849934},
year = {2010},
date = {2010-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Cyber Therapy and Rehabilitation},
volume = {3},
number = {1},
pages = {31–50},
abstract = {Virtual environments (VE) aim to reproduce life-like experiences, but despite indications that the olfactory sense plays a significant role in everyday life, the integration of olfactory stimuli in VEs is rare. The aim of this paper is to review the literature on olfaction and its potential applications in Virtual Reality (VR). Indications supporting the integration of odorants in VR include the privileged connections between the olfactory system and the brain regions involved in the processing of virtual stimuli used in clinical applications, as well as the interaction between odors, the other senses, and various psychological processes. Presently, smells are mostly integrated in VR applications for post-traumatic stress disorder and drug addiction, but further uses of odorants in VEs could include pain distraction, various training scenarios, such as emergency response and relaxation, and investigations of multi-sensory integration. ©Virtual Reality Medical Institute.},
keywords = {Arousal, article, brain region, conditioning, drug dependence, emotionality, human, Learning, leisure, Memory, mental function, neuroanatomy, odor, olfactory discrimination, olfactory system, pain assessment, posttraumatic stress disorder, sex difference, smelling, social interaction, virtual reality, visual stimulation},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Virtual environments (VE) aim to reproduce life-like experiences, but despite indications that the olfactory sense plays a significant role in everyday life, the integration of olfactory stimuli in VEs is rare. The aim of this paper is to review the literature on olfaction and its potential applications in Virtual Reality (VR). Indications supporting the integration of odorants in VR include the privileged connections between the olfactory system and the brain regions involved in the processing of virtual stimuli used in clinical applications, as well as the interaction between odors, the other senses, and various psychological processes. Presently, smells are mostly integrated in VR applications for post-traumatic stress disorder and drug addiction, but further uses of odorants in VEs could include pain distraction, various training scenarios, such as emergency response and relaxation, and investigations of multi-sensory integration. ©Virtual Reality Medical Institute.