Key publications
Bot M, Brouwer I, Roca M, Kohls E, Penninx B, Watkins ER, van Grootheest G, Cabout M, Hegerl U, Gili M, et al (2019). Effect of Multinutrient Supplementation and Food-Related Behavioral Activation Therapy on Prevention of Major Depressive Disorder Among Overweight or Obese Adults with Subsyndromal Depressive Symptoms. JAMA - Journal of the American Medical Association, 321, 858-868.
van Harmelen A-L, Gibson JL, St Clair MC, Owens M, Brodbeck J, Dunn V, Lewis G, Croudace T, Jones PB, Kievit RA, et al (2016). Friendships and Family Support Reduce Subsequent Depressive Symptoms in At-Risk Adolescents. PLOS ONE, 11(5), e0153715-e0153715.
Corder K, Atkin AJ, Bamber DJ, Brage S, Dunn VJ, Ekelund U, Owens M, van Sluijs EMF, Goodyer IM (2015). Revising on the run or studying on the sofa: prospective associations between physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and exam results in British adolescents. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 12(1).
Owens M, Herbert J, Jones PB, Sahakian BJ, Wilkinson PO, Dunn VJ, Croudace TJ, Goodyer IM (2014). Elevated morning cortisol is a stratified population-level biomarker for major depression in boys only with high depressive symptoms.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A,
111(9), 3638-3643.
Abstract:
Elevated morning cortisol is a stratified population-level biomarker for major depression in boys only with high depressive symptoms.
Major depressive disorder (MD) is a debilitating public mental health problem with severe societal and personal costs attached. Around one in six people will suffer from this complex disorder at some point in their lives, which has shown considerable etiological and clinical heterogeneity. Overall there remain no validated biomarkers in the youth population at large that can aid the detection of at-risk groups for depression in general and for boys and young men in particular. Using repeated measurements of two well-known correlates of MD (self-reported current depressive symptoms and early-morning cortisol), we undertook a population-based investigation to ascertain subtypes of adolescents that represent separate longitudinal phenotypes. Subsequently, we tested for differential risks for MD and other mental illnesses and cognitive differences between subtypes. Through the use of latent class analysis, we revealed a high-risk subtype (17% of the sample) demarcated by both high depressive symptoms and elevated cortisol levels. Membership of this class of individuals was associated with increased levels of impaired autobiographical memory recall in both sexes and the greatest likelihood of experiencing MD in boys only. These previously unidentified findings demonstrate at the population level a class of adolescents with a common physiological biomarker specifically for MD in boys and for a mnemonic vulnerability in both sexes. We suggest that the biobehavioral combination of high depressive symptoms and elevated morning cortisol is particularly hazardous for adolescent boys.
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Author URL.
Toseeb U, Brage S, Corder K, Dunn VJ, Jones PB, Owens M, St Clair MC, van Sluijs EMF, Goodyer IM (2014). Exercise and depressive symptoms in adolescents: a longitudinal cohort study.
JAMA Pediatr,
168(12), 1093-1100.
Abstract:
Exercise and depressive symptoms in adolescents: a longitudinal cohort study.
IMPORTANCE: Physical activity (PA) may have a positive effect on depressed mood. However, whether it can act as a protective factor against developing depressive symptoms in adolescence is largely unknown. OBJECTIVE: to investigate the association between objectively measured PA and depressive symptoms during 3 years of adolescence. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We performed a longitudinal study between November 1, 2005, and January 31, 2010, of a community-based sample from Cambridgeshire and Suffolk, United Kingdom, that included 736 participants (mean [SD] age, 14.5 years [6 months]). The follow-up period was approximately 3 years after baseline (the ROOTS study). Linear regression models were fitted using physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) and moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) as the predictors and depressive symptoms as the outcome variable. Binomial logistic regression models were also fitted using PAEE and MVPA as the predictors and clinical depression as the outcome measure. EXPOSURES: Exercise. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Individually calibrated heart rate and movement sensing were used to measure PA at baseline only. Physical activity summary measures included total PAEE and time spent in MVPA. These measures were divided into weekend and weekday activity. All participants also completed the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire, a self-report measure of current depressive symptoms, and took part in a Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version interview at baseline and 3 years later. RESULTS: Depressive symptoms at 3-year follow-up were not significantly predicted by any of the 4 PA measures at baseline: weekend MVPA (unstandardized β = 0.02; 95% CI, -0.15 to 0.20; P = .79), weekday MVPA (β = 0.00; 95% CI, -0.17 to 0.17; P = .99), weekend PAEE (β = 0.03; 95% CI, -0.14 to 0.20; P = .75), and weekday PAEE (β = -0.03; 95% CI, -0.20 to 0.14; P = .71). This was also true for major depressive disorder diagnoses at follow-up: weekend MVPA (odds ratio [OR], 1.37; 95% CI, 0.76-2.48; P = .30), weekday MVPA (OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 0.74-2.37; P = .34), weekend PAEE (OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.67-2.10; P = .56), and weekday PAEE (OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.52-1.63; P = .78). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: No longitudinal association between objectively measured PA and the development of depressive symptoms was observed in this large population-based sample. These results do not support the hypothesis that PA protects against developing depressive symptoms in adolescence.
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Author URL.
Owens M, Stevenson J, Hadwin JA, Norgate R (2014). When does anxiety help or hinder cognitive test performance? the role of working memory capacity.
Br J Psychol,
105(1), 92-101.
Abstract:
When does anxiety help or hinder cognitive test performance? the role of working memory capacity.
Cognitive interference theories (e.g. attentional control theory, processing efficiency theory) suggest that high levels of trait anxiety predict adverse effects on the performance of cognitive tasks, particularly those that make high demands on cognitive resources. We tested an interaction hypothesis to determine whether a combination of high anxiety and low working memory capacity (WMC) would predict variance in demanding cognitive test scores. Ninety six adolescents (12- to 14-years-old) participated in the study, which measured self-report levels of trait anxiety, working memory, and cognitive test performance. As hypothesized, we found that the anxiety-WMC interaction explained a significant amount of variance in cognitive test performance (ΔR(2). 07, p <. 01). Trait anxiety was unrelated to cognitive test performance for those adolescents with average WMC scores (β =. 13, p >. 10). In contrast, trait anxiety was negatively related to test performance in adolescents with low WMC (β = -.35, p <. 05) and positively related to test performance in those with high WMC (β =. 49, p <. 01). The results of this study suggest that WMC moderates the relationship between anxiety and cognitive test performance and may be a determinant factor in explaining some discrepancies found in the literature. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms involved.
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Publications by year
2022
Owens M, Townsend E, Hall E, Bhatia T, Fitzgibbon R, Miller-Lakin F (2022). Mental Health and Wellbeing in Young People in the UK during Lockdown (COVID-19).
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health,
19(3).
Abstract:
Mental Health and Wellbeing in Young People in the UK during Lockdown (COVID-19)
This study aimed to assess the levels of mental wellbeing and potential for clinical need in a sample of UK university students aged 18–25 during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also tested the dose-response relationship between the severity of lockdown restrictions and mental wellbeing. We carried out a prospective shortitudinal study (one month between baseline and follow up) during the pandemic to do this and included 389 young people. We measured a range of facets of mental wellbeing, including depression, depressogenic cognition (rumination), wellbeing, stress and sleep disturbance. Our primary outcome was ‘probable depression’ as indexed by a score of ≥10 on the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-8). The prevalence of probable depression was significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels (55%) and did not decrease significantly over time (52%). Higher levels of lockdown severity were prospectively associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms. Nearly all students had at least one mental wellbeing concern at either time point (97%). The evidence suggests that lockdown has caused a wellbeing crisis in young people. The associated long-term mental, social, educational, personal and societal costs are as yet unknown but should be tracked using further longitudinal studies.
Abstract.
Rowley M (2022). Nature and Mental Wellbeing in Adolescence.
Abstract:
Nature and Mental Wellbeing in Adolescence
This systematic review aimed to identify mechanisms of psychological change following exposure to nature within an adolescent population. Keyword searches within Scopus, PsychINFO and Web of Science were carried out to include articles that were published by 14th September, 2021. Records were reviewed in line with inclusion criteria: adolescents with an average age of 24 and under, inclusion of exposure to nature compared to a control condition using an experimental or quasi-experimental design and outcomes relating to mental health and psychological status. The systematic review resulted in the inclusion of 27 papers that were assessed for methodological quality and manually searched for the inclusion of mediation analyses. A range of psychological outcomes were identified and grouped into 10 categories: Mood and Affect, Mental Health, Wellbeing, Perceived Restoration, Stress, Energy, Cognitive Functioning, Resilience, Self-Concept and Pro-Social Behaviour. Only one formal mediation analysis was reported, highlighting a mediating role of belonging in increases in resilience. Limitations include the majority use of undergraduate samples and over half of the papers being of low methodological quality. No firm conclusions on key mechanisms in an adolescent population were made due to insufficient evidence of mediating variables. The development of methodologically rigorous experimental studies with the inclusion of statistical pathway modelling is needed to test and specify plausible mechanisms.
Adolescence is a significant period of vulnerability for the development of depression, highlighting it as a critical time for preventative interventions. Nature contact is a modifiable aspect of lifestyle that has shown promise for the prevention of mental ill health and requires further exploration in an adolescent population. 103 adolescents with depressive symptomology were randomised either to an interactive, online, nature-based psychoeducation session or to a wait-list control. Pre/post measures and a daily diary were completed over a two-week period, with intervention participants recommended to increase their nature contact during this time. Depression, anxiety, negative affect and perceived stress significantly decreased over the two-week period in both conditions. Nature connection, mindfulness, wellbeing and positive affect also significantly increased over this time in both conditions. No significant differences were found on outcomes between those who received the intervention and control participants. Potential reasons for a lack of group differences in outcomes are discussed. Across the two weeks, both conditions had contact with nature at a level that may have been sufficient to improve outcomes for all, supporting a potential beneficial effect of nature contact. Interventions supporting increased nature contact in an adolescent population warrant further research.
Abstract.
Owens M, Bunce HLI (2022). Nature-Based Meditation, Rumination and Mental Wellbeing.
Int J Environ Res Public Health,
19(15).
Abstract:
Nature-Based Meditation, Rumination and Mental Wellbeing.
Novel approaches for children and young people (CYP) in the prevention and intervention of mental illness are needed and nature-based interventions (NBI) may be clinically useful. This proof-of-principle study tested the effects of a novel brief nature-based meditation on rumination, depressive symptoms and wellbeing in young people. Sixty-eight university students were randomised to one of three conditions: active control (n = 23), indoor meditation (n = 22) or nature-based meditation (n = 23). Participants completed self-report measures on state and trait rumination post intervention and depression and wellbeing at a 2-week follow-up. Depressive rumination significantly decreased post intervention in the nature condition and depressive symptoms improved for both intervention groups. Wellbeing only significantly improved at follow-up in the nature condition. Nature condition participants demonstrated one minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for wellbeing at follow-up. Depressive symptoms for this condition were below the clinically significant threshold for depression. The number needed to treat (NNT) analysis suggested that two to five young people would need to complete the intervention. Preliminary evidence suggests NBIs, such as the one in the present study, can reduce depressive rumination and symptoms and improve wellbeing. Replication with larger clinical samples is required to substantiate findings.
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Author URL.
Owens M, Bunce HLI (2022). The Potential for Outdoor Nature-Based Interventions in the Treatment and Prevention of Depression.
Front Psychol,
13Abstract:
The Potential for Outdoor Nature-Based Interventions in the Treatment and Prevention of Depression.
There is growing interest in nature-based interventions (NBI) to improve human health and wellbeing. An important nascent area is exploring the potential of outdoor therapies to treat and prevent common mental health problems like depression. In this conceptual analysis on the nature-depression nexus, we distil some of the main issues for consideration when NBIs for depression are being developed. We argue that understanding the mechanisms, or 'active ingredients' in NBIs is crucial to understand what works and for whom. Successfully identifying modifiable mediating intervention targets will pave the way for interventions with increased efficacy. We highlight a non-exhaustive list of five clinically relevant putative, candidate mechanisms which may underly the beneficial effects of NBIs on depression: stress, rumination, mindfulness, sleep and exercise. We also make the case that when developing NBIs it is important to not neglect young people, explore personalised approaches and focus on both treatment and prevention approaches. To achieve these aims methodologically rigorous programmes of clinical research are needed that include well-powered and controlled experimental designs including randomised controlled trials, qualitative research, longitudinal studies and large prospective cohorts.
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2021
White R, Russell G, Qualter P, Owens M, Psychogiou L (2021). Do peer relationships mediate the association between children’s facial emotion recognition ability and their academic attainment? Findings from the ALSPAC study. Contemporary Educational Psychology
Vreijling SR, Penninx BWJH, Bot M, Watkins E, Owens M, Kohls E, Hegerl U, Roca M, Gili M, Brouwer IA, et al (2021). Effects of dietary interventions on depressive symptom profiles: results from the MooDFOOD depression prevention study.
Psychol Med,
52(15), 1-10.
Abstract:
Effects of dietary interventions on depressive symptom profiles: results from the MooDFOOD depression prevention study.
BACKGROUND: Dietary interventions did not prevent depression onset nor reduced depressive symptoms in a large multi-center randomized controlled depression prevention study (MooDFOOD) involving overweight adults with subsyndromal depressive symptoms. We conducted follow-up analyses to investigate whether dietary interventions differ in their effects on depressive symptom profiles (mood/cognition; somatic; atypical, energy-related). METHODS: Baseline, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up data from MooDFOOD were used (n = 933). Participants received (1) placebo supplements, (2) food-related behavioral activation (F-BA) therapy with placebo supplements, (3) multi-nutrient supplements (omega-3 fatty acids and a multi-vitamin), or (4) F-BA therapy with multi-nutrient supplements. Depressive symptom profiles were based on the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology. RESULTS: F-BA therapy was significantly associated with decreased severity of the somatic (B = -0.03, p = 0.014, d = -0.10) and energy-related (B = -0.08, p = 0.001, d = -0.13), but not with the mood/cognition symptom profile, whereas multi-nutrient supplementation was significantly associated with increased severity of the mood/cognition (B = 0.05, p = 0.022, d = 0.09) and the energy-related (B = 0.07, p = 0.002, d = 0.12) but not with the somatic symptom profile. CONCLUSIONS: Differentiating depressive symptom profiles indicated that food-related behavioral interventions are most beneficial to alleviate somatic symptoms and symptoms of the atypical, energy-related profile linked to an immuno-metabolic form of depression, although effect sizes were small. Multi-nutrient supplements are not indicated to reduce depressive symptom profiles. These findings show that attention to clinical heterogeneity in depression is of importance when studying dietary interventions.
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Owens M, Watkins E, Bot M, Brouwer IA, Roca M, Kohls E, Penninx BWJH, van Grootheest G, Hegerl U, Gili M, et al (2021). Habitual Behavior as a Mediator Between Food-Related Behavioral Activation and Change in Symptoms of Depression in the MooDFOOD Trial.
Clinical Psychological Science,
9(4), 649-665.
Abstract:
Habitual Behavior as a Mediator Between Food-Related Behavioral Activation and Change in Symptoms of Depression in the MooDFOOD Trial
In this study, we tested potential mediators that may explain change in depressive symptoms following exposure to a food-related behavioral activation intervention (F-BA). These included behavioral activation, avoidance and rumination, eating styles, body mass index, and dietary behavior at baseline and 3-month and 12-month follow-up. The trial used a community sample of 1,025 overweight adults with elevated depressive symptoms without current major depression. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four trial arms: either daily nutritional supplements (vs. placebo) alone or in combination with F-BA (vs. no F-BA) over 12 months. Although F-BA did not significantly reduce depressive symptoms (standardized regression coefficient [b] = −0.223, SE = 0.129; p =.084), significant mediators included emotional eating (b = −0.028, SE = 0.014; p =.042) and uncontrolled eating (b = −0.039, SE = 0.016; p =.013), suggesting that learning adaptive responses to emotional and food cues may underlie effects of F-BA on depressive symptoms.
Abstract.
Dogan-Sander E, Baldofski S, Mauche N, Bot M, Brouwer IA, Cabout M, Gili M, van Grootheest G, Hegerl U, Owens M, et al (2021). Overweight and obese individuals with depressive symptoms from the MooDFOOD prevention trial: Role of sociodemographic, somatic health, and weight related factors. Journal of Affective Disorders Reports, 4
2020
Owens M, Watkins E, Bot M, Brouwer IA, Roca M, Kohls E, Penninx B, van Grootheest G, Cabout M, Hegerl U, et al (2020). Acceptability and feasibility of two interventions in the MooDFOOD Trial: a food-related depression prevention randomised controlled trial in overweight adults with subsyndromal symptoms of depression.
BMJ Open,
10(9).
Abstract:
Acceptability and feasibility of two interventions in the MooDFOOD Trial: a food-related depression prevention randomised controlled trial in overweight adults with subsyndromal symptoms of depression.
OBJECTIVES: We report on the acceptability, feasibility, dose-response relationship and adherence of two nutritional strategies to improve mood (multinutrient supplements; food-related behavioural activation (F-BA)) studied in a randomised controlled depression prevention trial (the Multi-country cOllaborative project on the rOle of Diet, Food-related behaviour, and Obesity in the prevention of Depression (MooDFOOD) Trial). We also assessed baseline determinants of adherence and assessed whether better adherence resulted in lower depressive symptoms. DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial with a 2×2 factorial design conducted between 2015 and 2017. SETTING: Germany, the Netherlands, UK and Spain. PARTICIPANTS: Community sample of 1025 overweight adults with elevated depressive symptoms without a current episode of major depressive disorder. Main eligibility criteria included age (18-75 years), being overweight or obese, and having at least mild depressive symptoms, shown by a Patient Health Questionnaire Score of ≥5. A total of 76% of the sample was retained at the 12-month follow-up. INTERVENTIONS: Daily nutritional supplements versus pill placebo or an F-BA therapy, delivered in individual and group sessions versus no behavioural intervention over a 1-year period. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome: self-reported acceptability of the interventions. SECONDARY OUTCOMES: adherence and self-reported depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Most participants reported that the F-BA was acceptable (83.61%), feasible to do (65.91%) and would recommend it to a friend (84.57%). Individual F-BA sessions (88.10%) were significantly more often rated as positive than group F-BA sessions (70.17%) and supplements (28.59%). There were statistically significant reductions in depressive symptoms for those who both adhered to the F-BA intervention and had a history of depression (B=-0.08, SE=0.03, p=0.012) versus those who had no history of depression. Supplement intake had no effect on depressive symptoms irrespective of adherence. CONCLUSIONS: F-BA may have scope for development as a depression prevention intervention and public health strategy but further refinement and testing are needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02529423.
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Pérez-Ara MÁ, Gili M, Visser M, Penninx BWJH, Brouwer IA, Watkins E, Owens M, García-Toro M, Hegerl U, Kohls E, et al (2020). Associations of Non-Alcoholic Beverages with Major Depressive Disorder History and Depressive Symptoms Clusters in a Sample of Overweight Adults.
Nutrients,
12(10), 3202-3202.
Abstract:
Associations of Non-Alcoholic Beverages with Major Depressive Disorder History and Depressive Symptoms Clusters in a Sample of Overweight Adults
Background: Meta-analysis of observational studies concluded that soft drinks may increase the risk of depression, while high consumption of coffee and tea may reduce the risk. Objectives were to explore the associations between the consumption of soft drinks, coffee or tea and: (1) a history of major depressive disorder (MDD) and (2) the severity of depressive symptoms clusters (mood, cognitive and somatic/vegetative symptoms). Methods: Cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis based on baseline and 12-month-follow-up data collected from four countries participating in the European MooDFOOD prevention trial. In total, 941 overweight adults with subsyndromal depressive symptoms aged 18 to 75 years were analyzed. History of MDD, depressive symptoms and beverages intake were assessed. Results: Sugar-sweetened soft drinks were positively related to MDD history rates whereas soft drinks with non-nutritive sweeteners were inversely related for the high vs. low categories of intake. Longitudinal analysis showed no significant associations between beverages and mood, cognitive and somatic/vegetative clusters. Conclusion: Our findings point toward a relationship between soft drinks and past MDD diagnoses depending on how they are sweetened while we found no association with coffee and tea. No significant effects were found between any studied beverages and the depressive symptoms clusters in a sample of overweight adults.
Abstract.
Paans NPG, Bot M, Brouwer IA, Visser M, Gili M, Roca M, Hegerl U, Kohls E, Owens M, Watkins E, et al (2020). Effects of food-related behavioral activation therapy on eating styles, diet quality and body weight change: Results from the MooDFOOD Randomized Clinical Trial.
J Psychosom Res,
137Abstract:
Effects of food-related behavioral activation therapy on eating styles, diet quality and body weight change: Results from the MooDFOOD Randomized Clinical Trial.
OBJECTIVE: Depression and obesity are bi-directionally related, eating styles and diet quality are two important factors associated with both. It remains uncertain if and how these two factors can be modified. Therefore the current study aims to investigate whether food-related behavioral activation therapy (F-BA), targeting mood, dietary habits and food related behavior, can improve eating styles, and diet quality and reduce body weight in adults with overweight or obesity and subsyndromal depressive symptoms. METHODS: Data were derived from the MooDFOOD prevention trial, a 2x2 factorial RCT investigating the effect of nutritional strategies on prevention of depression. Changes in emotional, uncontrolled, and cognitive restrained eating (Three Factor Eating Questionnaire Revised), Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS), and body weight were analyzed among 1025 adults who either received F-BA or no intervention for 12 months. Intervention effect was tested by longitudinal analysis of covariance using mixed model analysis. RESULTS: the F-BA group showed a small decrease in emotional (β=-5.68, p
Abstract.
Author URL.
Owens M, Watkins E, Bot M, Brouwer IA, Roca M, Kohls E, Penninx BWJH, van Grootheest G, Hegerl U, Gili M, et al (2020). Nutrition and depression: Summary of findings from the EU‐funded MooDFOOD depression prevention randomised controlled trial and a critical review of the literature.
Nutrition Bulletin,
45(4), 403-414.
Abstract:
Nutrition and depression: Summary of findings from the EU‐funded MooDFOOD depression prevention randomised controlled trial and a critical review of the literature
AbstractThis paper discusses the emerging field of nutritional psychology and provides an update on the now completed EU‐funded MooDFOOD depression prevention randomised controlled trial that assessed the effects of two nutrition‐based interventions for the prevention of depression in overweight or obese adults with at least mild symptoms of depression. We first outline the problem of major depression, the most common form of psychopathology and the largest contributor to global disability, and then give an overview of the connection between nutrition and depression; separating the evidence according to prevention and treatment of depression. The extant literature is reviewed, and we examine the implications for both prevention and treatment. Questions are posed for further research in this emerging and important area.
Abstract.
Thesing CS, Milaneschi Y, Bot M, Brouwer IA, Owens M, Hegerl U, Gili M, Roca M, Kohls E, Watkins E, et al (2020). Supplementation-induced increase in circulating omega-3 serum levels is not associated with a reduction in depressive symptoms: Results from the MooDFOOD depression prevention trial.
Depress Anxiety,
37(11), 1079-1088.
Abstract:
Supplementation-induced increase in circulating omega-3 serum levels is not associated with a reduction in depressive symptoms: Results from the MooDFOOD depression prevention trial.
BACKGROUND: There is ambiguity on how omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are associated with depression, and what the temporality of the association might be. The present study aimed to examine whether (intervention-induced changes in) n-3 PUFA levels were associated with (changes in) depressive symptoms. METHODS: Baseline, 6- and 12-month follow-up data on 682 overweight and subclinically depressed persons from four European countries that participated in the MooDFOOD depression prevention randomized controlled trial were used. Participants were allocated to four intervention groups: (a) placebos, (b) placebos and food-related behavioral activation therapy (F-BA), (c) multinutrient supplements (fish oil and multivitamin), and (d) multinutrient supplements and F-BA. Depressive symptoms were measured using the inventory of depressive symptomatology. PUFA levels (µmol/L) were measured using gas chromatography. Analyses were adjusted for sociodemographics, lifestyle, and somatic health. RESULTS: Increases in n-3 PUFA, docosahexaenoic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid levels over time were significantly larger in the supplement groups than in placebo groups. Change in PUFA levels was not significantly associated with the change in depressive symptoms (β = .002, SE = 0.003, p = .39; β = .003, SE = 0.005, p = .64; β = .005, SE = 0.005, p = .29; β = -.0002, SE = 0.0004, p = .69). Baseline PUFA levels did not modify the intervention effects on depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: in overweight and subclinical depressed persons, multinutrient supplements led to significant increases in n-3 PUFA levels over time, which were not associated with changes in depressive symptoms. Multinutrient supplements do not seem to be an effective preventive strategy in lowering depressive symptoms over time in these at-risk groups.
Abstract.
Author URL.
2019
Baldofski S, Mauche N, Dogan-Sander E, Bot M, Brouwer IA, Paans NPG, Cabout M, Gili M, van Grootheest G, Hegerl U, et al (2019). Depressive Symptom Clusters in Relation to Body Weight Status: Results from Two Large European Multicenter Studies. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 10
Bot M, Brouwer I, Roca M, Kohls E, Penninx B, Watkins ER, van Grootheest G, Cabout M, Hegerl U, Gili M, et al (2019). Effect of Multinutrient Supplementation and Food-Related Behavioral Activation Therapy on Prevention of Major Depressive Disorder Among Overweight or Obese Adults with Subsyndromal Depressive Symptoms. JAMA - Journal of the American Medical Association, 321, 858-868.
Grasso AC, Olthof MR, van Dooren C, Roca M, Gili M, Visser M, Cabout M, Bot M, Penninx BWJH, van Grootheest G, et al (2019). Effect of food-related behavioral activation therapy on food intake and the environmental impact of the diet: results from the MooDFOOD prevention trial.
European Journal of Nutrition,
59(6), 2579-2591.
Abstract:
Effect of food-related behavioral activation therapy on food intake and the environmental impact of the diet: results from the MooDFOOD prevention trial
Abstract
Purpose
Food-based dietary guidelines are proposed to not only improve diet quality, but to also reduce the environmental impact of diets. The aim of our study was to investigate whether food-related behavioral activation therapy (F-BA) applying Mediterranean-style dietary guidelines altered food intake and the environmental impact of the diet in overweight adults with subsyndromal symptoms of depression.
Methods
In total 744 adults who either received the F-BA intervention (F-BA group) or no intervention (control group) for 12 months were included in this analysis. Food intake data were collected through a food frequency questionnaire at baseline and after 6 and 12 months. Greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE), land use (LU), and fossil energy use (FEU) estimates from life-cycle assessments and a weighted score of the three (pReCiPe score) were used to estimate the environmental impact of each individual diet at each timepoint.
Results
The F-BA group reported increased intakes of vegetables (19.7 g/day; 95% CI 7.8–31.6), fruit (23.0 g/day; 9.4–36.6), fish (7.6 g/day; 4.6–10.6), pulses/legumes (4.0 g/day; 1.6–6.5) and whole grains (12.7 g/day; 8.0–17.5), and decreased intake of sweets/extras (− 6.8 g/day; − 10.9 to − 2.8) relative to control group. This effect on food intake resulted in no change in GHGE, LU, and pReCiPe score, but a relative increase in FEU by 1.6 MJ/day (0.8, 2.4).
Conclusions
A shift towards a healthier Mediterranean-style diet does not necessarily result in a diet with reduced environmental impact in a real-life setting.
Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov. Number of identification: NCT02529423. August 2015.
Abstract.
Psychogiou L, Russell G, Owens M (2019). Parents’ postnatal depressive symptoms and their children's academic attainment at 16 years: Pathways of risk transmission. British Journal of Psychology
2018
Watkins E, Owens-Solari M, Cook L (2018). Habits in depression: Understanding and intervention. In Verplanken B (Ed)
The Psychology of Habit Theory, Mechanisms, Change, and Contexts, Springer.
Abstract:
Habits in depression: Understanding and intervention
Abstract.
2016
van Harmelen A-L, Gibson JL, St Clair MC, Owens M, Brodbeck J, Dunn V, Lewis G, Croudace T, Jones PB, Kievit RA, et al (2016). Friendships and Family Support Reduce Subsequent Depressive Symptoms in At-Risk Adolescents. PLOS ONE, 11(5), e0153715-e0153715.
Spence R, Owens-Solari M, Goodyer I (2016). Help-seeking in emerging adults with and without a history of mental health referral: a qualitative study.
BMC Research Notes,
9(1).
Abstract:
Help-seeking in emerging adults with and without a history of mental health referral: a qualitative study
Background: Young people are generally reluctant to seek professional help when experiencing problems. However, past experience of services is often cited as increasing the intention to seek help, therefore those with a history of mental health referral may adopt more adaptive help seeking strategies. The current study investigated whether the pattern of different help seeking strategies and barriers to help seeking differed as a function of previous referral history. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 29 emerging adults (12 males, 17 females); 17 with a history of mental health referral and 12 without and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Overall, those with a referral to services were more likely than those without to rely on avoidant coping, especially techniques that depended upon suppression. This could help account for the increased use of strategies involving self-harm and substances in those with past referral. An exploration of barriers to help seeking showed those with a history of mental health referral were much more likely to self-stigmatise and this became attached to their sense of identity. Conclusions: Emerging adults with a history of referral are more likely to adopt avoidant coping strategies when dealing with problems and self-stigmatise to a greater degree than those without a history of referral. This suggests that current approaches to mental health in emerging adults are not decreasing the sense of stigma with potentially far-reaching consequences for the developing sense of self and choice of help seeking strategies.
Abstract.
Roca M, Kohls E, Gili M, Watkins E, Owens M, Hegerl U, van Grootheest G, Bot M, Cabout M, Brouwer IA, et al (2016). Prevention of depression through nutritional strategies in high-risk persons: rationale and design of the MooDFOOD prevention trial.
BMC Psychiatry,
16Abstract:
Prevention of depression through nutritional strategies in high-risk persons: rationale and design of the MooDFOOD prevention trial.
BACKGROUND: Obesity and depression are two prevalent conditions that are costly to individuals and society. The bidirectional association of obesity with depression, in which unhealthy dietary patterns may play an important role, has been well established. Few experimental studies have been conducted to investigate whether supplementing specific nutrients or improving diet and food-related behaviors can prevent depression in overweight persons. METHOD/DESIGN: the MooDFOOD prevention trial examines the feasibility and effectiveness of two different nutritional strategies [multi-nutrient supplementation and food-related behavioral change therapy (FBC)] to prevent depression in individuals who are overweight and have elevated depressive symptoms but who are not currently or in the last 6 months meeting criteria for an episode of major depressive disorder (MDD). The randomized controlled prevention trial has a two-by-two factorial design: participants are randomized to daily multi-nutrient supplement (omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, selenium, B-11 vitamin and D-3 vitamin) versus placebo, and/or FBC therapy sessions versus usual care. Interventions last 12 months. In total 1000 participants aged 18-75 years with body mass index between 25-40 kg/m(2) and with a Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score ≥ 5 will be recruited at four study sites in four European countries. Baseline and follow-up assessments take place at 0, 3, 6, and 12 months. Primary endpoint is the onset of an episode of MDD, assessed according to DSM-IV based criteria using the MINI 5.0 interview. Depressive symptoms, anxiety, food and eating behavior, physical activity and health related quality of life are secondary outcomes. During the intervention, compliance, adverse events and potentially mediating variables are carefully monitored. DISCUSSION: the trial aims to provide a better understanding of the causal role of specific nutrients, overall diet, and food-related behavior change with respect to the incidence of MDD episodes. This knowledge will be used to develop and disseminate innovative evidence-based, feasible, and effective nutritional public health strategies for the prevention of clinical depression. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov. Number of identification: NCT02529423. August 2015.
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2015
Memarzia J, St Clair MC, Owens M, Goodyer IM, Dunn VJ (2015). Adolescents leaving mental health or social care services: predictors of mental health and psychosocial outcomes one year later.
BMC Health Serv Res,
15Abstract:
Adolescents leaving mental health or social care services: predictors of mental health and psychosocial outcomes one year later.
BACKGROUND: UK service structure necessitates a transition out of youth services at a time of increased risk for the development and onset of mental disorders. Little is currently known about the mental health and psychosocial outcomes of leaving services at this time. The aim of this study was to determine predictors of mental health and social adjustment in adolescents leaving mental health or social care services. METHODS: a cohort (n = 53) of 17 year olds were interviewed and assessed when preparing to leave adolescent services and again 12 months later. Their mental health and psychosocial characteristics were compared to a same-age community sample group (n = 1074). RESULTS: at discharge 34 (64%) met DSM IV criteria for a current psychiatric diagnosis and only 3 (6%) participants met operational criteria for successful outcomes at follow-up. Impairments in mental health, lack of employment, education or training and low preparedness were associated with poor outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: the findings suggest the current organisation of mental health and care services may not be fit for purpose and even unwittingly contribute to persistent mental illness and poor psychosocial outcomes. A redesign of services should consider a model where the timing of transition does not fall at the most hazardous time for young people, but is sufficiently flexible to allow young people to move on when they are personally, socially and psychologically most able to succeed. Assessment of a young person's readiness to transition might also be useful. A youth focused service across the adolescent and early adult years may be better placed to avoid young people falling through the service gap created by poor transitional management.
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Corder K, Atkin AJ, Bamber DJ, Brage S, Dunn VJ, Ekelund U, Owens M, van Sluijs EMF, Goodyer IM (2015). Revising on the run or studying on the sofa: prospective associations between physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and exam results in British adolescents. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 12(1).
2014
Owens M, Herbert J, Jones PB, Sahakian BJ, Wilkinson PO, Dunn VJ, Croudace TJ, Goodyer IM (2014). Elevated morning cortisol is a stratified population-level biomarker for major depression in boys only with high depressive symptoms.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A,
111(9), 3638-3643.
Abstract:
Elevated morning cortisol is a stratified population-level biomarker for major depression in boys only with high depressive symptoms.
Major depressive disorder (MD) is a debilitating public mental health problem with severe societal and personal costs attached. Around one in six people will suffer from this complex disorder at some point in their lives, which has shown considerable etiological and clinical heterogeneity. Overall there remain no validated biomarkers in the youth population at large that can aid the detection of at-risk groups for depression in general and for boys and young men in particular. Using repeated measurements of two well-known correlates of MD (self-reported current depressive symptoms and early-morning cortisol), we undertook a population-based investigation to ascertain subtypes of adolescents that represent separate longitudinal phenotypes. Subsequently, we tested for differential risks for MD and other mental illnesses and cognitive differences between subtypes. Through the use of latent class analysis, we revealed a high-risk subtype (17% of the sample) demarcated by both high depressive symptoms and elevated cortisol levels. Membership of this class of individuals was associated with increased levels of impaired autobiographical memory recall in both sexes and the greatest likelihood of experiencing MD in boys only. These previously unidentified findings demonstrate at the population level a class of adolescents with a common physiological biomarker specifically for MD in boys and for a mnemonic vulnerability in both sexes. We suggest that the biobehavioral combination of high depressive symptoms and elevated morning cortisol is particularly hazardous for adolescent boys.
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Toseeb U, Brage S, Corder K, Dunn VJ, Jones PB, Owens M, St Clair MC, van Sluijs EMF, Goodyer IM (2014). Exercise and depressive symptoms in adolescents: a longitudinal cohort study.
JAMA Pediatr,
168(12), 1093-1100.
Abstract:
Exercise and depressive symptoms in adolescents: a longitudinal cohort study.
IMPORTANCE: Physical activity (PA) may have a positive effect on depressed mood. However, whether it can act as a protective factor against developing depressive symptoms in adolescence is largely unknown. OBJECTIVE: to investigate the association between objectively measured PA and depressive symptoms during 3 years of adolescence. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We performed a longitudinal study between November 1, 2005, and January 31, 2010, of a community-based sample from Cambridgeshire and Suffolk, United Kingdom, that included 736 participants (mean [SD] age, 14.5 years [6 months]). The follow-up period was approximately 3 years after baseline (the ROOTS study). Linear regression models were fitted using physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) and moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) as the predictors and depressive symptoms as the outcome variable. Binomial logistic regression models were also fitted using PAEE and MVPA as the predictors and clinical depression as the outcome measure. EXPOSURES: Exercise. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Individually calibrated heart rate and movement sensing were used to measure PA at baseline only. Physical activity summary measures included total PAEE and time spent in MVPA. These measures were divided into weekend and weekday activity. All participants also completed the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire, a self-report measure of current depressive symptoms, and took part in a Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version interview at baseline and 3 years later. RESULTS: Depressive symptoms at 3-year follow-up were not significantly predicted by any of the 4 PA measures at baseline: weekend MVPA (unstandardized β = 0.02; 95% CI, -0.15 to 0.20; P = .79), weekday MVPA (β = 0.00; 95% CI, -0.17 to 0.17; P = .99), weekend PAEE (β = 0.03; 95% CI, -0.14 to 0.20; P = .75), and weekday PAEE (β = -0.03; 95% CI, -0.20 to 0.14; P = .71). This was also true for major depressive disorder diagnoses at follow-up: weekend MVPA (odds ratio [OR], 1.37; 95% CI, 0.76-2.48; P = .30), weekday MVPA (OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 0.74-2.37; P = .34), weekend PAEE (OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.67-2.10; P = .56), and weekday PAEE (OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.52-1.63; P = .78). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: No longitudinal association between objectively measured PA and the development of depressive symptoms was observed in this large population-based sample. These results do not support the hypothesis that PA protects against developing depressive symptoms in adolescence.
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Brodbeck J, Goodyer IM, Abbott RA, Dunn VJ, St Clair MC, Owens M, Jones PB, Croudace TJ (2014). General distress, hopelessness-suicidal ideation and worrying in adolescence: concurrent and predictive validity of a symptom-level bifactor model for clinical diagnoses.
J Affect Disord,
152-154, 299-305.
Abstract:
General distress, hopelessness-suicidal ideation and worrying in adolescence: concurrent and predictive validity of a symptom-level bifactor model for clinical diagnoses.
BACKGROUND: Clinical disorders often share common symptoms and aetiological factors. Bifactor models acknowledge the role of an underlying general distress component and more specific sub-domains of psychopathology which specify the unique components of disorders over and above a general factor. METHODS: a bifactor model jointly calibrated data on subjective distress from the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire and the Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale. The bifactor model encompassed a general distress factor, and specific factors for (a) hopelessness-suicidal ideation, (b) generalised worrying and (c) restlessness-fatigue at age 14 which were related to lifetime clinical diagnoses established by interviews at ages 14 (concurrent validity) and current diagnoses at 17 years (predictive validity) in a British population sample of 1159 adolescents. RESULTS: Diagnostic interviews confirmed the validity of a symptom-level bifactor model. The underlying general distress factor was a powerful but non-specific predictor of affective, anxiety and behaviour disorders. The specific factors for hopelessness-suicidal ideation and generalised worrying contributed to predictive specificity. Hopelessness-suicidal ideation predicted concurrent and future affective disorder; generalised worrying predicted concurrent and future anxiety, specifically concurrent generalised anxiety disorders. Generalised worrying was negatively associated with behaviour disorders. LIMITATIONS: the analyses of gender differences and the prediction of specific disorders was limited due to a low frequency of disorders other than depression. CONCLUSIONS: the bifactor model was able to differentiate concurrent and predict future clinical diagnoses. This can inform the development of targeted as well as non-specific interventions for prevention and treatment of different disorders.
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Owens M, Stevenson J, Hadwin JA, Norgate R (2014). When does anxiety help or hinder cognitive test performance? the role of working memory capacity.
Br J Psychol,
105(1), 92-101.
Abstract:
When does anxiety help or hinder cognitive test performance? the role of working memory capacity.
Cognitive interference theories (e.g. attentional control theory, processing efficiency theory) suggest that high levels of trait anxiety predict adverse effects on the performance of cognitive tasks, particularly those that make high demands on cognitive resources. We tested an interaction hypothesis to determine whether a combination of high anxiety and low working memory capacity (WMC) would predict variance in demanding cognitive test scores. Ninety six adolescents (12- to 14-years-old) participated in the study, which measured self-report levels of trait anxiety, working memory, and cognitive test performance. As hypothesized, we found that the anxiety-WMC interaction explained a significant amount of variance in cognitive test performance (ΔR(2). 07, p <. 01). Trait anxiety was unrelated to cognitive test performance for those adolescents with average WMC scores (β =. 13, p >. 10). In contrast, trait anxiety was negatively related to test performance in adolescents with low WMC (β = -.35, p <. 05) and positively related to test performance in those with high WMC (β =. 49, p <. 01). The results of this study suggest that WMC moderates the relationship between anxiety and cognitive test performance and may be a determinant factor in explaining some discrepancies found in the literature. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms involved.
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2013
Spence R, Owens M, Goodyer I (2013). The longitudinal psychometric properties of the EAS temperament survey in adolescence.
J Pers Assess,
95(6), 633-639.
Abstract:
The longitudinal psychometric properties of the EAS temperament survey in adolescence.
Studies on the psychometric properties of the EAS Temperament Survey (EAS) have produced equivocal results. In particular the psychometrics of the EAS are largely unknown in adolescence. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to explore the EAS structure in adolescents. Structural equation modeling was also used to assess measurement invariance and factor stability. A modified 4-factor model provided the best fit to the data and demonstrated reasonable longitudinal invariance and stability. Furthermore, the standardized factor scores correlated at near unity with the sum of observed scores, suggesting factor interpretations remained unchanged. However, the modifications suggest that further work is necessary.
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2012
Owens M, Goodyer IM, Wilkinson P, Bhardwaj A, Abbott R, Croudace T, Dunn V, Jones PB, Walsh ND, Ban M, et al (2012). 5-HTTLPR and early childhood adversities moderate cognitive and emotional processing in adolescence.
PLoS One,
7(11).
Abstract:
5-HTTLPR and early childhood adversities moderate cognitive and emotional processing in adolescence.
BACKGROUND: Polymorphisms in the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) and exposure to early childhood adversities (CA) are independently associated with individual differences in cognitive and emotional processing. Whether these two factors interact to influence cognitive and emotional processing is not known. METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We used a sample of 238 adolescents from a community study characterised by the presence of the short allele of 5-HTTLPR (LL, LS, SS) and the presence or absence of exposure to CA before 6 years of age. We measured cognitive and emotional processing using a set of neuropsychological tasks selected predominantly from the CANTAB® battery. We found that adolescents homozygous for the short allele (SS) of 5-HTTLPR and exposed to CA were worse at classifying negative and neutral stimuli and made more errors in response to ambiguous negative feedback. In addition, cognitive and emotional processing deficits were associated with diagnoses of anxiety and/or depressions. CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE: Cognitive and emotional processing deficits may act as a transdiagnostic intermediate marker for anxiety and depressive disorders in genetically susceptible individuals exposed to CA.
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Walsh ND, Dalgleish T, Dunn VJ, Abbott R, St Clair MC, Owens M, Fairchild G, Kerslake WS, Hiscox LV, Passamonti L, et al (2012). 5-HTTLPR-environment interplay and its effects on neural reactivity in adolescents.
Neuroimage,
63(3), 1670-1680.
Abstract:
5-HTTLPR-environment interplay and its effects on neural reactivity in adolescents.
It is not known how 5-HTTLPR genotype x childhood adversity (CA) interactions that are associated with an increased risk for affective disorders in population studies operate at the neural systems level. We hypothesized that healthy adolescents at increased genetic and environmental risk for developing mood disorders (depression and anxiety) would demonstrate increased amygdala reactivity to emotional stimuli compared to those with only one such risk factor or those with none. Participants (n=67) were classified into one of 4 groups dependent on being homozygous for the long or short alleles within the serotonin-transporter-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) of the SLC6A4 gene and exposure to CA in the first 11 years of life (present or absent). A functional magnetic resonance imaging investigation was undertaken which involved viewing emotionally-salient face stimuli. In addition, we assessed the role of other variables hypothesized to influence amygdala reactivity, namely recent negative life-events (RNLE) assessed at ages 14 and 17, current anxiety symptoms and psychiatric history. We replicated prior findings demonstrating moderation by gene variants in 5-HTTLPR, but found no support for an effect of CA on amygdala reactivity. We also found a significant effect of RNLE aged 17 with amygdala reactivity demonstrating additive, but not interactive effects with 5-HTTLPR. A whole-brain analysis found a 5-HTTLPR×CA interaction in the lingual gyrus whereby CA appears to differentially modify neural reactivity depending on genotype. These results demonstrate that two different forms of environmental adversities interplay with 5-HTTLPR and thereby differentially impact amygdala and cortical reactivity.
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Owens M, Stevenson J, Hadwin JA, Norgate R (2012). Anxiety and depression in academic performance: an exploration of the mediating factors of worry and working memory.
School Psychology International,
33(4), 433-449.
Abstract:
Anxiety and depression in academic performance: an exploration of the mediating factors of worry and working memory
Anxiety and depression are linked to lower academic performance. It is proposed that academic performance is reduced in young people with high levels of anxiety or depression as a function of increased test-specific worry that impinges on working memory central executive processes. Participants were typically developing children (12 to 13-years-old) from two UK schools. The study investigated the relationship between negative affect, worry, working memory, and academic performance using self-report questionnaires, school administered academic test data, and a battery of computerized working memory tasks. Higher levels of anxiety and depression were associated with lower academic performance. There was support for a mediation hypothesis, where worry and central executive processes mediated the link between negative affect and academic performance. Further studies should test these hypotheses in larger longitudinal samples. Implications for school psychology practice and interventions in schools are discussed. © the Author(s) 2012 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.
Abstract.
Baker R, Owens M, Thomas S, Whittlesea A, Abbey G, Gower P, Tosunlar L, Corrigan E, Thomas PW (2012). Does CBT facilitate emotional processing?.
Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy,
40(1), 19-37.
Abstract:
Does CBT facilitate emotional processing?
Background: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is not primarily conceptualized as operating via affective processes. However, there is growing recognition that emotional processing plays an important role during the course of therapy. Aims: the Emotional Processing Scale was developed as a clinical and research tool to measure emotional processing deficits and the process of emotional change during therapy. Method: Fifty-five patients receiving CBT were given measures of emotional functioning (Toronto Alexithymia Scale [TAS-20]; Emotional Processing Scale [EPS-38]) and psychological symptoms (Brief Symptom Inventory [BSI]) pre- and post-therapy. In addition, the EPS-38 was administered to a sample of 173 healthy individuals. Results: Initially, the patient group exhibited elevated emotional processing scores compared to the healthy group, but after therapy, these scores decreased and approached those of the healthy group. Conclusions: This suggests that therapy ostensibly designed to reduce psychiatric symptoms via cognitive processes may also facilitate emotional processing. The Emotional Processing Scale demonstrated sensitivity to changes in alexithymia and psychiatric symptom severity, and may provide a valid and reliable means of assessing change during therapy. © Copyright British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies 2011.
Abstract.
Hinrichs S, Owens M, Dunn V, Goodyer I (2012). General practitioner experience and perception of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) care pathways: a multimethod research study.
BMJ OPEN,
2(6).
Author URL.
Spence R, Owens M, Goodyer I (2012). Item response theory and validity of the NEO-FFI in adolescents. Personality and Individual Differences, 53(6), 801-807.
2011
Goodyer IM, Owens M, St.Clair M, Wilkinson P (2011). Currencies for Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS): a Report to the Payment by Results Group, Department of Health. Department of Health, NIHR Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC) for Cambridge & Peterborough.
Dunn VJ, Owens M, Gwaspari M, Harris K, Ryan M, Tsancheva S, Goodyer IM (2011). Transfer of Care at 17 (TC-17) - pilot phase. An investigation of factors which influence two groups of young people facing transitional care at 17: 1. young people in local authority care (YPiC); 2. CAMHS users (CAMHSu). NIHR Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC) for Cambridge & Peterborough. National Institute of Health Research, NIHR Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC) for Cambridge & Peterborough.
2010
Owens M, Ryan M, Gwaspari M, Harris K, Dunn VJ, Goodyer IM (2010). Child and adolescent mental health and social care services in Cambridge and Peterborough: a quantitative mapping exercise. A Report for the Cambridge & Peterborough Child and Adolescent CLAHRC theme. National Institure for Health Research, NIHR Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC) for Cambridge & Peterborough.
Akister J, Owens M, Goodyer IM (2010). Leaving care and mental health: Outcomes for children in out-of-home care during the transition to adulthood.
Health Research Policy and Systems,
8Abstract:
Leaving care and mental health: Outcomes for children in out-of-home care during the transition to adulthood
There were 59,500 Children in out-of-home care in England in 2008. Research into this population points to poor health and quality of life outcomes over the transition to adult independence. This undesirable outcome applies to mental health, education and employment. This lack of wellbeing for the individual is a burden for health and social care services, suggesting limitations in the current policy approaches regarding the transitional pathway from care to adult independence. Although the precise reasons for these poor outcomes are unclear long term outcomes from national birth cohorts suggest that mental health could be a key predictor for subsequent psychosocial adjustment. Researching the wellbeing of children in out-of-home care has proven difficult due to the range and complexity of the factors leading to being placed in care and the different methods used internationally for recording information. This paper delineates the estimated prevalence of mental health problems for adolescents in the care system, organisational factors, influencing service provision, and pathways through the transition from adolescence to independent young adult life. The extent to which being taken into care as a child moderates adult wellbeing outcomes remains unknown. Whether the care system enhances, reduces or has a null effect on wellbeing and specifically mental health cannot be determined from the current literature. Nonetheless a substantial proportion of young people display resilience and experience successful quality of life outcomes including mental capital. A current and retrospective study of young people transitioning to adult life is proposed to identify factors that have promoted successful outcomes and which would be used to inform policy developments and future longitudinal studies. © 2010 Akister et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
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2008
Owens M, Stevenson J, Norgate R, Hadwin JA (2008). Processing efficiency theory in children: working memory as a mediator between trait anxiety and academic performance.
Anxiety Stress Coping,
21(4), 417-430.
Abstract:
Processing efficiency theory in children: working memory as a mediator between trait anxiety and academic performance.
Working memory skills are positively associated with academic performance. In contrast, high levels of trait anxiety are linked with educational underachievement. Based on Eysenck and Calvo's (1992) processing efficiency theory (PET), the present study investigated whether associations between anxiety and educational achievement were mediated via poor working memory performance. Fifty children aged 11-12 years completed verbal (backwards digit span; tapping the phonological store/central executive) and spatial (Corsi blocks; tapping the visuospatial sketchpad/central executive) working memory tasks. Trait anxiety was measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children. Academic performance was assessed using school administered tests of reasoning (Cognitive Abilities Test) and attainment (Standard Assessment Tests). The results showed that the association between trait anxiety and academic performance was significantly mediated by verbal working memory for three of the six academic performance measures (math, quantitative and non-verbal reasoning). Spatial working memory did not significantly mediate the relationship between trait anxiety and academic performance. On average verbal working memory accounted for 51% of the association between trait anxiety and academic performance, while spatial working memory only accounted for 9%. The findings indicate that PET is a useful framework to assess the impact of children's anxiety on educational achievement.
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2007
Baker R, Thomas S, Thomas PW, Owens M (2007). Development of an emotional processing scale.
J Psychosom Res,
62(2), 167-178.
Abstract:
Development of an emotional processing scale.
OBJECTIVE: the objective of this study was to report on the development and preliminary psychometric evaluation of an emotional processing scale, a 38-item self-report questionnaire designed to identify emotional processing styles and deficits. METHODS: an initial item pool derived from a conceptual model and clinical observations was piloted on clinical and community samples (n=150). The resulting 45-item scale was administered to patients with psychological problems, psychosomatic disorders, and physical disease, and to healthy individuals (n=460). Exploratory factor analysis was used to explore the underlying factor structure. RESULTS: Maximum likelihood factor analysis yielded an eight-factor solution relating to styles of emotional experience (Lack of Attunement, Discordant, and Externalized), mechanisms controlling the experience and expression of emotions (Suppression, Dissociation, Avoidance, and Uncontrolled), and signs of inadequate processing (Intrusion). Internal reliability was moderate to high for six of eight factors. Preliminary findings suggested satisfactory convergent validity. DISCUSSION: Overall, the psychometric properties of this scale appear promising. Work is in progress to refine the scale by incorporating additional items and by conducting further psychometric evaluations on new samples.
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2004
Baker R, Holloway J, Thomas PW, Thomas S, Owens M (2004). Emotional processing and panic.
Behaviour Research and Therapy,
42(11), 1271-1287.
Abstract:
Emotional processing and panic
In this paper Rachman's concept of emotional processing was extended and a model highlighting the psychological operations underpinning processing was specified. Using this model, the aim was to investigate, by means of a questionnaire, whether patients with panic disorder (n=50) have more emotional processing difficulties than two samples of healthy controls (London, n=406; Aberdeen, n=125). The panic disorder group did have significantly more emotional processing difficulties than the control groups, showing a marked tendency to control feelings of anger, unhappiness and anxiety. Three emotional processing dimensions distinguished the panic from the control groups: greater control of emotional experiences ('smothering' or 'bottling up' emotions), greater awareness of feelings and more difficulties in labelling emotions. The authors hypothesise that emotional processing deficits act as a vulnerability factor for developing panic attacks. © 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Abstract.
2003
Baker R, Holloway J, Holtkamp CCM, Larsson A, Hartman LC, Pearce R, Scherman B, Johansson S, Thomas PW, Wareing LA, et al (2003). Effects of multi-sensory stimulation for people with dementia.
J Adv Nurs,
43(5), 465-477.
Abstract:
Effects of multi-sensory stimulation for people with dementia.
BACKGROUND: over recent years multi-sensory stimulation (MSS) has become an increasingly popular approach to care and is used in several centres throughout Europe. This popularity could be explained by the limited alternatives available to staff and a widely held belief that MSS is a friendly and highly humane approach. A randomized controlled trial was therefore essential to evaluate the effectiveness and extent of the benefits of MSS. AIM: to assess whether MSS is more effective in changing the behaviour, mood and cognition of older adults with dementia than a control of activity (playing card games, looking at photographs, doing quizzes, etc.). METHODS: a total of 136 patients from three countries [United Kingdom (UK), the Netherlands and Sweden] were randomized to MSS or activity groups. Patients participated in eight 30-minute sessions over 4 weeks. Ratings of behaviour and mood were taken before, during and after sessions to investigate immediate effects. Pre-, mid-, post-trial and follow-up assessments were taken to investigate any generalization of effects to cognition and behaviour and mood at home/on the ward or at the day hospital. RESULTS: There were limited short-term improvements for both the MSS and activity groups immediately after sessions, and limited short-term improvements between the groups during sessions. There were no significant differences between the groups when assessing change in behaviour, mood or cognition at home/on the ward or at the day hospital. In the UK, however, behaviour at the day hospital for both groups remained stable during the trial but deteriorated once the sessions had stopped, and active/disturbed behaviour at home improved but likewise deteriorated once sessions had stopped. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, MSS was found to be no more effective than an activity in changing the behaviour, mood or cognition of patients with dementia in the short- or long-term.
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