Journal of Psychology & Psychotherapy
Open Access
ISSN: 2161-0487
+44 1478 350008
ISSN: 2161-0487
+44 1478 350008
Lakshmi Jayasree,Paulomi Matam Sudhir, MahendraPrakash Sharma and Suresh Bada Math
Jain University, India
National Institute of Mental Health and
Neurosciences, India
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Psychol Psychother
Introduction: Attrition is a common phenomenon encountered in outpatient services and clinical trials. Identification of factors associated with attrition may help participants reach optimal improvement and prevent the worsening of symptoms. Aim: The aim of the study was to identify factors associated with attrition in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) on metacognitive therapy (MCT) versus applied relaxation (AR) for social anxiety disorder (SAD). Method: The sample comprised of individuals with SAD classified as completers (n=37) and non-completers (n=13). They were compared on sociodemographic and clinical variables, psychiatric comorbidity and pre-treatment scores on measures such as Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale-Clinician Assessment (LSASCA) and Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation (BFNE). Results: Results revealed that there was no statistically significant difference between completers and non-completers on sociodemographic and clinical variables except the status of medication (presence or absence). Majority of non-completers (54%) were not on medication. Seventy-eight percent (78%) of completers were on medication whereas as only 46% of non-completers were on medication. They were comparable on axis I and axis II psychiatric comorbidity at baseline and on all pre-treatment scores on outcome measures except on LSASCA and BFNE. In comparison with non-completers, completers had higher level of social anxiety and fear of negative evaluation. Discussion: Higher severity of social anxiety symptoms among completers might have motivated them to attend sessions regularly. In the setting where study was conducted, pharmacological management for SAD versus cognitive behavioural interventions is determined based on clinical judgment regarding severity of illness and functional impairment. The reason for discontinuation by those who were not on medication may be due to the relatively less impact of social anxiety symptoms on functioning. Conclusion: The severity of social anxiety and its impact on functioning may play important role in attrition in RCTs.
Lakshmi Jayasree is an Assistant Professor and Clinical Psychologist in the PG Department of Psychology in Jain University, Bengaluru, India. She has completed her PhD and MPhil Degrees in Clinical Psychology from the Department of Clinical Psychology at National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru. She has industrial experience (Cadabams Hospitals, Bengaluru) as a Consultant Clinical Psychologist. Her areas of interest include ethics in psychotherapy, cognitive behaviour therapy, metacognitive therapy and mindfulness based approaches to treating clinical conditions. She has national and international publications to her credit. She has been a resource person for various workshops on cognitive behaviour therapy and its applications.
E-mail: lakshminair999@gmail.com