Activating Veterans Toward Sources of Reward: A Pilot Report on Development, Feasibility, and Clinical Outcomes of a 12-Week Behavioral Activation Group Treatment. Issue 1 (February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hershenberg, Rachel; Smith, Rachel Vickers; Goodson, Jason T.; Thase, Michael E.
• Is Part Of: Cognitive and behavioral practice. Volume 25:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 57
• Page End: 69
• Publication Date: 2018-02
• Subjects: Behavioral Activation -- depression -- Veteran mental health -- decisional anhedonia; Behavior therapy -- Periodicals; Cognitive therapy -- Periodicals; Behavior Therapy -- Periodicals; Cognitive Therapy -- Periodicals; 616.8914205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpra.2017.04.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1077-7229

Abstract

Abstract: This pilot study evaluates a 12-week group Behavioral Activation protocol adapted to meet the needs of a Veteran population seeking treatment in an outpatient mental health clinic at a Veteran Affairs Medical Center. In a detailed Method we describe the treatment structure. Acceptability and feasibility are addressed by providing data on referral sources, treatment retention, attendance, and patient satisfaction. Initial clinical outcomes are presented, focusing on symptom reduction, improved quality of life, and changes in the hypothesized mechanism of treatment: improving motivated behavior to pursue rewards ( decisional anhedonia ). Finally, feedback from individual exit interviews is presented. We conclude with implementation tips and challenges in the service of continuing to improve our evidence-based interventions in Veteran Affairs facilities. Highlights: We adapted Behavioral Activation for treatment seeking Veterans in a group context. We describe the treatment structure and specific modifications for this population. We report acceptability, feasibility, and initial outcomes, which are promising. We provide suggestions for implementation.