Beck depression inventory, second edition, Czech version : demographic correlates, factor structure and comparison with foreign data

Objective: We aimed to examine whether demographic characteristics (i.e., sex, age and education) correlate with total scores of the Czech version of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), understand the factorial structure of this scale, compare our results with findings of studies conducted in other countries and provide preliminary normative data for use in clinical practice. Methods: Data of 450 participants were analysed using correlation analysis, non-parametric tests and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Results: Women, and participants with lower education, tended to score higher than men, and participants with higher education. There was no significant relationship between age and total scores. CFA confirmed two factors: cognitive-affective and somatic. Czech participants scored lower than participants in other studies. Preliminary normative data are presented in the form of percentile values for the whole sample and stratified according to gender and education level. Conclusions: We recommend the usage of the BDI-II total score while taking into account also the cognitive-affective and somatic factor subscores. The comparison of our results with other foreign findings shows the need for the development of locally specific normative values for self-reported depression scales

Problems in Cognitive-Behavioral Supervision : Theoretical Background and Clinical Application

Cognitive-behavioural therapists and trainees are encouraged to undergo supervision when offering therapy to troubled clients and to process personal attitudes and events likely to affect their therapeutic work. We discuss common problems in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) supervision, which may arise at the client, supervisee, or supervisor level. These issues include difficulties with case formulation, therapeutic strategies, and the therapeutic relationship. A supervisor can help their supervisee deal with clients with multifaceted or particularly challenging problems, such as difficulties with compliance, complex psychosocial problems, or chronic mental disorders. We also discuss matters related to the supervision process, the supervisor's role, different supervisory styles, and issues affecting a supervisee's feelings of vulnerability and shame. Furthermore, we analyze distinct supervision styles and potential problems arising from the supervision of experienced CBT therapists.Peer reviewe

Chairwork in cognitive behavioral therapy and schema therapy : Options in practice

Chairwork is a creative and emotionally charged technique that enhances therapeutic progress. It is based on the assumption that if individuals become aware and express their inner beliefs or conflicts, it would help them understand and choose solutions more freely than if they act unaware and automatically. When used within the conceptualization of the client's problems, it can liberate clients' intense emotional pain and change their maladaptive cognitions. This article shares the clinical experience using the chair techniques by describing and illustrating typical examples of chairwork in cognitive behavioural and schema therapy. Additional recommendations on how to do chairwork and consider the pace, tone of voice, or location of the chairs are also provided.publishersversionPeer reviewe

Stigma and self-stigma in patients with anxiety disorders

Abstract BACKGROUND: Numerous myths and prejudices about mental disorders are still present in society. Psychiatric patients are stereotypically seen as irrational, dangerous, and hostile which leads to social distance and limited life chances. METHOD: The literature about stigma and self-stigmatization from 1977 to 2012 was reviewed. Articles were found in Pubmed and PsychInfo when using the key words: anxiety disorder, stigma, self-stigmatization. The topic was also searched in psychiatric textbooks. The aim of review was to find the information about impact of the stigma and self-stigma on the diagnosis, help-seeking, and treatment of patients with anxiety disorders. RESULTS: The unequal approach negatively affects diagnostics, treatment, and reintegration of patients back into society and leads to a heightened risk of stigma internalization. Although most of the researches has focused on severe mental illneses, such as psychoses or major depression, stigma does not avoid people suffering from minor psychiatric disorders either. Patients with anxiety disorders might be especially prone to negative consequences of self-stigma. They often fear the disapproval from others, have lower self-esteem and self-confidence, and are less hopeful. Such attitudes towards self-concept frequently lead to a treatment delayment and thus to a chronification of anxiety disorders. It seems crucial to identify personality traits contributing to the development of self-stigma and to find the ways to destigmatize psychiatric patients. A possible solution might be putting a greater emphasis on health education of general population