Effectiveness of the First German-Language Group Psychotherapy Manual to Accompany Short-Term Treatment in Methamphetamine Dependence

Abstract

Background: Methamphetamine abuse is expanding in Europe, leading to a shortfall in medical care for related disorders in many regions. Research focusing on the effectiveness and feasibility of methamphetamine-specific treatment programs is scarce, especially in short-term settings. Methods: To this end, we treated 31 patients with methamphetamine dependence using a new group psychotherapy manual added to standard psychiatric care. Trained research assistants recorded demographic, illness and treatment variables using a standardized interview at baseline and a follow-up visit 3 months later. Outcome and process variables for this intervention encompassing 15 modules for qualified detoxification and motivation of patients with methamphetamine dependence are reported. Results: Retention and abstinence rates as well as acceptance and feasibility in daily routine were assessed positively. Patients with an unsuccessful outcome were characterized by longer regular methamphetamine use (t = −2.513, df = 29, p = 0.018) and a shorter abstinence period at baseline (U = 74.500, z = −1.808, p = 0.072). Among the demographic and clinical variables, the only predictor significantly increasing the odds of a successful outcome was a shorter period of regular methamphetamine use (OR = 1.318, CI 95% for OR = 1.021-1.700, b = 0.276, SE = 0.130, p = 0.034). Conclusions: This freely available therapy manual can help counter the shortfall in available psychotherapeutic interventions for patients with methamphetamine dependence in German-speaking countries. The routinely assessed parameters duration of regular methamphetamine use and abstinence before treatment were associated with outcome and may be used to personalize therapeutic strategies.

Probabilistic Reversal Learning Deficits in Patients With Methamphetamine Use Disorder—A Longitudinal Pilot Study

“…All study patients received treatment as usual, i.e., they completed our manual-supported methamphetamine-specific standard program, which was established at our clinic and has since been positively evaluated in terms of its effectiveness ( 2 ) and feasibility ( 31 ). This program is for patients who endorse MA as their main problem substance and who are all sufficiently motivated to change their drug consumption, i.e., to significantly reduce their use or to remain abstinent.…”

“…Methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) has been a growing worldwide problem, and in the last decade, the incidence in Western Europe has increased rapidly ( 1 ). Behavioral approaches have been the mainstay of treatment, and although some behavioral interventions have increased retention rates ( 2 ), little is known about predictors that influence treatment responses and the trajectories of cognitive functioning in MUD.…”

Neurocognitive Dysfunctions and Their Therapeutic Modulation in Patients With Methamphetamine Dependence: A Pilot Study

“…In- and outpatients were enrolled in our MA-specific relapse prevention program, which is an adaption of the manual by ( 50 ) and has demonstrated good feasibility ( 51 ) and effectiveness ( 52 ) in daily clinical routine. Up to six participants attended 15 twice-a-week group sessions, which lasted 50 min.…”

“…Differences between groups in socio-demographic and cognitive variables were evaluated using appropriate parametric or nonparametric tests comparing two independent groups as specified in Tables 1 and 2 . Logistic regression analyses with forward stepwise selection was used for outcome prediction in MA patients as previously described ( 52 ). Individual median response times over all trials were used for group-wise analysis.…”

“…T2 data were obtained from 70% (n = 17) of HC and 63.3% (n = 19) of MA patients initially included. Treatment outcome and participant characteristics of the extended MA patients sample (successful vs. unsuccessful) are reported elsewhere (52). Measures in our subsample (one patient diagnosed with schizophrenia excluded) were comparable.…”