International Journal of Applied Behavioral Sciences
Year:2020 | Volume:7 | Issue:1|Papers Count:6

Introduction: Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation is one of the most challenging version of non-invasive brain stimulation. Although it has promised effects on drug-cravings, it has not been approved by FDA as an intervention. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of tDCS on reducingmethamphetamine craving. Method: This study was a quasi-experimental design with the pre-test, post-test and control group. The statistical population included all the methamphetamine users who were referred to the HematPayrovan Institute for treatment in 2019. The sample population were 60 males assigned randomly into two groups of experimental and control group. We applied 20 minutestDCS (2 Ma, Anode F4/Cathode FP1) for experimental group. Data were collected using the Individual Student Assessment Plan (ISAP), The Leeds Dependence Questionnaire (LDQ), and Desires for drug questionnaire (DDQ). The data were analyzed through multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). Results: The result showed that t DCS significantly decreases methamphetamine craving in the experimental group (P<0. 03). Discussion: This finding has important implications pertaining the education and mental health of methamphetamine users. Based on the results, repeated DLPFC stimulation could be a promising approach for therapeutic intervention in decreasing methamphetamine craving.

Introduction: Mindfulness training is an effective method for lowering stress and negative thoughts. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness training on fear of negative evaluation and automatic thoughts in female students. Method: This research was conducted as a semi-experimental research using pre-test posttest design with a control group. The sample consisted of 30 students (15 participants for each of the experimental and control groups). At first, 120 individuals were selected by purposive sampling and then 30 subjects were selected among the students who scored higher than the average score in the pre-test (fear of negative evaluation and automatic thoughts scales). Participants in the experimental groups received mindfulness training for eight sessions, while the control group did not receive any training. At the end of the training a post-test was taken from both groups. Multivariate covariance analysis was used to investigate the research hypotheses. Results: The results indicated that mindfulness training decreased significantly both fear of negative evaluation (p<0. 05) and automatic thoughts (p<0. 05). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, mindfulness training is effective in reducing the fear of negative evaluation and automatic thoughts, so providing this training for students can prevent the negative effects of these variables in the educational environment.

Introduction: the present study has been conducted with the aim of examining the quality of life (QoL) and marital satisfaction before and after three months of methadone maintenance in the patients enrolled in methadone therapy center in city of Kashan. Method: In this study, a quasi-experimental with pre and post assessments was conducted. Fortyfive substance users receiving methadonetherapy were selected and investigated for three months. General assessment of patients (including demographic variables) was recorded and patients completed the QoL and martial satisfaction questionnaires. Results: Paired T-test revealed that the effect of methadone on QoL and martial satisfaction was significant (p<0. 001). Scores of QoL and marital satisfaction have significant difference just in job variable among the other demographic variables. Pairwise comparison confirmed that two aspects (including physical and environmental) of QoL increased at post-test relative to pre-test. Conclusion: results of this study showed that methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) can lead to a significant improvement of QoL and martial satisfaction in substance users.

Introduction: The role of adherence to treatment in many chronic diseases, including heart disease, has been confirmed. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Emotion-Focused Therapy on adherence to treatment in Cardiac Patients. Method: This is a quasi-experimental study with pretest-posttest design with control group. The statistical population of all patients referring to Dr. HeshmatRasht Hospital during February to March 2019 were available by purposeful sampling methodand then the samples were randomly divided into two experimental and one control groups. Data collection tools were demographic questionnaire and standardized adherence to treatment questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and analysis of covariance by SPSS software, version 25. Results: outcomes showed that acceptance and commitment therapy and emotion focused therapy were effective on Adherence to treatment (P<0. 001). Also, the results of the covariance showed that, there was a significant difference between the groups' adjusted averages for adherence (ETA= 0. 804, P= 0. 001, F (2, 41)=83. 904). In other words, there is a significant difference between the two experimental methods onAdherence to treatment in cardiac patients (acceptance and commitment therapy and emotion-focused therapy) with the control group. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, training of above mentioned therapies can play an important role as adjunctive and rehabilitation therapy along with medical treatments by increasing adherence to treatment.

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is a major medical problem worldwide. The purpose of the present researchwas to examine a comparison of the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulnessbased stress reduction therapy on anxiety sensitivity in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Method: This research was a quasi-experimental one with the plan of the pre-test posttest, and control group. The statistics of this research consisted of patients with CVD who were treated at Kasra Hospital in Tehran in 2019. The samples were 135 patients aged 40-65 years with CVD identified among patients assigned to the two groups experimental and one control group. Data were collected using the Anxiety Sensitivity Index. The research data results were analyzed using the methods of multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). Results: Multivariate analysis of covariance showed that cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulnessbased therapy significantly decreased anxiety sensitivity, physical concern, social concern, and cognitive concern in the experimental group (p<0. 001). Discussion: These results suggest that cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapy could adjust anxiety sensitivity in patients with CVD. Based on the results, these two interventions can by promoting social skills, realistic view of cognitive abilities and adaptive coping styles, reduce the anxiety sensitivity in patients with CVD.

Introduction: This study aimed to compare the effect of cognitive therapy and lifestyle modification based on LEARN model on weight loss and quality of life and well-being associated with obesity. Method: The study was a quasi-experimental study with pre-test and post-test and a control group. The statistical population included all women in Tehran with the age range of 21-43 years, and a body mass index higher than 25. For this purpose, 45 women volunteers were selected based on inclusion criteria and randomly assigned to three groups. Both interventions were held in twelve 90minute weekly sessions. Subjects in three groups answered the Obesity-Related Well-Being questionnaire before and end of the third and seventh months and their body mass index was also calculated. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software and repeated measures analysis of variance test. Results: Both cognitive therapy and lifestyle modification based on LEARN model improved body mass index and obesity-related well-being (P<0. 05). There was no significant difference between the two interventions in modifying the research variables (P>0. 05). Conclusion: Cognitive therapy and lifestyle modification based on LEARN model improved reduced body weight by correcting destructive beliefs and unhealthy behaviors of overweight and obese women.