Babes-Bolyai University
I. “RO-Virtual Classroom”
Description
The “RO-Virtual Classroom” system is a VR classroom where the child is immersed by means of virtual technology, used for treatment purposes. The system is a development of the version of our USA/Canadian colleagues (Dr. Rizzo, coordinator), that can only be used for diagnostic purposes. Using clinical cognitive science principles, the original version was radically transformed by our research group into a virtual technology that can be used not only for diagnosis but also for treatment (e.g. ADHD, learning difficulties, behavioral problems).
Materials introducing the technology
o Anton, R., Opris, D., Dobrean, A., David, D., & Rizzo, A (2009). Virtual reality in rehabilitation of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Virtual Rehabilitation 2009. International conference. University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel. June 29 – July 2, 2009. See also http://www.psytech.ro.
Financial support
o CEEX Grant, Nr. 78/2006
Current impact (2009)
The technological development was presented at:
Oxford University, Department of Psychiatry, UK
The technology will be implemented (is being implemented): in Denmark, Germany, at the “PsyTech” University Psychological Clinic at Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca (www.clinicadepsihologie.ro)
II. “RETMAN”
Description
RETMAN is a cartoon character used in child and adolescent psychotherapy. The original RETMAN concept was introduced by the Albert Ellis, USA in the 70s (Calvin Merrifield and Rebecca Merrifield: Call Me Retman and Have a Ball, 1979). The name comes from Rational Emotive Therapy (a form of cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy). Due to the high costs, the project was abandoned after one cartoon series was published. The concept was picked up again in 2008 by our research group, using a new technology and a new theoretical and practical approach, was changed according to the new developments in cognitive clinical sciences, and empirically tested for the first time for its efficiency in health promotion and the treatment of child and adolescent psychological disorders.
Materials introducing RETMAN
o http://www.psychotherapy.ro/content/view/141/120/
Financial support
o CEEX Grant, Nr. 78/2006
o AEI Grant, USA, Nr. 103
Current impact (2009)
The technology was presented at the Albert Ellis Institute, USA
The technology is being used by (selection) The Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinic, UMF, Cluj-Napoca, the “PsyTech” University Psychological Clinic at Babes-Bolyai, Cluj-Napoca (www.clinicadepsihologie.ro), Kindergartens and Private clinical psychology/counseling/psychotherapy practices
The English version was viewed by over 300 users and downloaded by over 100. The Romanian version was viewed by over 4300 users and downloaded by over 280 (2007-august 2009)
Media coverage
Financial Journal/ Ziarul Financiar
III. “Psychological Pills”
Description
The psychological pills are rational strategies for coping with stress, developed based on scientific data, and presented on 10X10 cards. They are used for the treatment of certain emotional problems (e.g., anxiety, depression, anger/aggressiveness, guilt) and for health promotion. They can be used independently or in combination with other psychological procedures and technologies (e.g., Clinical Guidelines/Protocols, RETMAN) and/or medication (e.g., psychotropic medication). The client is given the “pill” relevant for his/her problem, which he/she is asked to read three times a day (morning, noon, evening), and whenever he/she is confronted with problematic situations (e.g., when anxiety symptoms appear in the case of anxious clients). The “pills” have been empirically tested regarding their efficacy in health promotion and the treatment of emotional problems in children, adolescents and adults.
Materials introducing the psychological pills
o David, D. (2007). Handbook of Cognitive and Behavioral Psychotherapies. Editura Polirom, Iaşi.
o Lupu, V., & Iftene, F. (2009). The impact of rational emotive education on anxiety in teenagers. Journal of Cognitive and Behavioral Psychotherapies, 9, 95-105.
Financial support
o CEEX Grant, Nr. 78/2006
o AEI Grant, USA, Nr. 103
Current impact (2009)
The technology was presented at the Albert Ellis Institute, USA
The technology is being used by (selection) The Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinic, UMF, Cluj-Napoca, the “PsyTech” University Psychological Clinic at Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca (www.clinicadepsihologie.ro), Kindergartens and Private clinical psychology/counseling/psychotherapy practices
Media coverage
Financial Journal/ Ziarul Financiar
IV. “CBT/REBT Intervention Protocol for Major Depressive Disorder”
Description
The protocol reflects the principles of rational-emotive and cognitive-behavioral psychotherapies in a scientifically validated Clinical Guide, useful in the treatment of major depressive disorder. The protocol reduces symptoms in 75% of the cases, the rest of 25% of patients showing improvement at the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral levels.
Publications introducing the protocol
o Sava, F., Yates, B., Lupu, V., Szentagotai, A., & David, D. (2009). Cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of cognitive therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, and fluoxetine (Prozac) in treating depression: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 65, 36-52.
o David, D., Szentagotai, A., Lupu, V., Cosman, D. (2008). Rational emotive behavior therapy, cognitive therapy, and medication in the treatment of major depressive disorder: A randomized clinical trial, posttreatment outcomes, and six-month follow-up. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 64, 728-746.
o Szentagotai, A., David, D., Lupu, V., & Cosman, D. (2008). Rational Emotive Therapy, Cognitive Therapy and medication in the treatment of major depressive disorder: Theory of change analysis. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice and Training, 4, 523-538.
o David, D. (editor) (2007). Protocol clinic de psihoterapie raţional-emotivă şi comportamentală pentru depresie. Editura Sinapsis, Cluj-Napoca.
Financial support
o CNCSIS A Grant, Nr. 385, Romania
o AEI, Grant, USA, Nr. 101
Current impact (2009)
The intervention protocol was presented at the Albert Ellis Institute, USA
The technology is being used by (selection) The Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinic, UMF, Cluj-Napoca, the “PsyTech” University Psychological Clinic at Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca (www.clinicadepsihologie.ro), Kindergartens and Private clinical psychology/counseling/psychotherapy practices (over 100), The Clinic at the Albert Ellis Institute, Training programs in CBT (in Romanian and the USA)