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Friedman B, Heisel M, Delavan R. Validity of the SF-36 five-item Mental Health Index for major depression in functionally impaired, community-dwelling elderly patients. J Am Geriatr Soc 2005; 53:1978-85. [PMID: 16274382 DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-5415.2005.00469.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine criterion and construct validity of the five-item Mental Health Index (MHI-5) of the 36-item Short Form health survey (SF-36) in relation to the presence of major depression in functionally impaired, community-dwelling elderly patients and of eight subsamples defined by cognitive functioning, levels of functional impairment, and proxy report versus self-report. DESIGN Cross-sectional observational. SETTING Nineteen counties in western New York, West Virginia, and Ohio. PARTICIPANTS One thousand four hundred forty-four functionally impaired, community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older who participated in the Medicare Primary and Consumer-Directed Care Demonstration. MEASUREMENTS MHI-5, Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview Major Depressive Episode (MINI-MDE) module. RESULTS The MHI-5 demonstrated sufficient criterion validity (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve=0.837; sensitivity=78.7% and specificity=72.1% using a cutpoint of 59/60) with respect to the presence of depression for the entire sample. A significant correlation between MHI-5 scores and presence of major depression as identified using the MINI-MDE (Spearman correlation=-0.426, P<.001), a strong correlation between the MHI-5 and the SF-36 role emotional scale (Spearman correlation=0.522) and a weak correlation with the SF-36 physical functioning scale (Spearman correlation=0.133) provided evidence for construct validity. Additional evidence is provided by decline in mean MHI-5 score as level of formal education and number of close friends and relatives decreased. All eight subsamples demonstrated similar criterion and construct validity. A Cronbach alpha of 0.794 demonstrated internal consistency reliability. CONCLUSION This study provides evidence for adequate criterion and construct validity of the MHI-5 in relation to the presence of major depression among functionally impaired, community-dwelling elderly Medicare patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce Friedman
- Department of Community and Preventive Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642, USA.
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Haywood KL, Garratt AM, Fitzpatrick R. Quality of life in older people: a structured review of generic self-assessed health instruments. Qual Life Res 2005; 14:1651-68. [PMID: 16119178 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-005-1743-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 259] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review evidence relating to the measurement properties of multi-item generic patient or self-assessed measures of health in older people. METHODS Systematic literature searches to identify instruments. Pre-defined criteria relating to reliability, validity and responsiveness. RESULTS 122 articles relating to 15 instruments met the inclusion criteria. The most extensive evidence was found for the SF-36, COOP Charts, EQ-5D, Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) and SIP. Four instruments have evidence of both internal consistency and test-retest reliability--NHP, SF-12, SF-20, SF-36. Four instruments lack evidence of reliability--HSQ-12, IHQL, QWB, SQL. Most instruments were assessed for validity through comparisons with other instruments, global judgements of health, or clinical and socio-demographic variables. Five instruments lack evidence of responsiveness--GQL, HSQ-12, IHQL, QLI and QWB. CONCLUSION There is good evidence for reliability, validity and responsiveness for the SF-36, EQ-5D and NHP. There is more limited evidence for the COOP, SF-12 and SIP. The SF-36 is recommended where a detailed and broad ranging assessment of health is required, particularly in community dwelling older people with limited morbidity. The EQ-5D is recommended where a more succinct assessment is required, particularly where a substantial change in health is expected. Instrument content should be assessed for relevance before application. The concurrent evaluation of generic instruments in older people is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- K L Haywood
- National Centre for Health Outcomes Development, Unit of Health-Care Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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53
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Abstract
DSM-IV has recommended use of the Social and Occupational Functioning Scale (SOFAS) as a clinician-rated global assessment scale for measuring social functioning; this scale is analogous to the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale traditionally used as a secondary outcome measure in patients with depressive symptoms. However, we believe that health-related quality of life is the most appropriate indicator of social functioning when considering this dimension as an endpoint in clinical trials of antidepressants. As health-related quality of life is a purely subjective measure, patient-rated questionnaires have been found to be most important in this context. In this respect, the Sheehan Disability Scale has been recommended as the most relevant global self-reported assessment of social functioning in trials of antidepressants.A review of questionnaires found that the three most frequently used scales selectively directed at obtaining information about social functioning in trials of antidepressants are the Social Adjustment Scale - Self Report (SAS-SR), the Social Adaptation Self-Evaluation Scale (SASS) and the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). However, the number of placebo-controlled trials of antidepressants that have used these scales is still too limited to allow comparisons in terms of responsiveness.Health-related quality of life includes dimensions other than social functioning, e.g. physical health and mental health (including both cognitive and affective problems). The SF-36 includes subscales relating to physical and mental health, which, like the social functioning subscales, are measured in terms of degrees of well being. Another quality-of-life questionnaire, the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (Q-LES-Q), covers social, mental and physical problems, in this case measured in terms of degrees of satisfaction. Recently, the Q-LES-Q has been reduced from a comprehensive scale including 60-92 items to a brief version including 15 items. An additional item measures overall life satisfaction. As most of the items in the brief Q-LES-Q include social functioning, the scale can be considered as an alternative to SF-36 or the Sheehan Disability Scale when the focus is on satisfaction with treatment. However, there are insufficient numbers of trials of antidepressants using these questionnaires to allow comparisons. The examples of trials of antidepressants with the SF-36 subscales discussed in this review have mostly involved SSRIs. These trials have demonstrated that although antidepressants improve social functioning compared with placebo over a 6-week treatment period, the endpoint scores are still significantly below the national norms at this point. Only after 12 weeks of therapy are the endpoint scores of the social functioning scales within the limits of the national norms. In relapse prevention trials or in maintenance trials to prevent recurrence of depression, comparisons of social functioning scores with national norms can be important supplementary indicators of the need for treatment. In conclusion, social functioning as part of the health-related concept of the patient-reported quality-of-life measure should constitute an endpoint in trials of antidepressants to help clarify the goals of treatment in patients with major depression. In medium- and long-term trials, SF-36 subscales should be used as a supplement to symptom-orientated scales. In trials of shorter (6-8 weeks) duration, use of other scales such as the SAS-SR, the Q-LES-Q or the Sheehan Disability Scale should be considered. These scales should be considered as supplementary to each other rather than alternatives; it may be necessary to use more than one of these scales in a trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per Bech
- Psychiatric Research Unit, WHO Collaborating Centre for Mental Health, Frederiksborg General Hospital, Hillerød, Denmark.
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Weinert C. Epidemiology and treatment of psychiatric conditions that develop after critical illness. Curr Opin Crit Care 2005; 11:376-80. [PMID: 16015119 DOI: 10.1097/01.ccx.0000168529.23078.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE As a greater number of patients survive critical illness, there is increasing interest in accelerating patients' recovery after intensive care unit discharge. There is compelling evidence that psychiatric illnesses such as depression impair functional status in patients with chronic medical illnesses. Therefore, psychiatric conditions that develop after critical illness are a logical target for treatment or prevention strategies to improve recovery after critical illness. RECENT FINDINGS This is a new area of investigation for intensive care unit researchers. To date, most studies have focused on descriptive epidemiology of psychiatric conditions at varying times after intensive care unit discharge. Small randomized trials have shown that depression and posttraumatic stress symptoms can be reduced by interventions during or after mechanical ventilation, although the causal mechanisms leading to these improved outcomes are obscure. Promising results must be confirmed in additional trials. After acute myocardial infarction, large trials have found that psychosocial interventions started after hospital discharge are ineffective at preventing psychosocial impairment. SUMMARY Psychiatric symptoms and disorders affect 15%-35% of patients months after intensive care unit discharge. There is no consistent evidence that antidepressant medications are safe or effective in critically ill patients. Understanding the causal pathways that lead from acute medical stress to neuronal alterations and subsequent psychiatric symptoms will allow more precise targeting of preventive interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig Weinert
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine and Clinical Outcomes Research Center, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA.
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Kumari M, Stafford M, Marmot M. The menopausal transition was associated in a prospective study with decreased health functioning in women who report menopausal symptoms. J Clin Epidemiol 2005; 58:719-27. [PMID: 15939224 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2004.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2003] [Revised: 04/06/2004] [Accepted: 09/23/2004] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine change in health functioning as women progress through the menopausal transition. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING Prospective study of 2,489 women followed through four phases of the Whitehall II study. Health functioning was assessed with the eight subscales of the SF-36. RESULTS Compared with peri- and postmenopausal women who did not experience menopausal symptoms, women who reported vasomotor symptoms or menopausal depression experienced large and significant declines on most scales of the SF-36. Women who reported the greatest symptom severity experienced the largest declines in functioning. For example, decline in physical functioning for perimenopausal women experiencing severe vasomotor symptoms was 3.3 (standard error SE=1.1) greater than those who experienced no vasomotor symptoms. Decline in role limitation-emotional for perimenopausal women experiencing severe menopause-associated depression was 18.4 (SE=2.3), compared with those who did not experience these symptoms. Vasomotor symptom reporting was predicted by low socioeconomic position, high body mass index, and limiting long-term illness at baseline. Menopause-associated depression was additionally predicted by smoking and depression. CONCLUSION The menopausal transition is associated with decreased health functioning in women who report menopausal symptoms. Menopausal symptoms are strongly related to all aspects of health functioning assessed by the SF-36. Socioeconomic and behavioral risk factors for menopausal symptoms and associated declines in health functioning have been identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meena Kumari
- International Centre for Health and Society, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Royal Free and University College London Medical School, 1-19 Torrington Place, London WC1 6BT, UK.
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Silveira E, Taft C, Sundh V, Waern M, Palsson S, Steen B. Performance of the SF-36 Health Survey in screening for depressive and anxiety disorders in an elderly female Swedish population. Qual Life Res 2005; 14:1263-74. [PMID: 16047502 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-004-7753-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the sensitivity, specificity and predictive validity of suggested cut-off scores in the SF-36 mental health (MH) and mental component summary (MCS) in screening for depressive and anxiety disorders in a population sample of older Swedish women. METHOD The sample comprised 586 randomly selected females aged 70-84 years who took part in an in-depth psychiatric examination. This provided the 'gold standard' against which the usefulness of SF-36 recommended thresholds for screening for depressive and anxiety disorders in older Swedish women was examined. RESULTS Based on DSM-III-R criteria, 69 women (12%) were diagnosed with depression (major depression, dysthymia and/or depression NOS) and 49 (8%) with generalised anxiety and panic disorders. The previously recommended MH and MCS cut-offs (i.e. 52 and 42) gave a specificity for diagnosis of depression of 92 and 82% and sensitivity of 58 and 71%, respectively. Both the MH and MCS were good predictors of depressive disorders but poor predictors of anxiety disorders. CONCLUSION The study supports the predictive validity of suggested SF-36 MH and MCS cut-off scores in screening for depressive disorder but not for anxiety disorder in older women in Sweden.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Silveira
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Mölndal Hospital, Sahlgrenska Academy at Göteborg University, Sweden.
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Owsley C, McGwin G. Depression and the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire in older adults. Ophthalmology 2004; 111:2259-64. [PMID: 15582083 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2004.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2004] [Accepted: 06/24/2004] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the impact of depression in older adults on responses to the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) independent of demographics, vision, and general health. DESIGN Cross-sectional. PARTICIPANTS We took the opportunity of an ongoing study on older drivers to address the specific aim stated above. The recruitment population consisted of 6342 older adults (> or =60 years) who were licensed drivers residing in Birmingham, Alabama; who had been involved in a crash in the prior year, as identified by Alabama Department of Public Safety records; and whose phone numbers could be located. Additional eligibility criteria were visual acuity impairment, slowed visual processing speed, or both, and a Mini-Mental State Examination score of > or =23. Persons in the recruitment population who met these eligibility criteria and agreed to enroll in a study on driver safety (purpose of the main study) numbered 403. METHODS The following questionnaires were interviewer administered in person and scored per standard procedures: the NEI VFQ-25, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), a general health questionnaire, and a review of demographic information. Depressed persons were defined as those with CES-D scores of > or =16. There were complete data on 397 persons. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Reduced score on the NEI VFQ-25 (defined by a score of <87.5) on the total questionnaire and 12 subscales. RESULTS After adjusting for demographics, vision, mental status, and general health, depression was significantly associated with a reduced NEI VFQ-25 score for total score and the subscales of distance vision, peripheral vision, role difficulties, dependencies, and mental health. Odds ratio point estimates in these adjusted associations ranged from 2.9 to 4.6. CONCLUSIONS The results imply that older persons who are depressed may have reduced scores on the NEI VFQ-25 independent of the impact of vision problems. Depression in the elderly could be influencing their self-perception of the burden of eye disease and treatment effectiveness in clinical and epidemiologic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Owsley
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294-0009, USA.
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Kruijshaar ME, Hoeymans N, Bijl RV, Spijker J, Essink-Bot ML. Levels of disability in major depression: findings from the Netherlands Mental Health Survey and Incidence Study (NEMESIS). J Affect Disord 2003; 77:53-64. [PMID: 14550935 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-0327(02)00099-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Information on the distribution of disability associated with major depression (MD) across different groups of patients is of interest to health policy and planning. We examined the associations of severity and type (a single or recurrent episode) of MD with disability in a Dutch general population sample. METHODS We used data from the first wave (1996) of the Netherlands Mental Health Survey and Incidence Study (NEMESIS). MD 'severity' and 'type' were diagnosed with the help of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview according to DSM-III-R criteria. SF-36 scores, days ill in bed and days absent from work were taken as indicators of disability. The differences in these variables were studied by means of variance and regression analysis. RESULTS Recurrent MD was found not to be associated with more disability than single episode MD. Higher 'severity' classes were associated with more disability. However, the degree of disability between 'moderate' and 'severe' MD differed only very slightly. The difference in disability between non-depressed and mildly depressed individuals had a larger effect than between each successive pair of 'severity' classes. CONCLUSIONS Three groups of MD can be distinguished based on the associated degree of disability: 'mild', 'moderate to severe' and 'severe with psychotic features'. In the future, these groups can be used to describe the distribution of disability in the depressed population. The marked difference between 'mild' MD and no MD suggests that 'mild' cases should be considered relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Kruijshaar
- Department for Public Health Forecasting, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
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Irwin MR, Pike JL, Cole JC, Oxman MN. Effects of a behavioral intervention, Tai Chi Chih, on varicella-zoster virus specific immunity and health functioning in older adults. Psychosom Med 2003; 65:824-30. [PMID: 14508027 DOI: 10.1097/01.psy.0000088591.86103.8f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Both the incidence and severity of herpes zoster (shingles) increase markedly with increasing age in association with a decline in varicella-zoster virus (VZV) specific cell-mediated immunity (CMI). This study examined whether a behavioral intervention, Tai Chi Chih (TCC), affects VZV specific immunity and health functioning in older adults who, on average, show impairments of health status and are at risk for shingles. METHODS Thirty-six men and women (age > or =60 years) were assigned randomly to a 15-week program of TCC instruction (three 45 minute classes per week; N = 18) or a wait list control condition (N = 18). VZV-specific CMI was measured at baseline and at 1-week postintervention. Health functioning (Medical Outcome scale: SF-36) was assessed at baseline, and at 5, 10, and 15 weeks during the intervention, and at 1-week postintervention. RESULTS In the intent-to-treat sample, VZV-specific CMI increased 50% from baseline to 1-week postintervention in the TCC group (p < 0.05) but was unchanged in the wait list control group. In those who completed the study, 1-week postintervention SF-36 scale scores for role-physical (p < 0.05) and physical functioning (p < 0.05) were higher in the TCC group (N = 14) as compared with controls (N = 17). Older adults who had impairments of physical status at baseline showed the greatest increases of SF-36 role-physical (p < 0.01) and physical functioning (p < 0.001) during the TCC intervention. CONCLUSIONS Administration of TCC for 15 weeks led to an increase in VZV-specific CMI. Gains in health functioning were found in participants who received TCC and were most marked in those older adults who had the greatest impairments of health status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Irwin
- Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunonology, UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute, University of California, Los Angeles 90095-7057, USA.
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Knight EL, Ofsthun N, Teng M, Lazarus JM, Curhan GC. The association between mental health, physical function, and hemodialysis mortality. Kidney Int 2003; 63:1843-51. [PMID: 12675862 DOI: 10.1046/j.1523-1755.2003.00931.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mortality rates for individuals on chronic hemodialysis remain very high; therefore, strategies are needed to identify individuals at greatest risk for mortality so preventive strategies can be implemented. One such approach is to stratify individuals by self-reported mental health and physical function. Examining these parameters at baseline, and over time, may help identify individuals at greater risk for mortality. METHODS We enrolled 14,815 individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and followed these individuals for up to 2 years. The mean age was 61.0 +/- 15.4 years (range, 20 to 96 years) and 31% were African Americans. The SF-36 Health Survey was administered 1 to 3 months after hemodialysis initiation and 6 months later. We examined the associations between the initial SF-36 Health Survey mental component summary (MCS) and physical component summary (PCS) scores and mortality during the follow-up period, and examined the associations between 6-month decline in PCS and MCS scores and subsequent mortality. We also examined the interactions between age and MCS and PCS scores. The general population-based mean of each of these scores was 50 with a standard deviation of 10. The main outcome measurement was death. RESULTS Self-reported baseline mental health (MCS score) and physical function (PCS score) were both independently associated with increased mortality, and 6-month decline in these parameters was also associated with increased mortality. The multivariate hazard ratios for 1-year mortality for MCS scores of less than 30, 30 to 39, and 40 to 49 were 1.48 (95% CI, 1.32 to 1.64), 1.23 (95% CI, 1.14 to 1.32) and 1.18 (95% CI, 1.10 to 1.26) compared with a MCS score of 50 or more. The hazard ratios for PCS scores of less than 20, 20 to 29, and 30 to 39 were 1.97 (95% CI, 1.64 to 2.36), 1.62 (95% CI, 1.36 to 1.92), and 1.32 (95% CI, 1.11 to 1.57) compared with a PCS score of 50 or more. Six-month decline in self-reported mental health (hazard ratio, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.12, per 10-point decline in MCS score) and physical function (hazard ratio, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.18 to 1.33, per 10-point decline in PCS score) were also both significantly associated with an additional increase in mortality beyond baseline risk. We also found a significant interaction between age and physical function (P = 0.02). Specifically, there was a graded response between the PCS score category and mortality in most age strata, but this relationship was not observed in the oldest age (85 years old or older). CONCLUSION In individuals newly initiated on chronic hemodialysis, self-reported baseline mental health and physical function are important, independent predictors of mortality, and there is a graded relationship between these parameters and mortality risk. Following these parameters over time provides additional information on mortality risk. One must also consider age when interpreting the relationship between physical function and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric L Knight
- Renal Unit, General Medicine Unit, Harvard Medical School, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
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Boudreau DM, Leveille SG, Gray SL, Black DJ, Guralnik JM, Ferrucci L, LaCroix AZ. Risks for frequent antimicrobial-treated infections in postmenopausal women. Aging Clin Exp Res 2003; 15:12-8. [PMID: 12841413 DOI: 10.1007/bf03324474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in older adults. Little is known about factors that alter the susceptibility to infection in the older population. This study in postmenopausal women examines health-related conditions and behavioral factors that may increase the risk of frequent infections, defined as having, on average, one or more infections per year. METHODS A prospective cohort study with 5 years of follow-up was conducted in 1320 women aged 55 to 80 years. The subjects were Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound (GHC) enrollees screened for a large fracture prevention trial who also participated in a survey of dietary and supplemental vitamin use. The main outcome, total number of infection events per subject, was derived from a new method of identifying outpatient infections based on the antimicrobial prescription fills recorded in GHC automated pharmacy records. RESULTS Prevalent lung disease (OR = 6.1, 95% CI 2.8-13.4), receiving a prescription for vitamin C (OR = 2.1, 95% CI 1.4-3.4), and the second and third tertiles of the Chronic Disease Score (OR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.7 and OR = 2.4, 95% CI 1.5-3.9, respectively) were associated with 5 or more antimicrobial-treated infections during follow-up. A body mass index (BMI) of less than 22 kg/m2 (OR = 0.6, 95% CI 0.3-1.0) was suggestive of an association. CONCLUSIONS The study provides new information on risk factors for outpatient infections and raises new questions regarding the susceptibility to frequent infections in older women. In addition, the automated pharmacy record method used in this study offers a low-cost alternative for use in future epidemiologic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise M Boudreau
- School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
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McCall NT, Parks P, Smith K, Pope G, Griggs M. The prevalence of major depression or dysthymia among aged Medicare Fee-for-Service beneficiaries. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2002; 17:557-65. [PMID: 12112180 DOI: 10.1002/gps.642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH OBJECTIVE Estimates of the prevalence of major depression vary widely. Current estimates range from 2 to 14 % depending upon the definition and procedure for diagnosis. Further, most estimates are for special populations, either living in selected geographic areas or receiving specific types of medical care. A national survey of Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS) beneficiaries provides an opportunity to assess the current level of major depression or dysthymia among a diverse population of older Americans. STUDY DESIGN The Health Outcomes Survey (HOS) was administered to a national random sample of 1,000 Medicare FFS beneficiaries. We used the Mental Component Summary (MCS) measure of the SF-36 to estimate the prevalence of major depression or dysthymia. Logistic regression was used to examine associated factors. RESULTS The response rate was 61.7%. Using an MCS score of 42 or lower, prevalence of major depression or dysthymia was estimated to be 25% for respondents age 65 years and older. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the likelihood of major depression or dysthymia was associated with years of education (Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.87), difficulties performing activities of daily living (OR = 1.72), and Medicaid enrollment (OR = 2.67). CONCLUSIONS The results revealed that one-quarter of the respondents reported mental health problems consistent with major depression or dysthymia. This is higher than previously reported. Like previous studies, years of education, physical impairment, and poverty are strong predictors of major depression or dysthymia. The high rate of major depression or dysthymia implies there may be considerable unmet need among elderly Medicare FFS beneficiaries for diagnosing and treating mental illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy T McCall
- Health Economics Research, Inc., 1029 Vermont Avenue NW, Suite 850, Washington, DC 20005, USA.
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Xavier FMF, Ferraza MPT, Argimon I, Trentini CM, Poyares D, Bertollucci PH, Bisol LW, Moriguchi EH. The DSM-IV 'minor depression' disorder in the oldest-old: prevalence rate, sleep patterns, memory function and quality of life in elderly people of Italian descent in Southern Brazil. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2002; 17:107-16. [PMID: 11813271 DOI: 10.1002/gps.517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES (1) To describe the prevalence of minor depression in a community-dwelling population aged 80 years and over. (2) To compare the sleep pattern, memory function and the prevalence rate of other psychiatric diagnoses between normal controls and subjects with minor depressive disorder. DESIGN A random representative sample (sample=77 subjects/county population of oldest-old =219--35%) aged 80 years or more was selected from the county of Veranópolis in the Brazilian rural southern region. Of this group, eight subjects who met the DSM-IV criteria for minor depression, and 50 subjects without diagnosed delirium disorder, cognitive or affective problems were compared. RESULTS The prevalence rate of minor depression was 12%. Subjects with this diagnosis were more likely to complain about sleep and memory problems than elderly people without any other affective disorder (major depression or dysthymic disorder). Otherwise, objective evaluation of these two areas, memory and sleep, did not show differences between the groups. Moreover, in terms of factors such as life satisfaction and some domains from the Short-form 36 Quality of Life Scale (SF-36), subjects with minor depression presented worse self-reported evaluations. Female gender was associated (p=0.01) with a more frequent presence of minor depression disorder, and those with this diagnosis were more likely to have co-morbidity with generalized anxiety disorder (p=0.007) when compared with elderly people without any depressive disorder. CONCLUSION In this study, minor depression has been significantly associated with lower life satisfaction and worse indexes of life quality. The results supported the current concept that minor depression is prevalent in later life, especially among the oldest-old. Subjects with minor depression had worse self-reported opinions about memory and sleep patterns, but when these variables were objectively measured, no meaningful differences could be determined by the research team. Female gender and the concurring presence of generalized anxiety disorder were both significantly associated with the presence of minor depression diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávio M F Xavier
- Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Xavier FMF, Ferraz MPT, Bertollucci P, Poyares D, Moriguchi EH. Episódio depressivo maior, prevalência e impacto sobre qualidade de vida, sono e cognição em octogenários. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY 2001. [DOI: 10.1590/s1516-44462001000200004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJETIVOS: Determinar a prevalência de depressão maior em uma população de sujeitos acima de 80 anos residentes na comunidade, comparar os padrões de sono e a função cognitiva entre controles normais e sujeitos com depressão maior e estimar a freqüência de outros transtornos psiquiátricos entre controles e sujeitos deprimidos. MÉTODOS: De uma população de 219 habitantes com mais de 80 anos, residentes em um município semi-rural no sul do Brasil (município de Veranópolis, RS), selecionou-se uma amostra randômica e representativa de 77 sujeitos (35%). Desse grupo, 5 sujeitos que apresentavam critérios de DSM-IV para depressão maior foram comparados com 50 controles sem diagnóstico de demência, delirium ou qualquer transtorno do humor. Os padrões de sono foram avaliados pelo Índice de Pittsburgh de Qualidade do Sono e por um diário do ciclo sono/vigília completado ao longo de duas semanas. Para a avaliação cognitiva, foram usados 5 testes neuropsicológicos: teste de lembranças seletivas de Buschke-Fuld; teste lista de palavras da bateria do CERAD; teste de fluência verbal; e 2 subtestes da bateria de memória de Wechsler. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de depressão maior foi de 7,5%. Sujeitos com esse diagnóstico, quando comparados a sujeitos do grupo-controle, apresentavam mais freqüentemente comorbidade com transtorno de ansiedade generalizada, usavam mais benzodiazepínicos e tinham uma pior qualidade de vida pela escala "Short-form 36". Os idosos deprimidos, quando comparados aos controles, tinham os mesmos padrões de sono e apresentavam o mesmo desempenho nos testes neuropsicológicos. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados corroboram o conceito de que episódios depressivos são freqüentes entre idosos com mais de 80 anos, causando impacto sobre a qualidade de vida associada à saúde e cursando comorbidade freqüente com transtorno de ansiedade generalizada. Entre os idosos octogenários residentes na comunidade, a depressão maior não aparecia clinicamente sob a forma de "pseudodemência" depressiva e nem tinha impacto sobre os padrões de sono.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávio MF Xavier
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul; Organização Mundial da Saúde, Brasil; Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brasil
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Kominski G, Andersen R, Bastani R, Gould R, Hackman C, Huang D, Jarvik L, Maxwell A, Moye J, Olsen E, Rohrbaugh R, Rosansky J, Taylor S, Van Stone W. UPBEAT: the impact of a psychogeriatric intervention in VA medical centers. Unified Psychogeriatric Biopsychosocial Evaluation and Treatment. Med Care 2001; 39:500-12. [PMID: 11317098 DOI: 10.1097/00005650-200105000-00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Unified Psychogeriatric Biopsychosocial Evaluation and Treatment (UPBEAT) program provides individualized interdisciplinary mental health treatment and care coordination to elderly veterans whose comorbid depression, anxiety, or alcohol abuse may result in overuse of inpatient services and underuse of outpatient services. OBJECTIVES To determine whether proactive screening of hospitalized patients can identify unrecognized comorbid psychiatric conditions and whether comprehensive assessment and psychogeriatric intervention can improve care while reducing inpatient use. DESIGN Randomized trial. SUBJECTS Veterans aged 60 and older hospitalized for nonpsychiatric medical or surgical treatment in 9 VA sites (UPBEAT, 814; usual care, 873). MEASURES The Mental Health Inventory (MHI) anxiety and depression subscales, the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) scores, RAND 36-Item Health Survey Short Form (SF-36), inpatient days and costs, ambulatory care clinic stops and costs, and mortality and readmission rates. RESULTS Mental health and general health status scores improved equally from baseline to 12-month follow-up in both groups. UPBEAT increased outpatient costs by $1,171 (P <0.001) per patient, but lowered inpatient costs by $3,027 (P = 0.017), for an overall savings of $1,856 (P = 0.156). Inpatient savings were attributable to fewer bed days of care (3.30 days; P = 0.016) rather than fewer admissions. Patients with 1 or more pre-enrollment and postenrollment hospitalizations had the greatest overall savings ($6,015; P = 0.069). CONCLUSIONS UPBEAT appears to accelerate the transition from inpatient to outpatient care for acute nonpsychiatric admissions. Care coordination and increased access to ambulatory psychiatric services produces similar improvement in mental health and general health status as usual care.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Kominski
- UCLA School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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66
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Tsuji-Hayashi Y, Sizer Fitts S, Takai I, Nakai S, Shinzato T, Miwa M, Green J, Young BA, Hosoya T, Maeda K, Blagg CR, Fukuhara S. Health-related quality of life among dialysis patients in Seattle and Aichi. Am J Kidney Dis 2001; 37:987-96. [PMID: 11325681 DOI: 10.1016/s0272-6386(05)80015-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
We used the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey to compare health-related quality of life (HRQOL) between 104 dialysis patients in Seattle, WA, and 2,178 patients in Aichi, JAPAN: Compared with Aichi patients, Seattle patients had lower scores on three scales related to physical HRQOL: Physical Functioning (PF; P = 0.03), Role-Physical (RP; P = 0.004), and Vitality (VT; P < 0.001). However, scores related to mental HRQOL were higher for Seattle patients compared with those of Aichi patients, which included scores for Role-Emotional (RE; P = 0.005) and Mental Health (MH; P < 0.001). Scores for Bodily Pain, General Health Perception, and Social Functioning did not differ significantly between the two groups. These differences persisted even after potential confounding factors were controlled for. However, after taking into account national norm data for the United States and Japan, differences in PF and VT disappeared, whereas differences in RP, RE, and MH persisted. These results suggest that the higher scores for PF and VT in Aichi patients were partly explained by the higher physical HRQOL of the Japanese general population. Although these data may not be representative of the total dialysis populations in the United States and Japan, they suggest potential differences in HRQOL between patients in the two countries. Additional research is needed to confirm these results and understand the factors associated with these differences. The findings suggest the need for further attention to the physical limitations of US dialysis patients and the mental health of Japanese dialysis patients.
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Wilson K, Mottram P, Sivanranthan A, Nightingale A. Antidepressant versus placebo for depressed elderly. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2001; 2001:CD000561. [PMID: 11405969 PMCID: PMC7066642 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd000561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression warranting intervention is found in ten percent of people over the age of 60. Older depressed people are more likely to die than non-depressed. Relatively few receive therapeutic interventions, and those that do, tend to receive low dose antidepressant therapy. Depression in older people is thought to differ in terms of aetiology, presentation, treatment and outcome than in younger people. Concomitant physical illness and increasing social, physical and neurophysiological diversity are associated with the ageing process. Consequently drug treatment of older patients is often carried out in institutions and on patients suffering from multiple physical problems. OBJECTIVES To determine the efficacy of antidepressant medication compared with placebo in the treatment of depression in older patients. SEARCH STRATEGY The search strategy incorporated: electronic literature searches of databases held by the Cochrane Collaboration Depression, Anxiety and Neurosis Review Group (CCDAN) (see Collaborative Review Group Search Strategy). Reference lists of related reviews and references of located studies. Contact was made with authors working in the field. SELECTION CRITERIA All randomised, placebo controlled trials using antidepressants in the treatment of the presenting episode of depression in patients described as elderly, geriatric senile or older adult. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two types of data were extracted (if available) from each study. The first type of data was dichotomous data, this consisted of recovered/not recovered. The second, continuous data,included: Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), Montgomery-Asberg Rating Scale (MADRS) and other depression rating scale scores. An analysis using Peto Odds ratios for the dichotomous data and weighted mean difference for continuous data was performed using RevMan 3.1. The presence of heterogeneity of treatment effect was assessed. MAIN RESULTS Seventeen trials contributed data to the analyses comparing the efficacy of antidepressant treatment and placebo. Analyses of efficacy was based on 245 patients treated with TCAs (223 with placebo), 365 patients treated with SSRIs (372 with placebo) and 58 patients treated with MAOIs (63 with placebo). The standardised effect size for the three groups respectively were: TCAs; OR: 0.32 (0.21,0.47), SSRIs; OR; 0.51 (0.36,0.72), MAOIs: 0.17 (0.07,0.39). REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS TCAs, SSRIs and MAOIs are effective in the treatment of older community patients and inpatients likely to have severe physical illness. At least six weeks of antidepressant treatment is recommended to achieve optimal therapeutic effect. There is little evidence concerning the efficacy of low dose TCA treatment. Further trials are required before low dose TCA treatment is routinely recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Wilson
- Psychiatry, University of Liverpool, EMI Academic Unit, St Catherine's Hospital, Church Road, Birkenhead, Wirral, UK, CH42 OLQ.
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68
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Byles JE, Higginbotham N, Goodger B, Tavener M, Conrad A, Schofield P, Anthony D. Development of a depression scale for veterans and war widows. Int J Behav Med 2000. [DOI: 10.1207/s15327558ijbm0703_05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Blow FC, Walton MA, Barry KL, Coyne JC, Mudd SA, Copeland LA. The relationship between alcohol problems and health functioning of older adults in primary care settings. J Am Geriatr Soc 2000; 48:769-74. [PMID: 10894315 DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-5415.2000.tb04751.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between alcohol use and health functioning in a sample of older adults screened in primary care settings. DESIGN A cross-sectional study. SETTING Thirty-seven primary care clinics. PARTICIPANTS Older adults (n = 8,578; aged 55-97) with regularly scheduled appointments in primary care clinics were screened. MEASUREMENTS Participants were categorized based on alcohol consumption levels as abstainers, low-risk drinkers, and at-risk drinkers (women: 9 or more drinks/week; men: 12 or more drinks/week). Dependent variables were eight SF-36 health functioning scales. RESULTS Sixty-one percent of participants were abstainers, 31% were low-risk drinkers, and 7% were at-risk drinkers. ANCOVAs found significant effects of drinking status on General Health, Physical Functioning, Physical Role Functioning, Bodily Pain, Vitality, Mental Health, Emotional Role, and Social Functioning, controlling for age and gender, with low-risk drinkers scoring significantly better than abstainers. At-risk drinkers had significantly poorer mental health functioning than low-risk drinkers. Few significant gender differences were found on SF-36 scales. CONCLUSIONS Older adults who are at-risk drinkers may not present with poor physical health functioning. Future studies are needed to determine the relationship between drinking limits for older adults and other areas of physical and psychosocial health.
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Affiliation(s)
- F C Blow
- Department of Veterans Affairs Serious Mental Illness Treatment Research and Evaluation Center, Health Services Research and Development, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Ware JE, Kosinski M, Gandek B, Aaronson NK, Apolone G, Bech P, Brazier J, Bullinger M, Kaasa S, Leplège A, Prieto L, Sullivan M. The factor structure of the SF-36 Health Survey in 10 countries: results from the IQOLA Project. International Quality of Life Assessment. J Clin Epidemiol 1998; 51:1159-65. [PMID: 9817133 DOI: 10.1016/s0895-4356(98)00107-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 461] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Studies of the factor structure of the SF-36 Health Survey are an important step in its construct validation. Its structure is also the psychometric basis for scoring physical and mental health summary scales, which are proving useful in simplifying and interpreting statistical analyses. To test the generalizability of the SF-36 factor structure, product-moment correlations among the eight SF-36 Health Survey scales were estimated for representative samples of general populations in each of 10 countries. Matrices were independently factor analyzed using identical methods to test for hypothesized physical and mental health components, and results were compared with those published for the United States. Following simple orthogonal rotation of two principal components, they were easily interpreted as dimensions of physical and mental health in all countries. These components accounted for 76% to 85% of the reliable variance in scale scores across nine European countries, in comparison with 82% in the United States. Similar patterns of correlations between the eight scales and the components were observed across all countries and across age and gender subgroups within each country. Correlations with the physical component were highest (0.64 to 0.86) for the Physical Functioning, Role Physical, and Bodily Pain scales, whereas the Mental Health, Role Emotional, and Social Functioning scales correlated highest (0.62 to 0.91) with the mental component. Secondary correlations for both clusters of scales were much lower. Scales measuring General Health and Vitality correlated moderately with both physical and mental health components. These results support the construct validity of the SF-36 translations and the scoring of physical and mental health components in all countries studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Ware
- Health Assessment Lab at the Health Institute, New England Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA
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Ware JE, Gandek B. Overview of the SF-36 Health Survey and the International Quality of Life Assessment (IQOLA) Project. J Clin Epidemiol 1998; 51:903-12. [PMID: 9817107 DOI: 10.1016/s0895-4356(98)00081-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1672] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
This article presents information about the development and evaluation of the SF-36 Health Survey, a 36-item generic measure of health status. It summarizes studies of reliability and validity and provides administrative and interpretation guidelines for the SF-36. A brief history of the International Quality of Life Assessment (IQOLA) Project is also included.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Ware
- Health Assessment Lab at the Health Institute, New England Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA
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Holland JC, Romano SJ, Heiligenstein JH, Tepner RG, Wilson MG. A controlled trial of fluoxetine and desipramine in depressed women with advanced cancer. Psychooncology 1998; 7:291-300. [PMID: 9741068 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1099-1611(199807/08)7:4<291::aid-pon361>3.0.co;2-u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was conducted to determine the efficacy and tolerability of fluoxetine and desipramine in treating depressive symptoms in women with cancer. METHOD In this prospective, 6-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we compared fluoxetine with desipramine in treating depressive symptoms in 40 women diagnosed with cancer. Scales used to measure efficacy and tolerability were the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), the Clinical and Patient's Global Impression (CGI and PGI) scales, the Functional Living Index for Cancer (FLIC), the Memorial Pain Assessment Card (MPAC), and the SF-36 Health Survey. RESULTS Fluoxetine and desipramine treatments improved depression and anxiety symptoms. There was a trend towards significance in improvement of FLIC scores (as evidenced by greater numerical improvements with fluoxetine treatment). Fluoxetine treatment alone was associated with statistically significant improvements in MPAC Mood scale scores. Both treatments showed statistically significant improvements in the quality of life SF-36 scores in Role Emotional, Social Functioning, Mental Health, and Vitality. CONCLUSIONS Both fluoxetine and desipramine were effective and well-tolerated in improving depressive symptoms and quality of life in women with advanced cancer. Fluoxetine may offer greater benefit to these patients, as evidenced by greater improvements in fluoxetine-treated patients on several quality of life measures. Our results, while meaningful, should be confirmed in a larger patients sample. However, experience from studies of antidepressant use in patients with advanced cancer has shown that intercurrent disease and treatment variables make it difficult to conduct large studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Holland
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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Ware JE, Kemp JP, Buchner DA, Singer AE, Nolop KB, Goss TF. The responsiveness of disease-specific and generic health measures to changes in the severity of asthma among adults. Qual Life Res 1998; 7:235-44. [PMID: 9584554 DOI: 10.1023/a:1024946316424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The objective of the study was to compare the validity of asthma-specific and generic health outcome measures in relation to changes in the severity of asthma and to treatment. Adult patients (n = 142) participating in a randomized placebo-controlled trial at six clinics were assessed at baseline, prior to the withdrawal (placebo) or continuation of treatment with Vanceril and again after 8 weeks. The criterion measures of change in severity included pulmonary function expressed as the percent predicted FEV1, five physician-assessed asthma severity measures (cough, chest tightness, wheezing, shortness of breath and overall condition) and two patient-assessed severity measures (night-time symptoms and overall symptoms). The 8 week change scores were estimated for all generic and specific measures and the results were compared across groups of patients who did and did not change in terms of clinical criteria of disease severity and across treatment groups. The responsiveness of each generic and specific measure was estimated independently using the relative validity (RV) methodology, which compares F-ratios for the mean change scores across measures in analyses of the same comparison groups. RV coefficients estimate how much worse each measure discriminated between comparison groups, relative to the best measure (RV = 1.0). Four standardized asthma-specific measures and a total scale score (based on the Marks questionnaire), an individualized asthma-specific scale measuring limitations in activities most important to each patient (based on the Juniper method) and two newly-developed scales measuring physical and psychosocial symptoms were used as outcome measures, generic health outcome measures included eight functional health and well-being scales as well as the physical and mental health summary scales from the SF-36 health survey. A standardized asthma-specific scale was most valid in discriminating between groups of patients who did and did not change according to all of the clinical criterion variables studied and in discriminating between treated and untreated groups. Different scales performed best, depending on the clinical criterion. The asthma-specific Marks breathlessness scale was significant in all nine comparisons (RV = 0.62-1.0) and was most valid in discriminating between groups in six of nine tests. The overall scale also performed well in all comparisons (RV = 0.58-1.0). The newly-developed physical symptoms scale was significant in discriminating between groups in eight out of nine tests (RV = 0.52-1.0) and was most valid in three of the nine, including the treatment comparison. The psychosocial impact scale discriminated significantly in eight of the nine comparisons (RV = 0.16-0.38), but was less valid than other specific measures. The asthma-specific individualized activities scale discriminated significantly in seven of the nine tests, but performed less well than the other specific measures (RV = 0.21-0.35) and was not significant in the treatment comparison. One or more SF-36 scales discriminated significantly between groups in all nine comparisons. Two of those scales (physical functioning and role-physical) were consistently more valid than the others (RV = 0.17 and 0.58, respectively) and were the only two generic scales that discriminated between groups of patients defined in terms of changes in FEV1 (RV = 0.26-0.58). The SF-36 physical summary scale discriminated significantly between groups in all nine comparisons (RV = 0.19-0.61) and was the most valid generic measure in the treatment comparison (RV = 0.55). The SF-36 mental summary scale was significant only for the two patient-assessed changes in disease severity (RV = 0.31 and 0.32) and for physician-assessed overall severity (RV = 0.12). A comprehensive battery of generic and specific measures is likely to be most useful in understanding the impact of changes in disease severity on the functional health and well-being of adults with asthma, a
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Ware
- Health Assessment Laboratory, New England Medical Center Hospital, Boston, MA 02111, USA
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Rigler SK, Studenski S, Duncan PW. Pharmacologic treatment of geriatric depression: key issues in interpreting the evidence. J Am Geriatr Soc 1998; 46:106-10. [PMID: 9434674 DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-5415.1998.tb01023.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A framework for critical appraisal of antidepressant trial literature involving geriatric subjects is presented. Among older adults, treatment decisions are complicated by comorbid medical and cognitive illness, the variable course of recovery, and the overlap of depressive symptoms with other disease symptoms. Consumers of the literature on competing antidepressant therapies for older adults must consider disease and population-specific outcome assessment issues. DESIGN An appraisal guide, adapted for geriatric depression, is developed from literature on methodological challenges of outcome assessment and published clinical trials comparing competing antidepressant therapies in older subjects. CONCLUSIONS The clinical utility of pharmacologic treatment of depression can be difficult to assess because depression scales in current use provide an important but limited perspective on treatment outcome and because the scales vary in actual content and ability to detect change. The use of indicators of function, independence, and self-perceived well-being as outcomes offers additional patient relevance and should be included. Key considerations involve (1) general characteristics: whether the depression outcome measure is valid and reproducible for the aged population under study, whether the outcome measure is sensitive to treatment-related change, and whether the time-frame of outcome assessment is appropriate for the treatment goal; (2) cognitive impairment: how subjects with dementia are assessed, and whether the impact of the intervention on caregivers and healthcare systems is considered as a relevant outcome; (3) pharmacologic issues: whether the comparator agent is a reasonable usual-care standard in the older adult and whether ascertainment for adverse effects is similar for all agents under study; and (4) broader general health status issues: whether functional or quality of life measures are used as outcome indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- S K Rigler
- University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, USA
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