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McDermott K, Bakhshaie J, Brewer J, Vranceanu AM. The impact of a virtual mind-body program on symptoms of depression and anxiety among international English-speaking adults with neurofibromatosis. Am J Med Genet A 2024; 194:e63543. [PMID: 38318960 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
The neurofibromatoses (NFs) are a set of incurable genetic disorders that predispose individuals to nervous system tumors. Although many patients experience anxiety and depression, there is little research on psychosocial interventions in this population. The present study examined the effects of a mind-body intervention on depression and anxiety in adults with NF. This is a secondary analysis of the Relaxation Response Resiliency Program for NF (3RP-NF), an 8-week virtual group intervention that teaches mind-body skills (e.g., relaxation, mindfulness) to improve quality of life. Participants were randomized to 3RP-NF or the Health Enhancement Program for NF (HEP-NF) consisting of health informational sessions and discussion. We evaluated depression (PHQ-9) and anxiety (GAD-7) at posttreatment, 6 months, and 12 months. Both groups improved in depression and anxiety between baseline and posttest, 6 months, and 12 months. The 3RP-NF group showed greater improvements in depression scores from baseline to 6 months compared with HEP-NF and with lower rates of clinically significant depressive symptoms. There were no between-group differences for anxiety. Both interventions reduced distress and anxiety symptoms for individuals with NF. The 3RP-NF group may be better at sustaining these improvements. Given the rare nature of NF, group connection may facilitate reduced distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine McDermott
- Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jafar Bakhshaie
- Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Julie Brewer
- Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ana-Maria Vranceanu
- Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Pietrzykowski MO, Vranceanu AM, Macklin EA, Mace RA. Minimal clinically important difference in the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief (WHOQOL-BREF) for adults with neurofibromatosis. Qual Life Res 2024; 33:1233-1240. [PMID: 38214851 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-023-03596-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to estimate minimal clinically important difference (MCID) values for the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief version (WHOQOL-BREF) among adults with neurofibromatosis (NF). An MCID is needed to demonstrate clinical meaningfulness of interventions for NF. METHODS We estimated MCID for the WHOQOL-BREF: the quality of life (QoL) measure recommended by the Response Evaluation in Neurofibromatosis and Schwannomatosis International Collaboration. We used data from 228 clinical trial participants with NF type 1, NF type 2-related schwannomatosis, or schwannomatosis (SCHWN) who completed 10 weeks of a virtual group mind-body program targeting resiliency or a time- and attention-matched control. Following established guidelines, we estimated MCIDs using both anchor-based and distribution-based methods for physical, psychological, social relationships, and environmental domains of the WHOQOL-BREF. RESULTS MCID results varied across method and QoL domain. Three anchor-based methods, average change (AC), change difference (CD), and regression (REG), yielded the most consistent and comparable MCID across QoL domains. Based on these methods, we recommend ranges for each QoL domain: Physical QoL (3.9-7.3), Psychological QoL (4.7-8.1), Social QoL (2.6-5.9), and Environmental QoL (4.1-6.6). CONCLUSION Establishing a rigorous MCID for QoL in NF is a critical step toward evaluating meaningful change in response to psychosocial interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malvina O Pietrzykowski
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA.
| | - Ana-Maria Vranceanu
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Eric A Macklin
- Department of Medicine, Biostatistics Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Ryan A Mace
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
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Cieza Rivera AM, Lobato Fuertes C, Fernández-Villa T, Martín Sánchez V, Atallah I. Impact of neurofibromatosis type 1 on quality of life using the Skindex-29 questionnaire quality of life in NF1. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2024; 19:85. [PMID: 38402381 PMCID: PMC10893671 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-024-03078-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is one of the most common RASopathies predisposing affected patients to melanic lesions and benign tumors. NF1 is associated with considerable esthetic and functional burden negatively affecting the patient's quality of life (QoL). This study aims to assess the clinical features of NF1 patients and evaluate their impact on QoL. We identified NF1 patients from a public health database of a region in Spain. All patients underwent clinical and ophthalmological evaluation for NF1 features. We measured QoL using the Spanish version of the Skindex-29. RESULTS Forty patients fulfilled the NF1 National Institute of Health criteria when we recruited patients. The median age was 42.00 years (IQR 26.5 -53.75). The median total Skindex-29 score was 12.3 (IQR 5.9-22.4); (emotion: 15.0, IQR 5.0-37.5; symptoms 8.9, IQR 0.0-17.9 and functioning 8.3; IQR 0.5-18.3). Women and NF1 patients with lower educational levels were associated with poorer QoL scores. We identified itching and sleep troubles to influence NF1 patients' QoL negatively. CONCLUSION NF1 considerably influences the psychological well-being of NF1 patients. We observed that female and low-educated patients scored higher on the emotional dimension of the Skindex-29 and could, therefore, be more at risk of depression. We also pointed out some "minor symptoms" that negatively impact NF1 patients' QoL such, as itching and sleep troubles which doctors could treat if sought by doctors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Cieza Rivera
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Area of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | | | - Tania Fernández-Villa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Area of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Universidad de León, León, Spain
- Research Group in interactions gene- environmental and health (GIIGAS), Institute of Biomedicine, University of León, León, Spain
- Epidemiology and Public Health Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Vicente Martín Sánchez
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Area of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Universidad de León, León, Spain
- Research Group in interactions gene- environmental and health (GIIGAS), Institute of Biomedicine, University of León, León, Spain
- Epidemiology and Public Health Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Isis Atallah
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Area of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Universidad de León, León, Spain.
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Grunberg VA, Bakhshaie J, Manglani H, Hooker J, Rochon EA, Vranceanu AM. Mindfulness, coping, and optimism as mechanisms of change in the 3RP-NF intervention. J Clin Psychol 2024; 80:456-470. [PMID: 38009710 PMCID: PMC10896554 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neurofibromatosis (NF) is chronic neurogenetic condition that increases risk for poor quality of life, depression, and anxiety. Given the lack of biomedical treatments, we developed the "Relaxation Response Resiliency for NF" (3RP-NF) program to improve psychosocial outcomes among adults with NF. OBJECTIVE To move toward effectiveness testing, we must understand mechanisms that explained treatment effects. We tested whether our hypothesized mechanisms of change-mindfulness, coping, and optimism-mediated improvements in quality of life, depression, and anxiety among adults in the 3RP-NF program (N = 114; ages 18-70; 72.80% female; 81.58% White). METHODS We conducted mixed-effects models to assess whether these mechanisms uniquely mediated outcomes. RESULTS Improvements in quality of life were most explained by coping, (b = 0.97, SE = 0.28, CI [0.45, 1.56]), followed by mindfulness (b = 0.46, SE = 0.17, CI [0.15, 0.82]) and optimism (b = 0.39, SE = 0.12, CI [0.17, 0.65]). Improvements in depression and anxiety were most explained by mindfulness (b = -1.52, SE = 0.38, CI [-2.32, -0.85], CSIE = -0.26; b = -1.29, SE = 0.35, CI [-2.04, -0.67], CSIE = -0.23), followed by optimism (b = 0.39, SE = 0.12, CI [0.17, 0.65]; b = -0.49, SE = 0.20, CI [-0.91, -0.13]), but were not explained by coping (b = 0.22, SE = 0.43, CI [-0.62, 1.07]; b = 0.06, SE = 0.46, CI [-0.84, 0.97]), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Targeting mindfulness, coping, and optimism in psychosocial interventions may be a promising way to improve the lives of adults with NF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria A. Grunberg
- Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Division of Newborn Medicine, MassGeneral for Children, Boston, MA
| | - Jafar Bakhshaie
- Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Heena Manglani
- Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Julia Hooker
- Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Elizabeth A. Rochon
- Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Ana-Maria Vranceanu
- Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Wolters PL, Ghriwati NA, Baker M, Martin S, Berg D, Erickson G, Franklin B, Merker VL, Oberlander B, Reeve S, Rohl C, Rosser T, Vranceanu AM. Perspectives of adults with neurofibromatosis regarding the design of psychosocial trials: Results from an anonymous online survey. Clin Trials 2024; 21:73-84. [PMID: 37962219 PMCID: PMC10922214 DOI: 10.1177/17407745231209224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Individuals with neurofibromatosis, including neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1), neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2)-related schwannomatosis (SWN), and other forms of SWN, often experience disease manifestations and mental health difficulties for which psychosocial interventions may help. An anonymous online survey of adults with neurofibromatosis assessed their physical, social, and emotional well-being and preferences about psychosocial interventions to inform clinical trial design. METHODS Neurofibromatosis clinical researchers and patient representatives from the Response Evaluation in Neurofibromatosis and Schwannomatosis International Collaboration developed the survey. Eligibility criteria included age ≥ 18 years, self-reported diagnosis of NF1, NF2, or SWN, and ability to read and understand English. The online survey was distributed internationally by the Neurofibromatosis Registry and other neurofibromatosis foundations from June to August 2020. RESULTS Surveys were completed by 630 adults (18-81 years of age; M = 45.5) with NF1 (78%), NF2 (14%), and SWN (8%) who were mostly White, not Hispanic/Latino, female, and from the United States. The majority (91%) reported that their neurofibromatosis symptoms had at least some impact on daily life. In the total sample, 51% endorsed a mental health diagnosis, and 27% without a diagnosis believed they had an undiagnosed mental health condition. Participants indicated that neurofibromatosis affected their emotional (44%), physical (38%), and social (35%) functioning to a high degree. Few reported ever having participated in a drug (6%) or psychosocial (7%) clinical trial, yet 68% reported they "probably" or "definitely" would want to participate in a psychosocial trial if it targeted a relevant concern. Top treatment targets were anxiety, healthier lifestyle, and daily stress. Top barriers to participating in psychosocial trials were distance to clinic, costs, and time commitment. Respondents preferred interventions delivered by clinicians via individual sessions or a combination of group and individual sessions, with limited in-person and mostly remote participation. There were no significant group differences by neurofibromatosis type in willingness to participate in psychosocial trials (p = 0.27). Regarding interest in intervention targets, adults with SWN were more likely to prefer psychosocial trials for pain support compared to those with NF1 (p < 0.001) and NF2 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION This study conducted the largest survey assessing physical symptoms, mental health needs, and preferences for psychosocial trials in adults with neurofibromatosis. Results indicate a high prevalence of disease manifestations, psychosocial difficulties, and untreated mental health problems in adults with neurofibromatosis and a high degree of willingness to participate in psychosocial clinical trials. Patient preferences should be considered when designing and implementing psychosocial interventions to develop the most feasible and meaningful studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela L Wolters
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nour Al Ghriwati
- Clinical Research Directorate (CRD), Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Melissa Baker
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Staci Martin
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Dale Berg
- REiNS International Collaboration Patient Representative, Children's Tumor Foundation Volunteer Leadership Program, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Gregg Erickson
- REiNS International Collaboration Patient Representative, NF Network, Wheaton, IL, USA
| | - Barbara Franklin
- REiNS International Collaboration Patient Representative, Morristown, NJ, USA
| | - Vanessa L Merker
- Department of Neurology and Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Beverly Oberlander
- REiNS International Collaboration Patient Representative, NF Network, Wheaton, IL, USA
| | - Stephanie Reeve
- REiNS International Collaboration Patient Representative, Fishers, IN, USA
| | - Claas Rohl
- REiNS International Collaboration Patient Representative, NF Kinder, NF Patients United, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tena Rosser
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Presciutti AM, Lester EG, Woodworth EC, Greenberg J, Bakhshaie J, Hooker JE, McDermott KA, Vranceanu AM. The impact of a virtual mind-body program on resilience factors among international English-speaking adults with neurofibromatoses: secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial. J Neurooncol 2023; 163:707-716. [PMID: 37440099 PMCID: PMC10999159 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-023-04389-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To test the effects of the Relaxation Response Resiliency Program - Neurofibromatosis (3RP-NF), a mind-body resilience program for people with NF, on resilience factors from baseline to post-treatment and 6- and 12-month follow-up. METHODS This is a secondary analysis of a fully powered randomized clinical trial (RCT) of 3RP-NF and health education control (HEP-NF). We recruited adults with NF1, NF2, or schwannomatosis who reported stress or difficulty coping with NF symptoms. Both conditions received 8 weekly 90-minute group sessions; 3RP-NF focused on building resilience skills. We measured resilience factors via the Measure of Current Status-A (adaptive coping), Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale-Revised (mindfulness), Gratitude Questionnaire-6 (gratitude), Life Orientation Test Optimism Scale (optimism), and Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (perceived social support) at baseline, post-intervention, and 6- and 12-month follow-up. We used linear mixed models with completely unstructured covariance across up to four repeated measurements (baseline, post-treatment, and 6- and 12-month follow-up) to investigate treatment effects on resilience factors. RESULTS We enrolled 228 individuals (Mage=42.7, SD = 14.6; 74.5% female; 87.7% White; 72.8% NF1, 14.0% NF2, 13.2% schwannomatosis). Within groups, both 3RP-NF and HEP-NF showed statistically significant improvements in all outcomes across timepoints. 3RP-NF showed significantly greater improvement in adaptive coping compared to HEP-NF from baseline to post-intervention and baseline to 6 months (Mdifference= 0.29; 95% CI 0.13-0.46; p < 0.001; Mdifference= 0.25; 95% CI 0.07-0.33; p = 0.005); there were no other between-group differences amongst the remaining resilience factors. CONCLUSION 3RP-NF showed promise in sustainably improving coping abilities amongst people with NF. TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03406208. Registration submitted December 6, 2017, first patient enrolled October 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M Presciutti
- Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, 1 Bowdoin Sq, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ethan G Lester
- Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, 1 Bowdoin Sq, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emily C Woodworth
- Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, 1 Bowdoin Sq, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Jonathan Greenberg
- Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, 1 Bowdoin Sq, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jafar Bakhshaie
- Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, 1 Bowdoin Sq, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julia E Hooker
- Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, 1 Bowdoin Sq, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katherine A McDermott
- Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, 1 Bowdoin Sq, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ana-Maria Vranceanu
- Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, 1 Bowdoin Sq, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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