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Xu L, Shi J, Li C. Addressing psychosomatic symptom distress with mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in somatic symptom disorder: mediating effects of self-compassion and alexithymia. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1289872. [PMID: 38384594 PMCID: PMC10879322 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1289872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study explored the association between self-compassion, alexithymia, and psychosomatic symptom distress in a clinical sample of somatic symptom disorder (SSD) patients participating in a mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) program. Methods One hundred sixteen SSD patients who had participated in an MBCT program and completed ≥4 intervention sessions were included in a retrospective study (76.7% women, mean age = 40.0, SD = 9.5). Psychometric measures of psychosomatic symptom distress [Brief Symptom Inventory-18 Global Severity Index (BSI-GSI)], self-compassion [Self-Compassion Scale (SCS)], and alexithymia [Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS)] were collected upon admission to the MBCT program and at 6-month follow-up following treatment inclusion. Results Serial mediation analysis (MBCT→ΔSCS→ΔTAS→ΔBSI-GSI) suggested that changes in both self-compassion and alexithymia had significant indirect effects on improvement in psychosomatic distress [ΔSCS β = -1.810, 95% bootstrap CI (-2.488, -1.160); ΔTAS β = -1.615, bootstrap 95% CI (-2.413, -0.896); ΔSCS→ΔTAS β = -0.621, bootstrap CI (-1.032, -0.315)]. Furthermore, a post-hoc analysis with a reverse sequence (MBCT→ΔTAS→ΔSCS→ΔBSI-GSI) revealed that reduction in alexithymia improved psychosomatic distress and that an increase in self-compassion was a subsequent outcome of alleviation of alexithymia [ΔTAS β = -2.235, bootstrap 95% CI (-3.305, -1.270); ΔSCS β = 0.013, 95% bootstrap CI (-0.600, 0.682); ΔTAS→ΔSCS β = -1.823, bootstrap CI (-2.770, -1.047)]. Conclusion Both alleviation of alexithymia and improvement in self-compassion play a mediating role in the reduction of psychosomatic distress in SSD patients following an MBCT program. Improvement in self-compassion might be a subsequent outcome of MBCT-related alleviation of alexithymia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianrong Xu
- Department of Pain Management, Jinxiang Hospital Affiliated to Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Jihong Shi
- Department of Consultation Psychology, Jining First People's Hospital, Jining, China
| | - Chengwen Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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An S, Ko J, Yu KS, Kwon H, Kim S, Hong J, Kong HJ. Exploring the Category and Use Cases on Digital Therapeutic Methodologies. Healthc Inform Res 2023; 29:190-198. [PMID: 37591674 PMCID: PMC10440199 DOI: 10.4258/hir.2023.29.3.190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES As the Fourth Industrial Revolution advances, there is a growing interest in digital technology. In particular, the use of digital therapeutics (DTx) in healthcare is anticipated to reduce medical expenses. However, analytical research on DTx is still insufficient to fuel momentum for future DTx development. The purpose of this article is to analyze representative cases of different types of DTx from around the world and to propose a classification system. METHODS In this exploratory study examining DTx interaction types and representative cases, we conducted a literature review and selected seven interaction types that were utilized in a large number of cases. Then, we evaluated the specific characteristics of each DTx mechanism by reviewing the relevant literature, analyzing their indications and treatment components. A representative case for each mechanism was provided. RESULTS Cognitive behavioral therapy, distraction therapy, graded exposure therapy, reminiscence therapy, art therapy, therapeutic exercise, and gamification are the seven categories of DTx interaction types. Illustrative examples of each variety are provided. CONCLUSIONS Efforts from both the government and private sector are crucial for success, as standardization can decrease both the expense and the time required for government-led DTx development. The private sector should partner with medical facilities to stimulate potential demand, carry out clinical research, and produce scholarly evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunhee An
- Department of Transdisciplinary Medicine, Institute of Convergence Medicine with Innovative Technology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program of Medical Informatics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Jieun Ko
- Department of Transdisciplinary Medicine, Institute of Convergence Medicine with Innovative Technology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Kyung-Sang Yu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Hyuktae Kwon
- Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Sungwan Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Jeeyoung Hong
- Medical Big Data Research Center, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Hyoun-Joong Kong
- Department of Transdisciplinary Medicine, Institute of Convergence Medicine with Innovative Technology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
- Innovative Medical Technology Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea
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Marks E, Moghaddam N, De Boos D, Malins S. A systematic review of the barriers and facilitators to adherence to
mindfulness‐based
cognitive therapy for those with chronic conditions. Br J Health Psychol 2022; 28:338-365. [PMID: 36310447 DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) can improve the lives of those with a chronic condition and psychological distress, however, high drop-out rates limit benefits. MBCT might be a candidate treatment for this population if nonadherence can be overcome. This review explores the existing literature on the barriers and facilitators to adherence to MBCT for those with chronic conditions. METHOD Databases MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Scopus were searched between 28th May and 11th June 2021. We included empirical papers that identified barriers and/or facilitators to MBCT adherence in patients with chronic conditions-excluding non-English and grey literature. Papers were screened and duplicates removed. Extracted data included: setting, design, aim, sample-size, population and identified barriers/facilitators to MBCT adherence. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was adapted and used to appraise the quality of studies RESULTS: Twenty papers were eligible for review. Synthesis identified six themes (in prevalence order): (1) Practical Factors (e.g., time and other commitments), (2) Motivation (e.g., change-readiness), (3) Patient clinical and demographic characteristics (e.g., current physical health), (4) Connection with Others (facilitators and group members), (5) Credibility (perception of the intervention) and (6) Content difficulty (intervention accessibility). Findings highlight potential adaptations to implementation (e.g., clear treatment rationale, preference matching, and eliciting and responding to individual concerns or obstructive assumptions) that could address barriers and harness facilitators. CONCLUSION This review contributes a higher order understanding of factors that may support/obstruct client adherence to MBCT with implications for future implementation in research and practice. Future research should prioritize open exploration of barriers/facilitators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Marks
- Clinical Psychology University of Lincoln Lincoln UK
| | | | | | - Sam Malins
- Clinical Psychology University of Nottingham Nottingham UK
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Wankhade D, Anjankar AP. Management of Somatization in COVID-19: A Narrative Review. Cureus 2022; 14:e30262. [PMID: 36381919 PMCID: PMC9653022 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.30262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatization refers to the condition in which psychological distress is shown in the form of somatic symptoms such as persistent headache, nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, etc. Various predisposing factors, including familial such as high expressed emotion, poor parental care, genetic, biological, and demographic which includes age and gender, cognitive such as learning disabilities, psychiatric such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, social, etc., play an essential role in saturation of the disease. During the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, psychological distress increased in the patients infected with the coronavirus due to some the factors such as social distancing from loved ones, lack of physical exercise, loss of income, loneliness due to quarantine, etc. Therefore, management and treatment of the disorder became essential, especially in coronavirus-infected patients, as it may lead to an increase in complications of the disease. Many studies have been conducted to identify the proper way to manage the condition. Treatments include pharmacological therapy and psychosocial interventions. Pharmacological therapy includes using various antidepressants, hypnotics, and sedatives such as benzodiazepines. For the treatment, mirtazapine is a secure and reliable antidepressant. Another drug, trizolobenzodiazepine adinazolam, was also very useful in treating patients. In some randomized experiments, alprazolam significantly outperformed amitryptiline in reducing the symptoms. Psychosocial interventions include sessions such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, relaxation training, meditation, and psychological interventions such as enhancing multidimensional social help, modifying cognitive assessment, directing positive coping, and inspiring positive emotions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Künzel
- Psychosomatische Beratungsstelle / Ambulanz, Klinikum Innenstadt d. LMU München, Pettenkoferstraße 8 a, 80336, München, Deutschland.
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Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy as Migraine Intervention: a Randomized Waitlist Controlled Trial. Int J Behav Med 2021; 29:597-609. [PMID: 34932202 PMCID: PMC9525407 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-021-10044-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Based on promising effects seen in a pilot study evaluating a generic mindfulness-based program for migraine, we developed a migraine-specific adaptation of the Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) program. The aim of this study was to evaluate this program for feasibility and effectiveness in a randomized controlled trial. METHOD Fifty-four patients suffering from migraine were randomly allocated to either waitlist or the adapted MBCT. Outcomes were migraine-related parameters as well as variables of psychological functioning and coping. Assessment took place at baseline and post-intervention, for the intervention group also at follow-up (7 months). The effects of the intervention were analyzed by the use of ANCOVAs and linear mixed models. RESULTS With respect to migraine parameters we did not find a significant group difference in the primary outcome (headache-related impairment), but the intervention resulted in a significant reduction of headache frequency (p = .04). In the analysis of secondary outcomes, MBCT showed superiority in four out of eight psychological parameters (perceived stress, anxiety, rumination, catastrophizing) with small to medium effect sizes. The intervention proved to be feasible and participants reported high degrees of contentment and achievement of personal goals. CONCLUSIONS The migraine-specific MBCT program did not result in improvements with regard to headache-related impairment but showed a reduction in headache frequency as well as improved psychological functioning in secondary outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial was registered in the German Trial Registry "Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien" (ID: DRKS00007477), which is a WHO-listed primary trial register.
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Zargar F, Rahafrouz L, Tarrahi MJ. Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program on Psychological Symptoms, Quality of Life, and Symptom Severity in Patients with Somatic Symptom Disorder. Adv Biomed Res 2021; 10:9. [PMID: 33959566 PMCID: PMC8095256 DOI: 10.4103/abr.abr_111_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Patients with somatic symptom disorder (SSD) had a poor quality of life and suffered from depression, anxiety, and stress. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is a psychological treatment with remarkable effects on several psychological disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the MBSR program on psychological symptoms, quality of life, and symptom severity in patients with SSD. Materials and Methods: The patients with SSD were randomly divided into two groups of receiving venlafaxine alone and venlafaxine with an 8-week MBSR program. Depression, anxiety, and stress with their severities were assessed along with the quality of life, the number of physical symptoms and their severities, as well as SSD severity before and after the intervention. Subsequently, the results were compared between the two groups. Results: This study included 37 patients with SSD who referred to Shariati Psychosomatic Clinic, Isfahan, Iran, with a mean age of 37.08 ± 8.26 years. It should be noted that 37.8% of the participants were male. The intervention group obtained significantly lower scores in depression, anxiety, stress, and their severities, compared to the control group. Moreover, the number of physical symptoms, their severity, and the severity of SSD were significantly decreased more in the intervention group rather than the controls. Conclusion: The MBSR accompanied by prescribing venlafaxine can significantly reduce the severity of SSD, as well as the number and severity of physical symptoms. Moreover, it can reduce depression, anxiety, stress, and their severity. The MBSR can be used as complementary medicine for the treatment of patients with SSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Zargar
- Department of Health Psychology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Leila Rahafrouz
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Tarrahi
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Leaviss J, Davis S, Ren S, Hamilton J, Scope A, Booth A, Sutton A, Parry G, Buszewicz M, Moss-Morris R, White P. Behavioural modification interventions for medically unexplained symptoms in primary care: systematic reviews and economic evaluation. Health Technol Assess 2020; 24:1-490. [PMID: 32975190 PMCID: PMC7548871 DOI: 10.3310/hta24460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The term 'medically unexplained symptoms' is used to cover a wide range of persistent bodily complaints for which adequate examination and appropriate investigations do not reveal sufficiently explanatory structural or other specified pathologies. A wide range of interventions may be delivered to patients presenting with medically unexplained symptoms in primary care. Many of these therapies aim to change the behaviours of the individual who may have worsening symptoms. OBJECTIVES An evidence synthesis to determine the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of behavioural modification interventions for medically unexplained symptoms delivered in primary care settings was undertaken. Barriers to and facilitators of the effectiveness and acceptability of these interventions from the perspective of patients and service providers were evaluated through qualitative review and realist synthesis. DATA SOURCES Full search strategies were developed to identify relevant literature. Eleven electronic sources were searched. Eligibility criteria - for the review of clinical effectiveness, randomised controlled trials were sought. For the qualitative review, UK studies of any design were included. For the cost-effectiveness review, papers were restricted to UK studies reporting outcomes as quality-adjusted life-year gains. Clinical searches were conducted in November 2015 and December 2015, qualitative searches were conducted in July 2016 and economic searches were conducted in August 2016. The databases searched included MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsycINFO and EMBASE. Updated searches were conducted in February 2019 and March 2019. PARTICIPANTS Adult participants meeting the criteria for medically unexplained symptoms, including somatoform disorders, chronic unexplained pain and functional somatic syndromes. INTERVENTIONS Behavioural interventions were categorised into types. These included psychotherapies, exercise-based interventions, multimodal therapies (consisting of more than one intervention type), relaxation/stretching/social support/emotional support, guided self-help and general practitioner interventions, such as reattribution. Evidence synthesis: a network meta-analysis was conducted to allow a simultaneous comparison of all evaluated interventions in a single coherent analysis. Separate network meta-analyses were performed at three time points: end of treatment, short-term follow-up (< 6 months since the end of treatment) and long-term follow-up (≥ 6 months after the end of treatment). Outcomes included physical and psychological symptoms, physical functioning and impact of the illness on daily activities. Economic evaluation: within-trial estimates of cost-effectiveness were generated for the subset of studies where utility values (or quality-adjusted life-years) were reported or where these could be estimated by mapping from Short Form questionnaire-36 items or Short Form questionnaire-12 items outcomes. RESULTS Fifty-nine studies involving 9077 patients were included in the clinical effectiveness review. There was a large degree of heterogeneity both between and within intervention types, and the networks were sparse across all outcomes. At the end of treatment, behavioural interventions showed some beneficial effects when compared with usual care, in particular for improvement of specific physical symptoms [(1) pain: high-intensity cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBTHI) standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.54 [95% credible interval (CrI) 0.28 to 0.84], multimodal SMD 0.52 (95% CrI 0.19 to 0.89); and (2) fatigue: low-intensity cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBTLI) SMD 0.72 (95% CrI 0.27 to 1.21), relaxation/stretching/social support/emotional support SMD 0.87 (95% CrI 0.20 to 1.55), graded activity SMD 0.51 (95% CrI 0.14 to 0.93), multimodal SMD 0.52 (95% CrI 0.14 to 0.92)] and psychological outcomes [(1) anxiety CBTHI SMD 0.52 (95% CrI 0.06 to 0.96); (2) depression CBTHI SMD 0.80 (95% CrI 0.26 to 1.38); and (3) emotional distress other psychotherapy SMD 0.58 (95% CrI 0.05 to 1.13), relaxation/stretching/social support/emotional support SMD 0.66 (95% CrI 0.18 to 1.28) and sport/exercise SMD 0.49 (95% CrI 0.03 to 1.01)]. At short-term follow-up, behavioural interventions showed some beneficial effects for specific physical symptoms [(1) pain: CBTHI SMD 0.73 (95% CrI 0.10 to 1.39); (2) fatigue: CBTLI SMD 0.62 (95% CrI 0.11 to 1.14), relaxation/stretching/social support/emotional support SMD 0.51 (95% CrI 0.06 to 1.00)] and psychological outcomes [(1) anxiety: CBTHI SMD 0.74 (95% CrI 0.14 to 1.34); (2) depression: CBTHI SMD 0.93 (95% CrI 0.37 to 1.52); and (3) emotional distress: relaxation/stretching/social support/emotional support SMD 0.82 (95% CrI 0.02 to 1.65), multimodal SMD 0.43 (95% CrI 0.04 to 0.91)]. For physical functioning, only multimodal therapy showed beneficial effects: end-of-treatment SMD 0.33 (95% CrI 0.09 to 0.59); and short-term follow-up SMD 0.78 (95% CrI 0.23 to 1.40). For impact on daily activities, CBTHI was the only behavioural intervention to show beneficial effects [end-of-treatment SMD 1.30 (95% CrI 0.59 to 2.00); and short-term follow-up SMD 2.25 (95% CrI 1.34 to 3.16)]. Few effects remained at long-term follow-up. General practitioner interventions showed no significant beneficial effects for any outcome. No intervention group showed conclusive beneficial effects for measures of symptom load (somatisation). A large degree of heterogeneity was found across individual studies in the assessment of cost-effectiveness. Several studies suggested that the interventions produce fewer quality-adjusted life-years than usual care. For those interventions that generated quality-adjusted life-year gains, the mid-point incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) ranged from £1397 to £129,267, but, where the mid-point ICER fell below £30,000, the exploratory assessment of uncertainty suggested that it may be above £30,000. LIMITATIONS Sparse networks meant that it was not possible to conduct a metaregression to explain between-study differences in effects. Results were not consistent within intervention type, and there were considerable differences in characteristics between studies of the same type. There were moderate to high levels of statistical heterogeneity. Separate analyses were conducted for three time points and, therefore, analyses are not repeated-measures analyses and do not account for correlations between time points. CONCLUSIONS Behavioural interventions showed some beneficial effects for specific medically unexplained symptoms, but no one behavioural intervention was effective across all medically unexplained symptoms. There was little evidence that these interventions are effective for measures of symptom load (somatisation). General practitioner-led interventions were not shown to be effective. Considerable heterogeneity in interventions, populations and sparse networks mean that results should be interpreted with caution. The relationship between patient and service provider is perceived to play a key role in facilitating a successful intervention. Future research should focus on testing the therapeutic effects of the general practitioner-patient relationship within trials of behavioural interventions, and explaining the observed between-study differences in effects within the same intervention type (e.g. with more detailed reporting of defined mechanisms of the interventions under study). STUDY REGISTRATION This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42015025520. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 24, No. 46. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Leaviss
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Sarah Davis
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Shijie Ren
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Jean Hamilton
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Alison Scope
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Andrew Booth
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Anthea Sutton
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Glenys Parry
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Marta Buszewicz
- Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London Medical School, London, UK
| | | | - Peter White
- Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK
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Barends H, Walstock E, Botman F, de Kruif A, Claassen N, van der Wouden JC, Olde Hartman T, Dekker J, van der Horst H. Patients' experiences with fluctuations in persistent physical symptoms: a qualitative study. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e035833. [PMID: 32665345 PMCID: PMC7359057 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-035833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore patients' experiences with fluctuations in persistent physical symptoms (PPS) and to understand which factors-from their viewpoint-play a role in these fluctuations. DESIGN Qualitative study using semistructured interviews and thematic content analysis. SETTING This qualitative study is part of a multicentre prospective cohort study on the course of PPS. Patients were recruited in general practices and specialised treatment facilities for PPS throughout the Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS Interviews were conducted with a sample of fifteen patients with PPS to explore their experiences with fluctuations in symptom severity. RESULTS We identified three themes in the analysis: (1) patterns in symptom fluctuations (2) perceived causes of symptom exacerbations and (3) Patients' strategies in gaining control over symptom exacerbations. Daily and weekly fluctuations in symptoms were an important element in patients' experiences. In particular anticipating on the worsening of symptoms impacted their daily routines and posed various challenges. Symptom exacerbations were attributed to overstepping physical limits and/or the impact of negative emotions. Resigning to physical limits, adjusting ones daily planning, weighing personal needs and learning to say 'no' were described as different strategies in gaining control over symptom exacerbations. CONCLUSIONS Fluctuations in the severity of symptoms-and in particular daily and weekly symptom exacerbations-are an important element of the symptom experience in patients with PPS and poses various challenges. Patients attributed symptom exacerbation to overstepping physical limits and/or negative emotions. Patients described different strategies in gaining control over symptom exacerbations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hieke Barends
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, Amsterdam UMC - VUMC location, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Ella Walstock
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, Amsterdam UMC - VUMC location, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Femke Botman
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, Amsterdam UMC - VUMC location, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Anja de Kruif
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nikki Claassen
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, Amsterdam UMC - VUMC location, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes C van der Wouden
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, Amsterdam UMC - VUMC location, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Tim Olde Hartman
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, Gelderland, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Gelderland, The Netherlands
| | - Joost Dekker
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC - VUMC location, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Henriette van der Horst
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, Amsterdam UMC - VUMC location, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands
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Payne H, Brooks SD. Medically Unexplained Symptoms and Attachment Theory: The BodyMind Approach®. Front Psychol 2019; 10:1818. [PMID: 31780974 PMCID: PMC6851196 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This article discusses how The BodyMind Approach® (TBMA) addresses insecure attachment styles in medically unexplained symptoms (MUS). Insecure attachment styles are associated with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and MUS (Adshead and Guthrie, 2015) and affect sufferers’ capacity to self-manage. The article goes on to make a new hypothesis to account for TBMA’s effectiveness (Payne and Brooks, 2017), that is, it addresses insecure attachment styles, which may be present in some MUS sufferers, leading to their capacity to self-manage. Three insecure attachment styles (dismissive, pre-occupied and fearful) associated with MUS are discussed. TBMA is described and explanations provided of how TBMA has been specifically designed to support people’s insecure attachment styles. Three key concepts to support insecure attachment styles involved in the content of TBMA are identified and debated: (a) emotional regulation; (b) safety; and (c) bodymindfulness. There is a rationale for the design of TBMA as opposed to psychological interventions for this population. The programme’s structure, facilitation and content, takes account of the three insecure attachment styles above. Examples of how TBMA works with their specific characteristics are presented. TBMA has been tested and found to be effective during delivery in the United Kingdom National Health Service (NHS). Improved self-management has potential to reduce costs for the NHS and in General Practitioner time and resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Payne
- School of Education, University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Susan D Brooks
- School of Education, University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
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Acceptance and Cognitive Reappraisal as Regulation Strategies for Symptom Annoyance in Individuals with Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms. COGNITIVE THERAPY AND RESEARCH 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10608-018-9973-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Leusink P, van de Pasch S, Teunissen D, Laan ET, Lagro-Janssen AL. The Relationship Between Vulvovaginal Candidiasis and Provoked Vulvodynia: A Systematic Review. J Sex Med 2018; 15:1310-1321. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2018.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Schuling R, van Herpen N, de Nooij R, de Groot WT, Speckens A. Silent into Nature: Factors Enabling Improvement in a Mindful Walking Retreat in Nature of People with Psychological Symptoms. ECOPSYCHOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1089/eco.2017.0045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rhoda Schuling
- Centre for Mindfulness, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Nina van Herpen
- Centre for Mindfulness, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Reinier de Nooij
- Institute for Science, Innovation and Society, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Wouter T. de Groot
- Institute for Science, Innovation and Society, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Anne Speckens
- Centre for Mindfulness, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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Dewsaran-van der Ven C, van Broeckhuysen-Kloth S, Thorsell S, Scholten R, De Gucht V, Geenen R. Self-compassion in somatoform disorder. Psychiatry Res 2018; 262:34-39. [PMID: 29407566 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
'Third wave' cognitive-behavioral therapies have given a boost to the study of resilience factors, such as self-compassion. To get an indication of the potential clinical relevance of self-compassion for somatoform disorder, this study examined whether self-compassion in patients with somatoform disorder is lower than in the general population, and whether self-compassion is associated with number of symptoms and health-related quality of life. Two-hundred-and-thirty-six participants with somatoform disorder and 236 subjects from the general population, matched on sex and age, filled out questionnaires regarding self-compassion (SCS), number of symptoms (PSC) and health-related quality of life (EQ-5D). The difference in self-compassion between the patient group (Mean 3.53, SD .96) and the general population (Mean 4.16, SD .98) was significant with a medium effect size (d = -.65). Multiple regression analyses showed that having a somatoform disorder and low self-compassion were independently associated with number of symptoms and reduced health-related quality of life. The lower level of self-compassion in somatoform disorder and its association with more physical symptoms and lower health-related quality of life, indicate that self-compassion is a potential clinically relevant factor that may influence therapy outcome and that can be a therapeutic target in patients with somatoform disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Dewsaran-van der Ven
- Altrecht Psychosomatic Medicine Eikenboom, Vrijbaan 2, 3705 WC Zeist, The Netherlands; Department of Psychology, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | | | - Shiva Thorsell
- Altrecht Psychosomatic Medicine Eikenboom, Vrijbaan 2, 3705 WC Zeist, The Netherlands
| | - Ron Scholten
- Altrecht Psychosomatic Medicine Eikenboom, Vrijbaan 2, 3705 WC Zeist, The Netherlands
| | - Véronique De Gucht
- Altrecht Psychosomatic Medicine Eikenboom, Vrijbaan 2, 3705 WC Zeist, The Netherlands; Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, 2333 AK Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Rinie Geenen
- Altrecht Psychosomatic Medicine Eikenboom, Vrijbaan 2, 3705 WC Zeist, The Netherlands; Department of Psychology, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Carlier IVE, Andree Wiltens DH, van Rood YR, van Veen T, Dekker J, van Hemert AM. Treatment course and its predictors in patients with somatoform disorders: A routine outcome monitoring study in secondary psychiatric care. Clin Psychol Psychother 2018; 25:550-564. [PMID: 29573030 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM Somatoform disorders are common and often chronic. It would be helpful to distinguish those patients who are likely to have a positive treatment course from those who are likely to follow a negative course. Such studies of different somatoform disorders are scarce, especially in secondary psychiatric care. This study examined the 6-month treatment course of psychological, physical symptoms, and functioning, and its predictors in a naturalistic sample of secondary psychiatric care outpatients with somatoform disorders. METHOD The present study used routine outcome monitoring data of patients with somatoform disorders regarding their 6-month treatment course of psychological and physical symptoms as well as functioning. The following patient groups were included: total group of somatoform disorders (N = 435), and undifferentiated somatoform disorder (N = 242), pain disorder (N = 102), body dysmorphic disorder (N = 51), and hypochondriasis (N = 40). Measures were Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview plus, Brief Symptom Inventory, Montgomery-Ǻsberg Depression Rating Scale, Brief Anxiety Scale, Short Form Health Survey 36, and Physical Symptom Checklist (PSC). RESULTS The study population generally showed high co-morbidity, especially with anxiety and mood disorders. The PSC total score, body dysmorphic disorder, and hypochondriasis were significant predictors for the treatment course of symptoms (Brief Symptom Inventory), whereas the PSC total score was the only significant predictor for the course of functioning (Short Form Health Survey 36). CONCLUSION Secondary psychiatric care outpatients with somatoform disorders showed high co-morbidity with anxiety and mood disorders, and an unfavourable 6-month course of both symptoms and functioning. Clinical implications are discussed, such as additional treatment of co-morbidity in somatoform disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- I V E Carlier
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Y R van Rood
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - T van Veen
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - J Dekker
- Department of Psychiatry and Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A M van Hemert
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
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17
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Densham S, Williams D, Johnson A, Turner-Cobb JM. Enhanced psychological flexibility and improved quality of life in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis. J Psychosom Res 2016; 88:42-7. [PMID: 27521652 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2016.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Revised: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 07/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Psychological Flexibility (PF) is a relatively new concept in physical health. It can be defined as an overarching process of being able to accept the presence of wanted/unwanted experiences, choosing whether to change or persist in behaviour in response to those experiences. Associations between processes of PF and quality of life (QoL) have been found in long-term health conditions such as chronic pain, PF has not yet been applied to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME). METHODS Changes in PF, fatigue severity and QoL were examined in one hundred and sixty-five patients with CFS/ME engaged in a six-week outpatient interdisciplinary group treatment programme. Participants were assessed using a series of self-report measures at the start of the start (T1) and end of a six-week programme (T2) and at six months follow up (T3). RESULTS Significant changes in PF and QoL were observed from pre-treatment (T1) to post treatment follow-up (T2 and T3); changes in fatigue severity were observed from T1 to T3 only. Controlling for fatigue severity, changes in the PF dimension of activity/occupational engagement were associated with improvement in QoL at six month follow up (T3) but not at six weeks post programme (T2). CONCLUSION Findings indicate an interdisciplinary group treatment approach for people with CFS/ME may be associated with improved QoL, processes of PF and fatigue severity, supporting a link between PF and long term health conditions. Results highlight links between PF and patient QoL in CFS/ME and the value of interdisciplinary treatment approaches in this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Densham
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, UK
| | - Deborah Williams
- The Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Royal United Hospitals Bath, NHS Foundation Trust, Bath, UK
| | - Anne Johnson
- The Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Royal United Hospitals Bath, NHS Foundation Trust, Bath, UK
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The article reviews the recent evidence for mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for patients with residual depressive symptoms or in remitted patients at increased risk for relapse. RECENT FINDINGS Randomized controlled trials have shifted focus from comparing MBCT with treatment-as-usual to comparing MBCT against interventions. These studies have provided evidence for the efficacy of MBCT on par with maintenance antidepressant pharmacotherapy and leading to a relative reduction of risk on the order of 30-40%. Perhaps fuelled by these data, recent efforts have focused on extending MBCT to novel populations, such as acutely depressed patients, those diagnosed with health anxiety, social anxiety, fibromyalgia, or multiple chemical sensitivities as well migrating MBCT to online platforms so that it is more widely available. Neuroimaging studies of patients in structured therapies which feature mindfulness meditation, have reported findings that parallel behavioral changes, such as increased activation in brain regions subsuming self-focus and emotion regulation (prefrontal cortex) and interoceptive awareness (insula). SUMMARY The current evidence base for MBCT is strongest for its application as a prophylactic intervention or for residual depressive symptoms, with early data suggesting additional indications outside the mood disorders. Future work will need to address dose-effect relationships between mindfulness practice and clinical benefits, as well as establishing the rates of uptake for online MBCT so that its benefits can be compared to in-person groups. Additionally, validating current or novel neural markers of MBCT treatment response will allow for patient matching and optimization of treatment response.
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Marino P, DePasquale A, Sirey JA. Cognitive Behavior Therapy With Mindfulness and Acceptance Skills for the Treatment of Older Adults. Clin Case Stud 2015. [DOI: 10.1177/1534650114556147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a psychotherapy approach for the treatment of depression in older adult populations. This article discusses an extension of CBT to include mindfulness and acceptance skills for the treatment of depression in older adults with comorbid medical illness. Findings support that a brief intervention of 12 weeks was effective in producing a clinically significant change in depression and quality of life at the completion of therapy and at follow-up. This suggests that mindfulness and acceptance skills in addition to CBT skills may be an effective intervention for the treatment of depression of older adults with chronic medical illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jo Anne Sirey
- Weill Cornell Medical College, White Plains, NY, USA
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Impact of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on health care utilization: a population-based controlled comparison. J Psychosom Res 2014; 77:85-9. [PMID: 25077847 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2014.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2014] [Revised: 06/14/2014] [Accepted: 06/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Elevated rates of mood and anxiety disorders among high utilizers of health care have been suggested as one driver of increased service use. We compared the impact of Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), a structured group treatment, on the rates of health care utilization with matched control participants receiving non-MBCT group therapy. METHODS Using Ontario health administrative data, we created a retrospective cohort of population-based patients receiving MBCT and an age- and gender-matched (3:1) cohort of non-MBCT group therapy controls. Subjects were recruited between 2003 and 2010 and stratified according to high/low rates of primary care utilization, with the high utilization cohort being the cohort of interest. The primary outcome was a reduction in an aggregate measure of non-mental health utilization comprising Emergency Department, non-mental health primary care, and non-psychiatrist specialist visits. RESULTS There were 10,633 MBCT recipients, 4851 (46%) of whom were high utilizers. The proportion of high utilizers was 13,274 (45%, N=29,795) for non-MBCT group therapy controls. Among high utilizers, there was a significant reduction in non-mental health utilization among MBCT recipients compared to non-MBCT group therapy recipients (0.55 (0.21-0.89)) suggesting that for every two MBCT patients treated, there is a reduction in 1 non-mental health visit. CONCLUSION Among high utilizers of primary care, MBCT reduced non-mental health care utilization 1year post-therapy compared to non-MBCT, group therapy controls. The reductions suggest that MBCT, an established treatment modality for a variety of mental illnesses, has the added benefit of reducing distress-related high health care utilization.
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