1
|
Sommers-Spijkerman M, Zwarts-Engelbert A, Kruitwagen-Van Reenen E, Van Eijk RPA, Visser-Meily JMA, Heijmans E, Austin J, Drossaert C, Bohlmeijer E, Beelen A. Acceptability and potential benefit of a self-compassion intervention for people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a mixed methods pilot study. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2024:1-11. [PMID: 39258586 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2024.2400516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 08/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
Objective: This proof-of-concept study aimed to explore the acceptability and potential benefit of a self-guided online self-compassion intervention to aid resilient coping and reduce emotional distress among patients and caregivers living with ALS. Methods: A single-arm pilot study was conducted in 20 adults living with ALS either as a patient or as a caregiver. Acceptability was examined using questionnaires (n = 20) and semi-structured interviews (n = 9). Potential benefit was assessed as changes in self-compassion, self-criticism and emotional distress, determined using psychological questionnaires at 3 and 6 weeks. Questionnaires were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models and interview data using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Out of 20 participants who started the intervention, 16 completed the study (80%). The majority of study completers (12/16) were satisfied with the intervention, but the data suggest room for improvement in terms of personalization. Qualitative data revealed multiple psychological benefits of using the intervention, including self-kindness, emotional self-awareness and savoring. Although not statistically significant, quantitative data showed positive trends with increased self-compassion (mean difference: 2.07; 95% CI: -.5.76 - 1.63) and reduced self-criticism (mean difference: -2.62; 95% CI: -.1.97 - 7.23) and emotional distress (mean difference: -2.49; 95% CI: -.51 - 5.50) at week 6 compared to baseline. Conclusions: The findings suggest that a self-compassion intervention is acceptable to people living with ALS, but its beneficial effects and the mechanisms involved have yet to be established in larger and more diverse samples, using controlled designs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marion Sommers-Spijkerman
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science & Sports, Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Aimée Zwarts-Engelbert
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science & Sports, Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Esther Kruitwagen-Van Reenen
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science & Sports, Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ruben P A Van Eijk
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Biostatistics & Research Support, Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands, and
| | - Johanna M A Visser-Meily
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science & Sports, Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Emmy Heijmans
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science & Sports, Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Judith Austin
- Department of Psychology, Health & Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Constance Drossaert
- Department of Psychology, Health & Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Ernst Bohlmeijer
- Department of Psychology, Health & Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Anita Beelen
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science & Sports, Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
García I, Martínez O, Amayra I, Salgueiro M, Rodríguez AA, López-Paz JF. Effects of a neuropsychosocial teleassistance intervention on social cognition and health-related quality of life of pediatric patients with neuromuscular diseases. J Pediatr Psychol 2024; 49:525-535. [PMID: 38452290 DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsae013] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the effects of a neuropsychosocial teleassistance group-based intervention on improving social cognitive functioning and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in pediatric neuromuscular diseases (NMD). METHODS Thirty-five pediatric patients with NMD were assigned to the neuropsychosocial intervention program (n = 20) or waiting list control condition (n = 15). The intervention group received an integrative approach that combines training in social cognition with cognitive behavioral therapy. All participants completed a neuropsychological and clinical assessment at baseline and follow-up, which included tests of social cognition, both for emotion recognition and theory of mind, and HRQoL. Repeated-measures multivariate analysis of covariance was used to determine the effects of the teleassistance program. RESULTS Group × Time interactions revealed significant improvements in the intervention group as compared with the control group for different social cognition's indicators (AR NEPSY-II: p = .003, η2p = .24; TM NEPSY: p < .001, η2p = .35; Verbal task: p < .001, η2p = .35; Happé's Strange Stories: p = .049, η2p = .11) and HRQoL (Psychosocial health: p = .012, η2p = .18; Emotional functioning: p = .037, η2p = 0.13; Social functioning: p = .006, η2p = .21; Total: p = .013, η2p = .17), showing medium to large effects. CONCLUSIONS Patients receiving the neuropsychosocial intervention showed improvements in their social cognition performance and psychosocial HRQoL, providing evidence about the positive effects of the program in pediatric patients with NMD. This should be considered in further research and interventions in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irune García
- Neuro-e-Motion Research Team, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Deusto, Spain
| | - Oscar Martínez
- Neuro-e-Motion Research Team, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Deusto, Spain
| | - Imanol Amayra
- Neuro-e-Motion Research Team, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Deusto, Spain
| | - Monika Salgueiro
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology and Research Methodology, Faculty of Psychology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Spain
| | - Alicia Aurora Rodríguez
- Neuro-e-Motion Research Team, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Deusto, Spain
| | - Juan Francisco López-Paz
- Neuro-e-Motion Research Team, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Deusto, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sanzo' S, Tizzoni F, Previtali SC, Berardinelli A, Nobile M, Molteni M, Manzoni M, Tarabelloni A, Russo A, Delle Fave A, D'Angelo MG. Psychosocial resources and psychopathology among persons with neuromuscular disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Psychol 2024; 12:243. [PMID: 38685111 PMCID: PMC11059641 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01742-5] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic substantially affected the lives of persons with inherited neuromuscular disorders (INMD), causing disruption in clinical and support services. While several studies have investigated mental health, distress and psychosocial resources in the general population during the pandemic, little is known about the experience of persons with INMD. METHODS This study was aimed to fill this gap by jointly investigating both psychopathological symptoms and psychosocial resources - specifically, resilience and perceived social support - among persons with INMD during the pandemic, taking into account demographic and clinical factors. Between April and December 2020, 59 participants with INMD (aged 15-59, 71.2% M) completed a questionnaire collecting demographic and clinical data, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the Resilience Scale for Adults, and the Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment. RESULTS Overall, participants showed good levels of resilience and perceived social support. A minority of participants reported clinically relevant psychopathological symptoms, 28.81% for anxiety and depression. Most psychopathological symptoms were negatively correlated with resilience (-0.347 < r < - .420), but not significantly associated with social support. Consistent with previous studies, regression analyses highlighted that participants with Duchenne muscular dystrophy were more prone to report anxious and depressive symptoms (B = 1.748, p = .028, OR = 5.744), and participants with myotonic dystrophy, attention problems (B = 2.339, p = .006, OR = 10.376). Resilience emerged as a potential predictor of lower anxious-depressive symptoms (B=-1.264, p = .012, OR = 0.283). CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest the importance to investigate psychosocial resources in addition to psychopathology among persons with INMD, and to design interventions supporting resilience as a protective factor for mental health promotion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Sanzo'
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Tizzoni
- Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Stefano C Previtali
- Neuromuscular Repair Unit, Inspe and Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Angela Berardinelli
- Child and Adolescence Neurology Unit, National Neurological Institute C. Mondino Foundation IRCCS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Maria Nobile
- Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy.
| | - Massimo Molteni
- Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Martina Manzoni
- Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Arianna Tarabelloni
- Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Annamaria Russo
- Unit of Rehabilitation of Rare Diseases of the Central and Peripheral Nervous System, Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Antonella Delle Fave
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia D'Angelo
- Unit of Rehabilitation of Rare Diseases of the Central and Peripheral Nervous System, Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Van Tienen J, van Geenen C, Voet NB, Servais L, Voermans NC. My trial and training journey in X-linked myotubular myopathy: mountains and valleys. Neuromuscul Disord 2024; 36:23-27. [PMID: 38330679 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2024.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | - C van Geenen
- Vita Movens, Praxis for Physical Therapy, the Netherlands
| | - N B Voet
- Department of Rehabilitation, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Center Klimmendaal, Arnhem, the Netherlands
| | - L Servais
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre and NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Division of Child Neurology, Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Liège and University of Liège, Liege, Belgium
| | - N C Voermans
- Department of Neurology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Neurology 664, P.O. Box 9101, Nijmegen, HB 6500, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
García I, Martínez O, López-Paz JF, García M, Rodríguez AA, Amayra I. Difficulties in social cognitive functioning among pediatric patients with muscular dystrophies. Front Psychol 2024; 14:1296532. [PMID: 38239460 PMCID: PMC10794305 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1296532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pediatric muscular dystrophies (MDs) are a heterogeneous group of rare neuromuscular diseases characterized by progressive muscle degeneration. A neuropsychosocial approach is crucial for these patients due to associated cognitive, behavioral, and psychiatric comorbidities; however, the social cognitive domain has not been adequately addressed. Methods This study aimed to analyze on social cognition performance in a pediatric MD patient cohort. This cross-sectional study included 32 pediatric patients with MD and 32 matched-healthy controls. The Social Perception Domain of the NEPSY-II, the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test-Child and Happé's Strange Stories Test were administered. General intelligence and behavioral and emotional symptoms were controlled for to eliminate covariables' possible influence. The assessments were performed remotely. Results Children with MDs performed significantly worse on most of the social cognition tasks. The differences found between the groups could be explained by the level of general intelligence for some aspects more related to theory of mind (ToM) (TM NEPSY-II: F = 1.703, p = .197; Verbal task: F = 2.411, p = .125; RMET-C: F = 2.899, p = .094), but not for emotion recognition. Furthermore, these differences were also independent of behavioral and emotional symptoms. Discussion In conclusion, social cognition is apparently impaired in pediatric patients with MD, both for emotion recognition and ToM. Screening assessment in social cognition should be considered to promote early interventions aimed at improving these patient's quality of life.
Collapse
|