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Madsen MM, Trolle C, Fynne L, Ørnbøl E, Fink P, Gormsen LK. Can internal medicine specialists diagnose functional somatic disorders (FSDs)? Training and comparison with FSD specialists. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0307057. [PMID: 38995907 PMCID: PMC11244839 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0307057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Functional somatic disorders (FSD) are a common problem across medical settings and remain challenging to diagnose and treat. Many patients with FSD undergo sequential and unnecessary extensive diagnostic work-up, which is costly for society and stressful for patients. Previous studies have shown that the empirically based FSD diagnostic entities are interrater reliable and stable over time. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate whether internists who have received adequate training and with sufficient time per patient could diagnose FSD. DESIGN This was a prospective diagnostic accuracy study. The study was conducted from May 2020 to April 2022. PARTICIPANTS The study included 27 consecutive patients referred by their general practitioner to a non-psychiatric diagnostic clinic for assessment of physical symptoms on suspicion of FSD. INTERVENTIONS The internists received a 30-hour training course in the use of a tailored version of the SCAN interview. MAIN MEASURES The main outcome measure was the agreement between the diagnoses of the internists and the reference diagnoses made by specialists in FSD on the basis of the full SCAN interview. KEY RESULTS The interrater agreement between the internists and the FSD experts was substantial for any FSD (kappa = 0.63) as well as multi-organ vs. single-organ FSD (kappa = 0.73), indicating good diagnostic agreement. CONCLUSIONS Internists with proper training and sufficient time (3-4 hours) per patient can proficiently diagnose FSD employing a tailored version of the SCAN interview for use in a non-psychiatric diagnostic setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Moesmann Madsen
- University Clinic for Innovative Patient Pathways, Diagnostic Center, Silkeborg Regional Hospital, Silkeborg, Denmark
- Silkeborg Psychiatric Center, Central Regional Psychiatry, Silkeborg, Denmark
- The Research Clinic for Functional Disorders, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Christian Trolle
- University Clinic for Innovative Patient Pathways, Diagnostic Center, Silkeborg Regional Hospital, Silkeborg, Denmark
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lotte Fynne
- University Clinic for Innovative Patient Pathways, Diagnostic Center, Silkeborg Regional Hospital, Silkeborg, Denmark
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Eva Ørnbøl
- The Research Clinic for Functional Disorders, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Per Fink
- The Research Clinic for Functional Disorders, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lise Kirstine Gormsen
- The Research Clinic for Functional Disorders, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Rometsch C, Mansueto G, Maas Genannt Bermpohl F, Martin A, Cosci F. Prevalence of functional disorders across Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Epidemiol 2024; 39:571-586. [PMID: 38551715 PMCID: PMC11249491 DOI: 10.1007/s10654-024-01109-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Functional Disorders (FD) refer to persistent somatic symptoms caused by changes in the functioning of bodily processes. Previous findings suggest that FD are highly prevalent, but overall prevalence rates for FD in European countries are scarce. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to estimate the point prevalence of FD in adult general populations. PubMed and Web of Science were searched from inception to June 2022. A generalized linear mixed-effects model for statistical aggregation was used for statistical analyses. A standardized quality assessment was performed, and PRISMA guidelines were followed. A total of 136 studies were included and systematically synthesized resulting in 8 FD diagnoses. The large majority of studies was conducted in the Northern Europe, Spain, and Italy. The overall point prevalence for FD was 8.78% (95% CI from 7.61 to 10.10%) across Europe, with the highest overall point prevalence in Norway (17.68%, 95% CI from 9.56 to 30.38%) and the lowest in Denmark (3.68%, 95% CI from 2.08 to 6.43%). Overall point prevalence rates for specific FD diagnoses resulted in 20.27% (95% CI from 16.51 to 24.63%) for chronic pain, 9.08% (95% CI from 7.31 to 11.22%) for irritable bowel syndrome, and 8.45% (95% CI from 5.40 to 12.97%) for chronic widespread pain. FD are highly prevalent across Europe, which is in line with data worldwide. Rates implicate the need to set priorities to ensure adequate diagnosis and care paths to FD patients by care givers and policy makers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Rometsch
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3, 50134, Florence, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Mansueto
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Sigmund Freud University, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Alexandra Martin
- School of Human and Social Sciences, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Fiammetta Cosci
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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3
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Jørgensen T, Jacobsen RK, Sæbye D, Petersen MW, Fink P, Gormsen L, Linneberg A, Bjerregaard AA, Schovsbo SU, Benros ME, Eplov LF, Jørgensen NR, Dantoft TM. Lipid metabolism and functional somatic disorders in the general population. The DanFunD study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296799. [PMID: 38277392 PMCID: PMC10817187 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Earlier studies on the association between plasma lipid profiles and functional somatic disorders (FSD) are mainly small case control studies hampered by selection bias and do not consider the great overlap between the various FSDs. The aim of the present study was to investigate the associations between various FSDs and plasma lipid profiles (total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol and triglycerides) in a large, unselected population. DESIGN A cross-sectional general population-based study. SETTING The Danish Study of Functional Somatic Disorders (DanFunD) conducted in 2011-2015 in 10 municipalities in the western part of greater Copenhagen, Denmark. PARTICIPANTS A total of 8,608 men and women aged 18-76 years were included in the analyses. Various delimitations of FSD such as chronic fatigue, chronic widespread pain, irritable bowel, and bodily distress syndrome were measured using validated self-administrated questionnaires. Lipid parameters were measured from fasting plasma samples using colorimetric slide methods with Vitros 4600/5600 Ortho Clinical Diagnostics. OUTCOME MEASURES Logistic regression analyses were used to calculate possible associations between plasma lipids and the various delimitations of FSD. Associations are presented by OR (95% CI) and shown in boxplots. RESULTS We found a positive association between bodily distress syndrome and triglycerides and non-HDL cholesterol and a negative association with HDL-cholesterol, but no consistent association with total cholesterol. A similar pattern was observed for persons with chronic fatigue, and to some degree for persons with chronic widespread pain, whereas persons with irritable bowel did not show a clear association with the lipid profiles. CONCLUSION This is the first major study on plasma lipid profiles and FSD indicating an association between some delimitations of FSD and an unfavorable lipid profile. Due to the cross-sectional design, it cannot be determined whether the findings are consequences or determinants of FSD. Further studies-preferable prospective studies-are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torben Jørgensen
- Centre for Clinical Research and Prevention, Capital Region and University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rikke Kart Jacobsen
- Centre for Clinical Research and Prevention, Capital Region and University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ditte Sæbye
- Centre for Clinical Research and Prevention, Capital Region and University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marie Weinreich Petersen
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Per Fink
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lise Gormsen
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Allan Linneberg
- Centre for Clinical Research and Prevention, Capital Region and University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne Ahrendt Bjerregaard
- Centre for Clinical Research and Prevention, Capital Region and University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Signe Ulfbeck Schovsbo
- Centre for Clinical Research and Prevention, Capital Region and University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Eriksen Benros
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health–CORE, Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Capital Region, Denmark
| | - Lene Falgaard Eplov
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health–CORE, Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Capital Region, Denmark
| | - Niklas Rye Jørgensen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Meinertz Dantoft
- Centre for Clinical Research and Prevention, Capital Region and University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Brund RBK, Jensen LS, Gladvind KM, Fonager K. Sociodemographic and hospital characteristics for patients with severe functional disorder receiving specialized treatment at hospital. A regional register-based cross-sectional study from Denmark. J Psychosom Res 2024; 176:111561. [PMID: 38100895 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2023.111561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE 10% of all adult Danish citizen has a functional disorder (FD). This study aimed to describe how patients referred to specialized treatment (CFD; Clinic for Functional Disorders) differentiate from those not referred to specialized treatment in terms of sex, comorbidty, different types of hospital contacts and affiliation to labour market 12 and 60 months prior discharged from the hospital with a FD-diagnosis between 2019 and 2021. METHODS The study was a register-based cross-sectional study of patients discharged with a FD in North Denmark Region between 2019 and 2021 (study period). Patients between 18 and 65 years of age with FD were identified in the regional patient administrative system. RESULTS A total of 6831 patients were discharged from the hospital with a FD, of which 160 were referred to CFD. Patients with FD were more likely to be referred to CFD, if they were female, had reduced or no affiliation to the labour market or most hospital contacts were as outpatient. Moreover, an increase in hospital contacts as outpatient and a reduction in affiliation to labour market over time increased the chance of being treated at CFD. CONCLUSION Patients referred to CFD differed from patients not referred to CFD. Patients referred to CFD were to a lesser extent affiliated to the labour market but had more often hospital contacts as outpatient prior to being discharged with FD. In addition, patients referred to CFD increased their contacts to the hospital as outpatient more than those not referred during the preceding 5 years from discharge with FD.
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Affiliation(s)
- René Børge Korsgaard Brund
- Department of Social Medicine, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Danish Center for Health Services Research, Aalborg University, Denmark.
| | | | | | - Kirsten Fonager
- Department of Social Medicine, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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5
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Roth-Rawald J, Maaß U, Mai S, Weck F. Exposure therapy for health anxiety: Effectiveness and response rates in routine care of an outpatient clinic. J Clin Psychol 2023; 79:2884-2898. [PMID: 37597253 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Many randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated the efficacy and benefits of exposure therapy in the treatment of health anxiety. However, the application of these research results to routine care has not been considered sufficiently. The aim of this study is to analyze the effectiveness of exposure therapy in the routine treatment of health anxiety patients. METHOD Data were available for 35 patients, who repeatedly filled in comprehensive general questionnaires, and those specific to health anxiety. RESULTS The data analysis showed that health anxiety symptoms decreased significantly both posttreatment (Cohen's d = 0.97-1.00) and at follow-up (Cohen's d = 1.33-1.34). In addition, the scores of depressiveness, somatic symptoms, and psychological distress showed improvements with effect sizes of d = 0.35-0.51. Regarding the primary outcome measures for health anxiety, response rates were 51%-63%, and remission rates were 29%-43%. CONCLUSION Exposure therapy is effective and sustainable regarding the treatment of health anxiety, even under naturalistic conditions, whereas response and remission rates are lower than for RCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Roth-Rawald
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Ulrike Maaß
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Stefanie Mai
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Florian Weck
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
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Barends H, Dekker J, van Dessel NC, Twisk JWR, van der Horst HE, van der Wouden JC. Exploring maladaptive cognitions and behaviors as perpetuating factors in patients with persistent somatic symptoms: a longitudinal study. J Psychosom Res 2023; 170:111343. [PMID: 37201294 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2023.111343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Maladaptive cognitions and behaviors may influence symptoms and impairment in patients with persistent somatic symptoms (PSS). Aims of this study were to examine: (i) whether maladaptive cognitions and behaviors are associated with symptom severity and functional health over time; (ii) if these associations are the result of changes within individuals over time or of differences between individuals; (iii) directions of changes within individuals over time. METHODS Longitudinal data of a heterogeneous sample of patients with PSS were analyzed (n = 322 patients enrolled in the PROSPECTS cohort study). Cognitive and behavioral responses to symptoms (CBRQ), symptom severity (PHQ-15) and physical and mental functioning (RAND-36 PCS and MCS) were assessed seven times over a five-year period (0, 6 months, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 year). Longitudinal mixed model and hybrid model analysis with and without time-lag were applied. RESULTS Maladaptive cognitions and behaviors were associated with more severe symptoms and reduced physical and mental functioning over time. Both changes within individuals over time and differences between individuals were associated with higher symptom severity and reduced physical and mental functioning. The between-subject component was about twice the effect size of the within-subject component. Changes in several specific maladaptive cognitions and behaviors were associated with more severe symptoms and reduced physical and mental functioning later in time and vice versa. CONCLUSION This study shows that maladaptive cognitions and behaviors are associated with symptom severity and reduced physical and mental functioning over time in patients with PSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hieke Barends
- Department of General Practice, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Joost Dekker
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nikki Claassen- van Dessel
- Department of General Practice, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jos W R Twisk
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC, the Netherlands
| | - Henriëtte E van der Horst
- Department of General Practice, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Johannes C van der Wouden
- Department of General Practice, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Petersen MW, Carstensen TBW, Frostholm L, Wellnitz KB, Ørnbøl E, Jørgensen T, Eplov LF, Dantoft TM, Fink P. High Perceived Stress and Low Self-Efficacy are Associated with Functional Somatic Disorders: The DanFunD Study. Clin Epidemiol 2023; 15:407-419. [PMID: 37008745 PMCID: PMC10065012 DOI: 10.2147/clep.s399914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Several psychological factors have been proposed to be associated with functional somatic disorders (FSD) including functional somatic syndromes, such as irritable bowel, chronic widespread pain, and chronic fatigue. However, large randomly selected population-based studies of this association are sparse. This study aimed to investigate the association between FSD and perceived stress and self-efficacy, respectively, and to investigate if FSD differed from severe physical diseases on these aspects. Methods This cross-sectional study included a random sample of the adult Danish population (n = 9656). FSD were established using self-reported questionnaires and diagnostic interviews. Perceived stress was measured with Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale and self-efficacy with the General Self-Efficacy Scale. Data were analysed with generalized linear models and linear regression models. Results FSD were associated with higher perceived stress and lower self-efficacy, especially for the multi-organ and the general symptoms/fatigue FSD types and for chronic fatigue. However, controlling for the personality trait neuroticism altered the associations with self-efficacy so it became insignificant. The analysis did not support an important interaction between perceived stress and self-efficacy on the likelihood of having FSD. Individuals with FSD presented levels of perceived stress that were not equal, ie higher, to those in individuals with severe physical diseases. Conclusion FSD were positively associated with perceived stress and negatively associated with self-efficacy. Our study may point to stress being part of the symptomatology of FSD. This underlines the severity of having FSD and stresses the relevance of the resilience theory in the understanding of the condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Weinreich Petersen
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
- Correspondence: Marie Weinreich Petersen, Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 11, Aarhus, 8200, Denmark, Tel +45 7846 4310, Email
| | - Tina Birgitte Wisbech Carstensen
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lisbeth Frostholm
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Kaare Bro Wellnitz
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Eva Ørnbøl
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Torben Jørgensen
- Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Bispebjerg/Frederiksberg Hospital, Frederiksberg, Capital Region, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lene Falgaard Eplov
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health – CORE, Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Capital Region, Denmark
| | - Thomas Meinertz Dantoft
- Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Bispebjerg/Frederiksberg Hospital, Frederiksberg, Capital Region, Denmark
| | - Per Fink
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
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Pedersen HF, Lamm TT, Fink P, Ørnbøl E, Frostholm L. Internet-delivered treatment for patients suffering from severe functional somatic disorders: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2023; 32:101069. [PMID: 36698746 PMCID: PMC9868341 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2023.101069] [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] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Functional somatic disorders (FSDs) with symptoms from multiple organs, i.e., multi-system type, are common in the general population and may lead to disability and reduced quality of life. Evidence for efficient treatment programs has been established, however, there is a need for making treatments accessible to a larger group of patients. Internet-delivered therapy has become prevalent and has proven as effective as face-to-face therapy, while providing a flexible and easily accessible treatment alternative. The aim of the current study is to compare the efficacy of the therapist-assisted internet-delivered treatment program One step at a time (OneStep) with the internet-delivered self-help program Get started (GetStarted). Methods A total of 166 participants aged 18-60 years diagnosed with multi-system FSD will be assessed and randomized to either 1) OneStep: a 14-week program consisting of 11 treatment modules based on principles from cognitive behavioural therapy or 2) GetStarted consisting of 1 module on psychoeducation. The primary outcome is physical health, assessed by a Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) aggregate score of the subscales vitality, physical functioning, and bodily pain 3 months after end-of-treatment and self-reported improvement assessed by the Clinical Global Improvement Scale. Secondary outcomes include symptom load, depression, anxiety, and illness worry. Process measures include emotional distress, illness perception, illness behaviour, and symptom interference. Conclusions This study is the first study to test an internet-delivered treatment program for FSD, multi-system type and has the potential to show the importance of making evidence-based internet-delivered treatment for FSD more accessible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Frølund Pedersen
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark,Corresponding author. Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul Jensens Boulevard 11, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark.
| | - Thomas Tandrup Lamm
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Per Fink
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Eva Ørnbøl
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lisbeth Frostholm
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Efficacy of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback for Somatic Symptom Disorder: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Psychosom Med 2023; 85:61-70. [PMID: 36201761 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000001143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with somatic symptom disorder (SSD) often receive targeted intervention only after a long duration of illness. Moreover, the reported effect sizes of interventions for SSD are small. Therefore, improvement and evaluation of interventions are needed. Preliminary evidence suggests autonomic imbalance, for example, lower heart rate variability (HRV) in SSD. HRV biofeedback (HRV-BF) as a method for self-regulation shows initial positive effects in chronic pain and functional syndromes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a brief HRV-BF intervention for SSD. METHODS Of a total of 50 participants with SSD ( Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition ) who were recruited and randomly assigned to four sessions of HRV-BF ( n = 25) or autogenic training (AT; n = 25), 49 participants were analyzed (female, 77.6%; mean [standard deviation] age = 45.3 [14.4] years). The primary outcomes were somatic symptom severity (Screening for Somatoform Disorders, numeric rating scale) and HRV. Secondary outcomes were psychological characteristics of SSD (e.g., the Somatic Symptom Disorder 12 scale, health concerns, emotion regulation). The data were collected before and after intervention and were analyzed with repeated-measures analyses of variance and post hoc t tests. RESULTS Symptom severity improved after both, HRV-BF and AT. Standard Deviation of the NN Interval and psychological symptoms improved significantly more strongly in the HRV-BF than in the AT group (e.g., Standard Deviation of the NN Interval: ηp2 interaction = 0.10, p = .047). CONCLUSIONS The improvements in somatic symptoms, but specifically in cognitive-affective symptoms and autonomic regulation, suggest that HRV-BF with only four sessions is a potentially useful intervention option for SSD. Thus, adding this short HRV-BF intervention to existing psychological treatments for SSD may be promising.Trial Registration : German Clinical Trial Register identifier DRKS00017099 ( https://www.drks.de ).
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10
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Neuroticism and adverse life events are important determinants in functional somatic disorders: the DanFunD study. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19604. [PMID: 36380136 PMCID: PMC9666664 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24213-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Several psychological factors have been proposed to be associated with functional somatic disorders (FSD). However, large population-based studies investigating the importance of both personality and adverse life events (ALE) are sparse. This study aimed to investigate the association between FSD and neuroticism and the accumulated number of ALE, respectively. This cross-sectional study included a random sample of the adult Danish population (N = 7493). FSD were established by means of self-reported questionnaires and diagnostic interviews. Neuroticism was measured with the Danish version of the short-form NEO Personality Inventory. ALE were measured with the Danish version of the Cumulative Lifetime Adversity Measure. Strong positive associations were found between neuroticism and FSD, and ALE and questionnaire-based FSD. For interview-based FSD, strong positive associations were found for FSD, multi-organ type, and for the subtype of the general symptoms. The level of self-efficacy did not modify these associations, and no moderating effect of neuroticism and ALE in combination on the probability of having FSD was found. FSD were strongly associated with both neuroticism and the accumulated number of ALE, and these associations were not modified by self-efficacy. In combination, neuroticism and ALE did not have a moderating effect on the probability of having FSD.
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Jørgensen T, Dantoft TM, Weinreich Petersen M, Benros ME, Poulsen CH, Falgaard Eplov L, Gormsen L, Frostholm L, Carstensen TBW, Holm Eliasen M, Kårhus LL, Skovbjerg S, Bjerregaard AA, Brix S, Linneberg A, Fink P. Examine the public health impacts of functional somatic disorders using the DanFunD study. Scand J Public Health 2022; 50:988-994. [PMID: 36245407 DOI: 10.1177/14034948221122886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: Persistent physical symptoms (e.g. pain, fatigue) are prevalent in the population and some persons may develop a functional somatic disorder (FSD). We still need to explore the limits between general bodily sensations and FSD, and great controversies exist as regard delimitation, occurrence, risk factors, prognosis, and costs of FSD in the general population. This is mainly due to the lack of focused, sufficient powered, population-based epidemiological studies. Material and Methods: The DanFunD study is the largest focused population-based study on FSD and has the potential to answer these crucial questions regarding the FSD disorders. DanFunD has its origin in the Copenhagen area of Denmark and was initiated in 2009 by an interdisciplinary team of researchers including basic scientists, clinical researchers, epidemiologists, and public health researchers. A population-based cohort of nearly 10,000 people have filled in detailed questionnaires, gone through a thorough health examination, and a biobank is established. The cohort was re-examined after five years. Results:The prevalence of FSD in the Danish population is about 10-15% and is twice as common in women as in men. Persons with FSD report impaired daily activities and low self-perceived health, which qualifies FSD as a major public health problem. The research plan to unravel the risk factors for FSD employs a bio-psycho-social approach according to a detailed plan. Preliminary results are presented, and work is in progress. Likewise, plans for assessing prognosis and health care costs are provided. Conclusion: We invite researchers in the field to collaborate on this unique data material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torben Jørgensen
- Centre for Clinical Research and Prevention, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Denmark.,Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Marie Weinreich Petersen
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Michael Eriksen Benros
- Copenhagen Research Centre for Mental Health - CORE, Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Chalotte Heinsvig Poulsen
- Copenhagen Research Centre for Mental Health - CORE, Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Lene Falgaard Eplov
- Copenhagen Research Centre for Mental Health - CORE, Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Lise Gormsen
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Lisbeth Frostholm
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Tina Birgitte Wisbech Carstensen
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Marie Holm Eliasen
- Centre for Clinical Research and Prevention, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Denmark
| | - Line Lund Kårhus
- Centre for Clinical Research and Prevention, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Denmark
| | - Sine Skovbjerg
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Danish Centre for Mindfulness, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | | | - Susanne Brix
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
| | - Allan Linneberg
- Centre for Clinical Research and Prevention, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Per Fink
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
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12
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Terluin B, Barends H, van der Horst HE, Dekker J, van der Wouden JC. Head-to-head comparison of somatic symptom scales: The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-15) and the somatization scale of the Four-Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire (4DSQ-S). J Psychosom Res 2022; 162:111031. [PMID: 36156343 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2022.111031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to compare the 15-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-15) and the somatization subscale of the Four-Dimensional Symptoms Questionnaire (4DSQ-S) with respect to their latent structure and reliability, and to examine whether their scores are affected by age and gender, and whether the scales measure the same construct(s). METHODS The study population consisted of individuals with a tendency to experience persistent somatic symptoms, recruited in multiple healthcare settings, who completed the PHQ-15 and 4DSQ-S concurrently. We analyzed the scales' latent factor structure using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), the scales' reliability, and differential item functioning (DIF) due to age and gender. We performed a head-to-head comparison by fitting structural equation models of the questionnaires' factors. RESULTS We included 234 participants. CFA showed that both questionnaires fitted a bifactor model with a general factor and four specific factors, three of which (labeled "musculoskeletal", "gastrointestinal", and "cardiopulmonary") were substantively similar. Both scales were essentially unidimensional. The reliability of the PHQ-15 and 4DSQ-S was equally high (omega 0.933 and 0.942, respectively). DIF-analysis showed minor DIF for age in one item of each questionnaire, with negligible impact on the scale score. Head-to-head comparison showed that the PHQ-15 and 4DSQ-S measured the same constructs. We present PHQ-15 - 4DSQ-S cross-walk tables. CONCLUSIONS Both questionnaires mainly measure a single somatic symptom burden dimension of which all symptoms (covered by the questionnaires) are adequate indicators. They do so equally accurately and they behave the same across gender and age categories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berend Terluin
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of General Practice, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Hieke Barends
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of General Practice, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Henriëtte E van der Horst
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of General Practice, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joost Dekker
- Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Johannes C van der Wouden
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of General Practice, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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13
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Abrahamsen C, Lindbaek M, Werner EL. Experiences with a structured conversation tool: a qualitative study on feasibility in general practice in Norway. Scand J Prim Health Care 2022; 40:190-196. [PMID: 35587153 PMCID: PMC9397476 DOI: 10.1080/02813432.2022.2076396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the feasibility of a structured conversation tool (ICIT) in Norwegian general practice. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS A structured conversation tool with elements from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) was developed for use at the encounter in general practice to increase patient's self-coping ability and the GPs management and sick leave assessment in patients with MUPS. Eight GPs received training and used the ICIT on 49 patients with MUPS. The physicians were gathered into two focus groups. The interviews were recorded on tape, transcribed, and analyzed with systematic text condensation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The aim of our study was to examine any benefit and the feasibility of the ICIT in general practice. RESULTS The physicians found the ICIT helpful to sort out, clarify and concretize the patients' issues. They felt less fatigued as patients took on a greater responsibility for their own recovery and reported a greater satisfaction and better management with the patients. A salutogenic approach gave the physicians greater insight into their patients' lives and their issues, opening for new treatment options and aiding in recovery. By focusing on the patient's potential capabilities despite their medical condition, some physicians experienced that patients on sick leave returned to work quicker. CONCLUSIONS The GPs in this study reported that the ICIT was helpful in consultations with patients due to unspecific medical conditions and facilitated a sense of competence for the physician. KEY POINTSGPs need communication skill training for integrated treatment and sick leave assessment for patients with Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms (MUPS).•The GPs experienced that the structured conversation tool was beneficial in structuring, clarifying, and substantiating the patient's problems.•The GPs experienced a greater insight into their patients and their issues, opening new treatment options and aiding in recovery.•The GPs experienced patients' quicker recovery and returns to work by starting immediate treatment using the conversation tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathrine Abrahamsen
- MD, PhD student, Department of General Practice, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- CONTACT Cathrine Abrahamsen MD, PhD Student at the Department of General Practice, University of Oslo, 0315Oslo, Norway
| | - Morten Lindbaek
- MD, PhD, Senior Researcher, and Professor of General Practice, Department of General Practice, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Erik L. Werner
- MD, PhD, Senior Researcher, and Professor of General Practice, Department of General Practice, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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14
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Agger JL, Schröder A, Ørnbøl E, Jensen JS, Pedersen HF, Fink P, Gormsen LK. Are study populations in trials of antidepressants and psychotherapy comparable? A retrospective case study of two parallel running trials for multi- organ functional somatic disorder. Psychiatry Res 2022; 311:114474. [PMID: 35276572 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This study retrospectively compares two previous parallel running, randomized, controlled trials of pharmacotherapy (imipramine) and psychotherapy (acceptance and commitment therapy) for multi-organ functional somatic disorder (FSD). Differences in demographics, psychiatric comorbidity, illness severity, and illness duration associated with eligibility for the two trials and patients' willingness to participate are explored using linear or binary regression models. 418 patients with multi-organ FSD was included. We found that 377 (95%) were eligible for psychotherapy and 257 patients (61%) for pharmacotherapy. Patients eligible for pharmacotherapy were less severely impaired, less often received disability pension, reported shorter illness duration and experienced less psychological distress than patients eligible for psychotherapy. Whilst exclusion criteria for both trials differed markedly, it was not possible to clearly identify patient or illness characteristics associated with patients' willingness to participate. The study showed that trial-specific exclusion criteria led to the selection of less complex and less severely impaired patients in the pharmacological trial in this sample of multi-organ FSD. Our findings have important implications for the interpretation and comparability of RCT results of different treatments in multi-organ FSD and may point to some common flaws in study design and interpretation of pharmacological vs. psychotherapeutic intervention trials in psychiatry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanne Liv Agger
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Andreas Schröder
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Eva Ørnbøl
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jens Søndergaard Jensen
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Heidi Frølund Pedersen
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Per Fink
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lise Kirstine Gormsen
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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15
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Haun MW, Tönnies J, Graue L, Hartmann M, Wensing M, Szecsenyi J, Wild B, Friederich HC. Mental health specialist video consultations for patients with somatic symptom disorder in primary care: protocol for a randomised feasibility trial (the VISION trial). BMJ Open 2022; 12:e058150. [PMID: 35410935 PMCID: PMC9003599 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-058150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION General practitioners (GP) report increasing difficulties in referring patients with somatic symptom disorder (SSD) in specialised psychosocial care. Barriers are structural conditions of the respective healthcare system and patients' reservations against receiving specialised psychosocial care. As patients with SSD often predominantly assume somatic influencing factors for the development and maintenance of their somatic complaints, close collaboration between the GP and mental health specialist (MHS) seems particularly important. Integrating internet-based video consultations by remotely located MHS and primary care can improve effective treatment of patients with SSD by overcoming structural barriers and provide low-threshold and timely care. The aim of this randomised controlled feasibility trial is to investigate the feasibility of implementing MHS video consultations in primary care practices. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Fifty primary care patients with SSD will be individually randomised in two groups receiving either enhanced treatment as usual as provided by their GP (control group) or two versus five video consultations conducted by an MHS additionally to enhanced treatment as usual. The video consultations focus on (a) diagnostic clarification, (b) the development of a biopsychosocial disorder model, and (c) development of a treatment plan against the background of a stepped-care algorithm based on clinical outcomes. We will investigate the following outcomes: effectiveness of the recruitment strategies, patient acceptance of randomisation, practicability of the technical and logistical processes related to implementing video consultations in the practices' workflows, feasibility of the data collection and clinical parameters. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This trial has undergone ethical scrutiny and has been approved by the Medical Faculty of the University of Heidelberg Ethics Committee (S-620/2021). The findings will be disseminated to the research community through presentations at conferences and publications in scientific journals. This feasibility trial will prepare the ground for a large-scale, fully powered randomised controlled trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER DRKS00026075.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus W Haun
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Justus Tönnies
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Leike Graue
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mechthild Hartmann
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michel Wensing
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Joachim Szecsenyi
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Beate Wild
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hans-Christoph Friederich
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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16
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Broddadóttir E, Flóvenz SÓ, Gylfason HF, Þormar Þ, Einarsson H, Salkovskis P, Sigurðsson JF. "I'm So Tired": Fatigue as a Persistent Physical Symptom among Working People Experiencing Exhaustion Disorder. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:8657. [PMID: 34444405 PMCID: PMC8392333 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Fatigue is widespread in the population, particularly among working people. Exhaustion disorder (ED), a clinical manifestation of burnout, is common, but, after treatment, about one-third still experience fatigue and other physical symptoms. We propose that in some instances, fatigue as a persistent physical symptom (PPS) might be a more appropriate formulation of ED patients' fatigue problems, and we suggest that ED patients who meet fatigue PPS criteria will differ from other ED patients in terms of psychological distress, non-fatigue PPSs and functional impairment. Questionnaires were sent to 10,956 members of a trade union of which 2479 (22.6%) responded. Of 1090 participants who met criteria for ED, 106 (9.7%) met criteria for fatigue as a PPS. Participants who met fatigue PPS criteria scored on average higher on measures of depression, anxiety and functional impairment and were more likely to have clinically significant scores. Moreover, they had 27 times higher odds of meeting other PPS subtypes and reported more non-fatigue PPS subtypes, suggesting a more complex health problem. Specific evidence-based interventions are available for both ED and PPSs, and therefore, it is crucial to accurately formulate the fatigue problem reported by patients to provide appropriate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elín Broddadóttir
- Department of Psychology, Reykjavik University, 102 Reykjavik, Iceland; (S.Ó.F.); (Þ.Þ.); (J.F.S.)
| | | | | | - Þórey Þormar
- Department of Psychology, Reykjavik University, 102 Reykjavik, Iceland; (S.Ó.F.); (Þ.Þ.); (J.F.S.)
| | - Hjalti Einarsson
- Stett.is, Icelandic Confederation of University Graduates, 105 Reykjavik, Iceland;
| | - Paul Salkovskis
- Oxford Centre for Psychological Health, Oxford Institute of Clinical Psychology Training and Oxford Cognitive Therapy Center, Warneford Hospital, Oxford University, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK;
| | - Jón Friðrik Sigurðsson
- Department of Psychology, Reykjavik University, 102 Reykjavik, Iceland; (S.Ó.F.); (Þ.Þ.); (J.F.S.)
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, 102 Reykjavik, Iceland
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17
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Senger K, Schröder A, Kleinstäuber M, Rubel JA, Rief W, Heider J. Predicting optimal treatment outcomes using the Personalized Advantage Index for patients with persistent somatic symptoms. Psychother Res 2021; 32:165-178. [PMID: 33910487 DOI: 10.1080/10503307.2021.1916120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Because individual patients with persistent somatic symptoms (PSS) respond differently to treatments, a better understanding of the factors that predict therapy outcomes are of high importance. Aggregating a wide selection of information into the treatment-decision process is a challenge for clinicians. Using the Personalized Advantage Index (PAI) this study aims to deal with this. Methods: Data from a multicentre RCT comparing CBT (N = 128) versus CBT enriched with emotion regulation training (ENCERT) (N = 126) for patients diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder were used to identify based on two machine learning approaches predictors of therapy outcomes. The identified predictors were used to calculate the PAI. Results: Five treatment unspecific predictors (pre-treatment somatic symptom severity, depression, symptom disability, health-related quality of life, age) and five treatment specific moderators (global functioning, early childhood traumatic events, gender, health anxiety, emotion regulation skills) were identified. Individuals assigned to their PAI-indicated optimal treatment had significantly lower somatic symptom severity at the end of therapy compared to those randomised to their non-optimal condition. Conclusion: Allowing patients to choose a personalised treatment seems to be meaningful. This could help to improve outcomes for PSS and reduce its high costs to the health care system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Senger
- Department of Psychology, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | - Annette Schröder
- Department of Psychology, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | - Maria Kleinstäuber
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Julian A Rubel
- Department of Psychology, University of Giessen, Germany
| | - Winfried Rief
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps University Marburg, Germany
| | - Jens Heider
- Department of Psychology, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany
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18
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Roth-Rawald J, Weck F. Krankheitsängste bei Psychotherapeut_innen. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR KLINISCHE PSYCHOLOGIE UND PSYCHOTHERAPIE 2021. [DOI: 10.1026/1616-3443/a000624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Krankheitsängste beziehen sich meist auf die Angst vor dem Leiden an somatischen Erkrankungen. In Einzelfallberichten wurden auch Ängste vor psychischen Störungen berichtet, jedoch bisher nicht systematisch untersucht. Psychotherapeut_innen sind ständig mit psychischen Erkrankungen konfrontiert. Fragestellung: Diese Studie untersucht, wie stark Krankheitsängste bei Psychotherapeut_innen ausgeprägt sind und welche Faktoren diese beeinflussen. Methoden: Insgesamt 239 Psychotherapeut_innen wurden per anonymer Onlinebefragung mit den Illness Attitude Scales und der Mini-Symptom-Checklist untersucht. Ergebnisse: Krankheitsängste bei Psychotherapeut_innen waren geringer ausgeprägt als in der Allgemeinbevölkerung und bei Psychologiestudierenden. Faktoren wie die allgemeine psychische Belastung und das Vorhandensein tatsächlicher Diagnosen gingen mit erhöhten Krankheitsängsten einher. Schlussfolgerungen: Krankheitsängste können sich nicht nur auf somatische Erkrankungen beziehen, sondern auch psychische Störungen betreffen. Eine stärkere Berücksichtigung psychischer Krankheitsängste und deren weitere systematische Erfassung erscheinen daher wünschenswert.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Roth-Rawald
- Abteilung für Klinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie, Universität Potsdam
| | - Florian Weck
- Abteilung für Klinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie, Universität Potsdam
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19
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Kuriyama A. Bodily Distress Syndrome After Routine Vaccination: A Case Report. J Acad Consult Liaison Psychiatry 2021; 62:557-558. [PMID: 34059489 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaclp.2021.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Akira Kuriyama
- Emergency and Critical Care Center, Kurashiki Central Hospital, Okayama, Japan.
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20
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Cozzi G, Lucarelli A, Borrometi F, Corsini I, Passone E, Pusceddu S, Morabito G, Barbi E, Benini F. How to recognize and manage psychosomatic pain in the pediatric emergency department. Ital J Pediatr 2021; 47:74. [PMID: 33766115 PMCID: PMC7992953 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-021-01029-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim Children and adolescents affected by somatization and somatic symptom disorder commonly refer to emergency services. Due to the absence of specific guidelines for the emergency setting and to a possible lack of knowledge, these patients are at risk of being unrecognized and mismanaged. This study aims at proposing a clinical practice to approach and manage these patients and their families in the emergency setting. Methods This manuscript derived from the work of a research group of italian pediatric emergency physicians and anesthesiologists, with an expertise in pain management, members of the PIPER group. The research group reviewed the literature about psychosomatic pain and somatic symptom disorder and developed a clinical practice specific for the pediatric emergency setting. Results The manuscript provides information about the main clinical features shared by patients with psychosomatic pain and about current diagnostic criteria and appropriate management in the emergency setting. Furthermore, it highlights the possible pitfalls in which the emergency physician may run into dealing with these patients. Conclusion This clinical practice should be seen as a starting point toward a better understanding of patients with psychosomatic pain and a standardization of care in the pediatric emergency setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Cozzi
- Pediatric Emergency Department, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Via dell'Istria 65/1, 34137, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Annunziata Lucarelli
- Department of Paediatrics and Emergency, Giovanni XXIII Children's Hospital, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Fabio Borrometi
- Pediatric Pain Service and Palliative Care, Department of Oncology, Pausilipon Hospital, AORN Santobono Pausilipon, Naples, Italy
| | - Ilaria Corsini
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Eva Passone
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, DAME, ASUFC S. Maria Della Misericordia, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Sara Pusceddu
- Pediatric Department, Ospedale S. Maria della Scaletta AUSL, Imola, Italy
| | - Giuliana Morabito
- Pediatric and Neonatology Division, Azienda Ospedaliera Santa Maria degli Angeli, Pordenone, Italy
| | - Egidio Barbi
- Pediatric Emergency Department, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Via dell'Istria 65/1, 34137, Trieste, Italy.,Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Franca Benini
- Paediatric Palliative Care - Pain Service Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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21
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Dantoft TM, Nordin S, Andersson L, Petersen MW, Skovbjerg S, Jørgensen T. Multiple chemical sensitivity described in the Danish general population: Cohort characteristics and the importance of screening for functional somatic syndrome comorbidity-The DanFunD study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246461. [PMID: 33626058 PMCID: PMC7904225 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is characterized by widespread symptoms attributed to exposure to airborne chemicals. MCS is categorized as a functional somatic syndrome (FSS), and MCS cases often meet the criteria for other types of FSS, e.g. fibromyalgia. The primary aim was to characterize MCS regarding symptom triggers, symptoms, lifestyle and describe demographics, socioeconomics and lifestyle factors associated with MCS. A secondary aim was to examine the implication of FSS comorbidity. Methods Data were derived from a random sample of the Danish adult population enrolled in the Danish Study of Functional Disorders (DanFunD; n = 9,656). Questionnaire data comprised information used to delimit MCS and four additional types of FSS, as well as data on demographics, socioeconomics and lifestyle. MCS cases (n = 188) was stratified into subgroups; MCS only (n = 109) and MCS with comorbid FSS (n = 73). Information regarding FSS comorbidities were missing for six MCS cases. MCS subgroups and controls without FSS comorbidities (n = 7,791) were compared by means of logistic regression analyses, adjusted for age and sex. Results MCS was associated with female sex, not being in occupation and low social status, but not with age or education. MCS cases reported normal dietary intake and smoking habits and lower alcohol consumption. Additional associations were found between MCS and low rate of cohabitation, sedentarism, daily physically limitations, and poor quality of sleep. However, subgroup analysis revealed that these findings were primarily associated with MCS with comorbid FSS. Conclusions MCS was associated with lower socioeconomic status, physically inactivity and poor quality of sleep. Subgroup analysis revealed that several associations was explained by FSS comorbidity, i.e. MCS cases with no comorbid FSS showed normal rate of cohabitation and did not report physical limitations or difficulties sleeping. Overall, our findings emphasise the importance of screening MCS cases for FSS comorbidity both in epidemiological and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Meinertz Dantoft
- Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Bispebjerg & Frederiksberg Hospital, Frederiksberg, Capital Region Denmark
- * E-mail:
| | - Steven Nordin
- Department of Psychology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | - Marie Weinreich Petersen
- The Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Sine Skovbjerg
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Danish Center for Mindfulness, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Torben Jørgensen
- Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Bispebjerg & Frederiksberg Hospital, Frederiksberg, Capital Region Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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22
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Rask MT, Jakobsen PR, Clemensen J, Rosendal M, Frostholm L. Development of an eHealth programme for self-management of persistent physical symptoms: a qualitative study on user needs in general practice. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2021; 22:33. [PMID: 33550988 PMCID: PMC7869449 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-021-01380-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Persistent physical symptoms (PPS) are estimated to be present in 17% of patients in general practice. Hence, general practitioners (GPs) play a key role in both the diagnostic assessment and the management of PPS. However, research indicates a need to improve their strategies to support self-help in patients, and eHealth tools may serve as an opportunity. This study aimed to explore patients’ and GPs’ needs related to self-management of PPS. The study was designed to inform the future development of eHealth interventions in this field. Methods This qualitative study was based on 20 semi-structured interviews (6 GPs and 14 patients with PPS). Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and analysed through a five-step thematic analysis approach. First, we conducted an inductive analysis to identify and explore emerging subthemes. Second, using a deductive mapping strategy, we categorised the derived subthemes according to the COM-B behaviour change model and its three domains: capability, opportunity and motivation. Results We identified eleven subthemes in the patient interviews and seven subthemes in the GP interviews. Several unmet needs emerged. First, we identified a need to consider PPS early in the illness trajectory by taking a bio-psycho-social approach. Second, both patients and GPs need better skills to manage uncertainty. Third, hope is important for the patients. Fourth, patients need guidance from their GP in how to self-manage their PPS. Conclusions This study provides important insight into key issues and needs related to capability, opportunity and motivation that should be addressed in the design of future eHealth self-management interventions targeting patients with PPS in general practice in order to support and improve care. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12875-021-01380-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mette Trøllund Rask
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Nørrebrogade 44, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Pernille Ravn Jakobsen
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Nørrebrogade 44, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark.,University College Southern Denmark, Lembckesvej 3-7, 6100, Haderslev, Denmark
| | - Jane Clemensen
- Hans Christian Andersen Children's Hospital, Odense University Hospital, Kløvervænget 23, 5000, Odense, Denmark
| | - Marianne Rosendal
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Nørrebrogade 44, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark.,Research Unit for General Practice, Bartholins Allé 2, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lisbeth Frostholm
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Nørrebrogade 44, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Nørrebrogade 44, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
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23
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Winarizal AS, Horvath A, Sawyer SM. Measuring functional recovery in somatic symptom and related disorders: a scoping review. Arch Dis Child 2020; 105:1086-1092. [PMID: 32398323 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2020-318955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Somatic symptom and related disorders (SSRDs) are prevalent, heterogenous conditions that have the potential to profoundly affect normative function in children and adolescents. Yet there is little understanding of pathways to recovery. This study aimed to systematically scope how functional recovery has been measured in children and adolescents with SSRD . DESIGN Scoping review of primary studies. METHOD Medline (Ovid) and PsychInfo were systematically searched for publications from January 1998 to April 2019. Primary studies in English that reported functional outcomes of children and adolescents with SSRD were included. Case reports and population studies were excluded. Within the tools and clinician notes, the core domains of functional outcome were identified. RESULTS Sixteen studies were identified that used 11 different functional outcome tools. The domains assessed within these functional outcome tools, together with the domains noted by clinicians, included physical and mental health symptoms, as well as school attendance and academic outcomes, recreational participation, impact on family and service utilisation. There was no evidence of a preferred outcome measure as only two of the tools were used in more than one study. CONCLUSIONS The variability of tools and domains used to measure functional recovery in children and adolescents with SSRD suggests lack of conceptual agreement about what constitutes functional recovery. Continued focus on symptom measurement or mental health comorbidities risks limiting research to single types of disorder (eg, functional neurological disability) or interventions, which threatens a much needed wider research agenda around appropriate treatment, including of complex and persistent disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afiah Salsabila Winarizal
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Fakultas Kedokteran Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Anita Horvath
- Department of Medical Education, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Susan M Sawyer
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia .,Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Centre for Adolescent Health, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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24
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Barends H, Claassen-van Dessel N, van der Wouden JC, Twisk JWR, Terluin B, van der Horst HE, Dekker J. Impact of symptom focusing and somatosensory amplification on persistent physical symptoms: A three-year follow-up study. J Psychosom Res 2020; 135:110131. [PMID: 32473411 PMCID: PMC7614434 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2020.110131] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The somatosensory amplification theory considers symptom focusing and somatosensory amplification as important perpetuating factors of persistent physical symptoms. We investigated whether symptom focusing and somatosensory amplification were associated with symptom severity and mental and physical functioning over a three-year period in patients with persistent physical symptoms (PPS). METHODS Baseline, 6-, 12-, 24- and 36-months follow-up data from the PROSPECTS study, a prospective cohort consisting of 325 patients with PPS, were used. We applied longitudinal mixed model analyses to investigate if symptom focusing (CBRQ Symptom Focusing Subscale) and somatosensory amplification (Somatosensory Amplification Scale) at baseline were associated with symptom severity (PHQ-15), mental and physical functioning (RAND-36 MCS and PCS) over three years, using all measurements. RESULTS Symptom focusing was associated with increased symptom severity and lower mental and physical functioning over time. Somatosensory amplification at baseline was associated with increased symptom severity and lower mental and physical functioning over time. Effect sizes were small. Associations with baseline symptom focusing decreased over time, associations with baseline somatosensory amplification were more stable. There was no interaction effect of both constructs, but they partly overlapped. CONCLUSION This is the first study to show that over an extended period, symptom focusing and somatosensory amplification are associated with symptom severity and lower mental and physical functioning in patients with PPS. These results support the impact of both symptom focusing and somatosensory amplification on the perpetuation of symptoms and lowered mental and physical functioning in individuals with PPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hieke Barends
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Public Health research institute, the Netherlands.
| | - Nikki Claassen-van Dessel
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Public Health research institute, the Netherlands.
| | - Johannes C van der Wouden
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Public Health research institute, the Netherlands.
| | - Jos W R Twisk
- Amsterdam Public Health research institute, the Netherlands; Department of Health Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Berend Terluin
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Public Health research institute, the Netherlands.
| | - Henriëtte E van der Horst
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Public Health research institute, the Netherlands.
| | - Joost Dekker
- Amsterdam Public Health research institute, the Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and Department of Psychiatry, the Netherlands.
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25
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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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26
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Roenneberg C, Sattel H, Schaefert R, Henningsen P, Hausteiner-Wiehle C. Functional Somatic Symptoms. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 116:553-560. [PMID: 31554544 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2019.0553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 10% of the general population and around one third of adult patients in clinical populations suffer from functional somatic symptoms. These take many forms, are often chronic, impair everyday functioning as well as quality of life, and are cost intensive. METHODS The guideline group (32 medical and psychological professional societies, two patients' associations) carried out a systematic survey of the literature and ana- lyzed 3795 original articles and 3345 reviews. The aim was to formulate empirically based recommendations that were practical and user friendly. RESULTS Because of the variation in course and symptom severity, three stages of treatment are distinguished. In early contacts, the focus is on basic investigations, reassurance, and advice. For persistent burdensome symptoms, an extended, simultaneous and equitable diagnostic work-up of physical and psychosocial factors is recommended, together with a focus on information and self-help. In the pres- ence of severe and disabling symptoms, multimodal treatment includes further elements such as (body) psychotherapeutic and social medicine measures. Whatever the medical specialty, level of care, or clinical picture, an empathetic professional attitude, reflective communication, information, a cautious, restrained approach to diagnosis, good interdisciplinary cooperation, and above all active interventions for self-efficacy are usually more effective than passive, organ- focused treatments. CONCLUSION The cornerstones of diagnosis and treatment are biopsychosocial ex- planatory models, communication, self-efficacy, and interdisciplinary mangagement. This enables safe and efficient patient care from the initial presentation onwards, even in cases where the symptoms cannot yet be traced back to specific causes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casper Roenneberg
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich (TUM); Department of Psychosomatics, University and University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland; Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg; Psychosomatic Medicine/Neurocenter, Berufsgenossenschaftliche Unfallklinik Murnau
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27
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Häuser W, Hausteiner-Wiehle C, Henningsen P, Brähler E, Schmalbach B, Wolfe F. Prevalence and overlap of somatic symptom disorder, bodily distress syndrome and fibromyalgia syndrome in the German general population: A cross sectional study. J Psychosom Res 2020; 133:110111. [PMID: 32305723 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2020.110111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the prevalence and clinical characteristics of Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD), Bodily Distress Syndrome (BDS) and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and their overlap in the general German population. METHODS A cross-sectional nationally representative population survey was performed. 2531 participants (mean age 48.8 ± 17.85 years, 53.3% women) completed the Somatic Symptom Scale SSS-8, the Bodily Distress Syndrome (BDS) 25 checklist, the Whiteley Index 7 (WI-7), the self-administered comorbidity questionnaire and the Michigan Body Map. Case definitions of SSD, BDS and FMS were assigned using established criteria. RESULTS 4.5% of participants met the criteria of SSD (SSS - 8 at least one item "bothered very much" and WI- 7 total score ≥ 1). 9.6% met the criteria of single-organ BDS and 1.3% of multi-organ BDS. Prevalence of FMS according to 2016 criteria was 3.4%. 82.3% of FMS cases met any BDS criteria.28.1% of FMS cases satisfied SSD criteria. 28.8% of any BDS cases met the criteria of SSD. 75.1% of SSD cases met the criteria of any BDS. FMS cases reported the highest amount of somatic and psychological symptom burden and health anxieties. There were no differences in age and gender between any BDS and SSD cases. SSD cases reported worse general health and more fibromyalgia-related variables than any BDS cases. CONCLUSIONS In the general population, there is a substantial overlap between FMS and BDS, but not of FMS and SSD, and not of SSD and any BDS. Case definitions of the three disorders partially captured different groups in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winfried Häuser
- Department Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität München, München, Germany; Department Internal Medicine 1, Klinikum Saarbrücken, Saarbrücken, Germany.
| | - Constanze Hausteiner-Wiehle
- Department Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität München, München, Germany; Department of Neurology, Trauma Center Murnau, Murnau, Germany
| | - Peter Henningsen
- Department Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Elmar Brähler
- Department Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Bjarne Schmalbach
- Department Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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28
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Roth-Rawald J, Kühne F, Lazarides R, Weck F. Krankheitsängste bei Psychologiestudierenden. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR KLINISCHE PSYCHOLOGIE UND PSYCHOTHERAPIE 2020. [DOI: 10.1026/1616-3443/a000578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Als Medical Students’ Disease wird die Angst von Medizinstudierenden bezeichnet, unter Krankheiten zu leiden, mit denen sie sich im Studium auseinandersetzen. Fragestellung: Es wurde untersucht, ob ähnliche Phänomene vorübergehender Krankheitsängste auch bei Psychologiestudierenden existieren. Methode: Mittels etablierter Illness-Attitude-Scales (IAS) und einer eigens entwickelten Ergänzung wurden Ängste vor somatischen und psychischen Erkrankungen erhoben. Ergebnisse: Krankheitsängste bei Psychologiestudierenden waren nicht stärker ausgeprägt als bei Studierenden anderer Fachrichtungen. Ängste vor körperlichen Erkrankungen waren häufiger als Ängste vor psychischen Störungen, die keiner signifikanten zeitlichen Veränderung unterlagen. Schlussfolgerung: Die Beschäftigung mit psychischen Störungen geht nicht zwangsläufig mit einem Anstieg von Ängsten vor psychischen Erkrankungen unter Psychologiestudierenden einher. Erhöhte Belastungswerte bei allen Studierenden legen nahe, dass das Studium selbst eine Herausforderung darstellt, für deren Bewältigung Unterstützung angeboten werden kann.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Roth-Rawald
- Abteilung für Klinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie, Universität Potsdam
| | - Franziska Kühne
- Abteilung für Klinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie, Universität Potsdam
| | - Rebecca Lazarides
- Abteilung für Klinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie, Universität Potsdam
| | - Florian Weck
- Abteilung für Klinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie, Universität Potsdam
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29
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Rasmussen S, Jensen CT, Rosendal M, Vægter HB, Søndergaard J, Jarbøl DE. Multiple physical symptoms and individual characteristics - A cross-sectional study of the general population. J Psychosom Res 2020; 131:109941. [PMID: 32050120 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2020.109941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Multiple physical symptoms not attributable to known organic disease are common in all medical fields and associated with major personal and social consequences. This study investigated multiple physical symptoms according to the construct of bodily distress syndrome (BDS) and associated individual characteristics in the general adult population. METHODS A nationwide, population-based study of 100,000 randomly selected individuals aged 20 years and older, conducted in 2012. A web-based questionnaire formed the basis of the study and was combined with Danish national registry data on socioeconomic factors and medication and healthcare use. RESULTS 49,706 individuals completed the questionnaire. After exclusion of women indicating pregnancy, respondents reporting chronic disease and respondents over 65 years of age, 23,331 remained for analysis. Of these 23,331 individuals, 15.5% fulfilled the criteria for BDS. BDS positives were more often younger (20-40 years) and female. Self-rated health and self-reported functional capacity were impaired among these individuals. Fulfilling the BDS criteria was significantly associated with current or former smoking, overweight and obesity, low educational level and income, and unemployment. Moreover, individuals with BDS were more often from ethnic minorities and had higher use of healthcare and medication. CONCLUSION Multiple physical symptoms, as captured by the concept of BDS, are common in the general adult population, especially among younger women. Fulfilling the BDS criteria is associated with substantial negative impact on self-perceived health and socioeconomic parameters. Fulfilling BDS criteria is positively associated with health risk behaviors (smoking, overweight and obesity) and higher use of healthcare and medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanne Rasmussen
- Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, J.B Winsløwsvej 9A, 5000 Odense C, Denmark.
| | - Cecilie Thit Jensen
- Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, J.B Winsløwsvej 9A, 5000 Odense C, Denmark
| | - Marianne Rosendal
- Functional Disorders, Aarhus University Hospital, Nørrebrogade 44, bygn. 2, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; Research Unit for General Practice, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
| | - Henrik Bjarke Vægter
- Pain Center, University Hospital Odense, Heden 7-9, entrance 200, 1st floor, 5000 Odense C, Denmark; Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, J.B Winsløws Vej 19, 3(rd) floor, 5000 Odense C, Denmark.
| | - Jens Søndergaard
- Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, J.B Winsløwsvej 9A, 5000 Odense C, Denmark.
| | - Dorte Ejg Jarbøl
- Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, J.B Winsløwsvej 9A, 5000 Odense C, Denmark.
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30
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Bransfield RC, Friedman KJ. Differentiating Psychosomatic, Somatopsychic, Multisystem Illnesses, and Medical Uncertainty. Healthcare (Basel) 2019; 7:E114. [PMID: 31597359 PMCID: PMC6955780 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare7040114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There is often difficulty differentiating between psychosomatic, somatopsychic, multisystem illness, and different degrees of medical uncertainty. Uncommon, complex, and multisystem diseases are commonly misdiagnosed. Two case histories are described, and relevant terms differentiating psychosomatic, somatopsychic, and multisystem illnesses are identified, reviewed, and discussed. Adequate differentiation requires an understanding of the mind/body connection, which includes knowledge of general medicine, psychiatry, and the systems linking the body and the brain. A psychiatric diagnosis cannot be given solely based upon the absence of physical, laboratory, or pathological findings. Medically unexplained symptoms, somatoform disorder, and compensation neurosis are outdated and/or inaccurate terms. The terms subjective, nonspecific, and vague can be used inaccurately. Conversion disorders, functional disorders, psychogenic illness, factitious disorder imposed upon another (Munchausen's syndrome by proxy), somatic symptom disorder, psychogenic seizures, psychogenic pain, psychogenic fatigue, and delusional parasitosis can be over-diagnosed. Bodily distress disorder and bodily distress syndrome are scientifically unsupported and inaccurate. Many "all in your head" conditions may be related to the microbiome and the immune system. Better education concerning the interface between medicine and psychiatry and the associated diagnostic nomenclature as well as utilizing clinical judgment and thorough assessment, exercising humility, and maintaining our roots in traditional medicine will help to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient trust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert C Bransfield
- Department of Psychiatry, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
| | - Kenneth J Friedman
- Retired, Plantation, FL, USA. Retired Associate Professor of Pharmacology and Physiology, NJ Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA.
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31
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Weerdesteijn KHN, Schaafsma FG, Louwerse I, Huysmans MA, Van der Beek AJ, Anema JR. Does self-perceived health correlate with physician-assessed functional limitations in medical work disability assessments? J Psychosom Res 2019; 125:109792. [PMID: 31421326 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2019.109792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our purpose was to obtain information about the correlation between workers' self-perceived health and physician-assessed functional limitations. We also studied whether this correlation differed between workers with subjective health complaints that cannot (SHC) and those that can be explained (non-SHC) by a well-defined medical disease. METHODS Baseline data of 2040 participants from a prospective cohort study were used for this study. These participants answered a questionnaire on their self-perceived health and received a medical work disability assessment during which physicians reported functional limitations. Pearson correlation analyses were used to calculate correlations between 4 functional limitation factors and 11 self-perceived health factors. For correlations with coefficients ≥0.30, linear regression analyses were performed to assess possible differences between participants with SHC (n = 363) and those with non-SHC (n = 1677). RESULTS We found correlations ≥0.30 between two functional limitation factors and six self-perceived health factors for all participants. SHC participants showed lower correlations than the non-SHC participants between the physical functional limitation and the SF-36 self-perceived physical health factors (-0.49, 95% CI -0.56 to -0.41 vs. -0.60, 95% CI -0.62 to -0.57) and between the mental functional limitation and the SF-36 self-perceived mental health factors (-0.30, 95% CI -0.39 to -0.20 vs. -0.40, 95% CI -0.44 to -0.36). CONCLUSION Self-perceived health showed overall low to moderate correlations with physician-assessed functional limitations. Some of these correlations were lower for workers with SHC than for those with non-SHC. This may indicate that physicians rely slightly more on well-defined medical complaints within medical work disability assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristel H N Weerdesteijn
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081, BT, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Research Center for Insurance Medicine (KCVG), AMC-UMCG-UWV-VUmc, PO Box 7057, 1007, MB, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Social Medical Affairs (SMZ), The Dutch Social Security Institute: The Institute for Employee Benefits Schemes (UWV), La Guardiaweg 94-114, 1043, DL, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Frederieke G Schaafsma
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081, BT, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Research Center for Insurance Medicine (KCVG), AMC-UMCG-UWV-VUmc, PO Box 7057, 1007, MB, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ilse Louwerse
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081, BT, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Research Center for Insurance Medicine (KCVG), AMC-UMCG-UWV-VUmc, PO Box 7057, 1007, MB, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Social Medical Affairs (SMZ), The Dutch Social Security Institute: The Institute for Employee Benefits Schemes (UWV), La Guardiaweg 94-114, 1043, DL, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Maaike A Huysmans
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081, BT, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Research Center for Insurance Medicine (KCVG), AMC-UMCG-UWV-VUmc, PO Box 7057, 1007, MB, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Allard J Van der Beek
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081, BT, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Research Center for Insurance Medicine (KCVG), AMC-UMCG-UWV-VUmc, PO Box 7057, 1007, MB, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Johannes R Anema
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081, BT, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Research Center for Insurance Medicine (KCVG), AMC-UMCG-UWV-VUmc, PO Box 7057, 1007, MB, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Petersen MW, Schröder A, Jørgensen T, Ørnbøl E, Dantoft TM, Eliasen M, Carstensen TW, Falgaard Eplov L, Fink P. Prevalence of functional somatic syndromes and bodily distress syndrome in the Danish population: the DanFunD study. Scand J Public Health 2019; 48:567-576. [DOI: 10.1177/1403494819868592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Aims: Little is known about the prevalence and characteristics of functional somatic syndromes (FSS) such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), fibromyalgia (FM), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), whiplash associated disorders (WAD), multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), and bodily distress syndrome (BDS) in the general population when they are investigated simultaneously. Method: This cross-sectional study is based on the Danish Study of Functional Disorders (DanFunD) cohort consisting of 9656 adults from the general population. FSS and BDS were identified by questionnaires and characterized by age, sex, vocational training, physical health and comorbidity with physical and psychiatric disease. Results: In total, 16.3% (95% CI: 15.6–17.1) of the participants fulfilled the criteria for at least one FSS, ranging from 1.7% for WAD to 8.6% for CFS, and 16.1% (95% CI: 15.4–16.9) fulfilled the criteria for BDS. Cases had a high risk of poor self-perceived health, limitations in daily activities, and a high psychiatric comorbidity, all increasing with the number of syndromes in each individual. However, the associations differed across the various FSS. Mutual overlaps of IBS, FM and CFS were greater than could be expected by chance. Conclusions: FSS and BDS are prevalent in the adult Danish population, and cases have high risk of poor self-perceived health, limitation in daily activities, and psychiatric comorbidity. These associations were particularly strong for cases with multiple FSS and multi-organ BDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Weinreich Petersen
- The Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Andreas Schröder
- The Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Torben Jørgensen
- Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
- Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Denmark
| | - Eva Ørnbøl
- The Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | | | - Marie Eliasen
- Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Denmark
| | - Tina Wisbech Carstensen
- The Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | | | - Per Fink
- The Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
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Poloni N, Caselli I, Ielmini M, Mattia M, De Leo A, Di Sarno M, Isella C, Bellini A, Callegari C. Hospitalized Patients with Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms: Clinical Context and Economic Costs of Healthcare Management. Behav Sci (Basel) 2019; 9:bs9070080. [PMID: 31331103 PMCID: PMC6680508 DOI: 10.3390/bs9070080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms (MUPS) are physical symptoms without a medical explanation. This study collected data from hospitalized patients presenting MUPS, aiming to draw a clinical and socio-demographic profile of patients with MUPS, to explore psychopathological correlations of Somatic Symptoms Disorder (SSD) diagnosis, and to estimate economic costs related to hospital management for MUPS. The cross-sectional study consisted in the evaluation of data referring to hospitalized patients admitted between 2008 and 2018 in a teaching hospital in Northern Italy. A total of 273 patients presenting MUPS have been hospitalized. The sample showed a prevalence of female, married and employed patients. The most frequent wards involved are Neurology, Internal Medicine and Short Unit Stay. The most common symptoms found are headache, pain, syncope and vertigo. There is no evidence that a history of medical disease is associated with a diagnosis of SSD. A personality disorder diagnosis in patients with MUPS was associated with increased probability of having a diagnosis of SSD. A marginally significant positive association emerged with anxiety disorders, but not with depressive disorder. The overall estimated cost of hospitalization for patients with MUPS is 475′409.73 €. The study provides the investigation of a large number of patients with MUPS and a financial estimate of related hospitalization costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Poloni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Division of Psychiatry, University of Insubria, Viale Luigi Borri 57, 21100 Varese (VA), Italy
| | - Ivano Caselli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Division of Psychiatry, University of Insubria, Viale Luigi Borri 57, 21100 Varese (VA), Italy
| | - Marta Ielmini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Division of Psychiatry, University of Insubria, Viale Luigi Borri 57, 21100 Varese (VA), Italy
| | - Michele Mattia
- Family Therapy Center, Via San Salvatore 7, 6902 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Alessandra De Leo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Division of Psychiatry, University of Insubria, Viale Luigi Borri 57, 21100 Varese (VA), Italy
| | - Marco Di Sarno
- Department of Psychology, University of Milan-Bicocca, Piazza dell'Ateneo Nuovo 1, 20126 Milan (MI), Italy
| | - Celeste Isella
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Division of Psychiatry, University of Insubria, Viale Luigi Borri 57, 21100 Varese (VA), Italy
| | - Alessandro Bellini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Division of Psychiatry, University of Insubria, Viale Luigi Borri 57, 21100 Varese (VA), Italy
| | - Camilla Callegari
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Division of Psychiatry, University of Insubria, Viale Luigi Borri 57, 21100 Varese (VA), Italy.
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Khadartsev AA, Tokarev AR, Tokareva SV, Hromushin VA. [The role of transcranial electrostimulation in the treatment of psychosomatic disorders in industrial workers]. VOPROSY KURORTOLOGII, FIZIOTERAPII, I LECHEBNOĬ FIZICHESKOĬ KULTURY 2019; 96:39-44. [PMID: 31095128 DOI: 10.17116/kurort20199602139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of psychosomatic disorders (PD) is steadily increasing from year to year. Suffice it to mention that the appealability for the primary health care during the recent period increased from 20% to 40-49%. Various psychological, pharmacological and physical methods for the treatment of somatoform disorders have been developed. However, the physiotherapeutic methods for the management of psychosomatic disorders remain virtually unexplored. At the same time, the stress-limiting effects of transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) have been convincingly demonstrated. AIM The objective of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of the treatment of psychosomatic disorders based on the application of transcranial electrostimulation. MATERIAL AND METHODS We evaluated during 4 months the general functional state (GFS) as well as the psychosomatic and vegetative status (VS) of the employees of the Scientific development and production enterprise 'Splav' including 14 women and 14 men who complained of deterioration of health. All the participants of the study were divided into groups depending on their functional disorders. The patients in one of the groups underwent transcranial electrostimulation. The age of the patients ranged from 36 to 66 years. The mean age of the men and women was 56±1.4 and 48±2.2 years respectively. The study was designed to estimate GFS and VS based on the integral characteristics obtained with the use of the 'Simona 111' hardware-software complex. The complaints of stressful conditions, deteriorated GFS, and psycho-somatic disorders were revealed in the relevant questionnaire studies. The participants of the study were divided into two groups: the main study group and the control group matched for the age and sex of their members. Those of the former group underwent relaxation procedures in the combination with transcranial electrostimulation whereas the control subjects were managed with the use of the relaxation procedures alone. RESULTS The workers comprising the group with the impaired functional indices and psychosomatic disorders were initially characterized by the moderate or high stress level with the poor general functional state. These parameters as well as the indicators of the vegetative status were significantly improved after the course of transcranial electrical stimulation. Specifically, the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system increased in comparison with the baseline level, the activity of the sympathetic nervous system decreased, and the manifestations of psychosomatic disorders became less pronounced. The authors maintain that these effects were due to the selective activation of the stress-limiting mechanisms operating in the brain that caused normalization of the activity of the vegetative nervous system and the psycho-emotional state of the patients together with the improvement of their general functional condition. CONCLUSION This study has demonstrated that psychosomatic disorders are especially common among the industrial workers with the poor general functional state of the organism. The clinical data give evidence of the effectiveness of transcranial electrical stimulation for the correction of the functional state and psychosomatic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Khadartsev
- FSBEI HPE 'Tula State University', Medical Institute, Tula, Russia
| | - A R Tokarev
- The Tula City D.Ya. Vanykin Clinical Emergency Hospital, Tula, Russia; FSBEI HPE 'Tula State University', Medical Institute, Tula, Russia
| | - S V Tokareva
- FSBEI HPE 'Tula State University', Medical Institute, Tula, Russia
| | - V A Hromushin
- FSBEI HPE 'Tula State University', Medical Institute, Tula, Russia
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Pedersen HF, Agger JL, Frostholm L, Jensen JS, Ørnbøl E, Fink P, Schröder A. Acceptance and Commitment group Therapy for patients with multiple functional somatic syndromes: a three-armed trial comparing ACT in a brief and extended version with enhanced care. Psychol Med 2019; 49:1005-1014. [PMID: 29941062 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291718001666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychological treatment for functional somatic syndromes (FSS) has been found moderately effective. Information on how much treatment is needed to obtain improvement is sparse. We assessed the efficacy of a brief and extended version of group-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) v. enhanced care (EC) for patients with multiple FSS operationalised as Bodily Distress Syndrome multi-organ type. METHODS In a randomised controlled three-armed trial, consecutively referred patients aged 20-50 with multiple FSS were randomly assigned to either (1) EC; (2) Brief ACT: EC plus 1-day workshop and one individual consultation; or (3) Extended ACT: EC plus nine 3-h group-based sessions. Primary outcome was patient-rated overall health improvement on the five-point clinical global improvement scale 14 months after randomisation. A proportional odds model was used for the analyses. RESULTS A total of 180 patients were randomised; 60 to EC, 61 to Brief ACT, and 59 to Extended ACT. Improvement on the primary outcome after Extended ACT was significantly greater than after EC with an unadjusted OR of 2.9 [95% CI (1.4-6.2), p = 0.006]. No significant differences were found between Brief ACT and EC. Of the 18 secondary outcomes, the only significant difference found was for physical functioning in the comparison of Extended ACT with EC. CONCLUSIONS Patients rated their overall health status as more improved after Extensive ACT than after EC; however, clinically relevant secondary outcome measures did not support this finding. Discrepancies between primary and secondary outcomes in this trial are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Frølund Pedersen
- The Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics,Aarhus University Hospital,Noerrebrogade 44,8000 Aarhus C.,Denmark
| | - Johanne L Agger
- The Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics,Aarhus University Hospital,Noerrebrogade 44,8000 Aarhus C.,Denmark
| | - Lisbeth Frostholm
- The Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics,Aarhus University Hospital,Noerrebrogade 44,8000 Aarhus C.,Denmark
| | - Jens S Jensen
- The Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics,Aarhus University Hospital,Noerrebrogade 44,8000 Aarhus C.,Denmark
| | - Eva Ørnbøl
- The Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics,Aarhus University Hospital,Noerrebrogade 44,8000 Aarhus C.,Denmark
| | - Per Fink
- The Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics,Aarhus University Hospital,Noerrebrogade 44,8000 Aarhus C.,Denmark
| | - Andreas Schröder
- The Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics,Aarhus University Hospital,Noerrebrogade 44,8000 Aarhus C.,Denmark
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Guo D, Kleinstäuber M, Johnson MH, Sundram F. Evaluating Commonalities Across Medically Unexplained Symptoms. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16050818. [PMID: 30845721 PMCID: PMC6427368 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16050818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
This commentary presents commonalities in medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) across multiple organ systems, including symptoms, aetiological mechanisms, comorbidity with mental health disorders, symptom burden and impact on quality of life. Further, treatment outcomes and barriers in the clinician–patient relationship, and cross-cultural experiences are highlighted. This discussion is necessary in aiding an improved understanding and management of MUS due to the interconnectedness underlying MUS presentations across the spectrum of medical specialties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Guo
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | - Maria Kleinstäuber
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Dunedin Medical School, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand.
| | - Malcolm Henry Johnson
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
| | - Frederick Sundram
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
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Cozzi G, Barbi E. Facing somatic symptom disorder in the emergency department. J Paediatr Child Health 2019; 55:7-9. [PMID: 30288831 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.14246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Somatic symptom disorder is a condition in which a patient's subjective report of physical symptoms is associated with distress; disruption of day-to-day functioning; or disproportionate thoughts, feelings and behaviours regarding the symptoms, whether or not they are associated with an identified medical condition. While somatic symptom disorder affects a considerable proportion of children and adolescents presenting to the emergency department (ED), it has not been well investigated in the ED literature, nor is there much formal training in, or guidelines for, how to care for affected patients in the ED. The aim of this paper is to highlight the historical clues commonly reported by these patients in order to try to help the emergency physicians recognise patients affected by a somatic symptom disorder. Adolescent age, the presence of daily subjective symptoms presenting daily for weeks or months, a long medical history record, an extensive diagnostic workup and, most of all, disproportionate functional impairment related to the symptoms are all features strongly suggestive of this disorder. Emergency physicians should become used to taking advantage of these clues to formulate a positive diagnosis of somatic symptom disorder according to the most recent diagnostic criteria. Emergency physicians have the unique opportunity to contribute to the correct diagnosis and treatment of these patients and to have a positive impact on their prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Cozzi
- Emergency Department, Institute for Maternal and Child Health - IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Egidio Barbi
- Emergency Department, Institute for Maternal and Child Health - IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy.,Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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Saint Arnault D, Woo S. Testing the influence of cultural determinants on help-seeking theory. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF ORTHOPSYCHIATRY 2018; 88:650-660. [PMID: 30179023 DOI: 10.1037/ort0000353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Despite increased risks for mental health problems, East Asian immigrant women have the lowest overall service-utilization rates of any cultural group in the United States. Although the influence of cultural processes as the cause of low service use is widely speculated, no empirical study has tested cultural determinants (including culturally specific idioms of distress, culture-based illness interpretations, or concerns about social consequences), social contextual factors, perceived need (PN), and help-seeking (HS) behaviors. In the present study, we examined how cultural determinants, such as symptom experience, beliefs and interpretations, and perceptions about the social environment, affect PN and HS type for Japanese women living in the United States. Increasing physical symptom severity increased the predicted probability of endorsing PN. For those participants with PN, 48.6% of them used medical HS (χ2 = 11.27, p = .00), and 12.5% of them used the psychological HS (χ2 = 7.43, p = .01). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that, when PN is considered with the other cultural variables while controlling for structural variables, PN increases the odds of medical HS (OR = 2.78, 95% CI [1.0-5.8], p < .01). The odds of medical HS are also increased with higher social support (OR = 1.07, 95% CI [1.0-1.1], p < .01). Finally, the presence of interpersonal stigma beliefs decreased the odds of medical HS (OR = 2.4, 95% CI [1.1-5.3], p < .03). Clinical and research implications are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).
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Leutgeb R, Berger S, Szecsenyi J, Laux G. Patients with somatoform disorders: More frequent attendance and higher utilization in primary Out-of-Hours care? PLoS One 2018; 13:e0202546. [PMID: 30161150 PMCID: PMC6116940 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One significant health policy challenge in many European countries at present is developing strategies to deal with the increase in patient attendance at Out-of-Hours care (OOHC), whether this is at OOHC-Centres in primary care settings or hospital emergency departments (ED). FAs (FAs) presenting in OOHC are a known challenge and previous studies have shown that FAs present more often with psychological problems and psychiatric comorbidities rather than severe physical complaints. FAs may be also contributing to the rising workload in OOHC-Centres in primary care. The aim of this study was to determine attendance frequencies and health problem presentation patterns for patients with and without somatoform disorders (ICD-10 F45 diagnoses) in OOHC-Centres in primary care. Some of these somatoform disorders may have a psychiatric character. Moreover, we wanted to compare health care utilization patterns (pharmacotherapy and hospitalizations) between these patients groups. METHODS Routine OOHC data from a large German statutory health insurance company in the federal state of Baden-Wuerttemberg were evaluated. 3,813,398 health insured persons were included in the data set from 2014. The data were initially made available for our study group in order to evaluate a comprehensive evaluation programme in German primary care, the "Hausarztzentrierte Versorgung" (HZV), loosely translated as "family doctor coordinated care". We used the ICD-10 codes F45.0-F45.9 in regular care to identify patients with somatoform disorders and compared their health care utilization patterns (attendance rates, diagnoses, prescriptions, hospitalization rates) in OOHC to patients without somatoform disorders. Attendance rates were calculated with multivariable regression models in order to adjust for age, gender, comorbidities and for participation in the HZV intervention. RESULTS 350,528 patients (9.2%) of the 3,813,398 insured persons had an F45-diagnosis. In comparison with the whole study-sample, patients with an F45-diagnosis were on average seven years older (51.7 vs. 44.0 years; p<0,0001) and the percentage of women was significantly higher (70.1% vs 53.3%; p<0,0001). In OOHC, as opposed to normal office hours, the adjusted rate of patients with an F45-diagnosis was 60.6% higher (adjusted for age, gender and co-morbidity) than in the general study-sample. Accordingly, in OOHC, prescriptions for antidepressants, hypnotics, anxiolytics but also opioids were significantly higher than in the general study population i.e. those without F45- diagnoses. However, an F45 diagnosis was only made in 3.45% of all F45 patients seen in OOHC in 2014. CONCLUSIONS Patients with somatoform disorders were more FAs in both regular office hours and in OOHC in primary care settings. In OOHC, they are normally not identified as such because the somatoform illness is secondary to other acutely presenting symptoms such as pain. While it is acknowledged that it is difficult to make an exact diagnosis in this complex group of somatoform disorders in an OOHC setting, it is still important to develop continuing education programmes for medical staff working in OOHC, to support effective recognition and response to the specific needs of this complex patient group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruediger Leutgeb
- University Hospital Heidelberg, Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, Heidelberg, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Sarah Berger
- University Hospital Heidelberg, Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Joachim Szecsenyi
- University Hospital Heidelberg, Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gunter Laux
- University Hospital Heidelberg, Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, Heidelberg, Germany
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Claassen-van Dessel N, van der Wouden JC, Twisk JWR, Dekker J, van der Horst HE. Predicting the course of persistent physical symptoms: Development and internal validation of prediction models for symptom severity and functional status during 2 years of follow-up. J Psychosom Res 2018; 108:1-13. [PMID: 29602318 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2018.02.009] [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: 09/26/2017] [Revised: 02/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Increased knowledge about predictors of the course of persistent physical symptoms (PPS) is needed to identify patients at risk for long-term PPS in clinical settings. Therefore, we developed prediction models for the course of PPS in terms of symptom-severity and related functional status during a 2-year follow-up period. METHODS We used data of the PROSPECTS cohort study, consisting of 325 PPS patients from several health care settings. Symptom severity (PHQ-15), physical functioning (RAND 36 PCS) and mental functioning (RAND 36 MCS) were assessed at baseline and 6, 12 and 24 months afterwards. We applied mixed model analyses to develop prediction models for all outcomes, using all follow-up measurements. Potential predictors were based on empirical and theoretical literature and measured at baseline. RESULTS For symptom severity, physical functioning and mental functioning we identified predictors for the adverse course of PPS included physical comorbidity, higher severity and longer duration of PPS at baseline, anxiety, catastrophizing cognitions, embarrassment and fear avoidance cognitions, avoidance or resting behaviour and neuroticism. Predictors of a favourable course included limited alcohol use, higher education, higher levels of physical and mental functioning at baseline, symptom focusing, damage cognitions and extraversion. Explained interpersonal variance for all three models varied between 70.5 and 76.0%. Performance of the models was comparable in primary and secondary/tertiary care. CONCLUSION The presented prediction models identified several relevant demographic, medical, psychological and behavioural predictors for adverse and favourable courses of PPS. External validation of the presented models is needed prior to clinical implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikki Claassen-van Dessel
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Johannes C van der Wouden
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes W R Twisk
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Health Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joost Dekker
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Health Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and Department of Psychiatry, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henriëtte E van der Horst
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Eliasen M, Schröder A, Fink P, Kreiner S, Dantoft TM, Poulsen CH, Petersen MW, Eplov LF, Skovbjerg S, Jørgensen T. A step towards a new delimitation of functional somatic syndromes: A latent class analysis of symptoms in a population-based cohort study. J Psychosom Res 2018; 108:102-117. [PMID: 29602319 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2018.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The current delimitation of functional somatic syndromes (FSS) is inconsistent. We aimed to investigate somatic symptom profiles in the general adult population to contribute to a new, data-driven delimitation of FSS. METHODS Information on 31 self-reported somatic symptoms used in the delimitation of various FSS and bodily distress syndrome (BDS) was obtained from the DanFunD study-a population-based cohort study on 9656 adults (participation 33.6%) from Greater Copenhagen, Denmark. Latent class analysis was used to identify symptom profiles. The profiles were described by their relation with sex, age, chronic disease, self-perceived health, symptom impact, self-reported FSS, and BDS case-status. RESULTS Eight symptom profiles were identified. The largest profile had no symptoms (49% of the population). Three profiles were characterized by a few, specific symptoms: muscle and joint pain (17%), gastrointestinal symptoms (6%), and general symptoms (13%). Three profiles had multiple symptoms in specific combinations: musculoskeletal and general symptoms (7%); fatigue, musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal symptoms (3%); and cardiopulmonary, gastrointestinal and general symptoms (3%). Lastly, one profile (2%) had high probability of all symptoms. The last four profiles (15%) were strongly associated with BDS case-status, poor self-perceived health and high impact of symptoms. Analyses excluding persons with multi-symptomatic chronic disease showed similar results. CONCLUSIONS We identified eight symptom profiles characterized by specific combinations of symptoms. Four of these had multiple symptoms from several bodily systems showing large overlap with BDS, possibly indicating subtypes of FSS. The profiles contribute to a new delimitation of FSS by illustrating the importance of specific symptom combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Eliasen
- Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark; Research Centre for Prevention and Health, The Capital Region of Denmark, Glostrup, Denmark.
| | - Andreas Schröder
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Per Fink
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Svend Kreiner
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Meinertz Dantoft
- Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark; Research Centre for Prevention and Health, The Capital Region of Denmark, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Chalotte Heinsvig Poulsen
- Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark; Research Centre for Prevention and Health, The Capital Region of Denmark, Glostrup, Denmark; Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, The Capital Region of Denmark, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Marie Weinreich Petersen
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lene Falgaard Eplov
- Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, The Capital Region of Denmark, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Sine Skovbjerg
- Research Centre for Prevention and Health, The Capital Region of Denmark, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Torben Jørgensen
- Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark; Research Centre for Prevention and Health, The Capital Region of Denmark, Glostrup, Denmark; Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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Petersen MW, Skovenborg EL, Rask CU, Høeg MD, Ørnbøl E, Schröder A. Physical comorbidity in patients with multiple functional somatic syndromes. A register-based case-control study. J Psychosom Res 2018; 104:22-28. [PMID: 29275781 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Revised: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 11/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with multiple functional somatic syndromes show markedly reduced functioning and numerous somatic symptoms that cannot be explained by conventionally-defined physical disease. Whilst the comorbidity of functional somatic syndromes with mental disorders is well-known, knowledge about physical comorbidity and mortality is scarce. AIM To compare number of physical diseases between patients with multiple functional somatic syndromes (operationalized as multi-organ bodily distress syndrome) and the general population with regard to: 1) All conventionally-defined physical diseases, and 2) Severe mortality-associated physical diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients with multiple functional somatic syndromes (n=239) were compared with age- and gender-matched population-based controls (n=5975). The number of physical diseases during a four-year period was estimated by means of registered ICD-10 codes in relation to hospital admissions and ambulatory care. We counted individual diagnoses indicating conventionally-defined physical disease based on a previously developed diagnosis sorting algorithm and an additional clinical evaluation, excluding unspecific (symptom) diagnoses and functional somatic syndromes. An updated version of Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI12) was used to estimate severe, mortality-associated physical diseases. RESULTS Patients with multiple functional somatic syndromes had an increased number of conventionally-defined physical disease compared to controls (Ratio: 2.17, 95% CI: 1.96-2.41). Groups were similar as regards CCI12 (P=0.55). CONCLUSIONS Patients with multiple functional somatic syndromes showed substantial physical comorbidity. Their burden of severe, mortality-associated physical diseases was comparable to the general population. Further research is needed to clarify the nature, clinical significance, and long-term consequences of the comorbid physical diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Weinreich Petersen
- The Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | | | - Charlotte Ulrikka Rask
- The Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark; Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Center, Risskov, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Marian Dalgaard Høeg
- The Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Eva Ørnbøl
- The Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Andreas Schröder
- The Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark.
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Erkic M, Bailer J, Fenske SC, Schmidt SNL, Trojan J, Schröder A, Kirsch P, Mier D. Impaired emotion processing and a reduction in trust in patients with somatic symptom disorder. Clin Psychol Psychother 2017; 25:163-172. [PMID: 29044807 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Revised: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
There is accumulating evidence for deficits in the perception and regulation of one's own emotions, as well as the recognition of others' emotions in somatic symptom disorder (SSD). However, investigations of SSD focusing on specific aspects of emotion processing and how these might interact are missing. We included 35 patients with SSD and 35 healthy controls who completed questionnaires on the perception and regulation of their own emotions, as well as experimental investigations of emotion recognition and trust. In line with previous studies, our results show that SSD patients in comparison to healthy controls have difficulties in the identification and description of own feelings (ηp2 = .381 and ηp2 = .315). Furthermore, we found that patients apply less cognitive reappraisal (ηp2 = .185) but tend to use more expressive suppression (ηp2 = .047). In contrast to previous studies, we found SSD patients to perform superior in emotion recognition, in particular for anger (d = 0.40). In addition, patients with SSD invested less in a trust game (d = 0.73). These results point to a higher sensitivity for negative emotions and less trust in others. Further, these findings suggest a dissociation between the ability to recognize one's own emotions versus others' emotions in SSD. Future interventions targeting emotion processing in SSD might focus on the identification of one's own emotions, prior to the training of emotion regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Erkic
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Josef Bailer
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Sabrina C Fenske
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Stephanie N L Schmidt
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jörg Trojan
- Department of Psychology, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | - Annette Schröder
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | - Peter Kirsch
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Daniela Mier
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
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What do guidelines and systematic reviews tell us about the management of medically unexplained symptoms in primary care? BJGP Open 2017; 1:bjgpopen17X101061. [PMID: 30564678 PMCID: PMC6169926 DOI: 10.3399/bjgpopen17x101061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Schröder A, Ørnbøl E, Jensen JS, Sharpe M, Fink P. Long-term economic evaluation of cognitive-behavioural group treatment versus enhanced usual care for functional somatic syndromes. J Psychosom Res 2017; 94:73-81. [PMID: 28183406 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2017.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with functional somatic syndromes (FSS) such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome have a poor outcome and can incur high healthcare and societal costs. We aimed to compare the medium-term (16months) cost-effectiveness and the long-term (40months) economic outcomes of a bespoke cognitive-behavioural group treatment (STreSS) with that of enhanced usual care (EUC). METHODS We obtained complete data on healthcare and indirect costs (i.e. labour marked-related and health-related benefits) from public registries for 120 participants from a randomised controlled trial. Costs were calculated as per capita public expenses in 2010 €. QALYs gained were estimated from the SF-6D. We conducted a medium-term cost-effectiveness analysis and a long-term cost-minimization analysis from both a healthcare (i.e. direct cost) and a societal (i.e. total cost) perspective. RESULTS In the medium term, the probability that STreSS was cost-effective at thresholds of 25,000 to 35,000 € per QALY was 93-95% from a healthcare perspective, but only 50-55% from a societal perspective. In the long term, however, STreSS was associated with increasing savings in indirect costs, mainly due to a greater number of patients self-supporting. When combined with stable long-term reductions in healthcare expenditures, there were total cost savings of 7184 € (95% CI 2271 to 12,096, p=0.004) during the third year after treatment. CONCLUSION STreSS treatment costs an average of 1545 €. This cost was more than offset by subsequent savings in direct and indirect costs. Implementation could both improve patient outcomes and reduce costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Schröder
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Eva Ørnbøl
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jens S Jensen
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Michael Sharpe
- Psychological Medicine Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Per Fink
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Rosendal M, Olde Hartman TC, Aamland A, van der Horst H, Lucassen P, Budtz-Lilly A, Burton C. "Medically unexplained" symptoms and symptom disorders in primary care: prognosis-based recognition and classification. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2017; 18:18. [PMID: 28173764 PMCID: PMC5297117 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-017-0592-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many patients consult their GP because they experience bodily symptoms. In a substantial proportion of cases, the clinical picture does not meet the existing diagnostic criteria for diseases or disorders. This may be because symptoms are recent and evolving or because symptoms are persistent but, either by their character or the negative results of clinical investigation cannot be attributed to disease: so-called "medically unexplained symptoms" (MUS). MUS are inconsistently recognised, diagnosed and managed in primary care. The specialist classification systems for MUS pose several problems in a primary care setting. The systems generally require great certainty about presence or absence of physical disease, they tend to be mind-body dualistic, and they view symptoms from a narrow specialty determined perspective. We need a new classification of MUS in primary care; a classification that better supports clinical decision-making, creates clearer communication and provides scientific underpinning of research to ensure effective interventions. DISCUSSION We propose a classification of symptoms that places greater emphasis on prognostic factors. Prognosis-based classification aims to categorise the patient's risk of ongoing symptoms, complications, increased healthcare use or disability because of the symptoms. Current evidence suggests several factors which may be used: symptom characteristics such as: number, multi-system pattern, frequency, severity. Other factors are: concurrent mental disorders, psychological features and demographic data. We discuss how these characteristics may be used to classify symptoms into three groups: self-limiting symptoms, recurrent and persistent symptoms, and symptom disorders. The middle group is especially relevant in primary care; as these patients generally have reduced quality of life but often go unrecognised and are at risk of iatrogenic harm. The presented characteristics do not contain immediately obvious cut-points, and the assessment of prognosis depends on a combination of several factors. CONCLUSION Three criteria (multiple symptoms, multiple systems, multiple times) may support the classification into good, intermediate and poor prognosis when dealing with symptoms in primary care. The proposed new classification specifically targets the patient population in primary care and may provide a rational framework for decision-making in clinical practice and for epidemiologic and clinical research of symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Rosendal
- Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Bartholins Alle 2, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
- Research Unit of General Practice, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winslows Vej 9 A, DK-5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Tim C Olde Hartman
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Aase Aamland
- Research Unit for General Practice, Uni Research Health, Bergen, Norway
| | - Henriette van der Horst
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Lucassen
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Budtz-Lilly
- Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Bartholins Alle 2, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Christopher Burton
- Academic Unit of Primary Medical Care, University of Sheffield, Samuel Fox House, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, S5 7 AU UK
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Kallesøe KH, Schröder A, Wicksell RK, Fink P, Ørnbøl E, Rask CU. Comparing group-based acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) with enhanced usual care for adolescents with functional somatic syndromes: a study protocol for a randomised trial. BMJ Open 2016; 6:e012743. [PMID: 27633643 PMCID: PMC5030556 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-012743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Revised: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Functional somatic syndromes (FSS) are common in adolescents, characterised by severe disability and reduced quality of life. Behavioural treatments such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) has shown promising results in children and adolescents with FSS, but has focused on specific syndromes such as functional pain. The current study will compare the efficacy of group-based ACT with that of enhanced usual care (EUC) in adolescents with a range of FSS operationalised by the unifying construct of multiorgan bodily distress syndrome (BDS). METHODS AND ANALYSIS A total of 120 adolescents aged 15-19 and diagnosed with multiorgan BDS, of at least 12 months duration, will be assessed and randomised to either: (1) EUC: a manualised consultation with a child and adolescent psychiatrist and individualised treatment plan or (2) manualised ACT-based group therapy plus EUC. The ACT programme consists of 9 modules (ie, 27 hours) and 1 follow-up meeting (3 hours). The primary outcome is physical health, assessed by an Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) aggregate score 12 months after randomisation. Secondary outcomes include self-reported symptom severity, symptom interference, depression and anxiety, illness worry, perceived stress and global improvement; as well as objective physical activity and bodily stress response measured by heart rate variability, hair cortisol and inflammatory biomarkers. Process measures are illness perception, illness-related behaviour and psychological flexibility. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study is conducted in accordance with Helsinki Declaration II. Approval has been obtained from the Science Ethics Committee of the Central Denmark Region and the Danish Data Protection. The results will be sought to be published according to the CONSORT statement in peer-reviewed journals. DISCUSSION This is one of the first larger randomised clinical trials evaluating the effect of a group-based intervention for adolescents with a range of severe FSS. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02346071; Pre-results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Hansen Kallesøe
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Andreas Schröder
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Rikard K Wicksell
- Behavior Medicine Pain Treatment Services, Karolinska, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per Fink
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Eva Ørnbøl
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Ulrikka Rask
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Regional Centre for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Risskov, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Budtz-Lilly A, Schröder A, Rask MT, Fink P, Vestergaard M, Rosendal M. Bodily distress syndrome: A new diagnosis for functional disorders in primary care? BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2015; 16:180. [PMID: 26669977 PMCID: PMC4681035 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-015-0393-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background Conceptualisation and classification of functional disorders appear highly inconsistent in the health-care system, particularly in primary care. Numerous terms and overlapping diagnostic criteria are prevalent of which many are considered stigmatising by general practitioners and patients. The lack of a clear concept challenges the general practitioner’s decision-making when a diagnosis or a treatment approach must be selected for a patient with a functional disorder. This calls for improvements of the diagnostic categories. Intense debate has risen in connection with the release of the fifth version of the ‘Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders’ and the current revision of the ‘International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems’. We aim to discuss a new evidence based diagnostic proposal, bodily distress syndrome, which holds the potential to change our current approach to functional disorders in primary care. A special focus will be directed towards the validity and utility criteria recommended for diagnostic categorisation. Discussion A growing body of evidence suggests that the numerous diagnoses for functional disorders listed in the current classifications belong to one family of closely related disorders. We name the underlying phenomenon ‘bodily distress’; it manifests as patterns of multiple and disturbing bodily sensations. Bodily distress syndrome is a diagnostic category with specific criteria covering this illness phenomenon. The category has been explored through empirical studies, which in combination provide a sound basis for determining a symptom profile, the diagnostic stability and the boundaries of the condition. However, as bodily distress syndrome embraces only the most common symptom patterns, patients with few but impairing symptoms are not captured. Furthermore, the current lack of treatment options may also influence the acceptance of the proposed diagnosis. Summary Bodily distress syndrome is a diagnostic category with notable validity according to empirical studies. Nevertheless, knowledge is sparse on the utility in primary care. Future intervention studies should investigate the translation of bodily distress syndrome into clinical practice. A particular focus should be directed towards the acceptability among general practitioners and patients. Most importantly, it should be investigated whether the new category may provide the basis for better treatment and improved clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Budtz-Lilly
- Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark.
| | - Andreas Schröder
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Mette Trøllund Rask
- Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark.
| | - Per Fink
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Mogens Vestergaard
- Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark.
| | - Marianne Rosendal
- Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark.
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