Processes in acceptance and commitment therapy and the rehabilitation of chronic fatigue

Online acceptance and commitment therapy (iACT) for adults with persistent physical symptoms - 3-month follow-up study of a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

Persistent physical symptoms (PPS) represent a major health problem affecting daily functioning. This RCT aimed to examine whether a guided Internet-based treatment based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) provided additional benefits compared to Treatment as Usual (TAU) in reducing somatic complaints and psychological distress in adults with PPS.

METHODS

A total of 103 adults with PPS related to indoor environments, chronic fatigue or both conditions were assigned to receive either either a 14-week intervention (video-based case conceptualization + Internet-based ACT) combined with TAU (iACT + TAU; n = 50) or TAU alone (n = 53). Somatic symptoms, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and psychological flexibility were assessed from pre-intervention to a 3-month follow-up. Additionally, the association between changes in psychological flexibility from pre- to post-intervention and changes in symptoms from pre to 3-month follow-up was explored. Analyses were conducted using a multigroup method with full information maximum likelihood estimator.

RESULTS

The results revealed a significant interaction effect, indicating reductions in somatic symptoms and symptoms of depression and anxiety with moderate to large between-group effects (d = 0.71-1.09). No significant interaction effect was observed in insomnia and measures of psychological flexibility.

CONCLUSION

Internet-based ACT, when combined with Treatment as Usual, demonstrated efficacy for individuals with PPS associated with indoor environments and chronic fatigue. These findings are pertinent for primary healthcare providers, suggesting that the current treatment model could serve as a low-threshold first-line treatment option.

THE CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04532827.

Psychological flexibility and global health in young adults with and without a self-reported functional somatic syndrome: a preliminary investigation

Functional somatic syndromes (FSS) are associated with functional impairments and distress. FSSs are common among young adults, and psychological flexibility may be a transdiagnostic process appropriate for treatment of FSS in this population. The objective of the current study was to compare physical and mental health in young adults with and without a self-reported FSS and examine which psychological flexibility processes are associated with better physical and mental health in the FSS subset. A total of 447 young adults participated in the current study. Individuals who reported an FSS diagnosis were coded as having a self-reported FSS. Physical and mental health and psychological flexibility were measured via self-report. FSS and non-FSS groups were compared regarding demographic characteristics and on the primary outcomes. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to examine the role of the psychological flexibility processes in physical and mental health in the FSS subset. Findings revealed that the FSS group scored significantly lower on measures of physical health and demonstrated less behavioral awareness than the non-FSS group. No differences regarding mental health were found. All three psychological flexibility processes were associated with physical and mental health, accounting for 26-49% of the variance in these outcomes. In conclusion, young adults with FSS experience more physical health difficulties than those without FSS. Psychological flexibility processes were related to better physical and mental health in those with FSS. These findings add to the literature and provide preliminary support for psychological flexibility as a future target for intervention development and implementation aimed at young adults with FSS.

MITIG.RA: study protocol of a tailored psychological intervention for managing fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Despite remarkable medical advances in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a subset of patients fails to achieve complete clinical remission, as the Patient Global Assessment (PGA) of disease activity remains above 1, even after the inflammatory process is brought under control. This so-called state of 'PGA-near-remission' negatively impacts individuals' functioning and potentiates inadequate care. Fatigue is a distressing and disabling symptom frequently reported by patients in PGA-near-remission, and its management remains challenging. While classic cognitive-behavioural interventions show some benefits in managing fatigue, there is potential for improvement. Recently, contextual-cognitive behavioural therapies (CCBT), like mindfulness, acceptance, and compassion-based interventions, have shown promising results in fatigue-associated disorders and their determinants. This study primarily aims to examine the efficacy of the Compassion and Mindfulness Intervention for RA (MITIG.RA), a novel intervention combining different components of CCBT, compared to treatment-as-usual (TAU) in the management of RA-associated fatigue. Secondary aims involve exploring whether MITIG.RA produces changes in the perceived impact of disease, satisfaction with disease status, levels of depression, and emotion-regulation skills.

METHODS

This is a single center, two-arm parallel randomized controlled trial. Patients will be screened for eligibility and willingness to participate and will be assessed and randomized to the experimental (MITIG.RA + TAU) or control condition (TAU) using computer randomization. MITIG.RA will be delivered by a certified psychologist and comprises eight sessions of 2 h, followed by two booster sessions. Outcomes will be assessed through validated self-report measures, including fatigue (primary outcome), perceived impact of disease, depressive symptoms, mindfulness, self-compassion, safety, and satisfaction (secondary outcomes). Assessment will take place at baseline, post-intervention, before the first and second booster sessions (weeks 12 and 20, respectively), and at 32 and 44 weeks after the interventions' beginning.

DISCUSSION

We expect MITIG.RA to be effective in reducing levels of RA-associated fatigue. Secondarily, we hypothesize that the experimental group will show improvements in the overall perceived impact of disease, emotional distress, and emotion regulation skills. Our findings will contribute to determine the benefits of combining CCBT approaches for managing fatigue and associated distress in RA.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05389189. Registered on May 25, 2022.

Comparison of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) for Chronic Insomnia: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is part of the third wave of cognitive behavior therapy, and has six core components: acceptance, cognitive defusion, self as context, being present, values, and committed behavior. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of ACT for insomnia compared with cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) in patients with chronic primary insomnia.

Methods

The study recruited patients with chronic primary insomnia from a university hospital between August 2020 and July 2021. Thirty patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive either ACT (n = 15) or CBT-I (n = 15). Interventions were performed over four weeks, with four sessions of face-to-face therapy and four sessions of online therapy. The outcomes were measured using a sleep diary and a questionnaire.

Results

Post-intervention, the ACT and CBT-I groups had significantly improved sleep quality, insomnia severity, depression, beliefs about sleep, sleep onset latency (SOL), and sleep efficacy (SE) (p < 0.05). However, anxiety was significantly reduced in the ACT group (p = 0.015), but not in the CBT-I group.

Conclusion

ACT had a significant effect on primary insomnia and secondary symptoms, especially anxiety related to insomnia. These findings suggest that ACT could be a potential intervention for individuals who do not respond to CBT-I, who have high anxiety regarding sleep problems.

Coping strategies in patients with good outcome but chronic fatigue after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Fatigue is a highly prevalent and debilitating symptom among patients in the chronic phase of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) with no identified effective treatment. Cognitive therapy has been shown to have moderate effects on fatigue. Delineating the coping strategies used by patients with post-aSAH fatigue and relating them to fatigue severity and emotional symptoms could be a step towards developing a behavioural therapy for post-aSAH fatigue.

METHODS

Ninety-six good outcome patients with chronic post-aSAH fatigue answered the questionnaires Brief COPE, (a questionnaire defining 14 coping strategies and three Coping Styles), the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Mental Fatigue Scale (MFS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). The Brief COPE scores were compared with fatigue severity and emotional symptoms of the patients.

RESULTS

The prevailing coping strategies were "Acceptance", "Emotional Support", "Active Coping" and "Planning". "Acceptance" was the sole coping strategy that was significantly inversely related to levels of fatigue. Patients with the highest scores for mental fatigue and those with clinically significant emotional symptoms applied significantly more maladaptive avoidant strategies. Females and the youngest patients applied more "Problem-Focused" strategies.

CONCLUSION

A therapeutic behavioural model aiming at furthering "Acceptance" and reducing passivity and "Avoidant" strategies may contribute to alleviate post-aSAH fatigue in good outcome patients. Given the chronic nature of post-aSAH fatigue, neurosurgeons may encourage patients to accept their new situation so that they can start a process of positive reframing instead of being trapped in a spiral of futile loss of energy and secondary increased emotional burden and frustration.

Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for people with advanced cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AIMS

To systematically review existing evidence and assess the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for people with advanced cancer.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

DATA SOURCES

Nine databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP Database and Wanfang, were searched. The search covered the period between the inception of the selected databases and August 2022.

REVIEW METHODS

Two authors independently examined eligible studies and appraised the methodological quality of the included studies by applying the criteria suggested by the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care followed by data abstraction. The Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist was used to identify intervention characteristics. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to evaluate the certainty of evidence.

RESULTS

Eight studies, involving 488 people with advanced cancer, were included. The results showed significant effects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on the improvement of quality of life and the alleviation of anxiety, depression, psychological distress and fatigue in people with advanced cancer. However, its effects in relieving psychological flexibility and pain were not statistically significant. The certainty of the evidence was low to moderate.

CONCLUSION

People with advanced cancer can benefit from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which is conducive to improving their health outcomes.

IMPACT

This review provides evidence about the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in people with advanced cancer. Further well-designed studies with larger sample sizes are required. This review may help nurses and researchers to design and implement Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in clinical practice, thereby improving health outcomes in this population.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42021244568.

A randomized controlled trial protocol for persistent physical symptoms associated with indoor environment or chronic fatigue: Effectiveness of video-based functional case conceptualization and web-program for improving quality of life

Introduction

Persistent physical symptoms (PPS) refer to symptoms that cannot be fully explained by structural bodily pathology or by environmental factors. Their impact on daily functioning varies from mild to severe disability. So far, evidence-based treatments for PPS have resulted in only small to moderate effects. Treatment protocols with a stronger orientation toward personalized approaches are needed to improve the efficacy and applicability of treatment. In this study, we aim to assess the effect of an online individual case conceptualization with web-based program for PPS. This study is conducted among two focus groups: patients with indoor air-related symptoms and patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Methods and analyses

Using a randomized controlled design (RCT) with two parallel groups in a 1:1 ratio, we will compare individual video-based case conceptualization with a web-based program based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), combined with treatment as usual, with treatment as usual only. The web-based program consists of ten modules, each lasting 1 week and including training. The planned sample size is 124 eligible patients without attrition. The primary outcome will be the health-related quality of life as measured by the 15D questionnaire. The secondary outcome measures will include questionnaires on psychiatric and physical symptoms, illness perceptions, psychological flexibility, and work ability. We will also use national registers to obtain information on the use of healthcare and social benefits to complete patient-reported outcomes. Data collection began in August 2020 and will continue until 2023.

Discussion

This trial will provide information on the effects and usefulness of an online administrated individual case conceptualization and an ACT-based web-program on PPS.

Ethics and dissemination

The Ethics Committee of the Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa, Finland, has granted approval for the study. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Clinical Trial Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT04532827 preresults.

Effects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on fatigue interference and health-related quality of life among patients with advanced lung cancer: A pilot randomized controlled trial

Objective

The present study aimed to examine the feasibility and preliminary effects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on fatigue interference and health-related quality of life in patients with advanced lung cancer.

Methods

In a single-blinded, parallel-group randomized controlled trial, 40 patients with advanced lung cancer were randomized to either the intervention group, which received the four-session individual ACT in 4 weeks, or the control group, which received usual care. The outcomes were evaluated at baseline and one week postintervention.

Results

Intervention feasibility and acceptability were established with a high attendance rate of 88.75% and a high retention rate of 75%. Approximately 95% of the participants reported satisfaction with the intervention. Despite the insignificant effects on fatigue interference, statistically significant interactions effects of ACT for health-related quality of life (P ​= ​0.001), cancer-related fatigue (P ​< ​0.001), depressive symptoms (P ​< ​0.001), anxiety (P ​< ​0.001), and distress (P ​= ​0.003) were noted.

Conclusions

This pilot trial supports the feasibility and acceptability of conducting ACT for patients with advanced lung cancer. The findings show the potential positive effects of ACT on health-related quality of life. Future studies with full-scale samples are recommended to evaluate the long-term effects of ACT on fatigue interference.

Fatigue severity and avoidance among individuals with chronic disease: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Fatigue is a common, debilitating symptom experienced by individuals with chronic disease. Avoidance, or the act of evading unwanted experiences, is associated with fatigue across chronic disease samples. The current study sought to determine the strength of association between fatigue severity and avoidance in individuals with chronic disease.

METHODS

PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses databases were searched. Eligible studies measured fatigue and avoidance in chronic disease samples. Sixty-six studies were included. Data analyses were conducted in Rstudio. A random effects model was employed, and a weighted mean effect size was computed for fatigue severity and avoidance. Mixed-effects meta-regression analyses were conducted to examine moderating variables, including patient, clinical, and measurement characteristics. Publication bias was examined using funnel plot, trim-and-fill, and p-curve.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis comprised of 71 unique patient samples from 66 studies. The total number of included participants was 13,024. A small, positive association was found between fatigue severity and avoidance, r(71) = 0.22, p < .001, 95% CI [0.18-0.27], SE = 0.02. There was also significant heterogeneity, Q(70) = 349.96, p < .001. Moderator analyses examining age, sex, illness duration, avoidance type, and disease sample were all non-significant. Regarding publication bias, trim-and-fill resulted in a modified weighted mean effect size (r(83) = 0.18, p < .001) and a p-curve analysis supported the evidential value of the current analysis.

CONCLUSION

Findings support that among individuals with chronic disease, fatigue severity and avoidance are positively associated, which has implications for behavioral interventions in this population.

Pre- and post-operative psychological interventions to prevent pain and fatigue after breast cancer surgery (PREVENT): Protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

Breast cancer is the most common cancer type among women worldwide with over a million new cases each year. More than 40% of these women will struggle with chronic pain and fatigue after surgery, regardless of surgical procedure. These consequences are detrimental and result in distress and disability, including work disability. Few attempts have been made to prevent chronic pain and fatigue after surgery by applying a psychological approach, despite psychological risk factors being crucial in the development of both chronic pain and fatigue. In this study, we aim to develop and test an easily implementable strategy of preventing chronic pain and fatigue after breast cancer surgery. The intervention strategy involves a pre-operative hypnosis session and a web-based post-operative Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The hypnosis has previously been found effective in alleviating acute post-operative pain and fatigue in breast cancer patients, while ACT is well suited to cancer populations as it offers a model of healthy adaptation to difficult circumstances. Together they form an intervention strategy with both a preventive and a rehabilitative focus.

Methods/Design

This randomized controlled trial aims to estimate the effects of the pre- and post- operative interventions compared to attentional control and treatment as usual (TAU) and will also include a qualitative process evaluation. Participants will be randomized to receive either a pre-operative brief hypnosis session and a post-operative web-based psychological intervention (iACT) or a pre-operative one-session mindfulness through an audio file and post-operative TAU. Self-reported questionnaire data and biomarker data will be assessed pre-surgery, post-surgery and 3 and 12 months after surgery. In addition, we will assess registry data on sick leave and prescriptions until 2-year follow-up. In the qualitative process evaluation, data will be collected from participants from both study arms (through interviews and a diary) and two different analyses performed (socio-narrative and Grounded Theory) with the objective to describe the development of chronic post-surgical pain and fatigue and the potential influence of the interventions on these processes. The study is set-up to demonstrate a minimum difference in pain of 1 point on NRS (0–10) and 3 points on FACIT-F (0–52) between the groups at 3-months follow-up by including 200 breast cancer patients in total.

Discussion

This trial will be the first study to estimate the effect of a combined pre-operative hypnosis with a post-operative iACT to prevent pain and fatigue after breast cancer surgery. The results from our study might i) help the large group of women affected by chronic pain and fatigue after breast cancer surgery, ii) shed light on the mechanisms involved in chronic pain and fatigue development, and iii) serve as a model for other surgical procedures.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, registration number NCT04518085. Registered on January 29th, 2020. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04518085.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for the Discontinuation of Long-Term Benzodiazepine Use in Insomnia and Anxiety Disorders

Benzodiazepines have proven to be highly effective for treating insomnia and anxiety. Although considered safe when taken for a short period of time, a major risk–benefit dilemma arises in the context of long-term use, relating to addiction, withdrawal symptoms, and potential side effects. For these reasons, benzodiazepines are not recommended for treating chronic sleep disorders, anxiety disorders, nor for people over the age of 65, and withdrawal among long-term users is a public health issue. Indeed, only 5% of patients manage to discontinue using these drugs on their own. Even with the help of a general practitioner, this rate does not exceed 25 to 30% of patients, of which approximately 7% manage to remain drug-free in the long term. Cognitive Behavioral Therapies (CBT) offer a crucial solution to this problem, having been shown to increase abstinence success to 70–80%. This article examines traditional and novel CBT techniques in this regard, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which address both the underlying condition (insomnia/anxiety) and the substance-related disorder. The theoretical framework and evidence supporting the use of these approaches are reviewed. Finally, current research gaps are discussed, and key research perspectives are proposed.

A Mobile App for Measuring Real Time Fatigue in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: Introducing the Fimo Health App

Although fatigue is one of the most disabling symptoms of MS, its pathogenesis is not well understood yet. This study aims to introduce a new holistic approach to measure fatigue and its influencing factors via a mobile app. Fatigue is measured with different patient-reported outcome measures (Visual Analog Scale, Fatigue Severity Scale) and tests (Symbol Digit Modalities Test). The influencing vital and environmental factors are captured with a smartwatch and phone sensors. Patients can track these factors within the app. To individually counteract their fatigue, a fatigue course, based on the current treatment guidelines, was implemented. The course implies knowledge about fatigue and MS, exercises, energy-conservation management, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Based on the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change, the design of the Fimo health app follows the ten strategies of the process of change, which is a proven approach to designing health intervention programs. By monitoring fatigue and individual influencing factors, patients can better understand and manage their fatigue. They can share their data and insights about fatigue and its influencing factors with their doctors. Thus, they can receive individualized therapies and drug plans.

How Do Fluctuations in Pain, Fatigue, Anxiety, Depressed Mood, and Perceived Cognitive Function Relate to Same-Day Social Participation in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury?

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine same-day associations of pain, fatigue, depressed mood, anxiety, and perceived cognitive function with social participation in the daily lives of adults with spinal cord injury (SCI).

DESIGN

Observational study used a combination of baseline surveys and 7 end-of-day (EOD) diaries.

SETTING

General community.

PARTICIPANTS

Individuals with SCI (N=168; mean age, 49.8y; 63% male, 37% female).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System short form measures (Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities, Pain Intensity, Depression, Anxiety, Cognitive Function Abilities) were adapted for daily administrations as EOD diaries.

RESULT

Results of multivariable model showed that daily increases in fatigue (B=-0.10; P=.004) and depressive symptoms (B=-0.25; P=<.001) and decreases in perceived cognitive function (B=0.11; P=<.001) were significantly related to worse same-day social participation. Daily fluctuations in anxiety and pain were unrelated to same-day social participation.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study that shows within-person associations of common SCI symptoms with social participation in the daily lives of adults with SCI. Results from the current study may help to develop more effective individualized treatments of symptoms and symptom effect aimed at improving social participation.

Effects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on health-related outcomes for patients with advanced cancer: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Advanced cancer is an incurable and life-threatening disease that poses a major challenge to patients' psychological and physical well-being. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a mindfulness-based behavioural therapy for managing health outcomes and inducing health-related behaviour changes. However, the components and modality of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and its effectiveness on health outcomes for patients with advanced cancer remain unclear.

OBJECTIVES

This review aimed to identify the main content, delivery mode, dosage and duration of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and to systematically summarise evidence regarding its application in patients with advanced cancer for improving physical and psychological outcomes and health-related quality of life.

DESIGN

Systematic review.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, British Nursing Index, Medline, PsycINFO, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and WANFANG Data were searched to identify eligible clinical trials.

REVIEW METHODS

Two reviewers independently assessed the eligibility of each study and extracted data. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist was used to evaluate the risk of bias in the included studies. Narrative synthesis was used to present the findings of this review.

RESULTS

Six studies involving 261 participants were included in this review, including five randomised control trials and one with a pretest-posttest design. Two out of the five studies reported Acceptance and Commitment Therapy significantly reduced depressive symptoms and psychological distress post-intervention with a large effect size compared with usual care. One study indicated significant improvements in anxiety, sleep characteristics and health-related quality of life with a large effect size post-intervention. Non-significant changes in fatigue and pain were found. Intervention programmes with no more than four sessions had high adherence rates.

CONCLUSION

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy may be a beneficial way to improve depressive symptoms, anxiety, psychological distress, sleep characteristics and health-related quality of life in patients with advanced cancer. However, limited studies, small sample size and methodological heterogeneity weaken the evidence. More rigorous research using brief Acceptance and Commitment Therapy programmes should be conducted within larger samples to further confirm the effectiveness and evaluate its long-term effect on this population.

The effect of acceptance and commitment therapy on insomnia and sleep quality: A systematic review

Background

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), as a type of behavioral therapy, attempts to respond to changes in people’s performance and their relationship to events. ACT can affect sleep quality by providing techniques to enhance the flexibility of patients’ thoughts, yet maintaining mindfullness. Therefore, for the first time, a systematic review on the effects of ACT on sleep quality has been conducted.

Methods

This systematic review was performed to determine the effect of ACT on insomnia and sleep quality. To collect articles, the PubMed, Web of Science (WOS), Cochrane library, Embase, Scopus, Science Direct, ProQuest, Mag Iran, Irandoc, and Google Scholar databases were searched, without a lower time-limit, and until April 2020.

Results

Related articles were derived from 9 research repositories, with no lower time-limit and until April 2020. After assessing 1409 collected studies, 278 repetitive studies were excluded. Moreover, following the primary and secondary evaluations of the remaining articles, 1112 other studies were removed, and finally a total of 19 intervention studies were included in the systematic review process. Within the remaining articles, a sample of 1577 people had been assessed for insomnia and sleep quality.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that ACT has a significant effect on primary and comorbid insomnia and sleep quality, and therefore, it can be used as an appropriate treatment method to control and improve insomnia.

Effectiveness of an ACT-based rehabilitation program for the treatment of chronic fatigue: Results from a 12-months longitudinal study

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is potentially effective for treating chronic fatigue. Given the paucity of studies on this topic, we aimed to assess long-term trajectories of primary (fatigue, quality of life and functional abilities) and secondary outcomes (anxious and depressive symptoms) of an ACT-based rehabilitation program for patients with chronic fatigue. Further, we examined if changes in potential process variables (psychological inflexibility, metacognitive beliefs, and cognitive and behavioral responses to symptoms) during ACT predicted change in all outcomes across follow-up. One-hundred ninety-five workers on sick leave (mean age: 43.61 ± 9.33 years; 80.5% females) with a diagnosis of chronic fatigue were enrolled in a manualized, 3.5-week intensive return-to-work rehabilitation program based on ACT. All completed a battery of questionnaires at pre-, post-treatment, 6 and 12 months follow-up. We found significant longitudinal changes in most primary and secondary outcomes from pre- up to 12 months follow-up. All process variables significantly decreased from pre- up to 12 months follow-up, and pre-to-post changes in fear avoidance beliefs were most often associated with a greater change in outcomes across follow-up. Depressive symptomatology showed a similar trajectory of change to fatigue, meaning that scores were correlated at each time point and tended to converge over time. This suggests that both symptoms influence each other substantially over a year following the treatment. Concluding, results lend support to the effectiveness of an ACT-based rehabilitation program for patients with chronic fatigue and provide preliminary evidence for the role of process variables and depressive symptomatology on subsequent change in outcomes.

Toward Further Understanding of Crohn's Disease-Related Fatigue: The Role of Depression and Emotional Processing

Because the relationship between Crohn’s Disease (CD) activity and CD-related fatigue remains poorly understood, this study investigated the role of underlying psychological processes (depression, anxiety, and emotional processing). It was expected that the relationship between CD activity and CD-related fatigue would be mediated by depression and anxiety and also by a deficit in emotional processing. This prediction was tested in 110 CD patients who completed self-reported questionnaires assessing fatigue (FSS), clinical activity of Crohn’s Disease (HBAI), psychological suffering (HADS), and emotional processing (EPS-25). A path analysis showed both direct and indirect effects in the relationship between CD activity and CD-related fatigue, accounting for 33% of the variance. One indirect effect on the experience of fatigue was depression, but there was no effect of anxiety. These preliminary results confirmed that disease activity induces an increase in depressive symptoms, which in turn leads to an increase in the level of fatigue. The most novel result of the present study is that emotional processing had an indirect effect on the relationship between CD and CD-related fatigue: when the disease was more active, patients exhibited greater disruption of emotional processing, which in turn led to greater fatigue. These results did not reveal any association between depression and emotional processing. In conclusion, this work highlights the role of emotional processing in CD-related fatigue and the importance of taking this factor into account in order to manage this condition better.

Patients with ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and chronic pain report similar level of sickness behavior as individuals injected with bacterial endotoxin at peak inflammation

Background

Chronic sickness behavior is implicated in ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and chronic pain but the level of subjective sickness behavior in these conditions has not been investigated or compared to other clinical and non-clinical samples, or to the level in experimental inflammation. Furthermore, the relationship between sickness behavior and self-rated health and functioning is not known in patients with ME/CFS and chronic pain. The aim of the present study was to investigate how sickness behavior in patients with chronic conditions differs from that in individuals with experimental acute sickness, primary care patients, the general population and healthy subjects. In addition, we wanted to explore how sickness behavior is related to self-rated health and health-related functioning.

Methods

Sickness behavior was quantified using the sickness questionnaire (SicknessQ). Self-ratings were collected at one time-point in 6 different samples. Levels of sickness behavior in patients with ME/CFS (n ​= ​38) and patients with chronic pain (n ​= ​190) were compared to healthy subjects with lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced inflammation (n ​= ​29), primary care patients (n ​= ​163), individuals from the general population (n ​= ​155) and healthy subjects (n ​= ​48), using linear regression. Correlations and moderated regression analyses were used to investigate associations between sickness behavior and self-rated health and health-related functioning in ME/CFS, chronic pain and the general population.

Results

LPS-injected individuals (M ​= ​16.3), patients with ME/CFS (M ​= ​16.1), chronic pain (M ​= ​16.1) and primary care patients (M ​= ​10.7) reported significantly higher SicknessQ scores than individuals from the general population (M ​= ​5.4) and healthy subjects (M ​= ​3.6) all p's ​< ​0.001). In turn, LPS-injected individuals, patients with ME/CFS and chronic pain reported significantly higher SicknessQ scores than primary care patients (p's ​< ​0.01). Higher levels of sickness behavior were associated with poorer self-rated health and health-related functioning (p's ​< ​0.01), but less so in patients with ME/CFS and chronic pain than in individuals from the general population.

Conclusions

Patients with ME/CFS and chronic pain report similar high levels of sickness behavior; higher than primary care patients, and comparable to levels in experimental inflammation. Further study of sickness behavior in ME/CFS and chronic pain populations is warranted as immune-to-brain interactions and sickness behavior may be of importance for functioning as well as in core pathophysiological processes in subsets of patients.

Conceptualizing the benefits of a group exercise program developed for those with chronic fatigue: a mixed methods clinical evaluation

PURPOSE

Fatigue is a disabling and prevalent feature of many long-term conditions. Orthostatic dizziness is a commonly experienced by those with fatigue. The purpose was; to evaluate factors contributing to successful delivery of a novel group exercise program designed for people with chronic fatigue and orthostatic symptoms and identify targets to improve future program content and delivery.

RESEARCH METHODS

We used group concept mapping methodology. Participants of the exercise program with a long-term physical health condition and chronic fatigue- contributed ideas in response to a focus question. They sorted these ideas into themed piles and rated them for importance and success of the program delivery. Multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis were applied to the sort data to produce ideas clusters within a concept map. Value ratings were compared to evaluate the success of the program.

RESULTS

The resulting concept map depicted seven key themed clusters of ideas: Exercises, Group atmosphere, Physical benefits, Self-management of symptoms, Acceptance and Education. Value plots of the rating data identified important and successful conceptual ideas.

CONCLUSIONS

The concept maps have depicted key concepts relating to the successful delivery of a novel exercise program for people with fatigue and identified specific targets for future program enhancements.Implications for rehabilitationOrthostatic symptoms are common in those with fatigue and might be a target for group-based exercise programs.People with fatigue value a group-based exercise program that targets orthostatic symptoms.The key concepts of a group-based exercise program valued by those with fatigue are the exercises, group atmosphere, physical benefits, self-management support, acceptance, education and support with looking forwards following the program.

Integrative Approaches to Managing Myeloproliferative Neoplasms: the Role of Nutrition, Exercise, and Psychological Interventions

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) have a high symptom burden that affects functional status, emotional well-being, and quality of life for patients. Symptom control continues to be a challenging therapeutic goal despite available pharmacologic interventions. The goal of this review is to detail recent efforts that have focused on non-pharmacologic interventions, such as wholistic or integrative medicine, as an adjunctive method to alter symptom burden in this population.

RECENT FINDINGS

We discuss the ongoing physical, nutritional, and psychological interventional efforts which represent promising non-traditional interventions to date to help reduce symptom in MPN patients. In this article, we highlight the early promising data and importance of these various non-pharmacological interventions to dampen symptom burden and reduce disease-related inflammation. Nonpharmacologic interventions represent promising therapeutic strategies to alter traditional MPN treatment paradigms and improve MPN patient care.

The relationship between acceptance, fatigue, and subjective cognitive impairment in hematologic cancer survivors

Background/Objective: Cancer and its treatment can have a detrimental impact on psychological well-being. Acceptance as the basis of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) has shown beneficial effects on depression and anxiety. However, its relationship to fatigue and cognitive impairment has not been investigated. A protective effect of acceptance may open up a new target for psychological intervention. Method: A cross-sectional postal survey was undertaken. 922 hematological cancer survivors (≥ 2.5 years post diagnosis) were recruited through two regional cancer registries in Germany. Acceptance (AAQ-II), fatigue (BFI) and subjective cognitive impairment (AFI) were assessed. Results: Higher levels of acceptance were negatively associated with fatigue and subjective cognitive impairment (R² = .34 and R² = .26, respectively). The relationship between fatigue and fatigue-related impairment of daily life was weaker for survivors with high acceptance. Conclusions: Acceptance is strongly associated with fatigue and subjective cognitive impairment. ACT may be useful to reduce symptoms of fatigue and subjective cognitive impairment in cancer survivors.

How do occupational rehabilitation clinicians approach participants on long-term sick leave in order to facilitate return to work? A focus group study

Background

The objective of this study was to explore occupational rehabilitation clinicians’ experiences on how to approach their participants on long-term sick leave in order to facilitate return to work (RTW).

Methods

An exploratory qualitative design was used. Four focus groups were conducted with 29 clinicians working on interdisciplinary inpatient and outpatient occupational rehabilitation teams in Norway. The clinicians shared narratives from clinical practice. Transcripts were analysed, and results were reported by use of systematic text condensation.

Results

The clinicians used several approaches to facilitate RTW among individuals on sick leave. Three themes emerged as especially important in order to succeed: 1) To get a basic understanding of the participant’s life-world through a mapping process; 2) To build a therapeutic alliance through communication characterised by sensitivity to the participants’ needs and emotional concerns; and 3) To initiate processes of change that increase the possibilities for RTW. Four main areas targetable for change were identified, three directed at the individual and one encompassing the participants’ surroundings. These approaches were: a) To increase feelings of confidence and coping; b) To increase the participants’ awareness of their own limits; c) To challenge inefficient and negative attitudes and thoughts related to the sick-role; and d) Close and immediate dialogue with key stakeholders.

Conclusions

To increase the possibilities for RTW among individuals on long-term sick leave, a thorough mapping process and the construction of a therapeutic alliance are seen as crucial elements in approaches by occupational rehabilitation clinicians. By gaining the participants’ trust and identifying their barriers and possibilities for work, the clinicians can target modifiable factors, especially at the individual level, and obstacles for RTW in their individual surroundings. This study elucidates what occupational rehabilitation clinicians do, say and provide to increase their participants’ abilities and possibilities to RTW.