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Levenig CG, Hasenbring MI, Günnewig L, Titze C, Elsenbruch S, Schulte TL. Treatment Expectations-You Get What You Expect-and Depression Plays a Role. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2024; 25:104582. [PMID: 38821312 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2024.104582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Positive treatment expectations demonstrably shape treatment outcomes regarding pain and disability in patients with chronic low back pain. However, knowledge about positive and negative treatment expectations as putative predictors of interindividual variability in treatment outcomes is sparse, and the role of other psychological variables of interest, especially of depression as a known predictor of long-term disability, is lacking. We present results of the first prospective study considering expectations in concert with depression in a sample of 200 patients with chronic low back pain undergoing an inpatient interdisciplinary multimodal pain therapy. We analyzed the characteristics of pain and disability, treatment expectation, and depression assessed at the beginning (T0), at the end of (T1), and at 3-month follow-up (T2) of interdisciplinary multimodal pain therapy. Treatment expectations did emerge as a significant predictor of changes in pain intensity and disability, respectively, showing that positive expectations were associated with better treatment outcomes. Mediation analyses revealed a partially mediating effect of treatment expectations on the relation between depression and pain outcomes. PERSPECTIVE: These results expand knowledge regarding the role of treatment expectations in individual treatment outcome trajectories in chronic pain patients, paving the way for much-needed efforts toward optimizing patient expectations and personalized approaches in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia G Levenig
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Faculty of Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, North-Rhine Westfalia, Germany.
| | - Monika I Hasenbring
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Faculty of Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, North-Rhine Westfalia, Germany; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Odense, Denmark
| | - Lea Günnewig
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Faculty of Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, North-Rhine Westfalia, Germany
| | - Christina Titze
- Clinic of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, St. Josef-Hospital, Bochum, North-Rhine Westfalia, Germany
| | - Sigrid Elsenbruch
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Faculty of Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, North-Rhine Westfalia, Germany
| | - Tobias L Schulte
- Clinic of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, St. Josef-Hospital, Bochum, North-Rhine Westfalia, Germany
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Drusko A, Renz M, Schmidt H, Rosin M, Simon J, Beiner E, Charalambides M, Meyer-Lindenberg A, Treede RD, Tost H, Tesarz J. Measuring interpersonal trauma: Development and validation of the German version of the victimization experience schedule (VES). J Psychosom Res 2024; 179:111626. [PMID: 38430794 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2024.111626] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Interpersonal victimization experiences (VEs) significantly affect mental and physical health, particularly in disorders associated with life-time adversities, like fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and major depressive disorder (MDD). However, assessing VEs comprehensively remains challenging due to limited tools that encompass sub-traumatic events, such as bullying or discrimination, and contextual dimensions. We aimed to address this gap by validating the Victimization Experience Schedule (VES) in German, examining its reliability, and assessing VEs in clinical populations with FMS and MDD. METHODS We investigated the relationship between VEs and clinical symptoms in individuals with FMS, MDD and healthy controls (N = 105) in a case-control study. We also analyzed correlations between different types of VEs and categories of early childhood abuse and posttraumatic-stress-disorder instruments. Additionally, we validated our findings in an independent sample of individuals with FMS (N = 97) from a clinical study. RESULTS We observed excellent inter-rater reliability (Kw = 0.90-0.99), and VEs assessed using the VES were in alignment with subcategories of early childhood abuse. The prevalence of VEs extended beyond the categories covered by traditional survey instruments and was higher in individuals with MDD (4.0 ± 2.6) and FMS (5.9 ± 3.1) compared to controls (1.5 ± 1.7). We consistently identified a significant association between the number of VEs, the associated subjective distress, and clinical scores. Furthermore, distinct correlation patterns between VEs and clinical outcomes emerged across different cohorts. CONCLUSION Our study emphasizes the VES's value in understanding VEs within MDD and FMS. These experiences span from traumatic to sub-traumatic and correlate with posttraumatic-stress and clinical symptoms, underscoring the VES's importance as an assessment tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin Drusko
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Malika Renz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Hannah Schmidt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany; Department of Neurophysiology, MCTN, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Michelle Rosin
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Joe Simon
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eva Beiner
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Monica Charalambides
- Hammersmith & Fulham Community Rehab, West London NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany; DZPG (German Centre for Mental Health - Partner Site Heidelberg/ Mannheim/ Ulm), Germany
| | - Rolf-Detlef Treede
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany; Department of Neurophysiology, MCTN, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Heike Tost
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany; DZPG (German Centre for Mental Health - Partner Site Heidelberg/ Mannheim/ Ulm), Germany
| | - Jonas Tesarz
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; DZPG (German Centre for Mental Health - Partner Site Heidelberg/ Mannheim/ Ulm), Germany.
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Beiner E, Brenner Miguel S, Friederich HC, Tesarz J. Elevated high sensitive C-reactive protein in fibromyalgia. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1237518. [PMID: 38098640 PMCID: PMC10720424 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1237518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a complex chronic pain condition characterized by widespread pain and tenderness, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. Currently, factors contributing to FMS are considered to be multifactorial, and the involvement of inflammatory processes is a question of debate. Objective The aims of this study were (1) to assess whether serum concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) differ between individuals diagnosed with FMS and pain-free controls, (2) to determine whether these differences are associated with clinical symptoms, and (3) to explore whether the observed differences can be explained by specific covariates such as age, weight, and smoking status. Methods An ANOVA was applied to identify differences of hsCRP levels between FMS and pain-free controls and an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was performed to investigate the dependencies of hsCRP with respect to covariates. To assess the reliability of our findings, we also utilized a Bayesian robust estimation model to determine the level of confidence associated with our results. Results The results showed that individuals with FMS had higher hsCRP levels compared to healthy controls [F(1,106) = 8.802, p < 0.001] and that higher hsCRP levels were significant correlated with a higher symptom burden (r = 0. 287, p = 0.008) and more tender points (r = 0.307, p = 0.005). Further, hsCRP levels were significantly associated with weight (η2 = 0.154, p < 0.001), but independent of age (η2 = 0.005, p = 0.42), smoking status (η2 = 0.002, p = 0.623), or gender (η2 = 0.0045, p = 0.437), which resulted in an insignificant group effect between FMS and controls (η2 = 0.029, p = 0.052), even after controlling for covariates. Conclusion In conclusion, this study provides evidence that sub-inflammatory processes correlate with clinical symptoms, which can be partly attributed to differences in weight, but cannot be fully explained by them. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the association between hsCRP and FMS and to explore the potential therapeutic implications of targeting hsCRP in the management of FMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Beiner
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Medical Hospital, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sergio Brenner Miguel
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Medical Hospital, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for Applied Mathematics and Interdisciplinary Center of Scientific Computing (IWR), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hans-Christoph Friederich
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Medical Hospital, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jonas Tesarz
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Medical Hospital, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Ader L, Schick A, Löffler M, Löffler A, Beiner E, Eich W, Vock S, Sirazitdinov A, Malone C, Hesser J, Hopp M, Ruckes C, Flor H, Tesarz J, Reininghaus U. Refocusing of Attention on Positive Events Using Monitoring-Based Feedback and Microinterventions for Patients With Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain in the PerPAIN Randomized Controlled Trial: Protocol for a Microrandomized Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e43376. [PMID: 37728983 PMCID: PMC10551789 DOI: 10.2196/43376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMSP) affects between 13% and 47% of the population, with a global growth rate of 20.3% within the last 15 years, suggesting that there is a high need for effective treatments. Pain diaries have long been a common tool in nonpharmacological pain treatment for monitoring and providing feedback on patients' symptoms in daily life. More recently, positive refocusing techniques have come to be used, promoting pain-free episodes and positive outcomes rather than focusing on managing the pain. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the feasibility (ie, acceptability, intervention adherence, and fidelity) and initial signals of efficacy of the PerPAIN app, an ecological momentary intervention for patients with CMSP. The app comprises digitalized monitoring using the experience sampling method (ESM) and feedback. In addition, the patients receive 3 microinterventions targeted at refocusing of attention on positive events. METHODS In a microrandomized trial, we will recruit 35 patients with CMSP who will be offered the app for 12 weeks. Participants will be prompted to fill out 4 ESM monitoring questionnaires a day assessing information on their current context and the proximal outcome variables: absence of pain, positive mood, and subjective activity. Participants will be randomized daily and weekly to receive no feedback, verbal feedback, or visual feedback on proximal outcomes assessed by the ESM. In addition, the app will encourage participants to complete 3 microinterventions based on positive psychology and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. These microinterventions are prompts to report joyful moments and everyday successes or to plan pleasant activities. After familiarizing themselves with each microintervention individually, participants will be randomized daily to receive 1 of the 3 exercises or none. We will assess whether the 2 feedback types and the 3 microinterventions increase proximal outcomes at the following time point. The microrandomized trial is part of the PerPAIN randomized controlled trial (German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00022792) investigating a personalized treatment approach to enhance treatment outcomes in CMSP. RESULTS Approval was granted by the Ethics Committee II of the University of Heidelberg on August 4, 2020. Recruitment for the microrandomized trial began in May 2021 and is ongoing at the time of submission. By October 10, 2022, a total of 24 participants had been enrolled in the microrandomized trial. CONCLUSIONS This trial will provide evidence on the feasibility of the PerPAIN app and the initial signals of efficacy of the different intervention components. In the next step, the intervention would need to be further refined and investigated in a definitive trial. This ecological momentary intervention presents a potential method for offering low-level accessible treatment to a wide range of people, which could have substantial implications for public health by reducing disease burden of chronic pain in the population. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/43376.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Ader
- Department of Public Mental Health, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Anita Schick
- Department of Public Mental Health, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Martin Löffler
- Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Annette Löffler
- Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Eva Beiner
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Eich
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Vock
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andrei Sirazitdinov
- Data Analysis and Modeling, Mannheim Institute for Intelligent Systems in Medicine, Medical School Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Christopher Malone
- Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jürgen Hesser
- Data Analysis and Modeling, Mannheim Institute for Intelligent Systems in Medicine, Medical School Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Central Institute for Scientific Computing, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Central Institute for Computer Engineering, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- CZS Heidelberg Center for Model-Based AI, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Hopp
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Trials, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Christian Ruckes
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Trials, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Herta Flor
- Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jonas Tesarz
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Reininghaus
- Department of Public Mental Health, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Centre for Epidemiology and Public Health, Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- ESRC Centre for Society and Mental Health, King´s College London, London, United Kingdom
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