Metacognitive Therapy for Adjustment Disorder in a Patient With Newly Diagnosed Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Case Report

Improving mental well-being in psychocardiology-a feasibility trial for a non-blended web application as a brief metacognitive-based intervention in cardiovascular disease patients

Background

Many patients with cardiovascular disease also show a high comorbidity of mental disorders, especially such as anxiety and depression. This is, in turn, associated with a decrease in the quality of life. Psychocardiological treatment options are currently limited. Hence, there is a need for novel and accessible psychological help. Recently, we demonstrated that a brief face-to-face metacognitive therapy (MCT) based intervention is promising in treating anxiety and depression. Here, we aim to translate the face-to-face approach into digital application and explore the feasibility of this approach.

Methods

We translated a validated brief psychocardiological intervention into a novel non-blended web app. The data of 18 patients suffering from various cardiac conditions but without diagnosed mental illness were analyzed after using the web app over a two-week period in a feasibility trial. The aim was whether a non-blended web app based MCT approach is feasible in the group of cardiovascular patients with cardiovascular disease.

Results

Overall, patients were able to use the web app and rated it as satisfactory and beneficial. In addition, there was first indication that using the app improved the cardiac patients' subjectively perceived health and reduced their anxiety. Therefore, the approach seems feasible for a future randomized controlled trial.

Conclusion

Applying a metacognitive-based brief intervention via a non-blended web app seems to show good acceptance and feasibility in a small target group of patients with CVD. Future studies should further develop, improve and validate digital psychotherapy approaches, especially in patient groups with a lack of access to standard psychotherapeutic care.

A systematic review of psychological interventions in adults with pulmonary hypertension: Is the evidence-base disproportionate to the problem?

INTRODUCTION

Our understanding of the psychological impact of living with pulmonary hypertension (PH) is growing, particularly for how anxiety and depression present in this group. There is evidence for the use of psychological interventions in other chronic lung conditions; however, trials focusing on adults with PH have yet to be subject to a systematic review.

METHODS

We systematically searched four databases for evidence examining the effectiveness of psychological interventions for adults with PH. A narrative approach has been used to present findings.

RESULTS

Overall, 186 unique articles were identified of which four were suitable. Data was gathered from 143 individuals. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), metacognitive therapy (MCT) or counselling were investigated. All three studies reported a significant reduction in anxiety and depression, and some secondary outcomes were also associated with change.

DISCUSSION

The evidence supporting the use of psychological therapies for adults with PH is promising, although limited. There is an urgent need for more research in this area to better understand how we can support this clinical group.

Coping styles associated with depression, health anxiety and health-related quality of life in pulmonary hypertension: cross-sectional analysis

OBJECTIVES

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a life-shortening disease associated with early mortality and high morbidity. With advancements in medical treatment, people are living longer with the disease, and research is now needed to explore variables that help to enhance patient-reported outcomes. This study investigated the coping strategies of individuals with PH and examined the relationship between coping, depression, health anxiety and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

DESIGN

A cross-sectional survey design was used.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants (n=121) were recruited from membership of Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA) UK.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Participants completed a series of questionnaires assessing depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), health anxiety (Short Health Anxiety Inventory), HRQoL (emPHasis-10) and coping (Brief COPE). A principal component analysis was used to identify participants' coping profile. A series of correlational, linear and moderated multiple regression analyses were performed to examine the relationship between coping and health-related outcomes.

RESULTS

Overall, 43% participants met criteria for potential clinical depression. Depression and health anxiety were strongly associated with HRQoL, explaining 37% and 30% of variance respectively (p<0.001). A principal component analysis identified a four-component model of coping. Dimensions were named based on construct items: 'cognitive and affirmation coping' (seven items), 'passive coping' (four items), 'external coping' (seven items) and 'substance use coping' (two items). Cognitive and affirmation and external coping moderated the relationship between depression and HRQoL, with high use of these coping strategies reducing the impact of depression on HRQoL. External coping also moderated the effect of health anxiety on HRQoL.

CONCLUSIONS

The results uniquely highlight the importance of coping styles and psychological distress in predicting HRQoL in PH. Our findings indicate the importance to assess for psychological distress in this population and suggest the need to offer psychological interventions that take into account coping resources and strategies.

The Scope of Metacognitive Therapy in the Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders

Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a novel and promising transdiagnostic psychotherapy intervention based on the Self-Regulatory Executive Function model of conceptualizing emotional disorders. It was developed by Adrian Wells in 2009. Its therapeutic response occurs by reducing dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs regarding worry and rumination, often seen in patients with psychiatric disorders. Since its inception, it has been increasingly applied to a wide spectrum of psychiatric illnesses, but mainly focusing on mood and anxiety disorders. To our knowledge, no study has detailed its existing therapeutic scope in psychiatry. In this comprehensive narrative review, we describe the various psychiatric illnesses in which MCT has been used, the advantages of MCT, and the limitations of the MCT research. In addition, we propose some solutions to systematically examine its place in psychiatry. We encountered its potential role in treating trauma and stress-related disorders, obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders, personality disorders, psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, and sexual disorders.

Metacognitive Short-Term Intervention in Patients With Mental Disorders Following Cardiovascular Events

Background

Mental disorders are common among patients with severe cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Yet, there is a lack of easily accessible evidence-based treatments. Recent research indicates elevated prevalence of dysfunctional metacognitions in patients with mental disorders following cardiovascular events. As metacognitive therapy (MCT) is an established treatment to modify metacognitions, we tested if a brief metacognitive intervention via videotelephony is effective in this patient group.

Methods

A brief MCT treatment was tailored to CVD patients and designed as a face-to-face internet-based intervention. Five patients with CVDs and comorbid mental disorders underwent a psychocardiological examination and diagnostic approach. Each patient participated in eight 50 min sessions via encrypted video messenger service. Metacognitions, depression and anxiety symptoms and quality of life were assessed by self-report measures pre- and post-treatment. Patients rated dysfunctional thought processes, current psychological impairment, and treatment satisfaction after each session. Intended follow-up measures were not reported due to missing data.

Results

For most patients, the brief metacognitive intervention was associated with a decrease in dysfunctional metacognitions and a reduction of symptoms of anxiety and depression post-treatment. Psychological and physiological quality of life improved. Patients reported high satisfaction with the tailored treatment.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that a brief internet-based metacognitive treatment may be a promising tool for patients with CVDs and comorbid mental disorders. Feasibility and acceptance of the intervention was rated high by the patients. Further research is necessary to support the preliminary findings and to adapt and evaluate the intervention in a controlled clinical trial setting.

Psychological and Psychopharmacological Interventions in Psychocardiology

Patients with mental disorders have an increased risk to develop cardiovascular disease (CVD), and CVD are frequently comorbid with especially adjustment, anxiety and depressive disorders. Therefore, clinicians need to be aware of effective and safe psychological and pharmacological treatment strategies for patients with comorbid CVD and mental disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy and third-wave of cognitive-behavioral therapy are effective for patients with CVD and mental disorders. Internet-based psychological treatments may also be considered. In more severe cases, psychopharmacological drugs are frequently used. Although generally well tolerated and efficacious, drug- and dose-dependent side effects require consideration. Among antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, selective serotonin and noradrenalin reuptake inhibitors, and newer antidepressants, such as mirtazapine, bupropion, agomelatine, and vortioxetine, can be considered, while tricyclic antidepressants should be avoided due to their cardiac side effects. Mood stabilizers have been associated with arrhythmias, and some first- and second-generation antipsychotics can increase QTc and metabolic side effects, although substantial differences exist between drugs. Benzodiazepines are generally safe in patients with CVD when administered short-term, and may mitigate symptoms of acute coronary syndrome. Laboratory and ECG monitoring is always recommended in psychopharmacological drug-treated patients with CVD. Presence of a heart disease should not exclude patients from necessary interventions, but may require careful risk-benefit evaluations. Effectively and safely addressing mental disorders in patients with CVD helps to improve both conditions. Since CVD increase the risk for mental disorders and vice versa, care providers need to screen for these common comorbidities to comprehensively address the patients' needs.

Health Disparities and Differences in Health-Care-Utilization in Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

INTRODUCTION

Mental disorders are common in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and contribute to impaired quality of life (QoL). The impact of mental disorders on access to health care, differences in clinical parameters and treatment in patients with PAH is unclear. In this study we sought to assess the impact of mental disorders and other health disparities on health-care-utilization in patients with PAH.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional observational study of patients with PAH, mental disorders were characterized using a structed clinical interview. In addition, patients completed a self-administered questionnaire to assess QoL, symptoms of anxiety and depression, lifestyle-factors and educational status. Number of outpatient visits and communication events per year were calculated as a surrogate for health-care-utilization and were compared by the presence of mental disorder. Linear regression analysis was conducted to assess the impact on health-care-utilization.

RESULTS

117 patients with PAH participated in this study (70% female, median age 59 (interquartile range, 49-70) years). Significant differences between patients with or without mental disorders were found in anxiety, depression and QoL. There were no significant differences in clinical parameters. Patients with mental disorders had higher rates of outpatient visits and communication events than patients without mental disorders. Linear regression revealed a gain of 2.2 communication events per year in the presence of any mental disorders.

CONCLUSION

Mental disorders in patients with PAH are common and significantly affect health-care-utilization. This higher demand in patients with mental disorder needs to be addressed by physicians, psychiatrists and specialized nurses offering therapeutic strategies.

Metacognitions in Patients With Frequent Mental Disorders After Diagnosis of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of mental disorders, particularly adjustment disorder (AD), major depressive disorder (MDD) and panic disorder (PD) is increased in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, it is unclear which pathogenic mechanisms determine their development and could therefore be targeted in prevention or therapeutic interventions. Here, we assessed metacognitions in a sample of PAH patients with and without MDD and PD. Moreover, we reconstructed the course of mental illnesses following the PAH diagnosis.

METHODS

Two hundred seventeen PAH patients were included in this cross-sectional study. The prevalence of AD was assessed retrospectively using DSM-V criteria. Current mental disorders were assessed using the structured clinical interview for DSM-V. Additionally, metacognitive beliefs and processes were assessed using established questionnaires (MCQ-30, AnTI).

RESULTS

Patients with an AD consecutive to the PAH diagnosis more frequently developed MDD (37.5 vs. 13.9%, p < 0.001) and PD (26.3 vs. 8.8%, p = 0.001) later on compared to PAH patients without a former AD. Moreover, patients with current MDD/PD displayed more dysfunctional metacognitions than those without current MDD/PD (p < 0.001). Patients with current MDD/PD in the context of former AD had more dysfunctional metacognitive worries and beliefs compared to patients with current MDD/PD without former AD (p = 0.009).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that in the context of PAH, dysfunctional metacognitions are associated with MDD and PD. Therefore, a metacognitive approach to treat and prevent those mental illnesses seems promising and should be investigated in future studies.

Prevalence of Mental Disorders and Impact on Quality of Life in Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Objective: Mental health may affect the quality of life (QoL) in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, mental disorders have not been systematically assessed in these patients. We examined the prevalence of mental disorders using structured interviews and determined their impact on QoL in patients with PAH. Methods: This study included 217 patients with PAH from two German referral centers. Psychiatric disorders were assessed using the structured clinical interview for DSM-V. QoL was assessed using the WHO Quality of Life questionnaire (short form). The diagnostic value of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Results: More than one third of the patients had psychological disorders with current or past adjustment disorder (38.2%), current major depressive disorder (23.0%), and panic disorder (15.2%) being the most prevalent mental illnesses. About half of the patients with a history of adjustment disorder developed at least one other mental illness. The presence of mental disorders had a profound impact on QoL. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale ruled out panic disorder and depression disorder with negative predictive values of almost 90%. Conclusion: Mental disorders, in particular adjustment disorder, major depression, and panic disorder, are common in patients with PAH and contribute to impaired QoL in these patients. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale may be used as a screening tool for the most common mental health disorders. Future studies need to address interventional strategies targeting mental disorders in patients with PAH.

Metacognitive beliefs and their relationship with anxiety and depression in physical illnesses: A systematic review

Anxiety and depression are common among patients with chronic physical illnesses and have a significant impact on morbidity, quality of life, and health service utilisation. Psychological treatment of anxiety and depression has small to moderate efficacy in this group and is not commonly based on a model of causal mechanisms. A novel approach to understanding and improving mental health outcomes in physical illnesses is needed. One approach may be to explore the role of metacognitive beliefs which are reliably associated with anxiety and depression in individuals with mental health difficulties. The current systematic review aimed to evaluate the contribution of metacognitive beliefs to anxiety and depression across physical illnesses. Systematic searches were conducted on Web of Science, PsychINFO, MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL of studies published between 1997 and January 2019. 13 eligible studies were identified that in sum comprised 2851 participants. Metacognitive beliefs were found to have reliable, moderate, positive and significant associations with anxiety and depression symptoms across a range of physical illnesses. There appeared to be commonality and some specificity in the relationships. Negative metacognitive beliefs concerned with uncontrollability and danger of worry were associated with both anxiety and depression across all physical illnesses assessed, whilst more specific associations emerged for individual medical conditions where positive beliefs about worry, cognitive confidence and cognitive self-consciousness were unique correlates. Negative metacognitive beliefs of uncontrollability and danger significantly and positively predicted symptoms of anxiety and depression after controlling for factors including age, gender, disease factors and cognition (illness perceptions and intolerance of uncertainty). The results suggest that the metacognitive model of psychological disorder is applicable to psychological symptoms of anxiety and depression across a range of chronic medical conditions, implying that metacognitive therapy might be helpful in improving outcomes in multiple morbidities that involve poor mental and medical health.