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Gasquoine PG. Self-reported anterograde memory loss in older persons that is not validated on neuropsychological assessment: Considerations for a dissociative diagnosis. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY. ADULT 2024:1-6. [PMID: 38615907 DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2024.2341801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
The past decade has witnessed amplified public awareness of age-related dementias. This has resulted in a dramatic rise in the number of older persons referred to memory clinics with a primary complaint of self-reported memory loss without an antecedent neurological event (e.g., stroke) who produce neuropsychological test profiles that lack evidence of such impairment. Since the latter part of the 19th century, a confusing array of changing terminology, criteria, and perceived causation have been ascribed to patients with unverified medical symptoms to implicate psychological causation. Such terms are often misperceived by laypersons as reflecting character flaws or malingering. Of import for clinical neuropsychologists, the 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases added cognitive to symptoms eligible for a diagnosis of the modern formulation, dissociative neurological symptom disorder. One dissociative option for referrals with self-reported neurocognitive symptoms not validated on neuropsychological testing is functional memory disorder, conceived as a psychological disorder where emotional distress is plausibly related to the perceived memory loss but is of less severity than would warrant a major depressive or anxiety diagnosis. If evidence of psychological distress or behavioral impairment is not present the referral likely reflects the increased public awareness of age-related dementias interacting with the high base rate of self-perceived memory loss in the general population. In such cases, a dissociative diagnosis should be avoided as there is evidence of neither a medical nor a psychological disorder. A summary statement of not dementia or similar is likely sufficient to help the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Gerard Gasquoine
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX, USA
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Øien AM, Dragesund T. Identifying contrasting embodied voices of identity: a qualitative meta-synthesis of experiences of change among patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain in long-term physiotherapy. Physiother Theory Pract 2024; 40:42-55. [PMID: 35833387 DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2022.2100298] [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: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim is to identify and synthesize qualitative research findings about patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain in long-term Norwegian psychomotor physiotherapy, in connection to their voices of meaning of embodied experiences of change and the possible influence on their identities. METHODOLOGY We systematically searched for qualitative studies in English in ten databases: AMED, Cinahl, Cochrane, Embase, Medline, PsychInfo, Scopus, SportDiscus, Svemed, and Web of Science. We included and analyzed nine publications using meta-ethnography. Bachtin's polyphonic voice perspective influenced the analysis. RESULTS Three overarching themes emerged: 1) voices of body and mind as disconnected and connected; 2) ambiguous voices in the therapeutic relationship; and 3) identification of embodied voices of constraint and freedom influence identity. CONCLUSIONS The patients' polyphonic voices of ambiguous and contrasting expressions of embodied sensations and the therapeutic relationship in inner and external dialog seemed to facilitate the choices of change and the creation of new identities. In practice, the physiotherapists' consciousness of the patients' concurrent polyphonic voices may improve change in treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aud Marie Øien
- Department of Welfare and Participation, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Sogndal, Norway
| | - Tove Dragesund
- Department of Health and Function, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
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Bakken AK, Mengshoel AM, Synnes O, Strand EB. Acquiring a new understanding of illness and agency: a narrative study of recovering from chronic fatigue syndrome. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2023; 18:2223420. [PMID: 37307500 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2023.2223420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The condition known as chronic fatigue syndrome or myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is poorly understood. Simplified medical models tend to neglect the complexity of illness, contributing to a terrain of uncertainty, dilemmas and predicaments. However, despite pessimistic pictures of no cure and poor prognosis, some patients recover. PURPOSE This study's purpose is to provide insight into people's experiences of suffering and recovery from very severe CFS/ME and illuminate understanding of how and why changes became possible. METHODS Fourteen former patients were interviewed about their experiences of returning to health. A narrative analysis was undertaken to explore participants' experiences and understandings. We present the result through one participant's story. RESULTS The analysis yielded a common plotline with a distinct turning point. Participants went through a profound narrative shift, change in mindset and subsequent long-time work to actively pursue their own healing. Their narrative understandings of being helpless victims of disease were replaced by a more complex view of causality and illness and a new sense of self-agency developed. DISCUSSION We discuss the illness narratives in relation to the disease model and its shortcomings, the different voices dominating the stories at different times in a clinically, conceptually, and emotionally challenging area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Karen Bakken
- Centre of Diaconia and Professional Practice, VID Specialized University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Marit Mengshoel
- Department for Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Oddgeir Synnes
- Department for Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Elin Bolle Strand
- Centre of Diaconia and Professional Practice, VID Specialized University, Oslo, Norway
- Dep of Digital Health Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Koopman WJ, LaDonna KA, Kinsella EA, Venance SL, Watling CJ. Archetypes of incomplete stories in chronic illness medical encounters. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2023; 117:107973. [PMID: 37734249 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2023.107973] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE During encounters, patients and practitioners engage in conversations to address health concerns. Because these interactions are time-pressured events, it may be inevitable that any story exchanged during these encounters will be incomplete in some way, potentially jeopardizing how quality and safety of care is delivered. In this study, we explored how and why incomplete stories might arise in health interactions. METHODS Constructivist grounded theory methodology was used to explore how patients and practitioners approach their interactions during encounters. In this two-phase study, we interviewed patients (n = 21) then practitioners (n = 12). RESULTS We identified three distinct archetypes of incomplete storytelling - the hidden story, the interpreted story, and the tailored story. Measured information sharing, triadic encounters and pre-planned agendas influenced these storylines, respectively. CONCLUSION Both patient and practitioner participants focused on what each considered important, appropriate, and useful for productive encounters. While incomplete stories may be a reality, educating practitioners about how incomplete stories come about from both sides of the conversation creates new opportunities to optimize interactions at medical encounters for in-depth patient practitioner storytelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilma J Koopman
- Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada; Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada; Centre for Education Research & Innovation, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada.
| | - K A LaDonna
- Department of Innovation in Medical Education and Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1G 5Z3, Canada
| | - E A Kinsella
- Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Health Sciences Education, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - S L Venance
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - C J Watling
- Centre for Education Research & Innovation, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
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Muacevic A, Adler JR. Understanding Patient-Provider Interaction, Treatment Acceptance, and Outcomes in Medically Unexplained Symptoms. Cureus 2022; 14:e32915. [PMID: 36699771 PMCID: PMC9871694 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.32915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) is an umbrella term used for chronic and often disabling health symptoms and conditions that remain unexplained after standard medical examinations, testing, and/or appropriate workup. Patients with MUS tend to receive little to no treatment but remain distressed, stigmatized, and disabled by symptoms and iatrogenic factors. METHODS A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted to explore daily challenges and psychosocial and iatrogenic factors affecting the management of MUS. RESULTS The analysis of the interviews revealed that MUS could cause significant distress to patients, impairing their functioning and leading to permanent disability. Conventional healthcare cannot meet the medical needs of these patients and might be a potential source of harm to them. It should be noted that confirmation of conditions associated with clinically significant psychiatric premorbidity was not provided. CONCLUSION Inconsistent diagnostic criteria, lack of proper training and research, diagnostic overshadowing, and implicit bias in healthcare professionals can lead to negative patient outcomes and the overuse of alternative or non-evidence-based services. Guidance, practice-based improvement ideas, and suggestions specific to improving patient-provider relationships can be applied to generate positive health effects.
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Ballantyne JC, Sullivan MD. Is Chronic Pain a Disease? THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2022; 23:1651-1665. [PMID: 35577236 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2022.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
It was not until the twentieth century that pain was considered a disease. Before that it was managed medically as a symptom. The motivations for declaring chronic pain a disease, whether of the body or of the brain, include increasing its legitimacy as clinical problem and research focus worthy of attention from healthcare and research organizations alike. But 1 problem with disease concepts is that having a disease favors medical solutions and tends to reduce patient participation. We argue that chronic pain, particularly chronic primary pain (recently designated a first tier pain diagnosis in International Diagnostic Codes 11), is a learned state that is not intransigent even if it has biological correlates. Chronic pain is sometimes a symptom, and may sometimes be its own disease. But here we question the value of a disease focus for much of chronic pain for which patient involvement is essential, and which may need a much broader societal approach than is suggested by the disease designation. PERSPECTIVE: This article examines whether designating chronic pain a disease of the body or brain is helpful or harmful to patients. Can the disease designation help advance treatment, and is it needed to achieve future therapeutic breakthrough? Or does it make patients over-reliant on medical intervention and reduce their engagement in the process of recovery?
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane C Ballantyne
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington.
| | - Mark D Sullivan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
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Marcinow M, Sandercock J, D'Silva C, Daien D, Ellis C, Dias C, Mansfield E. Making sense of symptoms, clinicians and systems: a qualitative evaluation of a facilitated support group for patients with medically unexplained symptoms. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2021; 22:142. [PMID: 34210272 PMCID: PMC8252243 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-021-01495-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Health services to date have inadequately addressed the physical and mental health needs of patients with medically unexplained symptoms. This qualitative study evaluates a piloted facilitated support group (FSG) developed for patients with medically unexplained symptoms to inform recommendations and resources for this patient population. Methods Using a qualitative descriptive design, we conducted and thematically analyzed semi-structured interviews with participants (n = 8) and facilitators (n = 4) to explore their experiences of the facilitated support group. Common themes that captured strengths and challenges of the facilitated support group were identified. Results The following key themes were identified through analysis of the data: Participants described 1) feeling validated through sharing similar experiences with peers; 2) learning practical symptom management and coping strategies; and 3) gaining new perspectives for navigating conversations with PCPs. Conclusions Our findings show that a facilitated support group may provide additional forms of support and resources for patients with medically unexplained symptoms, filling a gap in currently available clinical care offered by health care professionals. Potential implications: This paper highlights lessons learned that can inform the design and delivery of future supports and resources directed toward optimizing patient care for this underserved patient population. Our findings are relevant to those who are involved in direct patient care or involved in designing and implementing self-management programs. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12875-021-01495-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Marcinow
- Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners, Administrative Building - 6th Floor, 100 Queensway West, Mississauga, ON, L5B 1B8, Canada.
| | - Jane Sandercock
- Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners, Administrative Building - 6th Floor, 100 Queensway West, Mississauga, ON, L5B 1B8, Canada
| | - Chelsea D'Silva
- Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners, Administrative Building - 6th Floor, 100 Queensway West, Mississauga, ON, L5B 1B8, Canada
| | - David Daien
- Family Medicine, Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners, 100 Queensway West, Mississauga, ON, L5B 1B8, Canada
| | - Carly Ellis
- Strategic Projects, Trillium Health Partners, 100 Queensway West, Mississauga, ON, L5B 1B8, Canada
| | - Christine Dias
- Medical Psychiatry Alliance, Trillium Health Partners, 100 Queensway West, Mississauga, ON, L5B 1B8, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Mansfield
- Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners, Administrative Building - 6th Floor, 100 Queensway West, Mississauga, ON, L5B 1B8, Canada.,Department of Occupational Health, University of Toronto, 6 Queen's Park Crescent West, Toronto, ON, M5S 3H2, Canada
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Jones B. Why we should stop talking about 'medically unexplained symptoms' etc. - the problem of overgeneralisation for research and treatment. J Psychosom Res 2019; 127:109835. [PMID: 31635799 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2019.109835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Brittni Jones
- Millfields Personality Disorder Unit, John Howard Centre, East London NHS Foundation Trust, 12 Kenworthy Road, London E9 5TD, United Kingdom.
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