A randomized controlled trial of the safety and promise of cognitive-behavioral therapy using imaginal exposure in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder resulting from cardiovascular illness

Cardiac disease-induced trauma and stress-related disorders

OBJECTIVE

This review aims to present an updated overview of cardiac disease-induced trauma and stress-related disorders such as acute stress disorder (ASD), adjustment disorder (AjD), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). First, the prevalence of these disorders, their diagnostic criteria, and their differences from other trauma-related disorders are described. Special challenges in diagnosis and treatment are identified, with various screening tools being evaluated for symptom assessment. Additionally, the risk factors studied so far for the development of symptoms of cardiac-induced posttraumatic stress disorder and the bidirectional relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder and cardiovascular diseases are summarized. Various therapeutic interventions, including pharmacological approaches, are also discussed. Finally, various areas for future research are outlined.

BACKGROUND

Experiencing a cardiovascular disease, particularly a life-threatening cardiac event, can potentially lead to stress-related disorders such as ASD, AjD, and cardiac disease-induced PTSD (CDI-PTSD). If left untreated, these disorders are associated with a worsening cardiac prognosis and higher mortality rates. Approaching treatment through a trauma-focused lens may be beneficial for managing CDI-PTSD and stress-related disorders.

CONCLUSION

Future research should explore treatment options for both the patients and the caregivers as well as investigate the long-term effects of trauma-focused interventions on physical and mental health outcomes.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder as a Consequence of Acute Cardiovascular Disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To provide an update of the current evidence of cardiac disease-induced posttraumatic stress disorder (CDI-PTSD) with a focus on acute coronary events.

RECENT FINDINGS

A cardiovascular disease, particularly a life-threatening cardiac event is often a highly stressful experience that can induce PTSD in patients and their caregivers, taking a chronic course if left untreated. There are several features distinguishing CDI-PTSD from "traditional" PTSD induced by external trauma, namely enduring somatic threat, inability to avoid trauma-related cues and hyperarousal with internal body sensations leading to constant fear of recurrent cardiac events. An increased risk of recurrent CVD events may be explained by pathophysiological changes, an unhealthy lifestyle and non-adherence to cardiac treatment. A trauma-focused approach might be useful to treat CDI-PTSD. Treatment options for patients and caregivers as well as long-term effects of trauma-focused interventions on physical and mental health outcomes should be future research directions.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease: Implications for Future Research and Clinical Care

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). We explore the literature linking PTSD to CVD, potential mechanisms, interventions, and clinical implications. We outline gaps in current literature and highlight necessary future research.

RECENT FINDINGS

PTSD has been independently associated with deleterious effects on cardiovascular health through biological, behavioral, and societal pathways. There are evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions and pharmacotherapies for PTSD that may mitigate its impact on CVD. However, there are limited studies that rigorously analyze the impact of treating PTSD on cardiovascular outcomes. Trauma-informed CVD risk stratification, education, and treatment offer opportunities to improve patient care. These approaches can include a brief validated screening tool for PTSD identification and treatment. Pragmatic trials are needed to test PTSD interventions among people with CVD and evaluate for improved outcomes.

Early Trauma-Focused Counseling for the Prevention of Acute Coronary Syndrome-Induced Posttraumatic Stress: Social and Health Care Resources Matter

Background: A one-size-fits-all approach might explain why early psychological interventions are largely ineffective in preventing the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms triggered by acute medical events. We examined the hypothesis that social and health care resources are moderators of an intervention effect. Methods: Within 48 h of hospital admission, 129 patients (mean age 58 years, 83% men) with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) self-rated their social support and were randomized to one single session of trauma-focused counseling (TFC) or stress-focused counseling (SFC) (active control intervention). Clinician-rated PTSD symptoms, use of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) and use of psychotherapy were assessed at 3 and 12 months. Random mixed regression multivariable models were used to analyze associations with PTSD symptoms over time. Results: TFC did not prevent ACS-induced PTSD symptom onset better than SFC; yet, there were significant and independent interactions between “intervention” (TFC or SFC) and social support (p = 0.013) and between “intervention” and duration of CR in weeks (p = 0.034). Patients with greater social support or longer participation in CR had fewer PTSD symptoms in the TFC group compared with the SFC group. The number of psychotherapy sessions did not moderate the intervention effect. Conclusions: Early psychological intervention after ACS with a trauma-focused approach to prevent the development of PTSD symptoms may be beneficial for patients who perceive high social support or participate in CR for several weeks.

Transdiagnostic Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Depression and Anxiety Disorders in Cardiovascular Disease Patients: Results From the CHAMPS Pilot-Feasibility Trial

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the Cardiovascular Health in Anxiety and Mood Problems Study (CHAMPS) is to pilot the Unified Protocol (UP) for the transdiagnostic treatment of depression and anxiety disorders in patients recently hospitalized for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and evaluate the feasibility.

METHODS

The present study is a controlled, block randomized pragmatic pilot-feasibility trial incorporating qualitative interview data, comparing UP (n = 9) with enhanced usual care (EUC, n = 10). Eligible trial participants had a recent CVD-cause admission and were above the severity threshold for depression or anxiety denoted by Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) total scores ≥10 and/or Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) total scores ≥7 respectively on two occasions, and met criteria for one or more depression or anxiety disorders determined by structured clinical interview. Study outcomes were analyzed as intention-to-treat using linear mixed models and qualitative interview data were analyzed with content analysis.

RESULTS

Quantitative and qualitative measured indicated acceptability of the transdiagnostic CBT intervention for CVD patients with depression or anxiety disorders. Satisfaction with UP was comparable to antidepressant therapy and higher than general physician counseling. However, there were difficulties recruiting participants with current disorders and distress on two occasions. The UP was associated with a reduction in total number of disorders determined by blinded raters. Linear mixed models indicated that a significantly greater reduction in anxiety symptoms was evident in the UP group by comparison to the EUC group (GAD-7, p between groups = 0.011; Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Scale, p between groups = 0.013). Results favored the UP group by comparison to EUC for change over 6 months on measures of physical quality of life and harmful alcohol use. There was no difference between the two groups on changes in depression symptoms (PHQ-9), stress, metacognitive worry beliefs, physical activity, or adherence.

DISCUSSION

In conclusion, this feasibility trial indicates acceptability of transdiagnostic CBT intervention for CVD patients with depression or anxiety disorders that is tempered by difficulties with recruitment. Larger trials are required to clarify the efficacy of transdiagnostic depression and anxiety disorder CBT in populations with CVDs and depressive or anxiety disorders.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

https://www.australianclinicaltrials.gov.au/anzctr/trial/ACTRN12615000555550, identifier: ACTRN12615000555550.

Remote intervention engagement and outcomes in the Clinical Trials in Organ Transplantation in Children consortium multisite trial

Remote interventions are increasingly used in transplant medicine but have rarely been rigorously evaluated. We investigated a remote intervention targeting immunosuppressant management in pediatric lung transplant recipients. Patients were recruited from a larger multisite trial if they had a Medication Level Variability Index (MLVI) ≥2.0, indicating worrisome tacrolimus level fluctuation. The manualized intervention included three weekly phone calls and regular follow-up calls. A comparison group included patients who met enrollment criteria after the subprotocol ended. Outcomes were defined before the intent-to-treat analysis. Feasibility was defined as ≥50% of participants completing the weekly calls. MLVI was compared pre- and 180 days postenrollment and between intervention and comparison groups. Of 18 eligible patients, 15 enrolled. Seven additional patients served as the comparison. Seventy-five percent of participants completed ≥3 weekly calls; average time on protocol was 257.7 days. Average intervention group MLVI was significantly lower (indicating improved blood level stability) at 180 days postenrollment (2.9 ± 1.29) compared with pre-enrollment (4.6 ± 2.10), p = .02. At 180 days, MLVI decreased by 1.6 points in the intervention group but increased by 0.6 in the comparison group (p = .054). Participants successfully engaged in a long-term remote intervention, and their medication blood levels stabilized. NCT02266888.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Following Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Review

The objective of the present review is to provide an overview of existing research that has reported on the association between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and ischemic heart disease. Specific focus is given to the incidence of PTSD following myocardial infarction (MI). A systematic review using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines was performed by searching four bibliographic databases: PubMed, PsychINFO, ScienceDirect, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. A total of 39 articles were included in this literature review. The results of these studies suggest that the occurrence of an acute cardiac event is likely to contribute to the development of PTSD. Not only is this type of psychiatric disorder associated with significant suffering and impaired quality of life, but it is also a predictor of an increased risk of recurrent adverse cardiovascular events and mortality. Screening, assessment, and treatment of PTSD and posttraumatic stress symptoms following a major cardiac event are critical for offsetting potential deleterious psychological and physical consequences.

A systematic review of factors associated with outcome of psychological treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder

OBJECTIVE

Psychological interventions for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are not always effective and can leave some individuals with enduring symptoms. Little is known about factors that are associated with better or worse treatment outcome. Our objective was to address this gap.

METHOD

We undertook a systematic review following Cochrane Collaboration Guidelines. We included 126 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of psychological interventions for PTSD and examined factors that were associated with treatment outcome, in terms of severity of PTSD symptoms post-treatment, and recovery or remission.

RESULTS

Associations were neither consistent nor strong. Two factors were associated with smaller reductions in severity of PTSD symptoms post-treatment: comorbid diagnosis of depression, and higher PTSD symptom severity at baseline assessment. Higher education, adherence to homework and experience of a more recent trauma were associated with better treatment outcome.

CONCLUSION

Identifying and understanding why certain factors are associated with treatment outcome is vital to determine which individuals are most likely to benefit from particular treatments and to develop more effective treatments in the future. There is an urgent need for consistent and standardized reporting of factors associated with treatment outcome in all clinical trials.

Interventions for posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms induced by medical events: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Medical events such as myocardial infarction and cancer diagnosis can induce symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The optimal treatment of PTSD symptoms in this context is unknown.

METHODS

A literature search of 6 biomedical electronic databases was conducted from database inception to November 2018. Studies were eligible if they used a randomized design and evaluated the effect of treatments on medical event-induced PTSD symptoms in adults. A random effects model was used to pool data when two or more comparable studies were available.

RESULTS

Six trials met full inclusion criteria. Studies ranged in size from 21 to 81 patients, and included patients with PTSD induced by cardiac events, cancer, HIV, multiple sclerosis, and stem cell transplantation. All trials assessed psychological interventions. Two trials comparing a form of exposure-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with assessment-only control found that CBT resulted in lower PTSD symptoms [Hedges's g = -0.47, (95% CI -0.82 - -0.12), p = .009]. A third trial compared imaginal exposure (another form of exposure-based CBT) with an attention control and found a trend toward reduced PTSD symptoms. Three trials compared eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) with active psychological treatments (imaginal exposure, conventional CBT, and relaxation therapy), and found that EMDR was more effective.

CONCLUSION

CBT and EMDR may be promising approaches to reducing PTSD symptoms due to medical events. However, additional trials are needed in this patient population.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in Heart Failure Patients: A Test of the Cardiac Disease-induced PTSD Hypothesis

Background:

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is prevalent in approximately 12% of patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and such patients are at risk of further CVD morbidity and mortality. It is unknown whether CVD patients with cardiac and non-cardiac traumatic events leading to PTSD differ in medical comorbidities and psychiatric vulnerabilities. Our objective was to compare heart failure (HF) patients with cardiac and non-cardiac PTSD.

Method:

A population of HF patients from 3 hospitals underwent a two-step depression and anxiety screening process to identify potential mental health treatment needs. The post-traumatic stress disorder module of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis-I disorders was used to classify trauma(s) exposure, and other disorders. The patients with PTSD were sub-divided by cardiac related traumas (e.g. myocardial infarction, sudden cardiac arrest) and non-cardiac related traumas (e.g. sexual abuse, interpersonal violence).

Results:

10 patients met criteria for non-cardiac trauma and 18 patients met criteria for cardiacinduced trauma. There were no significant differences in HF aetiology or severity nor cardiac comorbidities. Time since PTSD, onset was significantly longer for those with non-cardiac PTSD. Among psychiatric comorbidities, alcohol and substance abuse disorders, as well as depression were more prevalent in patients with non-cardiac PTSD.

Conclusion:

Cardiac related PTSD was associated with less alcohol and substance abuse disorders, and depression by comparison to their non-cardiac induced PTSD counterparts. Ongoing research is required to establish if cardiac-induced PTSD truly reflects a unique subtype of PTSD, and whether there are different treatment needs and therapeutic approaches for this subtype.

Adherence to Medication During Transition to Adult Services

The transition from childhood and adolescence to adulthood is often tumultuous. For individuals with a chronic medical condition, this progression also includes a gradual transition to independence in healthcare management as well as a transfer in care location at some set point. As adolescents navigate these sometimes challenging processes, there is a significant risk for a decline in adequate health behaviors, which can have dire consequences. One of the most vital components of the transfer to adult care is medication adherence. Poor medication adherence puts patients at risk for worse outcomes, with the most profound being increased mortality for many conditions. In recent years, acknowledgment of the need to create evidence-based methods to aid patients during the transition period has been growing. This paper seeks to provide an overview of current research and recommendations for interventions to increase adherence to medication regimens during this period.

Psychological sequelae of myocardial infarction

Patient with myocardial infarction (MI) are often affected by psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Psychological disorders are disabling and have a negative influence on recovery, reduce the quality of life and causes high mortality rate in MI patients. Despite tremendous advancement in technologies, screening scales, and treatment strategies, psychological sequelae of MI are currently understudied, underestimated, underdiagnosed, and undertreated. Depression is highly prevalent in MI patients followed by anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. Pathophysiological factors involved in psychopathologies observed in patients with MI are sympathetic over-activity, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction, and inflammation. Numerous preclinical and clinical studies evidenced a positive association between MI and psychopathologies with a common molecular pathophysiology. This review provides an update on diagnostic feature, prevalence, pathophysiology, clinical outcomes, and management strategies of psychopathologies associated with MI. Moreover, preclinical research findings on molecular mechanisms involved in post-MI psychopathologies and future therapeutic strategies have been outlined in the review.

Psychological interventions for coronary heart disease

BACKGROUND

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the most common cause of death globally, although mortality rates are falling. Psychological symptoms are prevalent for people with CHD, and many psychological treatments are offered following cardiac events or procedures with the aim of improving health and outcomes. This is an update of a Cochrane systematic review previously published in 2011.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of psychological interventions (alone or with cardiac rehabilitation) compared with usual care (including cardiac rehabilitation where available) for people with CHD on total mortality and cardiac mortality; cardiac morbidity; and participant-reported psychological outcomes of levels of depression, anxiety, and stress; and to explore potential study-level predictors of the effectiveness of psychological interventions in this population.

SEARCH METHODS

We updated the previous Cochrane Review searches by searching the following databases on 27 April 2016: CENTRAL in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), PsycINFO (Ovid), and CINAHL (EBSCO).

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of psychological interventions compared to usual care, administered by trained staff, and delivered to adults with a specific diagnosis of CHD. We selected only studies estimating the independent effect of the psychological component, and with a minimum follow-up of six months. The study population comprised of adults after: a myocardial infarction (MI), a revascularisation procedure (coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)), and adults with angina or angiographically defined coronary artery disease (CAD). RCTs had to report at least one of the following outcomes: mortality (total- or cardiac-related); cardiac morbidity (MI, revascularisation procedures); or participant-reported levels of depression, anxiety, or stress.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently screened titles and abstracts of all references for eligibility. A lead review author extracted study data, which a second review author checked. We contacted study authors to obtain missing information.

MAIN RESULTS

This review included 35 studies which randomised 10,703 people with CHD (14 trials and 2577 participants added to this update). The population included mainly men (median 77.0%) and people post-MI (mean 65.7%) or after undergoing a revascularisation procedure (mean 27.4%). The mean age of participants within trials ranged from 53 to 67 years. Overall trial reporting was poor, with around a half omitting descriptions of randomisation sequence generation, allocation concealment procedures, or the blinding of outcome assessments. The length of follow-up ranged from six months to 10.7 years (median 12 months). Most studies (23/35) evaluated multifactorial interventions, which included therapies with multiple therapeutic components. Ten studies examined psychological interventions targeted at people with a confirmed psychopathology at baseline and two trials recruited people with a psychopathology or another selecting criterion (or both). Of the remaining 23 trials, nine studies recruited unselected participants from cardiac populations reporting some level of psychopathology (3.8% to 53% with depressive symptoms, 32% to 53% with anxiety), 10 studies did not report these characteristics, and only three studies excluded people with psychopathology.Moderate quality evidence showed no risk reduction for total mortality (risk ratio (RR) 0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.77 to 1.05; participants = 7776; studies = 23) or revascularisation procedures (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.11) with psychological therapies compared to usual care. Low quality evidence found no risk reduction for non-fatal MI (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.64 to 1.05), although there was a 21% reduction in cardiac mortality (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.98). There was also low or very low quality evidence that psychological interventions improved participant-reported levels of depressive symptoms (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.27, 95% CI -0.39 to -0.15; GRADE = low), anxiety (SMD -0.24, 95% CI -0.38 to -0.09; GRADE = low), and stress (SMD -0.56, 95% CI -0.88 to -0.24; GRADE = very low).There was substantial statistical heterogeneity for all psychological outcomes but not clinical outcomes, and there was evidence of small-study bias for one clinical outcome (cardiac mortality: Egger test P = 0.04) and one psychological outcome (anxiety: Egger test P = 0.012). Meta-regression exploring a limited number of intervention characteristics found no significant predictors of intervention effects for total mortality and cardiac mortality. For depression, psychological interventions combined with adjunct pharmacology (where deemed appropriate) for an underlying psychological disorder appeared to be more effective than interventions that did not (β = -0.51, P = 0.003). For anxiety, interventions recruiting participants with an underlying psychological disorder appeared more effective than those delivered to unselected populations (β = -0.28, P = 0.03).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This updated Cochrane Review found that for people with CHD, there was no evidence that psychological treatments had an effect on total mortality, the risk of revascularisation procedures, or on the rate of non-fatal MI, although the rate of cardiac mortality was reduced and psychological symptoms (depression, anxiety, or stress) were alleviated; however, the GRADE assessments suggest considerable uncertainty surrounding these effects. Considerable uncertainty also remains regarding the people who would benefit most from treatment (i.e. people with or without psychological disorders at baseline) and the specific components of successful interventions. Future large-scale trials testing the effectiveness of psychological therapies are required due to the uncertainty within the evidence. Future trials would benefit from testing the impact of specific (rather than multifactorial) psychological interventions for participants with CHD, and testing the targeting of interventions on different populations (i.e. people with CHD, with or without psychopathologies).

PTSD in solid organ transplant recipients: Current understanding and future implications

PTSS are quite prevalent in transplant recipients, although full-scale PTSD may not be that common. Those symptoms have been linked to poor transplant outcomes, perhaps owing to non-adherence to medications and other recommendations, brought about by the avoidance dimension of the PTSD/PTSS construct (patients may avoid taking their medications because they serve as reminder of the emotionally traumatic event--the transplant). It is possible to treat PTSD via specific psychotherapeutic techniques, and the treatment has been shown to be safe and likely effective in other populations. Therefore, practitioners who treat transplant recipients should be familiar with the presentation and treatment of those symptoms. This manuscript provides a systematic literature review of the PTSD/PTSS presentation in the pediatric transplant setting, a synthesis of available research findings, and suggestions for current care and future research.

Changes in comorbid conditions after prolonged exposure for PTSD: a literature review

Prolonged exposure (PE) is an effective psychological treatment for patients who suffer from PTSD. The majority of PTSD patients have comorbid psychiatric disorders, and some clinicians are hesitant to use PE with comorbid patients because they believe that comorbid conditions may worsen during PE. In this article, we reviewed the evidence for this question: what are the effects of PE on comorbid symptoms and associated symptomatic features? We reviewed findings from 18 randomized controlled trials of PE that assessed the most common comorbid conditions (major depression, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, personality disorders, and psychotic disorders) and additional symptomatic features (suicidality, dissociation, negative cognitions, negative emotions, and general health and work/social functioning). Although systematic research is not available for all comorbid populations, the existing research indicates that comorbid disorders and additional symptomatic features either decline along with the PTSD symptoms or do not change as a result of PE. Therefore, among the populations that have been studied to date, there is no empirical basis for excluding PTSD patients from PE due to fear of increases in comorbid conditions or additional symptomatic features. Limitations of the existing research and recommendations for future research are also discussed.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder among Cardiac Patients: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Considerations for Assessment and Treatment

There is increasing awareness of the impact of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on physical health, particularly cardiovascular disease. We review the literature on the role of trauma in the development of cardiovascular risk factors and disease, aftermath of a cardiac event, and risk for recurrence in cardiac patients. We explore possible mechanisms to explain these relationships, as well as appropriate assessment and treatment strategies for this population. Our main conclusion is that screening and referral for appropriate treatments are important given the high prevalence rates of PTSD in cardiac populations and the associated impact on morbidity and mortality.

The anxious heart in whose mind? A systematic review and meta-regression of factors associated with anxiety disorder diagnosis, treatment and morbidity risk in coronary heart disease

OBJECTIVE

To (1) report the prognostic association between anxiety disorder subtypes and major adverse cardiac events (MACE), (2) report anxiety disorder prevalence in coronary heart disease (CHD), and (3) report the efficacy of anxiety disorder treatments in CHD.

METHODS

A comprehensive electronic database search was performed in November 2013 for studies reporting anxiety disorder prevalence according to structured interview in CHD samples or MACE, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing anxiety disorder treatment with placebo or usual care. From 4041 articles 42 samples were selected for extraction (8 for MACE prognosis, 39 for prevalence, no RCTs were eligible).

RESULTS

Five generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) studies reported 883 MACE events (combined n=2851). There was a non-significant association between GAD and MACE (risk ratio=1.20, 95% CI .86-1.68, P=.28) however the effect size was highly significant in outpatient samples (adjusted hazard ratio=1.94, 95% CI 1.45-2.60, P<.001). No other anxiety disorder subtype was associated with MACE. Prevalence data showed high comorbidity with depression (49.06%; 95% CI 34.28-64.01) and substantial heterogeneity between studies. Panic disorder prevalence was higher in psychiatrist/psychologist raters (9.92% vs. 4.74%) as was GAD (18.45% vs. 13.01%). Panic and GAD estimates were also heterogeneous according to DSM-III-R versus DSM-IV taxonomies.

CONCLUSIONS

The paucity of extant anxiety disorder RCTs, alongside MACE risk for GAD outpatients, should stimulate further anxiety disorder intervention in CHD populations. Research should focus on depression and anxiety, thereby unraveling disorder specific and more generic pathways.

A dynamic view of comorbid depression and generalized anxiety disorder symptom change in chronic heart failure: the discrete effects of cognitive behavioral therapy, exercise, and psychotropic medication

PURPOSE

No previous study has reported upon comorbid depression and anxiety disorders and their treatment in heart failure (HF), which the current study has sought to document.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Total 29 HF patients under psychiatric management underwent primary depression cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT; n = 15) or primary generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) CBT (n = 14), and participated in a community exercise program and standard physician care. Repeated measures analysis of variance assessed Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and GAD-7 symptom change pre- and post-CBT treatment, and assessed the interaction effects of treatment type, exercise, anti-depressant and anxiolytic.

RESULTS

There was a significant time and treatment interaction effect that favored the primary GAD CBT group for reduction in PHQ symptoms (F(1, 24) = 4.52, p = 0.04). Analysis of PHQ-somatic symptoms also showed a significant main effect for participation in the exercise program (F(1, 24) = 4.21, p = 0.05) and a significant time and anxiolytic interaction (F(1, 24) = 3.98, p = 0.05). The average number of cardiac hospital readmissions favored the primary GAD CBT group (p = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The findings support the use of multifaceted interventions in the rehabilitation of HF patients with comorbid psychiatric needs. Implications for Rehabilitation Comorbid depression and anxiety disorders are a clinical and research focus that deserves more attention in the treatment of heart failure patients. Cognitive behavioral therapy, exercise, and anxiolytic use was associated with significant changes in depression and anxiety though discrete effects were evident. Multifaceted interventions are most likely to be successful in the rehabilitation of HF patients with psychiatric needs.

Comorbid anxiety disorders alter the association between cardiovascular diseases and depression: the German National Health Interview and Examination Survey

PURPOSE

This study aims to examine whether specific anxiety disorder comorbidity alters the purported association between depression and specific cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).

METHODS

In 4,181 representative German participants of the general population, 12-month prevalence of psychiatric disorders was assessed through the Composite International Diagnostic Interview and CVDs by physician verified diagnosis. Adjusting for conventional risk factors logistic regression analyzed the association between CVDs (peripheral vascular disease (PVD), hypertension, cerebrovascular disease and heart disease) and combinations of comorbidity between depression and anxiety disorder types (panic disorder, specific phobia, social phobia and generalized anxiety).

RESULTS

There were 770 cases of hypertension (18.4 %), 763 cases of cerebrovascular disease (18.2 %), 748 cases of PVD (17.9 %), and 1,087 cases of CVD (26.0 %). In adjusted analyses phobia comorbid with depression was associated with cerebrovascular disease (odds ratio (OR) 1.61; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.04-2.50) as was panic disorder (OR 2.89; 95 % CI 1.47-5.69). PVD was significantly associated with panic disorder (adjusted OR 2.97; 95 % CI 1.55-5.69). Panic disorder was associated with CVDs (adjusted OR 2.28; 95 % CI 1.09-4.77) as was phobia (adjusted OR 1.35; 95 % CI 1.04-1.78).

CONCLUSIONS

Classification of anxiety and depression according to comorbidity groups showed discrete effects for panic disorder and specific phobia with CVDs, independent from covariates and depression.

An Enduring Somatic Threat Model of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Due to Acute Life-Threatening Medical Events

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs in 12-25% of survivors of acute life-threatening medical events such as heart attack, stroke, and cancer, and is associated with recurrence of cardiac events and mortality in heart attack survivors. This article reviews the current state of knowledge about PTSD after such events, and proposes an Enduring Somatic Threat (EST) model of PTSD due to acute life-threatening medical events to address underappreciated differences between PTSD due to past, discrete/external traumatic events (such as combat) and PTSD due to acute manifestations of chronic disease that are enduring/internal in nature (such as heart attack and stroke). The differences include the external versus internal/somatic source of the threat, the past versus present/future temporal focus of threatening cognitions, the different types and consequences of avoidance behavior, and the different character and consequences of hyperarousal. Although important differences between the two types of PTSD exist, the EST model proposes that the underlying fear of mortality maintains PTSD symptoms due to both discrete/external and ongoing/somatic events. Finally, this article offers a research agenda for testing the EST model, with a particular focus on areas that may improve cardiovascular prognosis and health behaviors in survivors of heart attack and stroke.

The real world mental health needs of heart failure patients are not reflected by the depression randomized controlled trial evidence

INTRODUCTION

International depression screening guidelines in heart failure (HF) are partly based on depression treatment efficacy from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Our aim was to test the external validity of depression RCT criteria in a sample of real-world HF patients.

METHODS

HF patients admitted to 3 hospitals in South Australia were referred to a HF psychologist if not already receiving current psychiatric management by psychologist or psychiatrist elsewhere. Screening and referral protocol consisted of the following; (a). Patient Health Questionnaire ≥ 10; (b). Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire ≥ 7); (c). positive response to 1 item panic attack screener; (d). evidence of suicidality. Patients were evaluated against the most common RCT exclusion criteria personality disorder, high suicide risk, cognitive impairment, psychosis, alcohol or substance abuse or dependency, bi-polar depression.

RESULTS

Total 81 HF patients were referred from 404 HF admissions, and 73 were assessed (age 60.6 ± 13.4, 47.9% female). Nearly half (47%) met at least 1 RCT exclusion criterion, most commonly personality disorder (28.5%), alcohol/substance abuse (17.8%) and high suicide risk (11.0%). RCT ineligibility criteria was more frequent among patients with major depression (76.5% vs. 46.2%, p<.01) and dysthymia (26.5% vs. 7.7%, p = .03) but not significantly associated with anxiety disorders. RCT ineligible patients reported greater severity of depression (M = 16.6 ± 5.0 vs. M = 12.9 ± 7.2, p = .02) and were higher consumers of HF psychotherapy services (M = 11.5 ± 4.7 vs. M = 8.5 ± 4.8, p = .01).

CONCLUSION

In this real-world sample comparable in size to recent RCT intervention arms, patients with depression disorders presented with complex psychiatric needs including comorbid personality disorders, alcohol/substance use and suicide risk. These findings suggest external validity of depression screening and RCTs could serve as a basis for level A guideline recommendations in cardiovascular diseases.

Managing behavioral health needs of veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in primary care

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a frequent occurrence in the United States, and has been given particular attention in the veteran population. Recent accounts have estimated TBI incidence rates as high as 20 % among US veterans who served in Afghanistan or Iraq, and many of these veterans experience a host of co-morbid concerns, including psychiatric complaints (such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder), sleep disturbance, and substance abuse which may warrant referral to behavioral health specialists working in primary care settings. This paper reviews many common behavioral health concerns co-morbid with TBI, and suggests areas in which behavioral health specialists may assess, intervene, and help to facilitate holistic patient care beyond the acute phase of injury. The primary focus is on sequelae common to mild and moderate TBI which may more readily present in primary care clinics.

Posttraumatic stress disorder and cardiovascular disease

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder initiated by exposure to a traumatic event and characterized by intrusive thoughts about the event, attempts to avoid reminders of the event, and physiological hyperarousal. In a number of large prospective observational studies, PTSD has been associated with incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. Also, in recent years, a number of studies have shown that cardiovascular events can themselves cause PTSD in more than 1 in 8 patients with acute coronary syndrome. Further, a few small studies suggest that PTSD secondary to an acute CVD event then places patients at increased risk for subsequent CVD events and mortality. In this article, we review the evidence for a link between PTSD and CVD, and discuss potential mechanisms for that association as well as future directions for research.

Cognitive behavioral treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder: empirical foundation and new directions

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is currently the most empirically supported intervention for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and includes both specific manualized treatments (e.g., cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure) and less standardized applications. As CBT for PTSD has become increasingly popular, more advanced questions have emerged regarding its use, including how existing treatments might be enhanced. In the current review, we aimed to discover recent trends in the CBT for PTSD literature by applying rigorous search criteria to peer-reviewed articles published from 2009 to 2012. Results of the 14 studies that were identified are discussed, and future directions for research are suggested.

Posttraumatic stress disorder prevalence and risk of recurrence in acute coronary syndrome patients: a meta-analytic review

BACKGROUND

Acute coronary syndromes (ACS; myocardial infarction or unstable angina) can induce posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and ACS-induced PTSD may increase patients' risk for subsequent cardiac events and mortality.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of PTSD induced by ACS and to quantify the association between ACS-induced PTSD and adverse clinical outcomes using systematic review and meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

Articles were identified by searching Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Scopus, and through manual search of reference lists.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Observational cohort studies that assessed PTSD with specific reference to an ACS event at least 1 month prior. We extracted estimates of the prevalence of ACS-induced PTSD and associations with clinical outcomes, as well as study characteristics. We identified 56 potentially relevant articles, 24 of which met our criteria (N = 2383). Meta-analysis yielded an aggregated prevalence estimate of 12% (95% confidence interval [CI], 9%-16%) for clinically significant symptoms of ACS-induced PTSD in a random effects model. Individual study prevalence estimates varied widely (0%-32%), with significant heterogeneity in estimates explained by the use of a screening instrument (prevalence estimate was 16% [95% CI, 13%-20%] in 16 studies) vs a clinical diagnostic interview (prevalence estimate was 4% [95% CI, 3%-5%] in 8 studies). The aggregated point estimate for the magnitude of the relationship between ACS-induced PTSD and clinical outcomes (ie, mortality and/or ACS recurrence) across the 3 studies that met our criteria (N = 609) suggested a doubling of risk (risk ratio, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.69-2.37) in ACS patients with clinically significant PTSD symptoms relative to patients without PTSD symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

This meta-analysis suggests that clinically significant PTSD symptoms induced by ACS are moderately prevalent and are associated with increased risk for recurrent cardiac events and mortality. Further tests of the association of ACS-induced PTSD and clinical outcomes are needed.

Cognitive behavioral therapy for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder: a review

BACKGROUND

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric sequel to a stressful event or situation of an exceptionally threatening or catastrophic nature. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been used in the management of PTSD for many years. This paper reviews the effectiveness of CBT for the treatment of PTSD following various types of trauma, its potential to prevent PTSD, methods used in CBT, and reflects on the mechanisms of action of CBT in PTSD.

METHODS

Electronic databases, including PubMed, were searched for articles on CBT and PTSD. Manual searches were conducted for cross-references in the relevant journal sites.

RESULTS

The current literature reveals robust evidence that CBT is a safe and effective intervention for both acute and chronic PTSD following a range of traumatic experiences in adults, children, and adolescents. However, nonresponse to CBT by PTSD can be as high as 50%, contributed to by various factors, including comorbidity and the nature of the study population. CBT has been validated and used across many cultures, and has been used successfully by community therapists following brief training in individual and group settings. There has been effective use of Internet-based CBT in PTSD. CBT has been found to have a preventive role in some studies, but evidence for definitive recommendations is inadequate. The effect of CBT has been mediated mostly by the change in maladaptive cognitive distortions associated with PTSD. Many studies also report physiological, functional neuroimaging, and electroencephalographic changes correlating with response to CBT.

CONCLUSION

There is scope for further research on implementation of CBT following major disasters, its preventive potential following various traumas, and the neuropsychological mechanisms of action.