Course Of Psychological Distress Research Articles

The longitudinal course of psychological distress and resilience in patients with serious mental illnesses during the first two years of the Covid-19 pandemic

The positive effects of resilience on psychological distress has been found in previous studies in samples not including the seriously mentally ill. The present study aimed to investigate the course of psychological distress and resilience in the first two years of the Covid-19 pandemic in patients with severe mental illness (SMI) and major depressive disorder without psychotic features (MDD) compared to healthy control subjects. 141 patients with SMI or MDD who had been admitted to a psychiatric ward in Tyrol (Austria) or South Tyrol (Italy) in 2019 and 584 community controls participated in a longitudinal online survey. Next to collecting sociodemographic data, psychological distress was evaluated using the Brief Symptom Checklist (BSCL) and resilience by the 13-Item Resilience Scale (RS-13). Psychological distress was consistently significantly higher while resilience was consistently significantly lower among both patient groups compared to healthy controls. In the patient samples, those with MDD consistently exhibited a significantly higher prevalence and level of psychological distress and significantly lower resilience. Resilience had a moderating effect on psychological distress especially in the MDD group. Our results suggest that MDD patients represent a particularly vulnerable group and findings imply that these patients would profit the most from trainings fostering resilience.

Psychological Distress After Inpatient Noncardiac Surgery: A Secondary Analysis of the Measurement of Exercise Tolerance Before Surgery Prospective Cohort Study.

To describe the incidence and natural progression of psychological distress after major surgery. The recovery process after surgery imposes physical and mental burdens that put patients at risk of psychological distress. Understanding the natural course of psychological distress after surgery is critical to supporting the timely and tailored management of high-risk individuals. We conducted a secondary analysis of the "Measurement of Exercise Tolerance before Surgery" multicentre cohort study (Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK). Measurement of Exercise Tolerance before Surgery recruited adult participants (≥40 years) undergoing elective inpatient noncardiac surgery and followed them for 1 year. The primary outcome was the severity of psychological distress measured using the anxiety-depression item of EQ-5D-3L. We used cumulative link mixed models to characterize the time trajectory of psychological distress among relevant patient subgroups. We also explored potential predictors of severe and/or worsened psychological distress at 1 year using multivariable logistic regression models. Of 1546 participants, moderate-to-severe psychological distress was reported by 32.6% of participants before surgery, 27.3% at 30 days after surgery, and 26.2% at 1 year after surgery. Psychological distress appeared to improve over time among females [odds ratio (OR): 0.80, 95% CI: 0.65-0.95] and patients undergoing orthopedic procedures (OR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.55-0.91), but not among males (OR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.87-1.07) or patients undergoing nonorthopedic procedures (OR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.87-1.04). Among the average middle-aged adult, there were no time-related changes (OR: 0.94, 97% CI: 0.75-1.13), whereas the young-old (OR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.79-0.99) and middle-old (OR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.73-1.01) had small improvements. Predictors of severe and/or worsened psychological distress at 1 year were younger age, poor self-reported functional capacity, smoking history, and undergoing open surgery. One-third of adults experience moderate to severe psychological distress before major elective noncardiac surgery. This distress tends to persist or worsen over time among select patient subgroups.

Temporal dynamics in mental health symptoms and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic in a longitudinal probability sample: a network analysis

Figuring out which symptoms are central for symptom escalation during the COVID-19 pandemic is important for targeting prevention and intervention. Previous studies have contributed to the understanding of the course of psychological distress during the pandemic, but less is known about key symptoms of psychological distress over time. Going beyond a pathogenetic pathway perspective, we applied the network approach to psychopathology to examine how psychological distress unfolds in a period of maximum stress (pre-pandemic to pandemic onset) and a period of repeated stress (pandemic peak to pandemic peak). We conducted secondary data analyses with the Understanding Society data (N = 17,761), a longitudinal probability study in the UK with data before (2019), at the onset of (April 2020), and during the COVID-19 pandemic (November 2020 & January 2021). Using the General Health Questionnaire and one loneliness item, we computed three temporal cross-lagged panel network models to analyze psychological distress over time. Specifically, we computed (1) a pre-COVID to first incidence peak network, (2) a first incidence peak to second incidence peak network, and (3) a second incidence peak to third incidence peak network. All networks were highly consistent over time. Loneliness and thinking of self as worthless displayed a high influence on other symptoms. Feeling depressed and not overcoming difficulties had many incoming connections, thus constituting an end-product of symptom cascades. Our findings highlight the importance of loneliness and self-worth for psychological distress during COVID-19, which may have important implications in therapy and prevention. Prevention and intervention measures are discussed, as single session interventions are available that specifically target loneliness and worthlessness to alleviate mental health problems.

The longitudinal course of anxiety, depression and apathy through two years after stroke

ObjectiveEstimate the prevalence of anxiety disorders, depressive disorders and apathy two years after stroke, examine their longitudinal course, describe the course of psychological distress through two years after stroke, and evaluate Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale HADS-A and HADS-D cut-off scores of ≥4 and ≥ 8 for detection of anxiety and depressive disorders two years after stroke. MethodsIn a longitudinal cohort study of 150 consecutive stroke patients in a stroke unit, 103 were assessed four months and 75 two years after stroke. Anxiety and depression disorders and symptoms were assessed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV and HADS, apathy by the Apathy Evaluation Scale. ResultsPrevalence of at least one anxiety disorder or one depressive disorder decreased from four months to two years (23% vs 9%, P = 0.026, 19% vs 10%, P = 0.17). Apathy remained stable at 48% vs 50%. After two years, 80%, 79% and 19% of those with anxiety, depression or apathy at four months had recovered. Recovery-rates among patients with anxiety were 83% for panic disorder, 60% for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and 50% for social phobia. ConclusionsIn contrast to apathy, recovery from anxiety and depression was high. About half of the patients with GAD, social phobia or agoraphobia did not recover. Co-morbid depression and apathy at four months implied a high risk for not recovering at two years. HADS-A and HADS-D cut-off scores of ≥8 were feasible for detection of anxiety and depression disorders two years after stroke.

Course and predictors of psychological distress among colorectal cancer survivors with ostomies: A longitudinal study.

To examined the course and predictors of psychological distress among colorectal cancer survivors with ostomies. 131 survivors were considered in this longitudinal study. Participants were measured at first month (T1), third month (T2), and sixth month (T3) post-operation. Psychological distress, peristomal skin complications and stomal complications were measured. All participants' sociodemographic data were collected one day before discharge. ANOVA with repeated measures was used to compare the course of psychological distress. Generalized Estimating Equations were used to determine the predictors. The prevalence of mild to severe psychological distress in colorectal cancer survivors undergoing colostomy at T1, T2 and T3 was 96.94%, 88.55%, and 29.77%，respectively. The difference of psychological distress in survivors with ostomies at T1, T2 and T3 was statistically significant (F=603.310, P<0.001). Higher level psychological distress was generally differentiated by no religious belief, spouse caregiver, first and third month after ostomy, permanent enterostomy, peristomal skin complications and stomal complications. Survivors generally experience psychological distress, especially at first and third month after surgery. A multidisciplinary collaborative group comprised of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence/Enterostomal Therapy nurses and doctors, as well as psychological counselors, peer educators, and other participants, should be formed to conduct continuous assessments and management of psychological distress. Permanent enterostomies at first and third month after surgery, with spouse caregiver and no religious belief, with peristomal skin complications and stomal complications were being a priority for targeted attention.

Severity of psychological distress over five years differs as a function of sex and presence of coronary artery disease

Background Psychological distress is more prevalent and severe among patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) compared to healthy individuals. Little is known regarding its time course, and whether these differences extend to individuals with non-cardiovascular (CV) illnesses. This study examined the presence, severity, and time course of psychological distress in men and women with CAD and those of similarly aged individuals suffering from non-CV conditions. Methods 1229 individuals (61% men; meanage = 60.4 ± 7.0 years) with stable CAD or non-CV illnesses reported on social support, hostility, stress, anxiety and depression at baseline as well as 4.8 ± 0.8 years later. Analyses involved mixed (Sex*CAD status*Time) repeated measures analyses (controlling for relevant covariates), as well as Chi-square and McNemar analyses. Results Women with CAD reported more symptoms of depression compared to other participants at both evaluations (p’s < 0.01), and reported more symptoms of anxiety and stress compared to others at T1 (p’s < 0.05). At T2, perceived stress remained significantly greater among women with CAD compared to men (p’s < 0.01), though differences in anxiety were no longer significant. Men reported more hostility than women (p = 0.001). CAD women fell within the clinical range for depression (p < 0.001), anxiety (p = 0.001), and stress (p = 0.030) more frequently compared to others at T1, and for depression (p = 0.009) and stress (p = 0.002) at T2. Conclusions The evolution of patient distress differed as a function of the measure examined, their sex, and/or CV status. While psychological distress was prevalent among these patients with diverse health conditions, women with CAD were particularly and chronically vulnerable.

Association between Symptoms of Psychological Distress in Brazilian Elderly and Socio-Demographic Factors During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: The context of the worldwide pandemic of COVID-19 revealed the vulnerability of elderly people and the psychological consequences of this. This paper under analysis from the Life Span perspective, analyses the developmental trajectory in relation to genetic-biological and socio-cultural influences of elderly people. Methods: The research has an exploratory nature and was conducted with a sample of 289 Brazilian elderly aged over 60 years, recruited from the snowball technique, by virtual means. Findings: The results indicated the majority of participants were female, with schooling ranging from 13 to 18 years old, of Christian-Catholic religion, cohabitated with adult members, had a family income greater than US$ 229.66 and were retired. The most frequent symptoms of psychological discomfort were restlessness, insomnia, muscle tension, and the desire to cry in males, and were most frequent in family income was between US$ 172.25 and US$ 229.66 and had a housing size less than 50 m². Interpretation: It was concluded that there was a significant association between socio-demographic and psychological factors, indicating variability between genders, family income and housing situation regarding the course of psychological distress in older adults. This demonstrates relevant factors for the identification of problems related to mental health and living conditions in the elderly population. Clinical Trial Registration Details: The study was registered on the Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clinicos (ReBec) platform under code RBR-9pgwfc - Psychological effects of social isolation in the coronavirus pandemic; UTN: U1111-1250-1962 (04/09/2020). Funding Information: The data collection for this research was funded by Mineracao Paragominas S/A (Hydro). Declaration of Interests: None to declare. Ethics Approval Statement: The project was submitted to and approved by the Research Ethics Committee, Opinion no. 3.954.129, CAAE: 30365720.8.0000.0008.).

Changes of perceived control after kidney transplantation: a prospective study.

The aim of this study was to determine if kidney transplantation is associated with increases of perceived control and how changes of perceived control affect the course of psychological distress until 1year after transplantation. Low levels of perceived control are associated with reduced well-being among dialysis patients. Prospective longitudinal cohort study. Perceived control (Mastery Scale) and psychological distress (GHQ-12) were prospectively assessed before (T0; n=470) and three (T1; n=197), six (T2; n=210) and twelve (T3; n=183) months after transplantation. Differences between T1 and T0 perceived control were used to stratify the sample into three groups (control gain, stable control and control loss). Socio-demographic and clinical variables, including complications, were examined as potential correlates and the course of psychological was distress compared across groups. Data were collected between July 2008 - July 2013. Perceived control showed a small increase overall, with 35·1%, 50·0% and 14·9% reporting gain, stable level and loss respectively. Patients with secondary schooling were overrepresented in the control loss group. The course of psychological distress varied across perceived control change groups, with patients in the control gain group experiencing a significant reduction in psychological distress. A considerable number of patients report increased levels of perceived control after transplantation that are associated with a subsequent decrease in psychological distress. Results emphasize the importance of perceived control and could inform interventions to facilitate well-being after kidney transplantation.

Stepped care targeting psychological distress in head and neck cancer and lung cancer patients: a randomized, controlled trial

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of stepped care (SC) targeting psychological distress in head and neck cancer (HNC) and lung cancer (LC) patients. Patients with untreated distress [Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS; HADS-D > 7, HADS-A > 7, or HADS-total > 14)] were randomized to SC (n = 75) or care-as-usual (CAU) (n = 81). SC consisted of watchful waiting, guided self-help, problem-solving therapy, and psychotherapy and/or psychotropic medication. The primary outcome measure was the HADS; secondary outcome measures were recovery rate, EORTC QLQ-C30, QLQ-HN35/QLQ-LC13, and IN-PATSAT32. Measures were assessed at baseline, after completion of care, and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months follow-up. Linear mixed models, t-tests, and effect sizes (ES) were used to assess group differences. Patients with untreated distress were randomized to SC (n = 75) or care-as-usual (CAU) (n = 81). The course of psychological distress was better after SC compared with CAU (HADS-total, P = 0.005; HADS-A, P = 0.046; HADS-D, P = 0.007). The SC group scored better post-treatment (HADS-total, ES = 0.56; HADS-A, ES = 0.38; HADS-D, ES = 0.64) and at 9 months follow-up (HADS-total, ES = 0.42 and HADS-A, ES = 0.40). The recovery rate post-treatment was 55% after SC compared with 29% after CAU (P = 0.002), and 46% and 37% at 12 months follow-up (P = 0.35). Within SC, 28% recovered after watchful waiting, 34% after guided self-help, 9% after problem-solving therapy, and 17% after psychotherapy and/or psychotropic medication. The effect of SC was stronger for patients with a depressive or anxiety disorder compared with patients without such a disorder (HADS-total, P = 0.001; HADS-A, P = 0.003; HADS-D, P = 0.041). SC is effective and speeds up recovery among HNC and LC patients with untreated psychological distress. Netherlands Trial Register (NTR1868).

Psychological distress in informal caregivers of patients with dementia in primary care: course and determinants.

The course of psychological distress in informal caregivers of patients with dementia has been investigated in longitudinal studies with conflicting outcomes. We investigated the course and determinants of psychological distress in informal caregivers of patients with dementia in primary care. In this prospective observational cohort study, data were collected at baseline, after 9 and 18 months. We assessed cognition and neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) of the patient (Mini-Mental State Examination and Neuropsychiatric Inventory) and psychological distress (Sense of Competence Questionnaire, Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale and General Health Questionnaire 12-tem version) of the informal caregivers. Determinants for the course of psychological distress were caregivers' age, gender and relationship with the patient, patients' cognition and NPS, participation in a care program and admission to long-term care facilities (LTCF). With linear mixed models, the course over time for psychological distress and its determinants were explored. We included 117 informal caregivers, of whom 23.1% had a high risk for depression and 41.0% were identified to be likely to have mental problems at baseline. We found a stable pattern of psychological distress over time. Higher frequency of NPS, informal caregivers' age between 50 and 70 years and being female or spouse were associated with higher psychological distress. For patients who were admitted to a LTCF during the study psychological distress of the informal caregivers improved. GPs should focus on NPS in patients with dementia and on caregivers' psychological distress and be aware of their risk for depression and mental problems, specifically to those who are spouse, female or between 50 and 70 years of age.

Childhood maltreatment, maladaptive personality types and level and course of psychological distress: A six-year longitudinal study

BackgroundChildhood maltreatment and maladaptive personality are both cross-sectionally associated with psychological distress. It is unknown whether childhood maltreatment affects the level and longitudinal course of psychological distress in adults and to what extent this effect is mediated by maladaptive personality. MethodsA sample of 2947 adults aged 18–65, consisting of healthy controls, persons with a prior history or current episode of depressive and/or anxiety disorders according to the Composite Interview Diagnostic Instrument were assessed in six waves at baseline (T0) and 1 (T1), 2 (T2), 4 (T4) and 6 years (T6) later. At each wave psychological distress was measured with the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Fear Questionnaire. At T0 childhood maltreatment types were measured with a semi-structured interview (Childhood Trauma Interview) and personality traits with the NEO-Five Factor Inventory. ResultsUsing latent variable analyses, we found that severity of childhood maltreatment (emotional neglect and abuse in particular) predicted higher initial levels of psychological distress and that this effect was mediated by maladaptive personality types. Differences in trajectories of distress between persons with varying levels of childhood maltreatment remained significant and stable over time. LimitationsChildhood maltreatment was assessed retrospectively and maladaptive personality types and level of psychological distress at study entry were assessed concurrently. ConclusionsRoutine assessment of maladaptive personality types and possible childhood emotional maltreatment in persons with severe and prolonged psychological distress seems warranted to identify persons who may need a different or more intensive treatment.

PS2-22: Exploring the Course of Psychological Distress and Perceived Health Status After Receiving a Positive Fecal Occult Blood Test Result

Background/Aims Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening reduces morbidity and mortality. It is important to understand the effect of a positive fecal occult blood (FOB) screening test result on mental health and general well-being. The goal of this study is to evaluate differences in colon cancer worry, general anxiety and perceived health status among individuals receiving FOBT(+) and FOBT (−) results at 7–14 days and 4 months post screening. The study is the first to simultaneously chart mental and physical well-being associated with CRC screening.

Die protektiveWirkung einer optimistischen Erwartungshaltung bei Prostatakrebspatienten

This study investigates the course of psychological distress, need for psychosocial support and quality of life in prostate cancer patients with respect to their dispositional optimism. A sample of 253 patients with prostate carcinoma completed questionnaires measuring optimism (LOT), psychological distress (PHQ-4), quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30) and need for psychosocial support (HSI) during hospitalization (T1), two weeks (T2) and three months (T3) after discharge. Optimism at T1 is negatively correlated with psychological distress and the need for support at T3. Even after controlling for the baseline levels of these variables, we found that optimism explained incremental variance three months later. The proportion of patients with an expressed need for support ranged from 45 % at T1 to 30 % at T3. Depression is - compared to the German general population - elevated only at T1, while anxiety remains heightened over the entire course. Patients with a high level of pessimism are at risk for higher levels of mental distress in the course of the disease. Their need for counselling should be considered by the psychosocial care system.

Body image and psychological distress after prophylactic mastectomy and breast reconstruction in genetically predisposed women: A prospective long-term follow-up study

PurposeTo explore the course of psychological distress and body image at long-term follow-up (6–9years) after prophylactic mastectomy and breast reconstruction (PM/BR) in women at risk for hereditary breast cancer, and to identify pre-PM risk factors for poor body image on the long-term. MethodsPsychological distress (general and breast cancer specific) and body image (general and breast specific) were assessed in 36 high-risk women before PM (T0), at 6months (T1) and 6–9years (T2) after PM/BR. Investigated predictive variables (assessed at T0) for long-term body image (assessed at T2) included psychological distress, body image and coping styles. ResultsBreast cancer specific and general distress significantly decreased from T0 to T1 as well as from T1 to T2. Problems regarding breast related and general body image were significantly higher at T1 than at T0. Subsequently, breast related body image scores significantly decreased from T1 to T2, while the decrease in general body image scores were not significant. Active coping and seeking social support were predictive of lower scores (i.e. less problems) on breast related and general body image at long-term follow-up. Furthermore, higher scores on general body image before PM/BR were predictive for increased general body image scores at long-term follow-up. ConclusionOur findings indicate that psychological distress is decreased after PM/BR, at the cost of persistent problems regarding body image. Exploration of coping styles and body image perception before PM/BR may help to identify vulnerable women who may benefit from additional support.

Social support and psychological distress in rheumatoid arthritis: a 4-year prospective study

Introduction: The objective of the study was to investigate the course of psychological distress in early rheumatoid arthritis patients and to explore the strength of its associations with disease-related variables over time. A further aim focused specifically on the associations between social support and psychological distress. Methods: The study had a longitudinal design, with four annual measurements over consecutive years. The course and stability of psychological distress on the individual level were investigated via test–retest correlation coefficients and changes over time were studied using the Friedman test for repeated measurements. Hierarchical regression analysis was performed to analyze the multilinear associations of disease activity, functional disability, joint tenderness, pain and social support with psychological distress. Results: Significant cross-sectional associations were found among functional disability, joint tenderness, pain, emotional support, instrumental support and psychological distress. However, after controlling for the erratic pattern of the disease and the relevant variables, only initial psychological distress and emotional support retained a significant relationship with psychological distress. The final regression model, in which functional disability, pain, emotional support and initial psychological distress were significant variables, explained 36% of the variance in psychological distress. Conclusion: The study stresses the importance of initial psychological distress, which was found to have the highest correlation with psychological distress experienced 4 years later. In addition, higher emotional support and lower pain were found to be the only variables independently associated with lower levels of psychological distress after controlling for the relevant variables.Implications for RehabilitationPsychological distress is a relevant problem in rheumatoid arthritis patients and should be recognized early in the disease as it might reflect a lack of social resources which can be crucial in the further course of the disease.Special attention should be paid to different types of social support in relation to psychological distress, which might improve targeting psychosocial interventions.

The long-term effect of group living homes versus regular nursing homes for people with dementia on psychological distress of informal caregivers

Objective: In this follow-up study, the long-term influence of group living homes (GLHs) on informal caregiver distress was compared with modern yet regular nursing homes (NHs). Method: Informal caregivers of GLH (N = 37) and NH residents (N = 49) were studied at the time of admission, 6 months thereafter, and approximately 24 months after admission. Repeated measures of ANOVA were performed to study group-by-time effects on psychopathology, role overload, and feelings of competence. Result: All outcomes of psychological distress in GLH caregivers showed significantly greater decline compared with NH caregivers during the first six months after admission. The course of psychological distress stabilized in both caregiver groups after six months. Conclusion: GLHs may have played a role in reducing caregiver burden during the first six months after the nursing home admission of the care recipient. The stabilization of caregivers’ psychological distress between T1 and T2 may indicate that there is no further room for improvement in the GLH and NH groups after six months. The implication would be that both GLHs and NHs succeeded in keeping caregivers’ distress relatively low over the long term. More knowledge is needed on whether and how caregivers’ psychological distress after institutionalization of the care recipient can be reduced to a greater extent.

Impact of psychiatric morbidity on quality of life after motor vehicle accident at 1‐month follow up

The aim of the present study was to investigate the development of, prediction of, protection against, and the course of psychological distress and well-being in a sample of patients with motor vehicle accident-related injuries, in a cohort study. In a secondary analysis, the question of whether psychiatric morbidity was associated with quality of life in 95 injured patients after motor vehicle accident at 1-month follow up, was investigated. Results indicated that psychiatric morbidity has an adverse effect on quality of life.

Anxiety and depression in patients with prostate cancer and other urogenital cancer: A longitudinal study

The aim of this study was to assess the degree and the course of psychological distress (anxiety and depression) in cancer patients and to detect sociodemographic determinants of the scores. Patients with prostate cancer (n = 287) and other urogenital cancer (n = 126) were tested with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) at the following time points: at the beginning (T1) and the end (T2) of the treatment in the hospital, 6 months later (T3), and 1 year later (T4). Anxiety mean scores were highest at the start of the stay in the hospital. About 36% of the patients were at least doubtful cases at T1. However, the anxiety mean scores from T2 to T4 were similar to those of the general population and lower than those of cardiac patients. Depression mean scores were even lower than those of the general population. Young age and receiving radio- and/or chemotherapy were predictive of higher psychological distress. The low mean scores of anxiety and depression from T2 to T4 indicate that most of the prostate cancer patients do not need help from mental health professionals. Nevertheless, some patients may profit from mental health support, especially at the beginning of the stay in the hospital.

The course of distress in women at increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer due to an (identified) genetic susceptibility who opt for prophylactic mastectomy and/or salpingo-oophorectomy

The levels and course of psychological distress before and after prophylactic mastectomy (PM) and/or prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy (PSO) were studied in a group of 78 women. General distress was measured through the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), cancer-related distress using the impact of events scale (IES). Measurement moments were baseline (2–4 weeks prior to prophylactic surgery), and 6 and 12 months post-surgery. After PM, anxiety and cancer-related distress were significantly reduced, whereas no significant changes in distress scores were observed after PSO. At one year after prophylactic surgery, a substantial amount of women remained at clinically relevant increased levels of cancer-related distress and anxiety. We conclude that most women can undergo PM and/or PSO without developing major emotional distress. More research is needed to further define the characteristics of the women who continue to have clinically relevant increased scores after surgery, in order to offer them additional counselling.

Course of psychological distress and its predictors in advanced non‐small cell lung cancer patients

This study investigated longitudinal changes and predictive factors for psychological distress among 85 newly diagnosed advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Whereas tension-anxiety after diagnosis (T1) was significantly reduced at two months (T2) and six months (T3) after diagnosis and depression-dejection at T1 was significantly reduced at T2, other forms of psychological distress, including anger-hostility, vigor, fatigue, and confusion, did not show significant changes. Total mood disturbance did not show significant change. Only a higher total mood disturbance at T1 was a significant predictor of total mood disturbance at T3. These findings demonstrate that most types of psychological distress experienced by advanced NSCLC patients is likely to persist during the subsequent clinical course. The findings also suggest that initial psychological distress itself after cancer diagnosis is the most important predictor for subsequent psychological distress and that early intervention beginning immediately after the disclosure of a diagnosis of cancer is one way to prevent and/or reduce subsequent psychological distress in advanced NSCLC patients.