Effects Of Psychological Distress Research Articles

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures and health-related quality of life: The relationship with psychological distress and other physical symptoms

This study explores the relationship between the frequency of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), as well as the effect of psychological distress and other physical symptoms on this relationship. Data were collected on 96 patients with PNES. Correlations of seizure frequency with HRQoL, psychological distress, and physical symptoms were computed. Partial correlations of seizure frequency with HRQoL while controlling for psychological distress and physical symptoms were also computed. Seizure frequency was found to be significantly related to subjective HRQoL, although the relationship with HRQoL was rendered nonsignificant when the effects of psychological distress and the number of other physical symptoms were taken into account. The results of this study suggest that summary scores of HRQoL are not independently related to frequency of PNES and that there is a close association between PNES frequency, levels of psychological distress, and number of other physical symptoms experienced.

Effects of psychological distress on quality of life of adult daughters and their mothers with cancer

As the population continues to age, adult daughters are more likely to be involved in caregiving. Given the fact that sharing emotional experiences is common in female relationships, (dis)similarity between mothers with cancer and their adult caregiving daughters is expected. However, the extent to which the (dis)similarity in psychological distress influences the quality of life of each person remains unknown. This study aims at addressing this concern, using a total of 98 mother-daughter dyads participating in the American Cancer Society's Study of Cancer Survivors-I and Quality of Life Survey for Caregivers. Using the Actor Partner Interdependence Model, the results showed that although each person's psychological distress is the strongest predictor of their own quality of life, a mother's distress also plays a significant role in the daughter's quality of life. Specifically, when mothers experienced greater levels of psychological distress, the daughters reported better mental health but poorer physical health. Our findings on the disproportionately strong association between psychological distress of mothers with cancer and their adult caregiving daughters' quality of life suggest that caregiving daughters may benefit from programs designed to assist them to cope better with their mothers' psychological distress when both are living with cancer.

Assessing the effect of beauty treatments on psychological distress, body image, and coping: a longitudinal study of patients undergoing surgical procedures for breast cancer

Women with breast cancer may have significant problems adjusting to disease and therapy due to their association with significant changes in body image and sexuality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of beauty treatments in combination with routine cancer care. One hundred women with breast cancer were randomly assigned to a group receiving beauty treatments during hospitalization or a control group. Psychological distress, body image and coping were assessed twice during the hospitalization period: the day before surgery (baseline) and 6 days later (Time 1). A follow-up assessment was performed three months later (Time 2). Three months after surgery, patients who had received beauty treatments reported higher body-image scores than the control group, but there was no effect in psychological distress. Helplessness/hopelessness increased over time in the control group but not in the group receiving beauty treatments. Overall, this study provides evidence of the usefulness of beauty treatments for breast-cancer patients, in combination with routine care. Although these treatments did not seem to alleviate psychological distress directly, they had a beneficial impact on body image and may strengthen patients' social support and self-esteem.

Associations among correlates of schedule adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART): A path analysis of a sample of crack cocaine using sexually active African–Americans with HIV infection

Adherence to HIV medication regimens is a function of multiple dimensions including psychological functioning, social support, adherence self-efficacy and optimism regarding treatment. Active substance use can also negatively affect adherence. An understanding of the nature of the associations among the correlates of adherence can better inform the design of interventions to improve adherence. This study developed an exploratory path model of schedule adherence using data from a sample 130 African-American HIV-positive crack cocaine users on highly active antiretroviral therapy (ART). This model was based on the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping developed by Lazarus and Folkman. Following the theory, the effects of psychological distress on schedule adherence were mediated by patients’ relationship with their doctor and optimism towards antiretroviral treatment. Adherence was also associated with patients’ self-efficacy regarding their medical regimen which, in turn, was associated with their social support.

Predicting self-esteem in psychiatric outpatients

Even if low self-esteem is one of the formal diagnostic criteria for depression, negative self-evaluation has repeatedly been suggested as a feature of most psychiatric disorders, in addition to a range of psychosocial problems. The present study investigated predictors of self-esteem in a one-year clinic cohort of psychiatric outpatients (n = 338). At intake, patients completed questionnaires measuring self-esteem, psychological distress, and interpersonal problems, and were also diagnosed according to ICD-10. Level of psychological distress and interpersonal problems predicted more of the variance in self-esteem than did psychiatric diagnosis. In multivariate analyses, the effect of psychological distress and interpersonal problems on self-esteem was more robust for adjustment for diagnoses than vice versa. When psychological distress and interpersonal problems were controlled for, only affective disorders (pure and comorbid) predicted lower levels of self-esteem on a statistically significant level. Implications of the findings for clinical work and future research are pointed out.

Predicting life satisfaction after spinal cord injury in a Canadian sample

Cross-sectional, survey. To extend current theoretical models predicting life satisfaction post-spinal cord injury (SCI). Our primary model predicting life satisfaction as measured by the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) examined demographic characteristics, elements of the International Classification of Functioning and subjective and objective measures of health. A second model was developed to examine factors that are associated with successful community participation as measured by the Reintegration to Normal Living Index (RNL). In addition, the effects of psychological distress and chronic pain on life satisfaction and community participation were examined. Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Spinal Cord Rehabilitation Program, Lyndhurst Centre. Prospective data collection via semi-structured telephone interview on an established SCI Canadian sample. In predicting life satisfaction, our model accounted for 35.3% of the variance with demographic characteristics, objective and subjective health, and community participation significantly contributing to the model. In particular, psychological complications, current health rating and community participation were the only variables that made significant contributions in predicting life satisfaction. With regards to community participation, the presence of psychological complications and number of medical complications were associated with decreased reintegration. Increased time since injury onset, higher health ratings and being employed were positively related to RNL. It would appear that factors involving functional decline and aging are associated with lower participation but not life satisfaction. Further, models predicting quality of life should incorporate measures of psychological functioning.

Effect of chronic diseases and associated psychological distress on health‐related quality of life

The purpose of this study was to clarify the correlations between the presence of comorbidities and psychological distress and health-related quality of life (HRQL). This was a population-based cross-sectional study. Parents and grandparents of students from seven randomly selected primary schools in the city centre were asked to answer questionnaires sent by their children. All subjects were questioned for somatic diseases, psychological distress and HRQL by Health Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale and short-form-12 health survey, respectively. Out of 5024 parents and grandparents (mean age 52.3 +/- 14.3 years, range 20-104 years) of primary school students 4605 returned the questionnaires, a figure that corresponds to the overall response rate of 91.6%. Chronic diseases substantially reduced HRQL and this effect did not differ markedly with the type of chronic disease. Association of comorbidities with psychological distress further impaired HRQL. As the number of chronic diseases was increased, HRQL and physical and mental functioning declined. The worst HRQL was observed in subjects who had five or more comorbidities associated with psychological distress. The present study indicates significant adverse effects of chronic diseases and psychological distress on HRQL in adults, the effect of psychological distress being the most important. Our results lead us to suggest that in the management of comorbidities, the detection of the presence and severity of associated psychological distress and its treatment, besides the specific treatment of comorbidities, may provide dramatic improvement in HRQL of the patients.

Psychological distress and mortality: are women more vulnerable?

Does psychological distress increase mortality risk? If it does, are women more vulnerable than men to the effect of distress on mortality? Drawing from cumulative disadvantage theory, these questions are addressed with data from a 20-year follow-up of a national sample of adults ages 25-74. Event history analyses were performed to examine mortality from general and specific causes for men and women. Findings reveal that the effect of psychological distress on all-cause mortality was nonlinear for men. Moderate amounts of distress were associated with lower mortality risk, but high levels of distress raised men's mortality risk. Moreover the curvilinear relationship between distress and mortality varied by cause of death for men and women. Men with high levels of psychological distress were more vulnerable to ischemic heart disease mortality. Women with high levels of distress were more vulnerable to cancer mortality.

Psychiatry in contemporary Irish cinema: a qualitative study.

Media portrayals of mental illness and psychiatry have a considerable impact on public perceptions of mental health issues. This paper aims to focus on portrayals of psychiatry and psychiatrists in four contemporary Irish feature films in order to make wider points on this theme. Contemporary Irish feature-films that made substantial reference to psychiatry, psychiatrists or mental health in Ireland were identified though electronic searches and consultation with the Film Institute of Ireland. Selected films were viewed. Electronic searches were performed in the medical and film literatures, with broad search terms related to film, psychiatry, psychiatrists or mental health in Ireland. Additional books and papers were identified by tracking back through references and consulting with colleagues. The portrayal of psychiatrists in film is closely related to the development of both twentieth century psychiatry and twentieth century cinema. In common with recent European films, certain recent Irish films have tended to show psychiatrists as sympathetic, humane individuals (with some notable exceptions). While there have been a number of portrayals of dissocial personally disorder and various states of chronic alienation in recent Irish film, there have been fewer portrayals of psychosis or learning disability. Recent Irish films emphasise the role of alcohol in causing and perpetuating psychological distress. They generally provide unflinching portrayals of the effects of psychological distress and alienation, suicide and substance abuse at individual, family and community levels; nonetheless, there is still a regrettable tendency for films to associate mental illness with dissocial behaviour. The portrayal of mental health issues in film presents both challenges and opportunities to film-makers, mental health service-users and general audiences alike. It is to be hoped that the recent trend towards realistic explorations of mental health issues in many European films continues into the future. Increased research in this area would help clarify the role of cinema in shaping public understandings of mental illness, and may also help identify additional ways of addressing stigma in the future.

Psychological Distress, Fatigue and Long-Term Sickness Absence: Prospective Results From the Maastricht Cohort Study

Little is known about psychological distress as a risk factor for the onset of long-term sickness absence and even less about the influence of fatigue in this relationship. We examined the relationship between psychological distress and the onset of long-term sickness absence during 18 months of follow-up while considering fatigue. Analyses were based on 6403 employees participating in the Maastricht Cohort Study. Psychological distress was related to the onset of long-term sickness absence (women relative risk 1.45, 95% confidence interval = 1.23-1.72; men 1.33, 1.21-1.46). Adjustment for fatigue weakened the associations, particularly in women. Caseness analyses revealed different effects of psychological distress and fatigue in the onset of long-term sickness absence in men and women. The findings underline the need for interventions aiming at psychological distress and, depending on the gender, also at fatigue, to reduce the risk of long-term sickness absence.

Capacity for Direct Attention in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: The Effects of Psychological Distress

Emphasis is placed on educating coronary heart disease patients about lifestyle choices to reduce the risk of further cardiovascular events, but little attention has been paid to the impact of attentional capacity on patients' learning. The purpose of this study is to identify and compare the capacity for direct attention and the effect of psychological distress during hospitalization and 6 weeks after percutaneous coronary intervention. Forty subjects, mean age of 63 years, 27 men and 13 women, completed components of the Wechsler Memory Test to measure direct attention, and the Profile of Mood States. There were significant differences in the Digit Span Test-backward, a measure of working memory (t=-2.79; p<0.009), and the Profile of Mood States total score, a measure of psychological distress (t=3.183; p<0.003), from hospitalization to 6 weeks post-percutaneous coronary intervention. Data demonstrate psychological distress and reduced capacity for direct attention during hospitalization indicating that hospital environments are suboptimal for learning.

Crohn's disease: a two-year prospective study of the association between psychological distress and disease activity.

Our objective was to explore the relationship between psychological distress and subsequent Crohn's disease (CD) activity. Eighteen CD patients were followed prospectively for 2 years at 8- to 12-week intervals. Disease activity was assessed using the Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI). Psychological distress was assessed using the following self-administered questionnaires: Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), and multiple Holmes Recent Life Changes (RLC) Questionnaires. The effects of psychological distress on current and subsequent CDAI (approximately 8-12 weeks later) were assessed using generalized estimating equations (GEE). The mean CDAI score during follow-up was 138 +/- 86, with a median of 121 (range, 0 to 394). BDI scores (possible range of 0 to 63) were independently associated with CDAI scores simultaneously (beta = 5.64, P = 0.004) and 8-12 weeks later (beta = 6.08, P = 0.004). Higher levels of anxiety, hopelessness, and recent life changes were also suggestive of higher CDAI scores, however, their effects were generally of lesser magnitude and not independent of the influence of depressive symptoms. Levels of depressive symptoms are positively associated with future changes in CDAI. Routine psychological assessment may help to identify patients at higher risk for exacerbation.

Crohn’s disease: a two-year prospective study of the association between psychological distress and subsequent disease activity

Our objective was to explore the relationship between psychological distress and subsequent Crohn's disease (CD) activity. Eighteen CD patients were followed prospectively for 2 years at 8- to 12-week intervals. Disease activity was assessed using the Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI). Psychological distress was assessed using the following self-administered questionnaires: Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), and multiple Holmes Recent Life Changes (RLC) Questionnaires. The effects of psychological distress on current and subsequent CDAI (approximately 8–12 weeks later) were assessed using generalized estimating equations (GEE). The mean CDAI score during follow-up was 138 ± 86, with a median of 121 (range, 0 to 394). BDI scores (possible range of 0 to 63) were independently associated with CDAI scores simultaneously (β =5.64, P=0.004) and 8–12 weeks later (β =6.08, P=0.004). Higher levels of anxiety, hopelessness, and recent life changes were also suggestive of higher CDAI scores, however, their effects were generally of lesser magnitude and not independent of the influence of depressive symptoms. Levels of depressive symptoms are positively associated with future changes in CDAI. Routine psychological assessment may help to identify patients at higher risk for exacerbation.

PREVENTION OF PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS IN PERSONS WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

This paper presents an overview of IBD with a critical analysis of the causes and effects of psychological distress in persons with this illness. Based on this literature, risk factors for the development of psychological distress are delineated. It is recognition of these risk factors for the development and the early signs of psychological distress in this population that can enable nurses to prevent this unfortunate psychosocial consequence of this disease. Preventive interventions discussed include the following: treating comorbid psychiatric illness, enhancing problem-solving coping, facilitating mourning and grieving, reducing stress, enhancing the positive appraisal of uncertainty, increasing personal control, increasing social support, and educating patients, families, and others.

Psychological Screening in the Surgical Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation

The specific use of psychological screenings to determine appropriateness for lumbar discectomy surgery and predict outcomes is not well understood. Data from spine surgery as a whole are not likely generalizable to the patient with a significant disc herniation considering surgery. As opposed to most "back pain syndromes," acute and subacute sciatica from disc hemiation has a very high chance of dramatic and lasting improvement with surgery. Recent studies have shown standard psychometric tests used as preoperative screening in this situations fail to predict outcomes in most subgroups. Data from the author's institution suggest severe emotional distress in those patients coming to early surgical intervention does not correlate with adverse outcomes. However, the same psychometric profile in those patients with chronic sciatica pain and disability does predict worse outcomes compared with chronic pain in less emotionally distressed patients. The data suggest that the ability to rapidly relieve pain in the case of disc herniation may limit the morbid effects of psychological distress seen in many back pain syndromes. With prolonged pain and emotional distress, however, adverse and possibly self-perpetuating psychological and social changes may significantly decrease the impact of disc surgery.

Effects of psychological distress on blood pressure in adolescents.

This cross-sectional survey measured relationships among blood pressure and measures of psychologic distress, family structure, and economic status in a sample of adolescents exposed to Hurricane Hugo. Spielberger's Anger Scale and Derogatis' Brief Symptom Inventory were used. Data analysis revealed 5% of the 1079 adolescents were hypertensive. Multiple regression analyses revealed the following predictors of higher diastolic blood pressure: African-American race, recipient of subsidized lunch, exposure to Hurricane Hugo, and higher anger-in scores in males. The effects of a catastrophic event such as a hurricane on blood pressure and the effects of introjected anger have implications for both health care consumers and providers.

Social Desirability in Patients Seeking Surgical Treatment for Dentofacial Disharmony: Associations with Psychological Distress and Motivation for Treatment

The role of socially desirable responding in the report of treatment motivation and psychological distress by patients seeking surgical treatment for dentofacial disharmony was explored. Participants completed the Balanced Inventory of Desirable Responding (BIDR; Paulhus, 1988), which measures two components of socially desirable responding (SDR): impression management (IM), which is the purposeful tailoring of answers in order to create the most positive social image, and self-deceptive positivity (SDE), which is an honest, but overly positive self-presentation. When simple bivariate relationships were examined, statistically significant inverse associations were observed between socially desirable responding and specific motives for treatment and between SDR and psychological distress. However, the relationship between socially desirable responding and motives for treatment disappeared when the effect of psychological distress was controlled. The positive relationship between psychological distress and the report of social well-being, and self-image motives for treatment remained statistically significant even after the variance attributable to socially desirable responding was removed. Implications of the findings for the evaluation of psychological distress and treatment motivation in this population are discussed.

Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 Validity Patterns: An Elucidation of Gulf War Syndrome

The potential effects of psychological distress on physical symptoms observed in Persian Gulf War veterans were evaluated in 48 veterans using neuropsychological evaluation that included personality assessment (the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2). Cluster analysis of the validity scales resulted in a solution with two viable subgroups. Members of cluster 1 had significantly higher scores on five Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 clinical scales, a measure of trait anxiety, and a number of subjective complaints, as well as lower scores on a task of attention. Neuropsychological functioning did not otherwise differ between the groups, Contributions of personality style in coping with physical and mental health stressors were indicated. Experience of distress appeared to be attributable to individual differences rather than factors that have been associated with the elusive Gulf War syndrome. Persian Gulf War veterans' emotional reactions to clinical laboratory findings, perceptions of exposure risks, war experience, and stress may represent a variation of post-traumatic stress disorder.

The effects of psychological distress and psychological well-being on use of medical services.

In this study, the authors determined whether mental health status affects the use of general medical services, with and without adjustment for the correlated effects of general health perceptions and physical health status on such use. Data were used from the RAND Health Insurance Experiment, which has information on up to 5 years of use of medical services by a nonelderly, civilian, general population. Health status and other covariates were assessed by self-administered questionnaires at enrollment. In the absence of statistical control for general and physical health status, worse mental health status-whether assessed by a global self-report measure or its two component parts, psychological well-being and psychological distress-significantly increased the use of both inpatient and outpatient general medical services. After controlling for general health perceptions, physical health status, demographic factors, and insurance plan coverage, the effects of mental health status on use are reduced, but not eliminated. Psychological distress and psychological well-being retained independent effects on total medical expenses.

Social insecurity, the type A behavior pattern, and sympathetic arousal.

Social insecurity is a psychological orientation that has been found to be associated significantly with both coronary atherosclerosis and psychological distress. Although sympathetic arousal has been assumed to be a cause of coronary atherosclerosis and an effect of psychological distress, neither of the prior studies included a measure of sympathetic arousal in its design. The present study fills this gap by examining social insecurity in relation to blood pressure, as an index of sympathetic arousal. The results, derived from 50 male, medical/surgical patients, are consistent with the pattern of findings in previous studies in that social insecurity was independent of the Type A pattern and additive to it in its association with blood pressure. Differences between social insecurity and the Type A pattern are discussed in terms of their differential associations with systolic versus diastolic pressure and their differential trait-like and state-like patterns of association with blood pressure.