General Depression Scale Research Articles

Validating the Persian Intuitive Eating Scale-2 Among Breast Cancer Survivors Who Are Overweight/Obese.

Women with breast cancer are at risk of being overweight/obese which may consequently increase mortality. Intuitive eating is an adaptive eating behavior which might be beneficial for weight outcomes. The present study validated the Persian Intuitive Eating Scale-2 (IES-2) among overweight/obese Iranian females with breast cancer. Women who were overweight/obese with breast cancer (n = 762; mean ± SD age = 55.1 ± 5.7 years) completed the following questionnaires: IES-2, General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE-6), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Short Form-12 (SF-12), Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS), Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2), and Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Rasch analysis were applied to examine the psychometric properties of the IES-2. Associations between IES-2 score and other scale scores were assessed. CFA and Rasch analysis suggested that the Persian IES-2 had robust psychometric properties and all IES-2 items were meaningful in their embedded domains. The four-factor structure of the Persian IES-2 was confirmed. Concurrent validity was supported by the positive correlations between the IES-2 score and scores on the GSE-6, SF-12 mental component, and BAS-2. Negative correlations were found between the IES-2 score and the HADS (anxiety and depression subscales), WBIS, and EAT-26. The present study demonstrated that the Persian IES-2 is a well-designed instrument and is applicable for women who are overweight/obese with breast cancer.

Binge-Watching Behaviour: The Role of Impulsivity and Depressive Symptoms

Introduction: Following the digital progress and the availability of online streaming services, binge-watching (in the literature often defined as watching >2 episodes of a TV series in one sitting) has become a popular viewing pattern. Concerns about possible negative consequences of this behaviour have arisen and its proximity to behavioural addictions is discussed. The aim of the present study was to explore how depressive symptoms, impulsivity and their potential interaction are related to the consequences of binge-watching. In addition, the possible association of the Big 5 personality traits neuroticism, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and openness with consequences from binge-watching was assessed. Method: An online survey including the assessment of intensity of and negative consequences from binge-watching (with an adapted version of the Short-Internet-Addiction Test and a newly developed questionnaire) and questionnaires on depressive symptoms (i.e., General Depression Scale), impulsivity (i.e., Barratt Impulsiveness Scale) and personality traits (i.e., short version of the Big 5 Inventory) was completed by 228 participants. Results: Regression analysis indicated that impulsivity was associated with loss of control and neglect of duties, while depressive symptoms led to neglect of duties and social problems. No significant interaction effects were observed. Conscientiousness was the only personality trait that explained a significant proportion of the variance of consequences from binge-watching. Discussion/Conclusion: Our findings suggest that depressive symptoms and impulsivity are 2 independent pathways to negative consequences from binge watching. However, given the rather low proportion of variance proportion explained, future studies are warranted to enhance our understanding of other individual characteristics and to further clarify the proximity to behavioural addictions.

Development and Preliminary Validation of a Gender-Sensitive Depression Screening (GSDS)

Development of a gender sensitive depression screening (GSDS) to better identify depression in men. The scale was evaluated in a sample of 1020 German university students. To prove the external validity with respect to depressivity and normative masculinity, the shortform of the General Depression Scale and the German version of the Male Role Norms Scale were used. Exploratory factor analyses resulted in a six-factor solution. Factors referring to stress perception, aggressiveness, depressive symptoms and emotional suppression turned out as equally relevant. Sensitivity (86 %) and specifity (78 %) indicate sufficient discriminant validity. Compared to the General Depression Scale, the GSDS is able to identify more men at risk for depression. The GSDS-26 is a preliminary validated multidimensional scale for better identifying depression in men and may be suitable for routine use after further validation.

Study on the Relationship Between Anxiety, Depression and Social Support of Caregivers of Mentally Retarded Children

Investigate the relationship between anxiety, depression and social support of caregivers of mentally retarded children, and provide further reference for their positive development. <i>The Social Support Rating Scale</i> and <i>General Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale</i> were conducted among 111 caregivers of mentally retarded children in three special education institutions in a district of Chongqing by cluster sampling. SPSS22.0. was used to statistical analysis. The incidences of anxiety and depression in caregivers of mentally retarded children were 52.3% and 53.2% respectively. Caregivers of mentally retarded children in non-anxiety group and non-depression group scored significantly higher in subjective support, objective support, and total social support than those in obvious anxiety group and obvious depression group. Social support (γ=-0.392, γ=-0.390) and subjective support (γ=-0.335, γ=-0.325), objective support (γ=-0.306, γ=-0.321) and support utilization (γ=-0.235, γ=-0.224) for caregivers of mentally retarded children were negatively correlated with anxiety and depression. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that subjective support and objective support had negative effects on anxiety and depression. The anxiety, depression and social support of parents of mentally retarded children will interact each other. And providing diversified and service-oriented social support is conducive to alleviate their anxiety and depression, then promote their positive development.

Dimenzije opšteg psihološkog distresa i starost kao prediktori prokrastinacije kod studenata

The aim of the study is to examine whether depression, anxiety, stress and age are significant predictors of procrastination. Procrastination can be defined as the intentional postponement of the beginning or the completion of a task or job, leaving it for later, despite the knowledge of the negative consequences of such an act. The assumption was that with a higher degree of depression, anxiety and stress, the degree of general procrastination would be higher, and that, with higher age, the degree of procrastination would be lower. The sample consisted of 338 students of both sexes (282 female), the average age of 23.53. The following instruments were used: The General Procrastination Questionnaire (GPS: Lay, 1986), Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21: Lovibond &amp; Lovibond, 1995), and Questionnaire on socio-demographic data designed for the purposes of this research. Standard multiple regression analysis was used for data analysis. Data were collected during the state of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and hence the paper also presents the findings on the degree of general psychological distress and procrastination in students. The results show that, in the female subsample, only depression is a significant predictor that explains 6% of the variance of procrastination (ß = 0.36, p &lt;0.01). This implies that, in female students, depression, including sadness, hopelessness, devaluation of themselves and their lives, strengthens procrastination, but also vice versa. The results of the research did not confirm the initial assumption that the older the students were, the better they knew how to cope with procrastination.

Age-Dependent Psychological Factors Influencing the Outcome of Cochlear Implantation in Elderly Patients.

Increasing number of older adults undergo cochlear implantation (CI). Accumulating evidence implicates that the outcome of implantation may not only depend on physical and psychological health status of patients but also on their age. In the present work, we analyzed the elderly (70-80) and very old (80+) patients who underwent CI regarding their hearing abilities, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and psychological comorbidities. Eighty-six patients were included in this prospective study. The patients were split into two groups: 70-80 years-old (n = 62) and ≥ 80 years-old (n = 24). Hearing performance was assessed with Freiburg monosyllabic test and Oldenburg inventory (OI); the health-related quality of life was measured with Nijmegen Cochlear Implantation Questionnaire (NCIQ); depressive symptoms with General Depression Scale (ADS-L); stress with Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) and anxiety with General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). Prior to CI, the hearing performance (Ol) impacted positively the HRQoL of both groups whereas the perceived stress (PSQ) had a negative impact. Six months after implantation, the HRQoL of 70-80 group was still positively influenced by the hearing performance (Ol) whereas HRQoL of 80+ group was influenced by stress perception (negative impact) and anxiety (positive impact). Twelve months later, anxiety and depressive symptoms correlated negatively with HRQoL of both age groups. Hearing performance had the positive and anxiety the negative impact on HRQoL in both groups but in addition, the 80+ group seemed to benefit from an increased level of anxious symptoms. In elderly patients, the outcome of CI depends on their psychological status. Differences found between the age groups imply a need for an age-group targeted psychological counselling, which might further improve outcome of CI.

ICD-10 Symptom Rating questionnaire for assessment of psychological comorbidities in patients with chronic tinnitus.

Tinnitus frequently occurs alongside psychological comorbidities whose assessment is important for treatment planning and -success. The selection of suitable questionnaires is thus crucial. The present study aims to investigate the ICD-10 Symptom Rating (ISR) to this regard. The current study investigated tinnitus burden and psychological comorbidities in asample of N = 311 patients with chronic tinnitus. All participants completed an intensive 7‑day multimodal tinnitus-specific therapy. Tinnitus burden was measured using the German version of the Tinnitus Questionnaire (TQ). Psychological comorbidities were measured using the ISR (total score, depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, somatoform disorder, and eating disorder), the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ; total score, tension, worries, joy, and demands), and the General Depression Scale (Allgemeine Depressionsskala, ADS). Sixty-five percent of participants suffered from psychological comorbidities. Treatment response comprised improvements in the TQ, ISQ, PSQ and ADS. At baseline, tinnitus-burden correlated with the ISR-total, ISR-obsessive-compulsive disorder and PSQ-tension scores. Post treatment, the-now reduced-tinnitus burden was additionally predicted by ISR-depressive and eating disorder scores. The ISR is a useful tool for measuring psychological comorbidities in patients with chronic tinnitus as well as short-term treatment response. Therapeutic approaches for chronic tinnitus should address stress-related tension, depressive symptomatology and coping strategies such as maladaptive eating behaviours.

Relationship of alcohol consumption and mental disorders common with the quality of life of patients in primary health care.

The objective was to measure the Quality of Life (QoL) of the patients treated in Primary Health Care in the city of Rio de Janeiro and its own association with CMD, alcohol consumption and socio-demographic aspects. This is a cross-sectional study involving 624 patients in 2012/2013, using: General Health Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Screening for Somatoform Symptoms, Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test e World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument (bref version). There were conducted a bivariate analysis and a multiple linear regressions for each domain of QOL. The QoL score for the domains, physical, psychological, social relationships and environment were: 61,2; 62,6; 66 and 50,9. In multivariate analysis, the QOL was negatively associated to the CMD, especially in the psychological domain (β = -15,75; p-value = 0,00), and the dependence on physical (β = -5,38; p-value = 0,05). There was a positive and significant association of the QoL with the risk consumption (β = 5,77) and the harmful consumption (β = 6,15) in the environment domain, and with the first in the psychological domain (β = 7,08). CMD and alcohol dependence are associated with the loss of QOL, but other patterns of consumption, even being harmful are associated with higher QOL.

The ICD-10 Symptom Rating questionnaire for assessment of psychological comorbidities in chronic tinnitus patients

Psychological comorbidities are frequent in tinnitus patients and their diagnosis is important for both interventions as well as treatment success. The selection of suitable questionnaires is thus crucial. The present study aimed to investigate the ICD-10 Symptom Rating (ISR) questionnaire for the diagnosis of psychological comorbidities. The current study investigated tinnitus burden and psychological comorbidities in asample of n = 311 patients with chronic tinnitus. All participants completed an intensive 7‑day multimodal tinnitus-specific therapy. Tinnitus burden was measured using the German version of the Tinnitus Questionnaire (TQ). Psychological comorbidities were measured using the ISR (total score, depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, somatoform disorder, and eating disorder), the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ; total score, tension, worries, joy, and demands), and the General Depression Scale (Allgemeine Depressionsskala, ADS). Psychological comorbidities were suffered by 65% of participants. Treatment response comprised improvements in TQ, ISR, PSQ, and ADS. At baseline, tinnitus burden correlated with the ISR total, ISR obsessive-compulsive disorder, and PSQ tension scores. Post-treatment, the now reduced tinnitus burden was also predicted by the ISR depressive and eating disorder scores. The ISR is auseful tool for measuring psychological comorbidities in patients with chronic tinnitus as well as for assessing short-term treatment response. Therapeutic approaches for chronic tinnitus should also consider stress-related tension, depressive symptomatology, and coping strategies such as maladaptive eating behaviors.

A placebo controlled treatment trial of sertraline and interpersonal psychotherapy for postpartum depression

BackgroundThe purpose of the present study was to test the efficacy of sertraline and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) relative to pill placebo in a two site randomized controlled trial over a period of 12 weeks. It was hypothesized that sertraline and IPT would be more efficacious than pill placebo with respect to depression and social adjustment. Methods162 breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding women experiencing a major depressive episode in the first year postpartum from two sites in Iowa and Rhode Island were randomly assigned to IPT, sertraline-clinical management (CM), or pill placebo-CM. CM included infant-focused psychoeducation. Interview-based and self-report measures of depression and social adjustment were obtained at baseline, 4-weeks, 8-weeks, and 12-weeks of treatment. Linear mixed effects regression (LMER) was used for the longitudinal data analysis. ResultsThere was no significant effect for treatment condition associated with the primary outcome measure, the HamD-17, but there was a significant effect for sertraline-CM relative to the IPT and placebo conditions over the duration of the trial based on the General Depression scale of the Inventory of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms. There was a main effect for time in that study subjects across all three conditions showed significant improvement for the duration of the trial. LimitationsLimitations of the present study included significant non-engagement with assigned condition and differential effects of IPT across the two study sites. ConclusionsThere was improvement for all postpartum women in all conditions. The results do suggest that active interventions with or without medication delivered over a period of twelve weeks can lead to significant improvement in depression and social adjustment among postpartum women.ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00602355

The validity of the Distress Thermometer in female partners of men with prostate cancer.

Female partners of prostate cancer (PCa) survivors experience heightened psychological distress that may be greater than that expressed by PCa patients. However, optimal approaches to detect distressed, or at risk of distress, partners are unclear. This study applied receiver operating characteristics analysis to evaluate diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of the Distress Thermometer (DT) compared to widely used measures of general (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and cancer-specific (Impact of Events Scale-Revised) distress. Participants were partners of men with localised PCa (recruited around diagnosis) about to undergo or had received surgical treatment (N=189), and partners of men diagnosed with PCa who were 2-4years post-treatment (N=460). In both studies, diagnostic utility of the DT overall was not optimal. Although area under the curve scores were acceptable (ranges: 0.71-0.92 and 0.83-0.94 for general and cancer-specific distress, respectively), sensitivity, specificity and optimal DT cut-offs for partner distress varied for general (range: ≥2 to ≥5) and cancer-specific (range: ≥3 to ≥5) distress both across time and between cohorts. Thus, it is difficult to draw firm conclusions about the diagnostic capabilities of the DT for partners or recommend its use in this population. More comprehensive screening measures may be needed to detect partners needing psychological intervention.

Clinical Utility of the Inventory of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms (IDAS).

Depressive and anxiety disorders are severe and disabling conditions that result in substantial cost and global societal burden. Accurate and efficient identification is thus vital to proper diagnosis and treatment of these disorders. The Inventory of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms (IDAS) is a reliable and well-validated measure that provides dimensional assessment of both mood and anxiety disorder symptoms. The current study examined the clinical utility of the IDAS by establishing diagnostic cutoff scores and severity ranges using a large mixed sample (N = 5,750). Results indicated that the IDAS scales are good to excellent predictors of their associated Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV diagnoses. These findings were replicated using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth edition(DSM-5) criteria assessed via the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview. We provide three cutoff scores for each scale that can be used differentially depending on the goal of their use: screening, efficiency, or diagnosis confirmation. The identified severity ranges allow users to characterize individuals as mild, moderate, or severe, providing clinical information beyond diagnostic status. Finally, the 10-item IDAS Dysphoria scale and 20-item General Depression scale demonstrate strong ability to predict internalizing diagnoses and may represent an efficient way to screen for the presence of internalizing psychopathology.

Gender effect on well-being of the oldest old: a survey of nonagenarians living in Tuscany: the Mugello study.

The population of industrialized nations is progressively aging, with Italy having one of the most elderly populations in the world. Natural aging may be associated with physical and cognitive impairments, often straining public resources. The present study aims to investigate the influence of gender on wellness of the nonagenarians. We evaluated quality of life among nonagenarians living in the Mugello area, an Italian location with a large population of individuals > 90years, using the Health Survey Scoring SF-12. The 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale and Basic and Instrumental Activity of Daily Living scales were also assessed. The Mini-Mental State Examination was used to evaluate the cognitive status. In the current survey, women outnumbered men 2.7:1 confirming their higher longevity. However, on the basis of SF-12 scores, nonagenarian women felt worse than men, both physically (mean: women = 41.8 vs men = 44.4, p = 0.004) and mentally (mean: women = 46.7 vs men =48.5, p = 0.034), and their depression rates were higher: considering a General Depression Scale score ≥ 5 as a possible depression status; 37.5% of men reported depression vs. 48.5% of women (p = 0.021). Significant differences were observed also in daily activities, both basic (median: woman = 3 vs men = 5, p < 0.001) and instrumental (median woman = 1 vs me = 3, p < 0.001). Despite prior reports showing that women perform better than men in aging, our study confirms data reported in most national and European surveys: women live longer than men, but with poorer quality of life. The current study confirms the phenomenon known as the "male-female health-survival paradox."

Long-term changes in multimodal intensive tinnitus therapy : A 5‑year follow-up.

We present 5‑year follow-up data for tinnitus-specific and comorbid depressive symptoms as well as stress-related outcome variables of an intensive multimodal 7‑day tinnitus therapy. Tinnitus burden (Tinnitus Questionnaire), stress (Perceived Stress Questionnaire), and depressive symptomatology (General Depression Scale) were measured at the 5‑year follow-up after amultimodal intensive 7‑day intervention. In all, 94patients participated in the study. All outcome variables showed significant improvement at the end of the 7‑day intensive treatment. These effects remained significant after 5years. The results of the present study support the effectiveness of the 7‑day multimodal intensive therapy for tinnitus. Posttreatment improvements were related to both tinnitus burden as well as stress and depressive symptoms and were maintained at the 5‑year follow-up.

Psychometric analysis of stress, anxiety and depression in patients with recurrent aphthous Stomatitis-A cross-sectional survey based study.

BackgroundRecurrent Aphthous Stomatitis is a chronic inflammatory immune mediated condition associated with single or multiple, painful recurring ulcers of the oral mucosa. Psychological stress is a common trigger factor identified for the onset and progression of this condition. The study aimed to evaluate stress, anxiety and depression using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale and stress by the General Health Questionnaire in subjects with Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS).Material and MethodsThe study evaluated subjects with a history of Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis and compared their psychological stress, anxiety and depression alteration to normal subjects. Seventy-five study subjects were divided into three groups; test group 1 (25 subjects) presenting with RAS, test group 2 (25 subjects) with a history of RAS but without oral ulcers, and 25 normal subjects with no history of RAS formed the control group. Chi square and student t test was used to determine the relationship between psychological variables and recurrent aphthous ulcers.ResultsComparison of stress, Anxiety and Depression between test group 1 and control group, test group 2 and control group was not found to be statistically significant (p< 0.05). Hence, differences were evident when individual questions were analyzed for stress anxiety and depression. Stress and depression were more prevalent in females, students and patients with a history of RAS.ConclusionsHigher depression and stress levels were evident in subjects with a history of RAS. Psychological stress is a utmost trigger factor for the initiation of recurrent ulcers. Overall, test group patients had a more psychological impact on the quality of life than the control group. Key words:Anxiety, depression, General Health Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale, Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis, stress.

Atopic Eczema and Stress among Single Parents and Families: An Empirical Study of 96 Mothers.

This study investigated the extent to which single mothers of children with atopic eczema experience disease-related stress. A total of 96 mothers were divided into 4 groups: mothers living with a partner, who had or did not have a child with atopic eczema, and single mothers, who had or did not have a child with atopic eczema. The following questionnaires were used to assess psychological burden: Short Stress Questionnaire (Kurzer Fragebogen zur Erfassung von Belastung; KFB), Satisfaction with Life Questionnaire (Fragebogen zur Lebenszufriedenheit; FLZ), General Depression Scale (Allgemeine Depressions-Skala; ADS), and the Questionnaire for Parents of Children with Atopic Eczema (Fragebogen für Eltern von Neurodermitis kranken Kindern; FEN). Single mothers had higher levels of helplessness and aggression due to their child's scratching behaviour than did mothers living with a partner and a child with atopic eczema. Single mothers of children with atopic eczema had the highest scores regarding experienced stress in the family and the lowest scores concerning general life satisfaction. Special care should be provided for single mothers with higher stress, in order to teach them how to deal with the scratching behaviour of their children.

Persian version of the Moorong Self-Efficacy Scale: psychometric study among subjects with physical disability

Purpose: Self-efficacy plays a key role in varying areas of human conditions which can be measured by different scales. The present study was aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of Moorong Self-Efficacy Scale (MSES) in Iranian Subjects with Physical Disability (SWPD).Method: Data were collected by face-to-face interviews and self-report surveys from 214 subjects. The face and content validity, and reliability were evaluated. Discriminates were evaluated between the sub-groups of disability levels, physical activity, and health condition levels. The concurrent, convergent, divergent, and construct validity were assessed by short form health survey scale (SF-36), general self-efficacy scale (GSES), hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), respectively. Replaceable exploratory factor analysis was evaluated. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis.Results: There were acceptable face and content validity, and reliability. Furthermore, significant correlation was found between PSES and SF-36 (p < 0.001). Self-efficacy was statistically different among the disability levels (p = 0.02), physical activity levels (p < 0.001), and health status (p = 0.001). The correlation of Persian Self-Efficacy Scale (PSES) scores with GSES (r = 0.61, p < 0.001), and HADS (R = −0.53, p < 0.001) was significant. This scale yielded a two-dimensional structure, with a good internal replicability. The external replicability was satisfactory when we compared factor loadings with the original study.Conclusions: The PSES is a valid, reliable and sensitive tool to measure the self-efficacy among SWPD for planning and managing of disability problems.Implications for rehabilitationPsychometric properties of the Persian version of self-Efficacy scale (PSES) appear to be similar to original, English version.The PSES has been shown to have validity and reliability in Persian physical disables and can be used for patients with more different types of physical disability than individuals suffering from only Spinal Cord Injury (SCI).The PSES can be used in clinical practice and research work to evaluate the patients’ confidence in performing daily activities.

Impact of Multiple Factors on the Degree of Tinnitus Distress.

Objective: The primary cause of subjective tinnitus is a dysfunction of the auditory system; however, the degree of distress tinnitus causes depends largely on the psychological status of the patient. Our goal was to attempt to associate the grade of tinnitus-related distress with the psychological distress, physical, or psychological discomfort patients experienced, as well as potentially relevant social parameters, through a simultaneous analysis of these factors.Methods: We determined the level of tinnitus-related distress in 531 tinnitus patients using the German version of the tinnitus questionnaire (TQ). In addition, we used the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ); General Depression Scale Allgemeine Depression Skala (ADS), Berlin Mood Questionnaire (BSF); somatic symptoms inventory (BI), and SF-8 health survey as well as general information collected through a medical history.Results: The TQ score significantly correlated with a score obtained using PSQ, ADS, BSF, BI, and SF-8 alongside psychosocial factors such as age, gender, and marital status. The level of hearing loss and the auditory properties of the specific tinnitus combined with perceived stress and the degree of depressive mood and somatic discomfort of a patient were identified as medium-strong predictors of chronic tinnitus. Social factors such as gender, age, or marital status also had an impact on the degree of tinnitus distress. The results that were obtained were implemented in a specific cortical distress network model.Conclusions: Using a large representative sample of patients with chronic tinnitus permitted a simultaneous statistical measurement of psychometric and audiological parameters in predicting tinnitus distress. We demonstrate that single factors can be distinguished in a manner that explains their causative association and influence on the induction of tinnitus-related distress.

"EduKation demenz®". Psychoeducative training program for relatives of people with dementia

During the course of dementia there is frequently a decline in the quality of interpersonal relationships between the patient and the family caregivers. This is mainly caused by a very critical attitude of the family caregiver to the patient and by the limited ability of the family caregiver to empathically communicate with the patient. This relational disorder significantly contributes to the perceived burden of the family caregiver. This study was carried out to investigate whether the ability of family caregivers to empathically communicate can be strengthened, their emotional attitude towards the patient can be improved and their perceived burden and symptoms of depression can be reduced through a special communication-oriented psychoeducational intervention. Within the framework of a controlled study for confounding factors 121 family caregivers participated in a 10-week group intervention "EduKation demenz®," whereas the 93 family caregivers of the control group received detailed self-help literature. The before and after surveys were conducted using a standardized questionnaire. Compared to the control group the intervention group displayed a statistically significant difference in all target parameters: more empathic communication with the patient (confounder-controlled difference of change in the intervention group versus control group 0.69, p = 0.023), a less critical attitude towards the patient (confounder-controlled difference of change in the intervention group versus control group 2.11, p = 0.027), reduction in the perceived burden from disrupted communication (confounder-controlled difference of change in the intervention group versus control group 1.76, p = 0.038) and decreased symptoms of depression for caregivers with ≥ 33 points in the general depression scale (ADS-K, p = 0.028). Family caregivers of people with dementia clearly did not benefit from direct information transfer through the extensive offer of self-help literature to the same extent as the psychoeducational group intervention.

QualiCOP: real-world effectiveness, tolerability, and quality of life in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis treated with glatiramer acetate, treatment-naïve patients, and previously treated patients

Treatment of symptoms and signs beyond the expanded disability status scale remains a major target in multiple sclerosis. QualiCOP was an observational, non-interventional, open-label study conducted at 170 sites in Germany. Of the 754 enrolled patients, 96 % had relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) and were either disease-modifying therapy naïve (de novo, n = 481) or previously treated (n = 237) with once-daily, subcutaneous 20-mg/mL glatiramer acetate (GA). Assessments of relapse rate, disease progression, overall functioning, quality of life (QoL), cognition, fatigue, and depression were performed over 24 months. GA treatment over 24 months was associated with reduced annual relapse rate for previously treated (from 0.98 to 0.54 relapses) and de novo (from 0.81 to 0.48 relapses) patients. Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite scores showed slight improvement in both cohorts (all p < 0.01). Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test and Multiple Sclerosis Inventory Cognition scale scores showed robust improvement in cognition among previously treated and de novo cohorts (all p < 0.001). General Depression Scale scores showed significantly reduced depressive symptoms (p < 0.001). Disease severity, fatigue, and QoL were stable over the observational period. These real-world findings suggest that patients with MS show benefit from GA treatment in important QoL parameters beyond standard measures of relapse and disease severity.