Mental Health Outcomes In Patients Research Articles

Pancreatitis associated anxiety, depression, and stress: Hypothesis, definition, and intervention

Necrotizing pancreatitis is characterized by a prolonged disease course requiring frequent hospitalization and intervention. Necrotizing pancreatitis patients have high rates of intensive care unit admission and organ failure. Critical illness is an identified risk factor for the development of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Limited literature examines quality of life in necrotizing pancreatitis patients, and studies examining psychiatric sequalae of necrotizing pancreatitis including depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder are virtually nonexistent. Here, we review critical literature examining risk factors for poor mental health outcomes during and after necrotizing pancreatitis, identify several screening instruments to quantify mental health outcomes, and propose an intervention to improve mental health outcomes in patients with necrotizing pancreatitis. We conclude that establishing the incidence of mental health disorders and implementing strategies to improve mental health outcomes are critical to holistic care of necrotizing pancreatitis patients.

Evaluating Metacognitive Therapy to Improve Treatment of Anxiety and Depression in Cardiovascular Disease: The NIHR Funded PATHWAY Research Programme.

BackgroundAnxiety and depression contribute to poorer physical and mental health outcomes in cardiac patients. Psychological treatments are not routinely offered in cardiac care and have mixed and small effects. We conducted a series of studies under the PATHWAY research programme aimed at understanding and improving mental health outcomes for patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation (CR) through provision of metacognitive therapy (MCT).MethodsPATHWAY was a series of feasibility trials, single-blind, multicenter, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), qualitative, stated preferences for therapy and health economics studies.FindingsPatients felt their psychological needs were not met in CR and their narratives of distress could be parsimoniously explained by the metacognitive model. Patients reported they would prefer therapy over no therapy as part of CR, which included delivery by a cardiac professional. Two feasibility studies demonstrated that RCTs of group-based and self-help MCT were acceptable, could be embedded in CR services, and that RCTs of these interventions were feasible. A definitive RCT of group-MCT within CR (n = 332) demonstrated significantly greater reductions in the severity of anxiety and depression, exceeding CR alone, with gains maintained at 12 month follow-up (SMD HADS total score = 0.52 at 4 months and 0.33 at 12 months). A definitive trial of self-help MCT is ongoing.ConclusionThere is a need to better meet the psychological needs of CR patients. Embedding MCT into CR demonstrated high acceptability and improved efficacy on psychological outcomes. Results support roll-out of MCT in CR with evaluation of national implementation.RegistrationURL: NCT02420431; ISRCTN74643496; NCT03129282.

Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy Linked to Better MH in Trans Youth

Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy Linked to Better MH in Trans Youth

Mental health outcomes in patients with a long-term condition: analysis of an Improving Access to Psychological Therapies service.

Having a long-term condition (LTC) significantly affects mental health. UK policy requires effective mental health provisions for patients with an LTC, generally provided by Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services. National IAPT data suggest that patients with an LTC typically demonstrate poorer outcomes compared with patients without an LTC. However, exploration of confounding factors and different outcome variables is limited. To establish the association of LTC status with demographic and clinical factors, and clinical mental health outcomes. Anonymised patient-level data from a London IAPT service during January 2019 to October 2020 were used in this cohort study, to compare differences between LTC and non-LTC groups on sociodemographic and clinical variables. Binary logistic and multiple linear regression models were constructed for binary outcome variables (recovery and reliable improvement) and continuous outcomes (distress and functioning), respectively. Patients with an LTC were more likely to be female; older; from a Black, mixed or other ethnic background; and have greater social deprivation. Across the four clinical outcomes (recovery, reliable improvement, final psychological distress and final functioning), having an LTC significantly predicted poorer outcomes even after controlling for sociodemographic and clinical baseline variables. For three outcome variables, greater social deprivation and being discharged during the COVID-19 pandemic also predicted poorer clinical outcomes. LTC status has a negative effect on mental health outcomes in IAPT services, independent of associated variables such as severity of baseline mental health symptoms, ethnicity and social deprivation. Effective psychological treatment for patients with an LTC remains an unresolved priority.

The need for a personalized, comprehensive resource within the colorectal cancer community.

e24139 Background: Colorectal cancer is the third-most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined in the United States. In efforts to manage the disease, patients and caregivers turn to a variety of tools and resources for financial assistance, information dissemination, emotional and peer support, and treatment planning, among other critical issues and needs they face. The Colorectal Cancer Alliance (the Alliance) is committed to providing patients and caregivers with a resource solution that encompasses all potential areas of need. Methods: A survey aimed at understanding needs, barriers, and quality improvement opportunity was disseminated via the Alliance's Blue Hope Nation community for two weeks and by email. One hundred sixty-seven colorectal cancer patients and forty caregivers of colorectal cancer patients completed the survey. Results: Patients and caregiver respondents alike report reliance on external tools and resources to manage disease and support information. Of the support methods, patient respondents reported using social media (46.11%); notebooks, journals, and planners (45.41%); online articles (44.91%); the Blue Hope Nation Facebook group (41.32%); cancer discussion boards (35.33%); and spiritual or religious advice (29.94%). Caregiver respondents reported relying on friends and family (57.5%); the Blue Hope Nation Facebook group (47.5%); healthcare websites (47.5%); the Alliance website (42.5%); and spiritual or religious advisors (37.5%). To minimize diagnosis-related stressors, patients reported they look for financial assistance, local peer support and groups, and mental health help. To provide more efficient care and limit stress, the community suggested the need for financial help, communication and support from other patients and caregivers, and informational resources. Conclusions: These survey results are consistent with other published learnings about patient and caregiver reliance on support tools and highlights the myriad resources that patients and caregivers currently use for managing colorectal cancer. The saturation of the market has compelled the Colorectal Cancer Alliance to create a one-stop-shop, personalized resource with tools to organize and effortlessly share customized information treatment plans, and other support mechanisms. Such patient and caregiver-directed resources may enable a better care experience and potentially lead to better physical and mental health outcomes for patients and their caregivers.

Clinical, Functional, and Mental Health Outcomes in Kidney Transplant Recipients 3 Months After a Diagnosis of COVID-19.

Kidney transplant patients are at high risk for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related mortality. However, limited data are available on longer-term clinical, functional, and mental health outcomes in patients who survive COVID-19. We analyzed data from adult kidney transplant patients in the European Renal Association COVID-19 Database who presented with COVID-19 between February 1, 2020, and January 31, 2021. We included 912 patients with a mean age of 56.7 (±13.7) y. 26.4% were not hospitalized, 57.5% were hospitalized without need for intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and 16.1% were hospitalized and admitted to the ICU. At 3 mo follow-up survival was 82.3% overall, and 98.8%, 84.2%, and 49.0%, respectively, in each group. At 3 mo follow-up biopsy-proven acute rejection, need for renal replacement therapy, and graft failure occurred in the overall group in 0.8%, 2.6%, and 1.8% respectively, and in 2.1%, 10.6%, and 10.6% of ICU-admitted patients, respectively. Of the surviving patients, 83.3% and 94.4% reached their pre-COVID-19 physician-reported functional and mental health status, respectively, within 3 mo. Of patients who had not yet reached their prior functional and mental health status, their treating physicians expected that 79.6% and 80.0%, respectively, still would do so within the coming year. ICU admission was independently associated with a low likelihood to reach prior functional and mental health status. In kidney transplant recipients alive at 3-mo follow-up, clinical, physician-reported functional, and mental health recovery was good for both nonhospitalized and hospitalized patients. Recovery was, however, less favorable for patients who had been admitted to the ICU.

Assessment of factors associated with depression and anxiety among pwMS in Saudi Arabia

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory chronic disease that is characterized by an increased prevalence of adverse mental health outcomes in patients with MS (pwMS). The main aim of this study is to investigate the factors of depression and anxiety in pwMS in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).Materials and methodsThis is a cross-sectional study conducted in KSA during the period from March to June 2020. Participants were recruited from the Neuroimmunology clinics in King Fahad Medical City (KFMC) and King Saud University medical city (KSUMC)in Riyadh City, KSA. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to measure depression and anxiety. Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) was used to measure fatigue in pwMS. A simple random sampling technique was utilized to select participants and the data were analyzed using SPSS v.24.0.ResultsA total of 529 participants participated in this study with a response rate of 53.1%. The prevalences of anxiety and depression were 35.3% and 19.7%, respectively. The findings also revealed that depression was more likely to be significantly affected by being male, low education, unemployment, physical inactivity, and fatigue but the anxiety was significantly affected by region, unemployment, short duration since last MS relapse, physical inactivity, and fatigue.ConclusionAnxiety and depression are not uncommon in pwMS. Given their impact on the lives of affected patients, early detection and management of these symptoms and their associated factors are crucial.

Neurodevelopmental and Mental Health Outcomes in Patients With Fontan Circulation: A State-of-the-Art Review.

Children, adolescents and adults living with Fontan circulation face numerous neurological and developmental challenges. As the population with complex CHD increases thanks to outstanding improvement in medical and surgical care, the long-term developmental and mental health sequelae have become a public health priority in pediatric and congenital cardiology. Many patients with a Fontan circulation experience difficulty in areas of cognition related to attention and executive functioning, visual spatial reasoning and psychosocial development. They are also at high risk for mental health morbidities, particularly anxiety disorders and depression. Several hemodynamic risk factors, beginning during the fetal period, may influence outcomes and yield to abnormal brain growth and development. Brain injury such as white matter lesions, stroke or hemorrhage can occur before, during, or after surgery. Other sociodemographic and surgical risk factors such as multiple catheterizations and surgeries and prolonged hospital stay play a detrimental role in patients' neurodevelopmental prognosis. Prevention and intervention to optimize long-term outcomes are critical in the care of this vulnerable population with complex CHD.

Mid-term Psychiatric Outcomes of Patients Recovered From COVID-19 From an Italian Cohort of Hospitalized Patients.

Background: Although the usual primary clinical manifestation of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is respiratory, several non-respiratory symptoms have been described, including neuropsychiatric ones. The aim of this study was to investigate the mid-term mental health outcomes in patients recovered from COVID-19, 3–4 months after discharge from the University Hospital Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy. Furthermore, we investigated the possible association of the mid-term mental health consequences of the COVID-19 infection with patients' clinical current status, persistent physical impairment and severity of acute phase of the disease.Methods: Prospective study involving 238 individuals recovered from COVID-19. In the context of a multi-disciplinary approach, patients' assessment included both a clinical interview performed by an experienced psychiatrist, trained in the use of the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview to assess the presence of anxiety and depressive symptoms and self-administered questionnaires: Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Resilience Scale for Adults (RSA), Impact of Event Scale (IES).Results: At the psychiatric assessment 32.9 and 29.5% of participants showed anxiety and depressive symptoms, respectively. Changes in appetite and sleep patterns emerged for 15.6 and 31.2% of patients. According to the self-administered questionnaires, 7.1% of participants had moderate-severe anxiety levels (BAI), while 10.5% had mild to severe depression (BDI-II). Twenty-six (11%) participants were referred to further psychiatric consultation. Psychiatric symptoms showed no correlation with acute COVID-19 severity; in our sample patients with depressive symptoms at the clinical interview, as well as those with mild to severe levels of depression according to BDI-II scores, had lower forced expiratory volume in the 1st second (FEV1) values than those without and greater odds for persistent, poor tolerance for physical efforts.Conclusions: As could be expected, an approach including both a psychiatric interview and the use of self-administered questionnaires is likely to capture the psychiatric outcome of patients recovered from COVID-19 better than questionnaires alone. Anxiety and depressive symptoms at follow-up had no correlation with the severity of COVID acute manifestations, but rather with ongoing and persistent physical symptoms. Further studies and longer follow-up duration will allow a better understanding of the complex relationship between residual physical symptoms, quality of life and psychological health.

Improving community care for patients discharged from hospital through zone-wide implementation of a seamless care transition policy.

BackgroundSeveral studies within the psychiatry literature have illustrated the importance of discharge planning and execution, as well as accessibility of outpatient follow-up post-discharge. We report the results of implementing a new seamless care transition policy to expedite post-discharge follow-up in the community Addiction and Mental Health (AMH) program in the Edmonton Zone, Alberta, Canada. The policy involved a distribution mechanism for assessment by a mental health therapist (MHT) within 7 days of discharge as well as a dedicated roster of community psychiatrists to accept newly discharged patients.ObjectiveOur aim was to assess the feasibility of this novel policy and to assess its effect on our outcome measures of wait time to first outpatient MHT assessment and re-admission rate to hospital.MethodsOur study involved a retrospective clinical audit with total sampling design and a comparison of data 1 year before (2015/2016 fiscal year) and 1 year after (2017/2018 fiscal year) the implementation of the seamless care policy within the Edmonton Zone. Extracted data were analyzed with simple descriptive statistics and presented as percentages, mean and median.ResultsOverall, with the enactment of this policy, follow-up volumes ultimately increased, while wait times for initial assessment decreased on average for patients discharged from the hospital. In the 2015/2016 fiscal year, MHT completed 128 assessments of post-discharge patients who were new to the community AMH program compared to 298 completed new assessments for the 2017/2018 fiscal year. The corresponding wait times for the new MHT assessments were 12.7 days (median of 12 days) and 7.8 days (median of 6 days), respectively. Similarly, psychiatrists completed only 59 assessments of post-discharge patients who were new to AMH compared to 133 new psychiatric assessments for the 2017/2018 fiscal year. The corresponding wait times for the new psychiatric assessments were 15.3 days (median of 14 days) and 8.8 days (median of 7 days), respectively. We correspondingly found a slight decline in readmission rates after the implementation of our model in the subsequent fiscal year.ConclusionWe envision that this policy will set a precedent with regard to streamlining post-discharge follow-up care for admitted inpatients, ultimately improving mental health outcomes for patients.

The clinical impact of pharmacist services on mental health collaborative teams: A systematic review

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical impact of mental health collaborative teams that include pharmacists. Data sourcesPubMed, PsychInfo, Clinialtrials.gov, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts. Study selectionsStudies in which pharmacists were part of a mental health collaborative team (defined as 2 or more health care providers working together to provide enhanced mental health care services to patients), mental health clinical outcomes were measured with a validated tool, and the articles were written in English were included. Articles were searched from database inception to July 2019 and were excluded if a quantifiable comparison of mental health clinical outcomes was not included or collaboration was not described. Data extractionTwo authors independently screened titles and abstracts for relevance. Full-text articles that potentially met inclusion criteria were retrieved, read, and evaluated for inclusion using the eligibility criteria. ResultsAll 9 included studies reported improvements in mental health clinical outcomes when using collaborative teams that included pharmacists. Depression (n = 8) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (n = 1) were the mental health conditions included in the studies. Overall, 5 of 7 of the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) had statistically significant improvement in mental health clinical outcomes between the intervention groups, which included the collaborative teams and a “usual care” groups, which did not. Four of the 5 studies were set in Veterans Affairs (VA) clinics. The 2 non-RCT pre-post studies showed improvements in clinical outcomes but did not achieve statistical significance. ConclusionEvidence shows that collaborative teams that include pharmacists are effective at improving mental health outcomes in patients with depression and PTSD. Future studies should include non-VA settings and other mental health conditions to understand pharmacists’ impact more broadly in mental health collaborative teams. Clarifying and understanding the overlapping roles and responsibilities of members of the team may be the next step to continue improving mental health clinical outcomes.

Post traumatic stress symptoms, anxiety, and depression in patients after intensive care unit discharge \u2013 a longitudinal cohort study from a LMIC tertiary care centre

BackgroundData on intensive care unit (ICU) related psychiatric morbidity from Low Middle-Income Countries are sparse. We studied the ICU related posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), anxiety, and depression symptoms in a cohort of patients from Eastern India.MethodsWe included adults admitted more than 24 h to a mixed ICU. PTSS, anxiety, and depression symptoms were assessed by telephonic or face to face interviews by using the Impact of Events-r (IES-r) and Hospital anxiety and depression (HADS), respectively, at 0, 7,14, 30, 90 and 180 days from ICU discharge. The loss to follow up was minimal. Demographic, socioeconomic, quality of life (QOL), and critical care related variables were studied.ResultsOf 527 patients, 322 (59.4%) completed 6 months’ follow up. The majority were male (60%), mechanically ventilated > 48 h (59.4%), mean age of 48 (+/− 16), mean acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) at admission 9.4 (+/− 4.6), median length of stay 3 (2–28 days). The rates of ICU related clinical PTSS was < 1 and < 3% for anxiety/depression at any point of follow up. Data were analyzed by linear mixed (random effects) models. There was a significant drop in all scores and association with repeated measures over time. Poor QOL at discharge from the ICU showed significant association with PTSS, anxiety, and depression (β = − 2.94, − 1.34, − 0.7 respectively) when corrected for gender and education levels. Younger age, greater severity of illness, and prior stressful life experiences predicted worse PTSS (β = − 0.02, 0.08, 3.82, respectively). Benzodiazepines and lower sedation scores (better alertness) predicted lower depression symptoms. (β = − 0.43, 0.37 respectively).ConclusionICU related psychiatric morbidity rates in our population are low compared with reported rates in the literature. Poor QOL at ICU discharge may predict worse long-term mental health outcomes. Further research on the impact of ICU and sociocultural factors on mental health outcomes in patients from different backgrounds is needed. The study was registered at CTRI/2017/07/008959.

Evaluation of Postoperative Mental Health Outcomes in Patients Based on Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System Physical Function Following Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion.

ObjectiveTo assess the relationship of preoperative physical function, as measured by Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System Physical Function (PROMIS PF), to improvement in mental health, as evaluated by Short Form-12 Mental Component Summary (SF-12 MCS) following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). MethodsPatients undergoing primary ACDF were retrospectively reviewed and stratified based on preoperative PROMIS PF scores. PROMIS PF cohorts were tested for an association with demographic characteristics and perioperative variables using chi-square analysis and multivariate linear regression. Multivariate linear regression was utilized to determine the association between PROMIS PF cohorts and improvement in SF-12 MCS. ResultsA total of 129 one- to 3-level ACDF patients were included: 73 had PROMIS PF < 40 (“low PROMIS”) and 56 had PROMIS PF ≥ 40 (“high PROMIS”). The low PROMIS cohort reported worse mental health preoperatively and at all postoperative timepoints except for 1 year. Both cohorts had similar changes in mental health from baseline through the 6-month follow-up. However, at 1 year. postoperatively, the low PROMIS cohort had a statistically greater change in mental health score. ConclusionPatients with worse preoperative physical function reported significantly worse preoperative and postoperative mental health. However, patients with worse preoperative physical function made significantly greater improvements in mental health from baseline. This suggests that patients with worse preoperative physical function can still expect significant improvements in mental health following surgery.

Gender Affirmation Surgery From a Public Health Perspective: Advances, Challenges, and Areas of Opportunity.

Gender affirmation surgery (GAS) is sought out by approximately 20 to 40% of transgender individuals. These patients possess unique mental and physical health needs. These are compounded by prejudices and lack of education about transgender individuals within the medical system and society at large. Societal and medical barriers are associated with increased risks of violence, suicide, and sexually transmitted infections. This combination of high medical needs and barriers to accessing appropriate care may give rise to a self-perpetuating cycle of risk exposure, stigmatization, prejudice, and eventually poor health outcomes. It is imperative that plastic and reconstructive surgeons understand GAS from a public health perspective, so that they may provide the highest quality of care and help alleviate these disparities. The authors describe unique public health topics in GAS. These are specifically related to healthcare access, surgical education, cultural sensitivity, as well as mental health outcomes for patients who undergo GAS.

Role definition is key-Rapid qualitative ethnography findings from a team-based primary care transformation.

PurposeImplementing team‐based care into existing primary care is challenging; understanding facilitators and barriers to implementation is critical. We assessed adoption and acceptability of new roles in the first 6 months of launching a team‐based care model focused on preventive care, population health, and psychosocial support.MethodsWe conducted qualitative rapid ethnography at a community‐based test clinic, including 74 hours of observations and 28 semi‐structured interviews. We identified implementation themes related to team‐based care and specifically the integration of three roles purposively designed to enhance coordination for better patient outcomes, including preventive screening and mental health: (1) medical assistants as care coordinators; (2) extended care team specialists, including clinical pharmacist and behavioral health professional; and (3) advanced practice providers (APPs)—ie, nurse practitioners and physician assistants.ResultsAll stakeholders (ie, patients, providers, and staff) reported positive perceptions of care coordinators and extended care specialists; these roles were well defined and quickly implemented. Care coordinators effectively managed care between visits and established strong patient relationships. Specialist colocation facilitated patient access and well‐supported diabetes services and mental health care. We also observed unanticipated value: Care coordinators relayed encounter‐relevant chart information to providers while scribing; extended care specialists supported informal continuing medical education. In contrast, we observed uncertain definition and expectations of the APP role across stakeholders; accordingly, adoption and acceptability of the role varied.ConclusionsPractice redesign can redistribute responsibility and patient connection throughout a team but should emphasize well‐defined roles. Ethnography, conducted early in implementation with multistakeholder perspectives, can provide rapid and actionable insights about where roles may need refinement or redefinition to support ultimate physical and mental health outcomes for patients.

Cluster randomised controlled trial of a guided self-help mental health intervention in primary care

ObjectivesTo ascertain whether an ultrabrief intervention (UBI) improves mental health outcomes for patients in general practice with mild-to-moderate mental health concerns.Trial designTwo-arm cluster randomised controlled trial.MethodsParticipants: general practitioners (GPs) were...

Depression and Anxiety in Heart Failure: A Review.

After participating in this activity, learners should be better able to:• Identify the relationships between depression, anxiety, and heart failure (HF).• Assess methods for accurately diagnosing depression and anxiety disorders in patients with HF.• Evaluate current evidence for treatment of anxiety and depression in patients with HF. In patients with heart failure (HF), depression and anxiety disorders are common and associated with adverse outcomes such as reduced adherence to treatment, poor function, increased hospitalizations, and elevated mortality. Despite the adverse impact of these disorders, anxiety and depression remain underdiagnosed and undertreated in HF patients. We performed a targeted literature review to (1) identify associations between depression, anxiety, and HF, (2) examine mechanisms mediating relationships between these conditions and medical outcomes, (3) identify methods for accurately diagnosing depression and anxiety disorders in HF, and (4) review current evidence for treatments of these conditions in this population. Both depression and anxiety disorders are associated with the development and progression of HF, including increased rates of mortality, likely mediated through both physiologic and behavioral mechanisms. Given the overlap between cardiac and psychiatric symptoms, accurately diagnosing depression or anxiety disorders in HF patients can be challenging. Adherence to formal diagnostic criteria and utilization of a clinical interview are the best courses of action in the evaluation process. There is limited evidence for the efficacy of pharmacologic and psychotherapy in patients with HF. However, cognitive-behavioral therapy has been shown to improve mental health outcomes in patients with HF, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors appear safe in this cohort. Depression and anxiety disorders in HF patients are common, underrecognized, and linked to adverse outcomes. Further research to improve detection and develop effective treatments for these disorders in HF patients is badly needed.

Heart Failure: Psychological and Pharmacological Considerations

Among patients with heart failure (HF), depression and anxiety disorders are common and associated with poor functioning, frequent hospitalizations, and increased rates of mortality. Despite these associations, depression and anxiety disorders are underdiagnosed and undertreated in this high-risk cohort. Diagnosing depression or anxiety disorders in patients with HF is challenging due to the overlap between cardiac and psychiatric symptoms. We recommend diagnosis through the use of a clinical interview and adherence to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , fifth edition, criteria. Once a psychiatric diagnosis is confirmed, both pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions are available. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are well-tolerated in patients with cardiovascular disease but have limited efficacy in patients with HF. Cognitive-behavioral therapy improves mental health outcomes in patients with HF but has not been shown to improve physical health. Finally, collaborative care programs may be considered for the management of uncomplicated depression and anxiety disorders. [ Psychiatr Ann . 2016;46(12):691–701.]

Impact of falls on mental health outcomes for older adult mental health patients: An Australian study.

Sustaining a fall during hospitalization reduces a patient's ability to return home following discharge. It is well accepted that factors, such as alteration in balance, functional mobility, muscle strength, and fear of falling, are all factors that impact on the quality of life of elderly people following a fall. However, the impact that falls have on mental health outcomes in older adult mental health patients remains unexplored. The present study reports Health of the Nation Outcome Scale scores for people over the age of 65 (HoNOS65+), which were examined in a cohort of 65 patients who sustained a fall and 73 non-fallers admitted to an older adult mental health service (OAMHS). Results were compared with state and national HoNOS65+ data recorded in Australian National Outcome Casemix Collection data to explore the effect that sustaining a fall while hospitalized has on mental health outcomes. Australian state and national HoNOS65+ data indicate that older adults generally experience improved HoNOS65+ scores from admission to discharge. Mental health outcomes for patients who sustained a fall while admitted to an OAMHS did not follow this trend. Sustaining a fall while admitted to an OAMHS negatively affects discharge mental health outcomes.

A lifestyle intervention for primary care patients with depression and anxiety: A randomised controlled trial

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a diet and exercise lifestyle intervention on mental health outcomes for patients currently being treated for depression and/or anxiety in primary care. Patients (n=119) referred by general practitioners to the 12-week randomised controlled trial were assigned to either an intervention of six visits to a dual qualified dietitian/exercise physiologist (DEP) where motivational interviewing and activity scheduling were used to engage patients in individually-tailored lifestyle change (focussed on diet and physical activity), or an attention control with scheduled telephone contact. Assessments conducted at baseline (n=94) and 12 weeks (n=60) were analysed with an intent-to-treat approach using linear mixed modelling. Significant improvement was found for both groups on Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) scores, measures of nutrient intake and total Australian modified Healthy Eating Index (Aust-HEI) scores. Significant differences between groups over time were found only for iron intake and body mass index. Patients participating in individual consultations with a dietitian were more likely to maintain or improve diet quality than those participating in an attention control. This study provides initial evidence to support the role of dietitians in the management of patients with depression and/or anxiety.