Coping Strategies In Patients Research Articles

Влияние копинг-стратегий пациентов пожилого и старческого возраста на исходы лечения дегенеративно-дистрофических заболеваний позвоночника

Introduction Dissatisfaction with conservative treatments of various types of dorsopathies results in increased number of surgical interventions to eliminate the accompanying clinical manifestations. Patients' psychosocial characteristics are likely to impact treatment satisfaction, and personality traits as cognitive status, depression, anxiety and coping strategies of the patient have a role. The objective of the study was to assess the impact of the coping strategies of a patient on surgical treatment outcomes in older patients with dorsopathy. Material and methods The study included 149 patients with dorsopathy aged 60 years and over. The patients were divided into 2 groups. The first group (n = 54) consisted of patients with central stenosis of the spinal canal (M48.0) who underwent minimally invasive surgeries without stabilization. The second group included 95 patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis and unstable VMS (M43.1, M53.2). A variety of decompression and stabilization surgical technologies were employed for the patients. Results The majority of patients in the first group ( n = 46, 85 %) obtained satisfactory surgical outcome. Eight patient (15 %) had poor outcome. An inverse, moderate, statistically significant correlation was revealed between maladaptive coping strategies identified with Ways of Coping Questionnaire (distancing, avoidance), Stress Coping Questionnaire (behavioral avoidance of a problem), the Coping Strategy Indicator (avoidance) and surgical outcome. Surgical outcome was rated as satisfactory in 79 (83.2 %) cases and poor in 16 (16.8 %) patients of the second group (n = 95). Patients of the second group showed a greater number of coping strategies having a statistically significant correlation with treatment outcome. Patients with adaptive strategies resulting from decompression and stabilization operations had a more favorable outcome. Maladaptive coping strategies such as confrontation, avoidance and behavioral avoidance of the problem had a negative impact on treatment outcome. Discussion A comprehensive analysis of the questionnaire data showed that the more aggressive the intervention was with the use of fixation constructs, the greater the impact of the patient's coping strategies on the outcome of treatment observed. This relationship was not found in decompression cases with maladaptive strategies being most significant. Conclusion We can conclude about the predictive value of coping strategies based on the impact of the severity of adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies on the outcome and satisfaction with the surgical treatment of dorsopathies in older patients. This factor is essential for the preoperative stage to facilitate personalized treatment options for the complex group of patients.

Psychosomatic aspects of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis

AimsThe aim of this study is to assess the level of alexithymia, coping strategies and stress contribution to illness in patients with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis in order to increase effectiveness of dermatological treatment.Method59 patients with atopic dermatitis, 67 with psoriasis and 65 healthy control group individuals were included in the cross-sectional study. Predominant complains of the patients: itching, widespread rashes and rashes on the open areas of the skin. In 85% patients with skin pathology onset of the disease and relapses were associated with stress, in 15% other factors.“The 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale” was used to assess alexithymia. “The Ways of Coping Checklist, Lazarus” was used to assess coping-strategies. “The Holmes and Rage Stress Inventory” was used to assess stress contribution to illness. Significance level: p < 0,05.ResultThe levels of alexithymia (p = 0.002), difficulty identifying feelings subscale (p = 0.02) and externally-oriented thinking subscale (p = 0.002) in patients with skin pathology (especially in those with psoriasis) were higher than in the control group.Patients with skin pathology turned out to be more susceptible to stress factors (p = 0.025) and less often use coping strategy “seeking social support” (p = 0.037).Patients with skin pathology with high levels of alexithymia and difficulty identifying feelings subscale more likely to use maladaptive “escape-avoidance” coping (p = 0.001).Patients with atopic dermatitis who find difficult to describe feelings are more likely to use maladaptive coping “distancing”(p = 0.002).In patients with psoriasis high levels of alexithymia and externally-oriented thinking subscale scores are associated with less common use of the adaptive coping “problem solving”(p = 0.001). Moreover, in patients with psoriasis high levels of difficulty identifying feelings subscale are associated with more common use of maladaptive “escape-avoidance” coping (p = 0.001).ConclusionThe results of the study confirm the need to include psychological assessment and psychotherapy in the treatment plan for patients with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis in order to improve emotional awareness and to develop more adaptive coping-strategies in patients.

Stress and Growth in Cancer: Mechanisms and Psychotherapeutic Interventions to Facilitate a Constructive Balance.

Post-traumatic stress and growth are common responses to adverse life events such as cancer. In this article, we establish how cancer becomes a “fertile land” for the emergence of stress and growth responses and analyze the main mechanisms involved. Stress-growth responses on adjusting to cancer is potentially determined by factors like the phase of the illness (e.g., initial phases vs. period of survivorship), patient’s coping strategies, meaning-making, and relationships with significant others. We also review the mechanisms of constructive and adaptative stress-growth balances in cancer to study the predictors, interrelated associations, triggering mechanisms, long-term results, and specific trajectories of these two responses to cancer. Finally, we update the evidence on the role of these stress-growth associations in psychologically adjusting to cancer. Together with this evidence, we summarize preliminary results regarding the efficacy of psychotherapeutic interventions that aim to facilitate a constructive psychological balance between stress and growth in cancer patients. Recommendations for future research and gaps in knowledge on stress-growth processes in this illness are also highlighted. Researchers are encouraged to design and use psychotherapeutic interventions according to the dynamic and changeable patients’ sources of stress and growth along the illness. Relevant insights are proposed to understand the inconsistency of stress-growth literature and to promote psychotherapeutic interventions to facilitate a constructive balance between these key responses in cancer.

Relationship of coping and patterns of dependent behavior in patients with chronic pancreatitis of biliary and alcoholic etiology in aspect of differentiation of its medical and psychological support

Choric pancreatitis is an actual medical and psychological problem in Ukraine. The aim of the work was to study the features of coping in patients with chronic pancreatitis of alcoholic and biliary etiology.Methods. For detecting coping-mechanisms the standard method WCQ Р of Lazarus was used. The study of addictive tendencies was carried out with the help of questionnaire AUDIT and UDIT-tests oriented on patterns of dependent behavior.Results. The study of features of coping-mechanisms and an addiction to dependent behavior in patients with chronic pancreatitis revealed intergroup and intragroup differences. Confrontation and low levels of self-control, responsibility and positive assessment were intrinsic for respondents with alcoholic etiology of pancreatitis. Women demonstrated the high addiction to the search of social support, men – to distancing. As to an addictive behavior there was revealed that the typical common tendencies were the consumption of coffee, alcohol, internet-dependence, the specific ones for women – TV, shopping-dependencies, for men – workaholism in patients with biliary and computer-addiction in patients with alcoholic chronic pancreatitis. Intergroup differences were demonstrated by an addiction to disorder of food behavior in patients with biliary and consumption of alcohol and smoking in respondents with alcoholic etiology of pancreatitis.Conclusions. The revealed differences in coping-strategies of patients with different nosological forms of chronic pancreatitis give important information for detecting the targets of medical and psychological influence and constructing of differentiated program of medical and psychological help to patients of this type

The European General Practice Research Network Presents a Comprehensive Definition of Multimorbidity in Family Medicine and Long Term Care, Following a Systematic Review of Relevant Literature

Multimorbidity is a new concept encompassing all the medical conditions of an individual patient. The concept links into the European definition of family medicine and its core competencies. However, the definition of multimorbidity and its subsequent operationalization are still unclear. The European General Practice Research Network wanted to produce a comprehensive definition ofmultimorbidity. Systematic review of literature involving eight European General Practice Research Network national teams. The databases searched were PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane (1990-2010). Only articles containing descriptions of multimorbidity criteria were selected for inclusion. The multinational team undertook a methodic data extraction, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The team identified 416 documents, selected 68 abstracts, included 54 articles, and found 132 definitions with 1631 different criteria. These criteria were aggregated into 11 themes that led to the following definition: Multimorbidity is defined as any combination of chronic disease with at least one other disease (acute or chronic) or biopsychosocial factor (associated or not) or somatic risk factor. Any biopsychosocial factor, any risk factor, the social network, the burden of diseases, the health care consumption, and the patient's coping strategies may function as modifiers (of the effects of multimorbidity). Multimorbidity may modify the health outcomes and lead to an increased disability or a decreased quality of life or frailty. This study has produced a comprehensive definition of multimorbidity. The resulting improvements in the management of multimorbidity, and its usefulness in long term care and in family medicine, will have to be assessed in future studies.

The emotive impact of medical language

Words can shape or reinforce a patient's coping strategies. We measured the emotional content of hand surgery words and some synonyms or alternatives in five categories (19 words total). Healthy adult companions of 100 patients presenting to an orthopedic hand surgical practice were asked to score five hand surgery words and some synonyms and alternatives (19 total words) on three dimensions: affective/emotional (ranging from pleasant to unpleasant), arousal (ranging from calm to aroused), and dominance/control (ranging from dominated to feeling in control) using a validated methodology. Ratings were done using the self-assessment manikin-a validated graphic affective rating system. The emotional reaction to "discomfort" and "ache" was more positive than "pain." The words "tear" and "defect" were more positive than "rupture." The words "tight" and "stiff" were more positive than "locked" and "frozen." The word "faded" was more positive than "degenerated," "diminished," and "wasted". The words "overused" and "worn" were more positive than "cracked," "inflamed," and "broken." Some common hand surgery words have a relatively negative emotional content. Given that psychological distress is an important predictor of pain intensity and disability, additional research is merited to develop optimally positive language for describing musculoskeletal pathology.

Psychological Contributions to Functional Independence: A Longitudinal Investigation of Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation

Kennedy P, Lude P, Elfström ML, Smithson EF. Psychological contributions to functional independence: a longitudinal investigation of spinal cord injury rehabilitation. Objectives To investigate the contribution of prerehabilitation appraisals of spinal cord injury (SCI) and patient's coping strategies to the variance in functional independence postdischarge. Design Longitudinal, cohort study. Patients aged 16 and older and sustaining an SCI were recruited from English- and German-speaking specialist spinal injuries centers. Measures of appraisals, coping strategies, mood, and functional independence were administered on commencing active rehabilitation (12-weeks postinjury) and following hospital discharge (1-y postinjury). Setting Specialist SCI rehabilitation centers in England, Germany, Switzerland, and Ireland. Participants Patients (N=127) completed questionnaires at both time points. Sample age ranged between 17.5 and 64.5 years with a mean age of 39.3 years. Demographic and injury characteristics were similar to those reported in international statistics databases. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measure FIM (motor subscale). Results Injury characteristics, age, sex, current depression, and the utilization of the coping strategy, social reliance, at 12-weeks postinjury explained 33.5% of the variance in motor FIM at 1-year postinjury. Strong relationships were found between appraisals, coping styles, mood, and functional outcomes. Conclusions The coping strategy, social reliance, was found to contribute significantly when explaining the variance in functional outcomes. Suggestions were made to assess appraisals and coping strategies early in rehabilitation in order to provide effective interventions and additional support to those scoring highly on negative coping styles. Further research is recommended to provide support for the relationship between dependent coping strategies and functional outcomes.

Integrative and Behavioral Approaches to the Treatment of Cancer-Related Neuropathic Pain

Integrative oncology is the synthesis of mainstream cancer care and evidence-based complementary therapies. Complementary strategies include massage therapies, acupuncture, fitness, and mind-body techniques, which take advantage of the reciprocal relationship between the mind and body. Neuropathic pain--and pain more generally--is part of a complex process involving the whole physical and psychosocial being, therefore requiring an integrative management approach. Several studies have demonstrated, for example, that social context plays an important role in the perception of pain and that a patient's coping strategies can influence the persistence of pain. In this article, we briefly describe research illustrating the promise of integrative approaches for the treatment of cancer-related neuropathic pain.

Knowledge and insight in relation to functional remission in patients with long-term psychotic disorders

Patients with psychotic symptoms often respond poorly to treatment. Outcomes can be affected by biological, physiological and psychological factors according to the vulnerability-stress model. The patient's coping strategies and beliefs have been correlated with outcomes. To investigate the knowledge and insight in relation to treatment response. A naturalistic study was performed using patient interviews and information gathered from patient drug charts. Apart from the rating scales used for classification of treatment response (CANSEPT method), the SPKS knowledge of illness and drugs rating scale was utilized. In the group of patients in functional remission (FR; n = 38), 37% had insight into their illness as compared to 10% among those not in functional remission (non-FR; n = 78; P < 0.01). As much as 23% of the non-FR group had no strategy for responding to warning signs versus 8% in the FR group (P < 0.05). Better treatment outcomes appear to be associated with better insight into illness, higher knowledge of warning signs and better coping strategies.

Roles of the urologist and nurse from the perspective of patients with prostate cancer receiving luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone analogue therapy

To establish the roles of the urologist, general practitioner (GP) and nurse from the perspective of the patient with prostate cancer receiving hormone therapy, and to assess patient satisfaction, in particular with management and information needs. Patients with prostate cancer receiving luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogue (LHRH-a) therapy were recruited by a representative sample of 58 French urologists (March to April 2007) and invited to complete a 42-item questionnaire. In all, 350 representative patients participated in the study; >90% were totally or quite satisfied with the information given by their urologist at diagnosis and the start of treatment. Their main contact during treatment was with the nurse who gave the injection (84% of patients). The nurse's main role was to provide clarity (60% of patients), guidance (35%) and support to the family (28%). Fewer patients discussed disease stage and progression with their nurse (29%) than with a doctor (urologist, 63%; or GP, 61%). Fewer also discussed treatment (24% vs 32%) but as many patients discussed the impact of their disease and treatment with their nurse as with their doctor (e.g. 33% discussed general health and fatigue with the nurse, vs 26% with the urologist). The need for contact with a health professional was greater during the early stages of treatment. Patients treated for <12 months with 3-monthly injections were less likely to be in favour of spacing injections than patients treated for >or=3 years. The patient consults the urologist for reliable information on disease and treatment, and to the GP for further support, if needed, but the nurse has the pivotal role. A 3-monthly injection schedule enables regular face-to-face contact between the nurse and the patient and their family, and contributes towards the patient's coping strategies and quality of life.

Auditory and visual hallucinations in a sample of severely mentally ill Puerto Rican women: an examination of the cultural context

The content, interpretation, and structure of hallucinations experienced by individuals with severe mental illness are influenced by the culture of the individuals who experience them. We analyzed the content of visual and auditory hallucinations of 53 Puerto Rican women in northeastern Ohio with a diagnosis of a severe mental illness (SMI) who were participating in a study of HIV risk among Hispanic women with SMI. Compared to non-hallucinators, hallucinators had lower global assessment of functioning scores and greater suicidality. Hallucinations reflected three themes: religious themes, command hallucinations, and unidentifiable voices. Hallucinators’ subjective experience of their hallucinations ranged from a sense of security to significant distress. Participants developed a wide range of strategies to deal with threatening hallucinations. Provider response to individuals’ experience appeared to impact the quality of the patient–provider relationship. We recommend the inclusion of religious history in the initial assessment of individuals. This will assist the provider in making an accurate diagnosis, distinguishing between religious beliefs and those that reflect underlying pathology, and in increasing the level of cultural competence of the care provided. Religious and spiritual beliefs that provide a source of hope and strength for the patient can be utilized to expand and enhance the patient's coping strategies.

Hopelessness and its impact on rehabilitation outcome in schizophrenia –an exploratory study

The primary focus in contemporary psychiatry on symptoms and their neurobiological basis, although fundamentally important, is nevertheless incomplete. The long-term course and outcome of schizophrenia are determined not only by the disorder, but also by the interaction between the person and the disorder. Not only psychopathological symptoms but also cognitive variables such as negative self-concepts, low expectations and external loci of control can influence the patient's coping strategies and may lead to hopelessness and chronicity. Hopelessness here refers to a cognitive-affective state in which the patient perceives the disorder and its consequences to be beyond his control, feels helpless and has given up expecting to influence its course positively, thereby abandoning responsibility and active coping strategies. In a prospective study, we examined these relationships by using logistic regression in data from 46 schizophrenic outpatients who were participating in a vocational rehabilitation program. Negative self-concepts, external loci of control, and depression correlated to a higher extent with depressive-resigned coping strategies than did schizophrenic symptoms. Thus, poor rehabilitation outcome may be predicted to a high degree by the presence of external loci of control, pessimistic outcome expectancies, negative symptoms, and depressive-resigned coping strategies. After having eliminated the influence of negative symptoms, external control beliefs still had significant predictive value for the outcome. Rehabilitation outcome in schizophrenic patients can be only partially predicted by negative symptoms; the other predictive factor is whether the patient has already given up or not.

Patient-disease characteristics and coping strategies predict hospitalization in emergency psychiatry.

The goal of this study was to analyze how far patient-disease characteristics (sociodemographic variables, previous psychiatric treatment, way of referral, the patient's current diagnosis), and the patient's coping strategies are connected with the consecutive disposition for inpatient or outpatient treatment. Data from a one-year intake of the psychiatric emergency service at a University Hospital (N = 1439) were monitored and analyzed with regard to the decision on treatment. Four hundred eighty-one patients were hospitalized and 530 were assigned to outpatient treatment. Two subsamples of twenty-eight patients from each group filled out the Bernese Coping Modes questionnaire before the decision with regard to the treatment disposition was taken. The patient's psychiatric history, the way of referral as well as the current axis I diagnosis made a significant contribution to the treatment decision. Overall, patient-disease characteristics allowed for correct classification of 69.3 percent of cases. However, coping was a comparable predictor of hospitalization. It is argued that the search for patient-disease characteristics in the psychiatric emergency room should be complemented by a more extensive monitoring of the patients' way of coping with their current crisis.