Psychosocial Functioning In Patients Research Articles

The cohort effect in studies related to differences in psychosocial functioning of women with Turner syndrome.

The physical health deficits and psychological disorders of women with Turner syndrome (TS) are the deciding factors in their treatment, but also their own relation to their own and their family's experiences. This study aimed to find the differences in psychosocial functioning of TS women coming from two different generations. These differences show the cohort effect as change in personal functioning and quality of life. In-depth interviews were conducted with 176 TS women and their parents to collect data. The first cohort was composed of patients up to the age of 29 (n = 139), and the second included patients aged 30 or above (n = 37). Fifty-two variables, important from the point of view of health and quality of life, were analysed in two age groups. The paths models were compared to analyse differences between the cohorts. Belonging to a particular age cohort significantly affected the variance of the biomedical variables tested, which seems to be related to the therapeutic procedure due to an earlier diagnosis and treatment for younger patients. We also found differences in the number and strength of the correlations between the factors of psychosexual development, personal and family resources, socio-economic life, and professional or educational activity. (1) The psychosocial functioning of TS women changes over time. This is a kind of illustration of the cohort effect. (2) Medical aspects of Turner syndrome may remain in connection with the psychosocial functioning of patients, and determine their quality of life. (3) Psychosociological resources are more complex and involved in younger women with Turner syndrome.

Associations between psychosocial functioning and smiling intensity in patients with head and neck cancer

Increasing attention is being given to developing quantitative measures of facial expression. This study used quantitative facial expression analysis to examine associations between smiling intensity and psychosocial functioning in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). Smiling intensity of 95 HNC patients was measured using 48 quantitative measures calculated from facial photographs with and without a smile. We computed a composite smiling intensity score for each patient representing the degree of similarity to healthy controls. A lower composite score indicates that the person is less expressive, on average, than healthy controls. Patients also completed self-report measures assessing domains of body image and quality of life (QOL). Spearman rank correlations were computed to examine relationships between composite scores and psychosocial functioning. Composite scores were significantly correlated with multiple measures of body image and QOL. Specifically, decreased smiling intensity was associated with feelings of dissatisfaction with one’s body, perceived negative social impact of body image, increased use of avoidance as a body image-coping strategy, reduced functional well-being, and greater head and neck cancer-specific issues. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate associations between an objectively quantified facial expression (i.e. smiling) and psychosocial functioning. Most previous studies have measured facial expression qualitatively. These findings indicate that smiling intensity may serve as an important clinical indicator of psychosocial well-being and warrants further clinical investigation.

Evaluation of a new person-centered integrated care model in psychiatry.

The present study evaluated a new integrated treatment concept offering inpatient care, acute psychiatric day hospital and outpatient treatment by the same therapeutic team. 178 patients participated in this randomized controlled trial. Data on psychopathology, global and social functioning, patient satisfaction, continuity of care and administrative data was gathered on admission, throughout the course of treatment, upon discharge and at 1-year follow-up. In addition, the physicians in charge rated the therapeutic relationship. The data analysis consists of group-wise comparisons and regression analyses (cross-tabulations and χ(2) test statistics for categorical data and Mann-Whitney U tests for continuous data). Differences between groups over time were analyzed with a series of generalized linear mixed model. The integrated care group showed a significant reduction in psychopathological impairment (20.7%) and an improvement of psychosocial functioning (36.8%). The mean number of days before re-admission was higher in the control group when compared to the integrated care group (156.8 vs. 91.5). There was no difference in the number of re-admissions and days spent in psychiatric institutions. This new approach offers a treatment model, which facilitates continuity of care. Beside it improves psychopathological outcome measures and psychosocial functioning in patients with mental illness.

The effectiveness of “Mindfulness based Cognitive Therapy” on psycho-social performance of chronic low back pain patients (CLBP)

The effectiveness of “Mindfulness based Cognitive Therapy” on psycho-social performance of chronic low back pain patients (CLBP)

Night eating in patients with type 2 diabetes. Associations with glycemic control, eating patterns, sleep, and mood

Night eating is a complex behavior associated with disruptions in eating, sleep, and mood regulation. While night eating has been associated with alterations in neuroendocrine functioning, night eating and Night Eating Syndrome (NES) are not well understood in patients with prevalent metabolic conditions, such as diabetes. In this study, 194 adults with Type 2 diabetes completed questionnaires assessing night eating symptoms as well as eating, sleep, and depressive symptoms. Glycemic control data, as measured by hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), were gathered from patient medical charts. Results indicated that 7% of participants met criteria for NES. Increased symptoms of night eating were associated with poorer glycemic control and disruptions in eating, sleep, and mood, including significantly increased likelihood of having HbA1c levels >7% and endorsing clinical levels of depressive symptoms. Increasing understanding of the relationship between night eating and metabolic and psychosocial functioning in patients with diabetes may provide new avenues for treatment of these patients.

EPA-0933 - Psychopathological and functional assessment in psychtic patients in a psychiatric hospital unit

Introduction New psychopharmacology provides a better tolerability profile and drug adherence, which should be accompanied by lower relapse rate, incomings and improvement in psychosocial functioning of patients. Objectives 1. To describe sociodemographic, clinical and psychometric properties of a sample of psychotic patients admitted to the Acute Unit. 2. Assessing the functionality of psychotic patients requiring hospitalization. Methods Sample:patients admitted to the Psychiatric Hospital Unit of the Hospital San Juan de Alicante (August 1 to 31, 2013), with admission diagnosis of psychotic decompensation (F20). Register of sociodemographic and clinical dates, PANSS, CGI and PSP. Statistical analysis using SPSS. Results N=19. 94%=male, 84.2%=single, 68.4%=family support.37%=schizophrenia, 52.7%=brief reactive psychosis, 10.5%=schizophreniform disorder. 9.7% first psychotic episodes. 52.6%=toxic consumption. Mean scores:PSP = 50.89, CGI= 4.42, PANSS=89.89. Significant relationship between the support and PSP(35=not, 53=yes, p Conclusions Although toxics, poor adherence or the long course of the disease are associated with unfavorable scores on scales of function and psychopathology, our results donnot meet it. We attribute the negative results to low sample size and heterogeneity of the group of patients included in the study. Maybe factors such as family support, employment and intellectual level have a greater role. We consider it appropriate to continue the study in the future, standardizing clinical groups and expanding the sample size in order to obtain results with greater statistical significance.

Psychosocial functioning and vascular endothelial growth factor in patients with head and neck cancer

Psychosocial functioning is associated with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in various patient populations. This study examined whether psychosocial functioning in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is associated with tumor VEGF expression, a protein that stimulates angiogenesis and is associated with poor prognosis. Forty-two newly diagnosed patients completed assessments of psychosocial functioning (ie, depressive symptoms, perceived stress, anxiety, social support) before surgery. Tumor samples were obtained for VEGF analysis and human papillomavirus (HPV)-typing. Poorer psychosocial functioning was associated with greater VEGF expression controlling for disease stage (odds ratio [OR], 4.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.72-12.0; p < .01). When examined by HPV status, the association between psychosocial functioning and VEGF remained significant among patients who were HPV negative (OR, 5.50; 95% CI, 1.68-17.3; p < .01), but not among patients who were HPV positive. These findings inform our understanding of the biobehavioral pathways that may contribute to poor outcomes in non-HPV-associated HNSCCs.

Functional and psychosocial effects of pulmonary Daoyin on patients with COPD in China: study protocol of a multicenter randomized controlled trial

BackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major public health problem worldwide. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is an established intervention for the management of patients with COPD. Exercise training is an important part of PR, and its effectiveness in patients with COPD is well established. However, alternative methods of PR training such as Daoyin have not been appropriately studied. Hence, alternative forms of exercise training that require less exercise equipment and no specific training place should be evaluated. This paper describes the study protocol of a clinical trial that aims to determine if pulmonary Daoyin training will improve the exercise capacity and psychosocial function of patients with COPD in China. Methods and designA multicenter, randomized, controlled trial will be conducted. A total of 464 patients meeting the inclusion criteria will be enrolled into this study with 232 patients in each of the trial group and the control group. Based on patient education, patients in the trial group will receive pulmonary Daoyin and continue with their usual therapy for three months. In the control group, patients will continue with their usual therapy. The primary outcome measures are exercise capacity assessed by the six-minute walking distance test and lung function. Secondary outcomes include dyspnea and quality of life. Measurements will be taken at baseline (month 0) and after the study period (month 3). DiscussionIt is hypothesized that pulmonary Daoyin will have beneficial effects in improving exercise capacity and psychosocial function of patients with stable COPD, and will provide an alternative form of exercise training that is accessible for the large number of people with COPD. Trial registrationThis trial has been registered in ClinicalTrials.gov. The identifier is NCT01482000.

Impairment in psychosocial functioning in patients with different subtypes of eating disorders.

To examine psychosocial functioning in eating disorder (ED) patients with restrictive and purgative subtypes. Forty-four adult female patients with a diagnosis of ED were divided into restrictive (RP) and purgative (PP) groups according the presence of purgative symptoms. Functioning was assessed using the Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST) and the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF). No differences were found in total FAST scores or in specific domains between the RP (39.58±11.92) and PP (45.75±11.75) groups (p = 0.19). However, PP showed more severe functional impairment than RP in the financial domain (p < 0.01). There were no differences in comorbidity with mood disorders, depressive symptoms, or general psychiatric symptoms between the two ED subtypes. The similarities found between PP and PR in overall functioning and in autonomy, cognition, work, interpersonal relationships, and leisure seem to reflect the use of an objective scale that corresponds to the clinical impression. In fact, the assessment of psychosocial functioning in ED patients using self-report instruments requires careful consideration because results may reflect the egosyntonic nature of symptoms commonly observed in these patients, particularly in the restrictive subtype.

Effects of cognitive remediation on cognitive dysfunction in partially or fully remitted patients with bipolar disorder: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BackgroundA large proportion of patients with bipolar disorder experience persistent cognitive dysfunction, such as memory, attention and planning difficulties, even during periods of full remission. The aim of this trial is to investigate whether cognitive remediation, a new psychological treatment, improves cognitive function and, in turn, psychosocial function in patients with bipolar disorder in partial or full remission.Methods/DesignThe trial has an evaluator-blind, randomized, between-groups design. Forty patients with bipolar disorder in full or partial remission, aged 18 to 50 years, who report moderate to severe cognitive difficulties, are recruited. Patients are randomized to receive weekly group-based cognitive remediation treatment over 12 weeks in addition to standard treatment or standard treatment alone. Both groups undergo neurocognitive testing and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) at baseline, post-treatment (week 12) and follow-up (week 26). The primary outcome is improved verbal memory, as measured with the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) from baseline to post-treatment. With inclusion of 40 patients we obtain 86% power to detect a clinically relevant difference in verbal memory between groups. Secondary outcomes are improved attention, executive function and psychosocial function, as measured with the Rapid Visual Information Processing test, the Trail Making Test part B and the Functional Assessment Short Test (FAST), respectively. Tertiary outcomes are improved scores for additional neuropsychological tests of memory, attention, executive function and facial expression recognition, as well as in questionnaires measuring subjective cognitive difficulties, stress, coping strategies, personality traits, depressive symptoms and quality of life.DiscussionThis is the first randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effects of cognitive remediation on cognitive function in patients with bipolar disorder who experience persistent cognitive difficulties despite being in full or partial remission.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT01457235.

1017 – Long-term outcome of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program for chronic fatigue syndrome: a one-year follow-up study

To evaluate the long-term outcome of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. 98 patients fulfilling chronic fatigue syndrome criteria (Fukuda) participated at a six-month CBT associated with GET based on adaptive pacing strategy in a group therapy and were included in a prospective outcome study at the university outpatient Chronic Fatigue Reference Center. Multidimensional assessments at baseline, after treatment and at 6 and 12 months follow-up : Checklist Individual Strength; Epworth Sleepiness Scale; Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; HADS; Symptom Checklist; Short Form General Health Survey ands Self Efficacy Scale. After the revalidation program, subjective outcome parameters as fatigue severity, concentration troubles, somatic complaints, sleep disturbances and behavioral consequences of fatigue as activity reduction improve significantly (p< 0,001). The QoL related to health perception, measured in items as vitality, role-physical limitations and social functioning, also improve significantly (p< 0,001). Treatment doesn’t change HADS-scales but the scores don’t differ significantly from a healthy population at baseline. At 6 and 12 months follow-up, we didn’t notice significant decreases in outcome results. Significant improvements correlate significantly with an increase of sense of control of the symptoms (Self Efficacy Scale). Symptoms, health-related QoL and psychosocial functioning in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome improve after a six-month multidisciplinary rehabilitation program. The one-year follow-up study without any therapeutic intervention proves that outcome can be maintained. The correlation between the persisting outcome results and the increase of Self Efficacy will be discussed.

Social Support Resources and Post-Acute Recovery for Older Adults with Major Depression

This study assessed the relationships between older patients' social support resources and depressive symptoms and psychosocial functioning at 6months following a psychiatric hospital discharge. The data used in this study were extracted from a prospective study titled "Service Use of Depressed Elders after Acute Care" (National Institute of Mental Health-56208). This sample included 148 older patients who participated in the initial and the 6-month follow-up assessment. Ordinary Least Squares regression (OLS) was used to examine important social support resources in relation to older patients' depressive symptoms and psychosocial functioning. A vast majority of patients were embedded in a social support network that consisted of acquaintances and confidants. Patients' depressive symptoms were related to availability of a confidant and the extent to which they spent time with others. However, patients' psychosocial functioning was not related to social support resources assessed in this study.

Association between psychopathology and problems of psychosocial functioning in the long-term outcome of patients diagnosed with schizophrenic, schizoaffective and affective disorders

Mental health problems do significantly impact on a person's functioning. In the past, problems with psychosocial functioning were mainly associated with the diagnoses of schizophrenia. However, nowadays it is clear that impaired psychosocial functioning is also a common phenomenon in people suffering from affective disorders. Only few studies have investigated psychosocial functioning in patients with affective, schizoaffective and schizophrenic disorders in the long-term and in a comparative approach. In the present study, we analysed the association between psychopathology and psychosocial functioning. This question is relevant as symptom remission and sufficient levels of functioning are considered as important indicators of patients' recovery from their mental health problems. The here reported findings refer to the data of a sample of 177 patients with life-time diagnoses belonging to the schizophrenic, schizoaffective or affective spectrum according to the ICD-10 criteria. Psychopathological, socio-demographic and other illness-related variables were assessed at the index hospitalisation and at the 15-year follow-up evaluation. In the present study, psychopathology is focused on data assessed with the PANSS (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale). Information about patients' psychosocial functioning was assessed by using a modified and extended version of the WHO disability assessment scale (WHO-DAS-M). The association between psychosocial functioning and psychopathology was analysed by correlation analyses with the total sample and diagnostic subsamples. The consistency of correlations across the diagnostic groups and domains of psychosocial functioning was calculated. Findings revealed for all diagnostic groups that higher levels of psychopathology were associated with higher levels of problems in psychosocial functioning in various domains. Though there seem to be some differences between psychopathological dimensions and their effects on different aspects of psychosocial functioning, findings across the three diagnostic categories were fairly consistent. The present findings do highlight the importance of symptom remission in achieving social recovery and preventing impairment in psychosocial functioning in all major psychiatric disorders.

The impact of individual quality of life assessment on psychosocial attention in patients with chest malignancies: a randomized study

The aims of this study were to investigate the impact of individual health-related quality of life (HRQL) evaluation on the attention towards symptom control and psychosocial function in advanced cancer patients. Patients with advanced lung cancer or mesothelioma who attended a pulmonary oncology outpatient clinic were randomized to either of two strategies for HRQL assessment. The experimental group (EG) answered the EORTC QLQ-C30 + LC13 questionnaire using a digital table interface, with outprint of aggregated scale scores presented to the consulting physician as a support for evaluation. The control group (CG) answered a paper version of the same questionnaire, which was stored for later analysis. Consultations were audio-recorded. Outcome measures were a quantitative content analysis of audio-recorded consultations and medical and psychosocial interventions abstracted from clinical records. One hundred seventy-one patients were randomized and participated in the study. Issues regarding emotional function were more frequently discussed during consultations in the EG (p < 0.05). Similarly, interventions directed to emotional and social concerns were more frequent in the EG (p = 0.013 and p = 0.0036, respectively). HRQL measures over time were similar across the groups. Individual HRQL assessment increased the attention to psychosocial functioning in patients with chest malignancies.

Suicidality and its Associated Factors in Cancer Patients: Results of a Multi-Center Study in Korea

The current study examined the prevalence and associated factors of suicidality among Korean cancer patients. Moreover, the association of multiple psychological morbidities with suicidality was investigated among cancer patients. A cross-sectional, multi-center survey of 400 cancer patients was administered in five cancer-treatment hospitals throughout South Korea. Study variables were assessed using standardized measures including the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview suicidality module, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised. 20.1% (80/399) of patients were positive cases of suicidality. Having no religion (p = .010), poor performance status (p = .000), and psychological comorbidity (p = .021) were significantly associated with the experience of suicidality in the multivariate analysis. Compared to "fully active" patients, patients who were capable of self-care but unable to perform any work activities had about a six times higher risk of suicidality (p = .000). Compared to patients with no psychological morbidity, the risk of suicidality was significantly higher among patients with comorbid anxiety and depression (p = .024), those experiencing comorbid depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (p = 0.051), and those experiencing comorbid anxiety, depression and PTSD (p = .001). This study found that having no religion, impaired levels of overall functioning, and "multiple psychological morbidities" were associated with suicidality in Korean cancer patients. These findings suggest a need for careful monitoring of these factors and enhanced comprehensive care addressing both the physical and psychosocial functioning of patients with cancer in suicide prevention efforts.

Effects of antipsychotic medications on quality of life and psychosocial functioning in patients with early-stage schizophrenia: 1-year follow-up naturalistic study

BackgroundThe relative effects of the atypical antipsychotic drugs and conventional agent on quality of life and psychosocial functioning in patients with early-stage schizophrenia is still uncertain because of an insufficient number of studies examining this issue. MethodsIn a 12 months open-label, prospective observational, multicenter study, 1029 subjects with schizophrenia or schizophreniform disorder within 5 years of onset were monotherapy with chlorpromazine, sulpiride, clozapine, risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine or aripiprazole. The health-related quality of life and psychosocial functioning were assessed using Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), the Global Assessment Scale (GAS) and the Activities of Daily Living Scale (ADL), respectively. ResultsAt 12 months, treatment resulted in significant improvements in all 8 domain scores of SF-36, GAS and ADL score (all P-values< .001). However, only olanzapine and quetiapine groups demonstrated greater improvement in the role-psychical score of SF-36 and GAS score than did the chlorpromazine group (all P-values ≤ .002). ConclusionsAll antipsychotics may improve quality of life and social function in patients with early-stage schizophrenia, but further studies are needed to determine whether atypical antipsychotics are superior to conventional agents.

One‐year psychosocial functioning in patients in the early vs. late stage of bipolar disorder

The aim of this 1-year follow-up study was to compare functional outcome as well as clinical differences between patients with first- and multiple-episode bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder patients with first (n = 60) and multiple episodes (n = 59) were recruited from two hospitals in Spain. The Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST) was used to assess functioning. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) and the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) were administered to assess mood symptoms. As expected, patients with first episode experienced a greater functioning compared to patients with multiple episodes (11.26 ± 10.94 vs. 26.91 ± 13.96; t = 6.436, P < 0.001). There were significant demographic and clinical differences between both groups. Baseline depressive symptoms (F = 9.553, df = 4, 102; P < 0.001) and age (F = 14.145, df = 4, 103; P < 0.001) were significantly associated with poor functional recovery at 6-month and 12-month assessment, respectively, in a group of patients with multiple episodes. Our data give support to the model of staging in bipolar disorder, showing that the enduring neurotoxicity of repeated episodes may contribute to sustained impairment in multiple areas of psychosocial functioning.

W04-03 - Psychosocial functioning - relationship with symptoms and cognitive impairment

The disruption of psychosocial functioning (PSF) is currently listed as one of the DSM IV diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia and PSF is increasingly recognized as an important determinant of successful treatment of the disease. Many factors influence patients psychosocial functioning; they can be grouped into illness related factors, context related factors and factors related to individual resources. Among illness related factors, negative symptoms and cognitive impairment are the most largely investigated domains. Evidence has been provided that negative symptoms are related to a poor psychosocial outcome; however, whether negative symptoms contribute to patients disability or represent its consequence is an open issue. Moreover, the study of relationships between negative symptoms and psychosocial functioning is further complicated by the overlap between the two domains in several assessment instruments and by the definition of negative symptoms as a unitary construct. Cognitive impairment has also been reported in association with poor psychosocial functioning. It is debated whether a global impairment in cognition is relevant to poor functioning in the real life, or deficit of specific cognitive domains (including social cognition) play the most important role, or whether specific cognitive deficits are actually responsible for the impairment of specific aspect of psychosocial functioning. The need for future treatments to target negative symptoms and cognitive impairment for their direct and indirect impact on psychosocial functioning will be highlighted.

Controlled, prospective trial of psychosocial function before and after mandibular advancement splint therapy

The aim of the study was to investigate psychosocial function in patients with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), before and after mandibular advancement splint (MAS) therapy. In a prospective, parallel-group study, changes in psychosocial scores were compared before and after MAS therapy for OSAHS. Patients from the top (MAS treated, n = 40) or bottom (conservatively treated n = 35) of a MAS waiting list rated quality of life (Short Form 36 [SF-36] Health Survey) and sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale [ESS]). Both groups' ratings at baseline were completed while on conservative therapy. Baseline variables did not differ between groups. At follow-up, psychosocial scores showed improvement in MAS-treated patients, with odds ratios (confidence interval) of 0.26 (0.09, 0.75) and 0.36 (0.14, 0.92) for sleepiness and energy/vitality domain, respectively. Statistically significant improvement in the median (range) sleepiness score (10 [1 to 18] to 6 [1 to 14]; P <0.001) and energy/vitality domain (18 [7 to 20] to 19 [14 to 20]; P = 0.03) were observed with MAS therapy. Reductions were detected in median apnea-hypopnea index (median [range] 16 [5.2 to 30] to 4.6 [0.8 to 17.2] events/hour; P <0.001), and oxygen desaturation index (ODI) (11 [3 to 16] to 0 [0 to 5] events/hour; P <0.001) at follow-up with MAS therapy. Similar changes were observed in the comparison group when they went on to be treated with MAS. This study demonstrated that treatment with MAS produced statistically and clinically significant psychosocial and cardio-respiratory improvements.

Psychosocial functioning of patients after endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy

Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy is considered the treatment modality of choice for patients with disabling hyperhidrosis. However, the psychosocial impact of the intervention has not been systematically studied in American samples before and after sympathectomy. It is expected that the reduction of symptoms is associated with improved psychosocial functioning and quality of life. The aim of this study was to examine psychosocial functioning in patients with hyperhidrosis undergoing thoracic sympathectomy. Patients with hyperhidrosis undergoing evaluation for sympathectomy were recruited from Shands Hospital at the University of Florida. Fifty-one patients completed individual psychological assessment batteries prior to undergoing sympathectomy and at 1-month follow-up, measuring the constructs of health-related quality of life, anxiety, and depression. Repeated-measures analyses of variance revealed that 1 month after sympathectomy, patients reported significant improvements across the domains of physical quality of life (p=0.01), mental quality of life (p=0.005), trait anxiety (p<0.001), and depression (p=0.007). Sympathectomy resulted in increases in health-related quality of life, and decreases in anxiety and depression within 1 month post procedure. Results suggest that sympathectomy exists as an effective treatment choice for both medical and psychosocial outcomes in patients with hyperhidrosis.