Unlocking the power of physical activity in easing psychological distress

The severity of the current global mental health situation and the importance of maintaining psychological well-being call for more powerful,convenient,and efficient solutions for addressing psychological issues and relieving mental stress.Physical activity not only effectively improves physical fitness and reduces negative emotions such as anxiety and depression but also increases the improvement of psychological health and sense of well-being.At the same time,physical activity interventions for mental health have unique advantages,including reducing the side effects of psychological interventions and increasing necessity,convenience,and cost-effectiveness,as well as flexible adaptability across multiple methods,groups,and age ranges,providing stronger support for relieving psychological stress and addressing psychological issues.Although physical activity is an important intervention measure in relieving psychological stress,its value and role in mental health care seem to have not yet received sufficient attention,and its potential remains to be further revealed.Given the significant advantages and effectiveness of physical activity in mental health intervention practices,it is necessary to stimulate its potential in relieving psychological stress through various means in future studies to better safeguard the public’s physical and mental health.Developing guidelines for physical activity for improved mental health,enhancing organic integration with other intervention measures,and providing necessary respect,encouragement,and support are important directions to consider.

Tendency to Avoid Physical Activity and Sport:Associations with Weight Stigma,and Psychological Distress in a Two-Wave Longitudinal Study

Background:Physical inactivity is a major public health problem worldwide that results in physical and mental health problems.One major issue for physical inactivity is weight stigma(WS),especially perceived WS,which could lead to a tendency to avoid physical activity(PA).To better understand the association between perceived WS and PA,knowledge of the likely mediators in this association such as weight bias internalization(WBI)and psychological distress were investigated in the present study.Methods:Using a two-wave longitudinal study and convenient sampling,388 Taiwan residents participants(55%females;mean age=29.7 years[SD±6.3])completed two surveys six months apart.Body mass index(BMI),Perceived Weight Stigma Scale(PWSS),Weight Bias Internalization Scale(WBIS),Depression,Anxiety,Stress Scale(DASS-21),and Tendency to Avoid Physical Activity and Sport Scale(TAPAS)were assessed.Results:A mediation model controlling for age,gender,and BMI with 5000 bootstrapping resamples was performed.Perceived WS exerted significant direct effects on WBI(β=0.25;p<0.001),psychological distress(β=0.15;p=0.003),and tendency to avoid PA(β=0.10;p=0.027);WBI exerted a significant direct effect on tendency to avoid PA(β=0.47;p<0.001).Standardized indirect effects of WBI and psychological distress on the association between perceived WS and tendency to avoid PA were 0.12 and 0.01,respectively.Conclusion:Given the direct association of perceived WS on the tendency to avoid PA and the mediating role of WBI in this association,interventions addressing perceived WS and WBI may contribute to promoting PA.Therefore,health interventionists(both when planning and executing PA programs)need to consider weight stigmawhen encouraging physical activity.

Linking Perceived Risk of Public Health Emergency to Psychological Distress among Chinese College Students: The Chain Mediation Role of Balanced Time Perspective and Negative Coping Styles

Background:With public health emergencies(PHE)worldwide increasing,the perceived risk of PHE has been one of the critical factors influencing college students’psychological distress.However,the mechanisms by which the perceived risk of PHE affects college students’psychological distress are not clear.The study’s purpose was to investigate the mediation roles of deviation from a balanced time perspective(DBTP)and negative coping styles between the perceived risk of PHE and psychological distress.Methods:A convenience sampling method was used to survey 1054 Chinese college students with self-reporting.Data was collected using the Public Risk Perception Scale(PRPS),the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory(ZTPI),the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire(SCSQ),the PHE Anxiety Scale,and the Chinese version of the Patient Health Questionnaire(PHQ).The associations between the perceived risk of PHE,DBTP,negative coping styles,and psychological distress were clarified using the correlation analysis.Additionally,the mediating roles of DBTP and negative coping styles between the perceived risk of PHE and psychological distress were investigated using a structural equation model.Results:The findings revealed low to moderate correlations between the variables studied.Students’perceived risk of PHE was a positive predictor of their psychological distress(b=0.219,p<0.01).DBTP and negative coping styles played chain mediation roles between them with the effect being 0.009 and a 95%Boot CI of[0.003,0.023].This chain mediation model had an excellent fit index(χ^(2)/df=4.732,CFI=0.973,TLI=0.930,RMSEA=0.048,SRMR=0.047).Conclusion:These findings showed how the perceived risk of PHE affected college students’psychological distress.Specifically,these results suggested that improving students’mental ability to switch effectively among different time perspectives depending on task features and situational considerations and reducing their negative coping styles might be effective ways to promote their mental health.

Quality of life and psychological distress in end-stage renal disease patients undergoing hemodialysis and transplantation

BACKGROUND Among diverse profound impacts on patients’quality of life(QoL),end-stage renal disease(ESRD)frequently results in increased levels of depression,anxiety,and stress.Renal replacement therapies such as hemodialysis(HD)and transplantation(TX)are intended to enhance QoL,although their ability to alleviate psychological distress remains uncertain.This research posits the existence of a significant correlation between negative emotional states and QoL among ESRD patients,with varying effects observed in HD and TX patients.AIM To examine the relationship between QoL and negative emotional states(depression,anxiety,and stress)and predicted QoL in various end-stage renal replacement therapy patients with ESRD.METHODS This cross-sectional study included HD or TX patients in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia.The 36-item Short Form Survey and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale(DASS)was used for data collection,and correlation and regression analyses were performed.RESULTS The HD and TX transplantation groups showed statistically significant inverse relationships between QoL and DASS scores.HD patients with high anxiety levels and less education scored low on the physical component summary(PCS).In addition,the results of the mental component summary(MCS)were associated with reduced depression.Compared with older transplant patients,TX patients’PCS scores were lower,and depression,stress,and negative working conditions were highly correlated with MCS scores.CONCLUSION The findings of this study revealed notable connections between well-being and mental turmoil experienced by individuals undergoing HD and TX.The PCS of HD patients is affected by heightened levels of anxiety and lower educational attainment,while the MCS of transplant patients is influenced by advancing age and elevated stress levels.These insights will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of patient support.

Analysis of the Degree of Psychological Distress of Elderly Patients with Recurrent Trigeminal Neuralgia and Its Influencing Factors

Objective:To analyze the degree of psychological distress among elderly patients with recurrent trigeminal neuralgia and its influencing factors.Methods:A single-center cross-sectional study was conducted on 126 elderly patients with recurrent trigeminal neuralgia who visited the Pain Department of our hospital from March 2022 to April 2024.Logistic regression analysis was employed to evaluate the factors influencing psychological distress,based on general patient data,the Distress Thermometer(DT),the Perceived Social Support from Family Scale(PSS-Fa),and the Pitsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI).Results:Among the 126 elderly patients with recurrent trigeminal neuralgia,those with a DT score≥4(72 patients,57.14%)were more prevalent than those with a DT score<4(54 patients,42.86%).The average DT score for all patients was 4.35±1.72.Patients in the DT score≥4 group were older than those in the DT score<4 group(t=4.207,P=0.000),had lower PSS-Fa scores(t=5.925,P=0.000),and had higher PSQI scores(t=17.858,P=0.000).There were no statistically significant differences in gender,marital status,residence area,education level,disease type,or pain location(all P>0.05).Older age and poor sleep quality were identified as independent risk factors for psychological distress in elderly patients with recurrent trigeminal neuralgia(OR=1.258,OR=1.713,both P<0.05),while higher levels of family support were identified as a protective factor(OR=0.581,P=0.025).Conclusion:Elderly patients with recurrent trigeminal neuralgia experience psychological distress,and the degree of severity depends on age,quality of sleep,and level of family support.

Mediating role of physical activity in the relationship between psychological distress and intimate relationships among stroke patients

BACKGROUND Stroke patients often experience psychological distress,which can impact their intimate relationships with spouses,subsequently influencing their treatment and recovery.Physical activity is considered a key rehabilitation method for stroke patients.This paper aims to analyze whether psychological distress affects intimate relationship between spouses through physical activity.AIM To explore the mediating effect of physical activity between psychological distress and intimate relationship in stroke patients.METHODS A total of 256 stroke patients who underwent treatment at the First People’s Hospital of Shangqiu between July 2021 and July 2022 were enrolled in this study.The participants completed questionnaires,including the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale(K10),the Quality of Relationship Index(QRI),International Physical Activity Questionnaire,and a general information questionnaire.Data analysis were performed using SPSS 23.0.The Harman test was employed to detect common method deviations,and Spearman correlation was used for correlation analysis.The mediating effect was assessed using Process 3.4.1,with significance testing of the regression coefficients conducted using the bias-corrected percentile Bootstrap method(5000 iterations,95%confidence interval).Statistical significance was set at P<0.05.RESULTS The results showed that patients scored an average of 21.61±6.44 points on the K10,32.40±6.19 points on the QRI;the median physical activity level according to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was 1861(566,2846)MET·min/w.The level of physical activity(the physical activity intensity of the patients reflected by the Interna-tional Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long Form scale)negatively correlated with psychological distress and intimacy(P<0.05),and positively correlated with each other(P<0.05),with the correlation stronger at lower physical activity levels compared to higher ones.The mediating effect of physical activity between psychological distress and intimate relationship was calculated to be 40.23%.Bootstrap analysis further validated the results.The mediating effect of psychological distress on intimate relationships through physical activity level was-0.284,with a confidence interval of-0.409 to-0.163,excluding 0,confirming a significant mediating effect of psychological distress on intimate relationships.CONCLUSION Physical activity significantly affects relationship between psychological distress and intimate relationships among stroke patients.Addressing the role of physical activity may have implications for improving patient outcomes and rehabilitation strategies.

Who Is More Vulnerable?The Age-Period-Cohort Effect of Psychological Distress among Urban Residents in China

How does psychological distress evolve over time?This study utilizes cross-sectional data from the China General Social Survey from 2010 to 2017 to explore the differences in psychological distress among Chinese residents at various ages,periods,and cohorts.The dummy variable method and random effects hierarchical age-period-cohort model were employed to isolate the age,period,and cohort effects that impacted the psychological distress of Chinese urban residents.First,in terms of the age effect,the psychological distress experienced by residents tends to increase initially and then decrease with age.Middle-aged individuals,around 40 years old,often face a particularly severe form of psychological distress known as the“midlife crisis.”Additionally,middle-aged people who have larger families may experience more significant psychological distress due to increased family burdens.Second,in terms of the period effect,the psychological distress experienced by residents has been on the rise due to the continued development of society.Those who are at a disadvantage in market competition and work longer hours may be particularly vulnerable to increased psychological distress.Thirdly,the cohort effect refers to the different social behaviors and attitudes exhibited by individuals of different generations.In terms of this effect,psychological distress initially decreased and then increased among those born between 1945 and 1990.Individuals born in the 1980s and 1990s experienced higher levels of psychological distress,with internet use having a greater negative impact.Additionally,the positive effect of income on their psychological distress was reduced.The psychological distress of Chinese urban residents is affected by a variety of time-related factors,which are closely related to Chinese clan culture,market competition and social changes.The heavy family burden imposed by traditional clan culture,the different working conditions created by market competition,and the emergence of new lifestyles,such as internet use during social changes,have led to diverse psychological distress experiences among residents across different ages,time periods,and cohorts.In the future,longitudinal studies are needed to strengthen the robustness of the conclusions and consider the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.Mental health support should pay specific attention to the psychological distress of middle-aged individuals,long-time workers,and internet users.

Reciprocal Association between Psychological Distress and PTSD and Their Relationship with Pre-Displacement Stressors among Displaced Women

It is established in the psychological literature that pre-displacement stressors,PTSD symptoms,and psycholo-gical distress are associated among internally displaced persons.However,existing studies have not demonstrated the mechanism underlying these associations.This study compared two explanatory models;one with PTSD symptoms severity explaining the indirect association between pre-displacement stressors and psychological dis-tress,and the other with psychological distress explaining the indirect relationship between pre-displacement stressors and PTSD symptoms severity.In a cross-sectional design,631 women(Mean age=31.18±8.59)were conveniently and purposely selected from the displaced women harboured in two camps in Borno State,Nigeria,due to the Boko-Haram insurgency.Data were collected utilizing structured questionnaires and subjected to path analyses.Results demonstrated that PTSD symptoms severity and psychological distress indirectly explained their respective and independent association with pre-displacement stressors.However,PTSD symptoms had a statis-tically larger standardized indirect effect size,greater indirect effect percentage,and bigger kappa-squared(k2)effect size than psychological distress.PTSD symptoms and psychological distress may have a reciprocal influence on each other from pre-displacement stressors.However,PTSD symptoms can better explain the association between pre-displacement stressors and psychological distress than the other way around.These outcomes have important implications for the psychological treatment of displaced persons.

Identify Psychological Distress among Cancer Patients: A Study at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center (KCMC) in Moshi Municipality, Kilimanjaro Tanzania

Introduction: The major objective of this study was to identify the Psychological Distress among Cancer Patients at KCMC in Moshi Municipality, Kilimanjaro Tanzania. The specific objectives were to identify the psychological distress among cancer patients at KCMC, and to explore relationship between demographic characteristics of cancer patients and psychological distress. Methodology: The study used a sample of 175 respondents. The study was cross-sectional design, a quantitative approach. The data gathered for the study were analyzed using quantitative data analyzing software SPSS version 20 and were visually presented using descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution of tables, and figures. Result: The findings of the study showed that majority of the respondents (cancer patients) 105 (60.0%) were experiencing psychological distress among the cancer patients. The cancer patients who are divorced and widow them experience anxiety (p-value 0.01) significant. Those who were low in education were significantly affected with (p-value 0.03) anxiety and (p-value 0.01) depression. The variable in economic;the less satisfaction were significantly (p-value 0.01) were experience adjustment disorder. Conclusion and Recommendation: The study recommends that it is important to involve psychologists in the treatment team among the cancer patients to address psychological distresses they experience. Also Oncology Department should develop interest of doing research on psychological distress management because study showed 60% cancer patients suffer with psychological distress. .

Research on the Intervention of Internet+ Health Education Model on Hemodialysis Patients with Psychological Distress

Objective:To observe the status quo of patients’psychological distress,and to explore the effect of Internet+health education model(IHEM)on patients who experienced psychological distress during their first hemodialysis treatment,with the goal of reducing their psychological distress and improving their quality of life.Methods:IHEM was conducted on 120 first-time hemodialysis patients for 3 months while a distress thermometer and a list of questionnaires were used to screen patients and provide corresponding psychological intervention.The incidence rate of psychological distress was analyzed statistically to explore the difference in psychological distress at various periods.Results:The incidence rate(score≥4)of psychological distress in first-time hemodialysis patients was 46.67%,and their distress was mainly rooted in physical,emotional,practical problems(economy,time,and energy),etc.Through IHEM,the psychological distress scores of the patients decreased to 3.29±1.02 at one month after their discharge,and the incidence rate was 32.14%;the psychological distress scores of the patients were 2.29±1.02 at 3 months after their discharge,and the incidence rate was 21.14%.The difference before and after the intervention was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:A psychological distress thermometer can timely detect the degree and causes of psychological distress among first-time hemodialysis patients,and the use of IHEM may significantly alleviate the psychological distress among hemodialysis patients.

Psychological Distress, Social Support and Medication Adherence in Patients with Ischemic Stroke in the Mainland of China

Stroke research and rehabilitation have traditionally focused on the physical and functional impact of a stroke. Less attention has been given to the psychosocial factors associated with this chronic condition. By the few studies that have specifically focused on psychosocial factors in the context of stroke, poststroke depression is demonstrated to significantly influence stroke outcomes. Associations of stroke with psychological symptoms other than depression have rarely been evaluated. This study was aimed to investigate the changes of psychological stress, social support and medication adherence in patients with ischemic stroke in the mainland of China. In this study, 90 patients with hemiplegia one year after first-ever middle cerebral artery infarction（stroke group） in the Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University from June 2008 to June 2011 were recruited for interview. Ninety age- and sex-matched normal volunteers（control group） were also examined at the same period. The psychological distress was assessed by the Symptom Checklist 90（SCL-90）, the social support by the Social Support Rating Scale（SSRS）, and medication adherence by Morisky＇s self-reported inventory, respectively. Group differences were analyzed using unpaired-t test and chi-squared test. The results showed that total mean scores of the SCL-90 in the stroke group were higher than those in the control group（P〈0.01）. Except two dimensions, paranoid ideation and psychoticism, mean scores of the rest dimensions（including somatization, obsession-compulsion, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, hostility, and phobic anxiety） of SCL-90 were significantly higher in the stroke group than those in the control group（P〈0.05, or P〈0.01）. The objective support, subjective support, support availability and total social support scores in the stroke group were significantly higher than those in the control group（P〈0.05, or P〈0.01）. Those in the ＂SCL-90 total scores 〉150 group＂ were significantly higher than in the ＂SCL-90 total scores 〈100 group＂ and the ＂SCL-90 total scores between 100 to 150 group＂（P〈0.05, or P〈0.01）. Those in the ＂SCL-90 total scores between 100 to 150 group＂ were significantly higher than in the ＂SCL-90 total scores 〈100 group＂（P〈0.05）. In 90 patients with ischemic stroke, 26（28.89%） patients obtained high medication adherence, 47（52.22%） patients medium medication adherence, and 17（18.89%） patients low medication adherence, respectively. Among these stroke patients, there were 17（50.00%） patients with high medication adherence in the ＂SCL-90 total scores 〉150 group＂, 28（75.67%） patients with medium medication adherence in the ＂SCL-90 total scores between 100 to 150 group＂, and 12（61.16%） patients with low medication adherence in the ＂SCL-90 total scores 〈100 group＂, respectively. There was significant difference in the medication adherence rate among the different SCL-90 scores groups in these stroke patients（P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）. It was led to conclude that ischemic stroke patients one year after hemiplegia have psychological distress, low level of social support and poor medication adherence in the mainland of China. Therefore, it is necessary to mobilize the government, medical institutions and various social support groups to offer psychological interventions to relieve the stress of patients with ischemic stroke, and improve their medication adherence.

Role of perceived family support in psychological distress for pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic has caused major public panic in China.Pregnant women may be more vulnerable to stress,which may cause them to have psychological problems.AIM To explore the effects of perceived family support on psychological distress in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic.METHODS A total of 2232 subjects were recruited from three cities in China.Through the online surveys,information on demographic data and health status during pregnancy were collected.Insomnia severity index,generalized anxiety disorder 7-item scale,patient health questionnaire-9,somatization subscale of the symptom check list 90 scale,and posttraumatic stress disorder checklist were used to assess the psychological distress.RESULTS A total of 1015(45.4%)women reported having at least one psychological distress.The women who reported having inadequate family support were more likely to suffer from multiple psychological distress(≥2 psychological distress)than women who received adequate family support.Among the women who reported less family support,41.8%reported depression,31.1%reported anxiety,8.2%reported insomnia,13.3%reported somatization and 8.9%reported posttraumatic stress disorder(PTSD),which were significantly higher than those who received strong family support.Perceived family support level was negatively correlated with depressive symptoms(r=-0.118,P<0.001),anxiety symptoms(r=-0.111,P<0.001),and PTSD symptoms(r=-0.155,P<0.001).CONCLUSION Family support plays an important part on pregnant women’s mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.Better family support can help improve the mental health of pregnant women.

Psychological distress in elderly cancer patients

Objective:To investigate the prevalence and specific manifestations of psychological distress in elderly cancer patients.Methods:In this cross-sectional study,153 elderly patients with cancer admitted to two tertiary hospitals were investigated using the convenience sampling method.Distress thermometer and the problem list,recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network,were used to assess the psychological distress and its specific manifestations.A self-designed questionnaire was used to collect demographic data.Results:A total of 67 participants(43.8%)exhibited psychological distress to some degree.The analysis of the sub-categories in the problem list showed significant differences(p<0.001).The highest scoring category was the emotional problems,followed by practical problems,physiological problems,and family problems.Among 34 items included in the statistical analysis,the top five were worry(73.9%),depression(55.6%),pain(54.2%),economic problems(52.3%),and fear(49.7%).Married participants,those with higher education and higher monthly income had significantly lower psychological distress score compared with single patients,those with lower education,and lower monthly income(p<0.05).Conclusions:Psychological distress is prevalent among elderly patients with cancer and,therefore,should be considered by the health professionals treating these patients.

Microsurgical vasovasostomy:An option for men with post vasectomy psychological distress

Vasectomy is a practical and straightforward approach to birth control.This paper presented a 31-year-old patient who desired to restore his fertility five years after being vasectomized.He met several obstacles.He developed severe psychological distress with symptoms of stress,anxiety,and aggression.He underwent microsurgical vasovasostomy,and vassal patency was confirmed by return of spermatozoa in semen samples 6 and 10 weeks after surgery,and symptoms of psychological distress disappeared.Preoperative vasectomy counseling should include information about vasectomy reversal.At the most,vasectomy reversal can be considered in selected men with psychological problems due to vasectomy.Microsurgical training should be offered to more urological surgeons,especially those who are interested in andrology.

Frequency and risk factors of psychological distress among individuals with epilepsy before and during the outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in China:an online questionnaire survey

Background The COVID-19 pandemic substantially increases the risk of severe psychological distress among people with epilepsy(PWE),especially those with monthly household income<5000 RMB or with uncontrolled seizures.Patients with Kessler scores>12 should consult a psychiatrist,especially during major disasters.This study was aimed to compare the frequency of psychological distress among Chinese PWE before and during the outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant,and to identify risk factors for such distress.Methods In this prospective study,we collected sociodemographic data of PWE aged>14 years,who were treated at our center during December 1 to 15,2022.All participants completed the 6-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale before the outbreak and again during the outbreak.Health visitors who were unrelated to those patients during the outbreak were included as a control.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors of severe psychological distress and its exacerbation.Results Of the 223 PWE,127 were tested positive for SARS-CoV-2,while 174 of 218 controls were positive for SARS-CoV-2.The neurological symptoms were similar between PWE and controls with SARS-CoV-2.The average Kessler score of PWE was significantly higher during the outbreak than before it(9.93±3.98 vs.8.52±0.23,P<0.001).The average score of controls during the outbreak(5.146±0.35,P<0.001)was significantly lower than that of the PWE.We identified three independent predictors for severe psychological distress in PWE during the outbreak,i.e.,monthly household income<5000 RMB(OR=0.252,95%CI 0.064–0.998,P=0.048),severe psychological distress before the outbreak(OR=0.067,95%CI 0.026–0.174,P<0.001),and seizure onset within 30 days before the assessment during the outbreak(OR=0.356,95%CI 0.157–0.805,P=0.013).Of the three predictors,the last one was also an independent predictor for exacerbation of psychological distress during the outbreak(OR=0.302,95%CI 0.123–0.741,P=0.009).Conclusions Our analysis suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has substantially increased psychological distress of individuals with epilepsy,regardless of the viral infection or not.Various neurological symptoms similar to those of“long COVID”appeared for the first time among these individuals during the Omicron outbreak,highlighting the need for clinicians to screen carefully for this condition.Management of epilepsy during the pandemic or a similar major disaster should focus on the control of seizures and maintenance of mental health,especially among those with monthly household incomes below 5000 RMB,suffering uncontrolled seizures and having a history of severe psychological distress.

Androgen replacement therapy improves psychological distress and health-related quality of life in late onset hypogonadism patients in Chinese population

Background Late onset hypogonadism negatively impacts on men＇s psychological well-being This study was conducted to examine the interrelationship among symptoms of testosterone deficiency, psychological well-being, and quality of life.Methods Eligible subjects were randomized into active treatment and control groups, and were asked to complete the following questionnaires at baseline and month 6： aging male＇s symptoms （AMS） rating scale,

Assessment of Cancer-Related Fatigue Expression:Comparing the Expression of Fatigue in Patients with a History of Cancer,Patients with Other Chronic Diseases,and Healthy Individuals

Aims:We aimed to compare cancer survivors’fatigue expression with that of the general population and examine psychobiological factors associated with fatigue.Procedure:In this quantitative,transversal study,we analyzed clinical and sociodemographic indicators of 389 participants(68.38%females):148 cancer survivors on active treatment,55 disease-free survivors,75 patients with another chronic disease,and 111 healthy individuals.Results:Fatigue was expressed dissimilarly in patients with a previous history of cancer and participants without a history of cancer.Survivors on active treatment reported significantly higher levels of fatigue than the other clinical status groups.Nonetheless,some level of cancer-related fatigue persisted,in a similar pattern,after active treatment into the survivorship phase.Disease-free survivors showed significantly lower vigor levels when compared to patients with other chronic diseases.Psychological distress and daytime sleepiness emerged as transdiagnostic factors associated with fatigue.Conclusion:Cancer-related fatigue may have a unique pattern,characterized by reduced endurance and muscle weakness.In the present study,psychological distress and daytime sleepiness are associated with cancer-related fatigue.These findings suggest the pertinence of future studies examining whether interventions targeting those factors may help manage this burdensome complaint.

Psychological controversies in gastroparesis: A systematic review

To systematically review literature addressing three key psychologically-oriented controversies associated with gastroparesis.METHODSA comprehensive search of PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases was performed to identify literature addressing the relationship between gastroparesis and psychological factors. Two researchers independently screened all references. Inclusion criteria were: an adult sample of gastroparesis patients, a quantitative methodology, and at least one of the following: (1) evaluation of the prevalence of psychopathology; (2) an outcome measure of anxiety, depression, or quality of life; and (3) evidence of a psychological intervention. Case studies, review articles, and publications in languages other than English were excluded from the current review.RESULTSPrevalence of psychopathology was evaluated by three studies (n = 378), which found that combined anxiety/depression was present in 24% of the gastroparesis cohort, severe anxiety in 12.4%, depression in 21.8%-23%, and somatization in 50%. Level of anxiety and depression was included as an outcome measure in six studies (n = 1408), and while limited research made it difficult to determine the level of anxiety and depression in the cohort, a clear positive relationship with gastroparesis symptom severity was evident. Quality of life was included as an outcome measure in 11 studies (n = 2076), with gastroparesis patients reporting lower quality of life than population norms, and a negative relationship between quality of life and symptom severity. One study assessed the use of a psychological intervention for gastroparesis patients (n = 120) and found that depression and gastric function were improved in patients who received psychological intervention, however the study had considerable methodological limitations.CONCLUSIONGastroparesis is associated with significant psychological distress and poor quality of life. Recommendations for future studies and the development of psychological interventions are provided.

Distress management in cancer patients:Guideline adaption based on CAN-IMPLEMENT

Objective This study aimed to adapt relevant clinical practice guidelines for distress management in cancer patients based on A Guideline Adaptation and Implementation Planning Resource(CAN-IMPLEMENT),and develop Cancer-related Distress Management Guidelines in the context of the research site.Methods According to CAN-IMPLEMENT,the symptoms of cancer patients in Shanghai were investigated,and a work plan was formulated to adapt cancer-related distress management guidelines.The relevant clinical practice guidelines for distress management in cancer patients were searched,screened and assessed,the contents of the included clinical practice guidelines were screened,extracted and integrated,and the Cancer-related Distress Management Guidelines was developed.After peer review,the Cancer-related Distress Management Guidelines was finally formed.Results The physical symptom distress score was higher than the psychological symptom distress score among cancer patients in Shanghai.Two clinical practice guidelines related to distress management in cancer patients were included after searching,screening,assessment and selection systematically.The domain scores of the draft Cancer-related Distress Management Guidelines on Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II(AGREE II)were 73.75%–87.50%,respectively.The scores of most recommendations on feasibility,appropriateness,meaningfulness and effectiveness were at least 90%.The final guidelines included 13 recommendations.Conclusions The quality of the draft Cancer-related Distress Management Guidelines based on two included guidelines was well-accepted.The final Cancer-related Distress Management Guidelines needs to be further verified in clinical practice for feasibility,suitability and effectiveness.

Psychological Factors Are Closely Associated with the Bell's Palsy: A Case-control Study

To observe the differences in psychological status between Bell’s palsy (BP) patients and healthy subjects, and to examine the relationship between psychological factors and the severity of BP, we conducted a case-control, multi-center clinical investigation. A total of 695 subjects were assigned to the case group (n=355) and the control group (n=340). House–Brackmann grading system and Facial Disability Index (FDI) were adopted to assess the BP patients; Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and 16 Personality Factor (16PF) scale were employed to evaluate the psychological distress and personality profiles of all subjects. Two independent samples t test was used to compare the differences between cases and controls, and to compare the differences among different BP patients. Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between psychological factors and severity of facial paralysis. The results showed that psychological distress (K10) in case group (27.09±5.80) was significantly higher than that in control group (13.43±3.02) (t=–37.219, P=0.000). The scores of personality factor Warmth (A), Openness to Change (Q1), Self-Reliance (Q2) were lower in cases than in the controls (P<0.01, P<0.05, P<0.05, respectively), whereas the scores of Sensitivity (I), Vigilance (L), Apprehension (O), and Tension (Q4) were significantly higher in cases than in the controls (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.01, P<0.01, respectively). In addition, the psychological distress was significantly higher in female patients, severe (HB score Ⅳ–Ⅵ) patients, and subacute (onset time 72–168 h) patients compared with that in male patients, mild (HB score Ⅰ–Ⅲ)patients, and acute (onset time≤72 h) patients (P<0.05). The scores of personality factor in female patients, severe patients, and subacute patients were also significantly different from male patients, mild patients, and acute patients (P<0.05). The result of Pearson correlation analysis showed that psychological factors (K10, personality A, F, L, N, O, Q4) were closely related to HB scores. We are led to conclude that the psychological status between BP patients and healthy people are different; psychological distress and personality factors are closely associated with severity of facial paralysis.