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The Psychiatric Quarterly Dec 2023Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic medication, and its use in treating borderline personality disorder (BPD) is debatable because it is not FDA-approved for... (Review)
Review
Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic medication, and its use in treating borderline personality disorder (BPD) is debatable because it is not FDA-approved for treating BPD. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of aripiprazole in patients with BPD. On July 2, 2021, the protocol (CRD42021256647) was registered in PROSPERO. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Ovid-Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cochrane (CENTRAL) were searched without regard for language or publication date. We also searched trial registries on ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. Randomized clinical trials with adult patients diagnosed with BPD met the inclusion criteria. The Cochrane risk of bias for randomized trials (RoB-2) method was used to assess the quality of the included studies. We included two previously published randomized clinical trials. There were 76 patients with BPD, with 38, 12, and 26 assigned to the aripiprazole, olanzapine, and placebo groups, respectively. Most patients (88.16%) were females, with ages ranging from 22.1 to 28.14 yr. Aripiprazole has been proven to reduce anxiety, depression, anger, hostility, clinical severity, and obsessive-compulsive behavior, insecurity, melancholy, anxiety, aggressiveness/hostility, phobic anxiety, paranoid thinking, psychoticism, and somatization. The adverse effects were headache, insomnia, restlessness, tremor, and akathisia. The risk of bias was considerable in both trials, which is somewhat problematic considering that prejudice can lead to incorrect outcomes and conclusions. Aripiprazole has demonstrated encouraging outcomes in the treatment of patients with BPD. More randomized controlled studies are needed.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Aripiprazole; Borderline Personality Disorder; Antipsychotic Agents; Olanzapine; Anxiety Disorders
PubMed: 37566261
DOI: 10.1007/s11126-023-10045-8 -
Psycho-oncology Dec 2023Sarcoma diagnosis and its treatment trajectory may deeply affect the somatopsychic balance of patients and their caregivers. This systematic review aimed at deepening... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Sarcoma diagnosis and its treatment trajectory may deeply affect the somatopsychic balance of patients and their caregivers. This systematic review aimed at deepening the understanding of sarcoma's impact on the entire family unit involved in the illness experience on a physical (e.g. fatigue), psychological (e.g. mental health, affective regulation, defense mechanisms), and interpersonal (e.g. social isolation, loneliness) level.
METHODS
The systematic review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The literature search led to the identification and subsequent inclusion of 44 articles focused on sarcoma patients. Results were classified into seven categories: Quality of Life, worries and distress, anxiety and depression, suicide ideation, financial and occupational consequences, unmet needs, and coping strategies. Our search identified only one study focusing on informal caregivers, thus we could not perform a systematic review on these results.
RESULTS
Our findings underlined the traumatic impact of the sarcoma diagnosis. Patients can experience an impoverished emotional life, somatization, social withdrawal, difficulty in decision-making, increased feelings of discouragement and demoralization, and profound experiences of helplessness and vulnerability. Moreover, they seemed to display anxiety and depression and might present a higher suicide incidence than the general population.
CONCLUSION
Our review highlighted that the psychosocial aftermath of sarcoma patients should guide institutions and healthcare professionals toward the design of assessment and intervention models that could contemplate the different dimensions of their suffering. Furthermore, it points out that there is still a lack of evidence regarding the psychosocial impact affecting sarcoma patients' caregivers.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Depression; Sarcoma; Mental Health; Soft Tissue Neoplasms
PubMed: 37930090
DOI: 10.1002/pon.6240 -
Journal of Affective Disorders Jan 2024To assess the presence of anxiety, depression and somatization in women with vulvodynia. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To assess the presence of anxiety, depression and somatization in women with vulvodynia.
METHODS
The search for articles was performed in the electronic databases MEDLINE, via PubMed, EMBASE, LILACS and the American Psychological Association (PsycINFO). A search strategy was developed using the following terms: "Vulvodynia" and "psychological symptom" and their respective synonyms. The search was limited to human studies and no language restriction.
RESULTS
After the screening process, 10 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. The studies were published between 1993 and 2017, with 2886 participants, of which 912 are cases and 1974 are controls. Meta-analysis of included studies revealed a significant difference between groups in depression outcomes (DMP: 0.75; 95 % CI: 0.41 to 1.10; p < 0.0001; I2: 28 %), anxiety (DMP: 1.22; 95 % CI: 0.84 to 1.59; p < 0.00001; I2:0%) and somatization (DMP: 1.31; 95%CI: 0.80 to 1.82; p < 0.00001; I2: 46 %).
CONCLUSION
Through the meta-analyses, significant associations were observed between vulvodynia and depression, anxiety and somatization.
Topics: Humans; Female; Depression; Vulvodynia; Anxiety; Anxiety Disorders
PubMed: 37832729
DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.10.025 -
PM & R : the Journal of Injury,... Sep 2023Several recent studies show a growing popularity of therapeutic climbing (TC) for patients with various conditions. This could be an attempt to fill the gap left by... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Several recent studies show a growing popularity of therapeutic climbing (TC) for patients with various conditions. This could be an attempt to fill the gap left by traditional exercises that do not always address physical, mental, and social well-being. This review provides an overview of the physical, mental, and social effects and safety aspects of climbing for different indications.
LITERATURE SURVEY
A literature search was conducted on July 8, 2020 (update search August 26, 2021). We searched MEDLINE via Ovid, Embase, and PubMed and bibliographies of included studies, and we conducted a manual search.
METHODOLOGY
Two independent reviewers evaluated the quality of the studies using appropriate Risk of Bias (RoB) tools, and the level of evidence for each domain was graded. Study characteristics and effectiveness data for TC were extracted and synthesized. Meta-analyses were conducted for the three dimensions (physical/mental/social health), using a random-effects model.
SYNTHESIS
A total of 112 publications were reviewed, and 22 full-text articles were assessed regarding the eligibility criteria, of which 18 trials involving 568 patients were included. TC is safe and positively affects physical (e.g., fitness, motor control, movement velocity, dexterity, strength), mental (e.g., depressiveness, somatisation, psychoticism, emotion regulation, body perception, self-esteem, fatigue), and social (e.g., social functioning, trust, communication, sense of responsibility) health for individuals with neurological, orthopedic, psychiatric, and pediatric ailments. The meta-analysis showed a statistically significant improvement in the physical dimension favoring the climbing group. Improvements that were not statistically significant were found for the mental/social dimensions in the climbing group. The heterogeneity of data was moderate/high (social/mental dimension), and for the physical dimension, data were homogenous.
CONCLUSIONS
The studies investigating TC outline its positive effects in various patient groups. TC is a safe and effective treatment for improving physical/mental/social well-being. This review is based on the best available evidence; however, significant gaps remain in providing sufficiently strong evidence.
Topics: Humans; Child; Mental Health; Exercise; Exercise Therapy; Fatigue
PubMed: 36031691
DOI: 10.1002/pmrj.12891 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Oct 2023Chronic tinnitus, the perception of sound without an external source, can significantly affect individuals' well-being. As an often medically unexplained symptom,... (Review)
Review
Chronic tinnitus, the perception of sound without an external source, can significantly affect individuals' well-being. As an often medically unexplained symptom, chronic tinnitus can present as a "somatoform" or "functional" difficulty. Some evidence has pointed to alexithymia as a transdiagnostically relevant risk factor for both symptom clusters. Using a two-part rapid review-searching within EBSCO, Embase by Ovid, PubMed, Web of Science-we summarize psychological studies regarding alexithymia, i.e., difficulties in recognizing and expressing emotions and (1) somatoform conditions and (2) chronic tinnitus. For the former (inclusion criteria: (1) adult human beings with different kinds of somatization, (2) longitudinal study designs, (3) publication between 2001 and 2021, (4) full-text in English or German) we identified eight studies that revealed significant links between alexithymia and somatoform conditions. Psychotherapy improved alexithymia in most studies. Additionally, alexithymia was associated with broader treatment outcomes such as improvements in pain intensity, gastrointestinal symptoms, and patient-therapist alliance. The 'Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies-of Interventions' tool (ROBINS-I) and 'Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials' (RoB 2) were used for risk of bias assessment. Summarizing all available studies on alexithymia and chronic tinnitus, we identified three studies. Inclusion criteria were: (1) adult human beings with chronic tinnitus, (2) publication between 2001 and 2021, (3) full-text in English or German. Risk of bias was assessed by the 'JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Analytical Cross Sectional Studies'. The available studies suggested a high rate of alexithymia (65.7%) in patients with chronic tinnitus. Tinnitus-related distress was significantly associated with alexithymia in two studies, one of which, however, found no differences in alexithymia between patients with bothersome versus non-bothersome tinnitus. Conversely, one study reported high levels of alexithymia in patients with low levels of tinnitus-related distress. Overall, alexithymia may be a transdiagnostic psychological indicator of somatization phenomena, which might include some chronic tinnitus presentations. Psychotherapy likely improves alexithymia as well as somatoform symptom presentations.
PubMed: 37959295
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12216828 -
Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and... Feb 2024To systematically synthesize published literature on somatoform complaints as psychological factors in vertigo/dizziness to determine the characteristics of...
To systematically synthesize published literature on somatoform complaints as psychological factors in vertigo/dizziness to determine the characteristics of comorbidities, relationships and causality. Following PRISMA guidelines, systematic searches of PubMed, WOS, and Cochrane Library databases and manual follow-up reference searches were performed for articles published in English up to 2021. All original research studies and retrospective or prospective studies focusing on the relationship between vertigo/dizziness and somatoform complaints/somatization were systematically retrieved. Studies that did not include data on the association between somatoform complaints/somatization and vertigo/dizziness were excluded, as were reviews, comments, case reports, editorials, letters, and practice guidelines. Extracted data included research type, number of participants, assessment tools for vertigo/dizziness and somatoform complaints/somatization, statistical methods, and the main results. The quality of included studies was evaluated. Records identified through database searching = 1238. After removing duplicates and unrelated articles based on abstract and title search, 155 articles recorded as relevant. Except for the 5 articles, title and abstract of all records screened and 88 of them excluded. Critically evaluating those full texts, 28 studies included. The present study highlights the relationship between the vertigo/dizziness and somatoform complaints/somatization. It is determined that somatoform complaints of the individuals suffering from vertigo/dizziness is highly prevelant and some other factor such as personality characteristics or accompanying psychopathology have affect on the prevelance. The main results of all reviewed studies emphasize the requirement for assessment and intervention of vertigo/dizziness, in collaboration with the department of psychiatry. PROSPERO REGISTRATION: PROSPERO: CRD42020222273.
PubMed: 38440433
DOI: 10.1007/s12070-023-04233-y -
JMIR Dermatology Sep 2023Psychogenic purpura is an idiopathic psychodermatologic condition of recurrent, painful purpura precipitated by psychological stress, predominantly affecting young... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Psychogenic purpura is an idiopathic psychodermatologic condition of recurrent, painful purpura precipitated by psychological stress, predominantly affecting young females. Little consensus exists on the diagnostic guidelines for this rare condition, often resulting in costly, unnecessary, and stressful investigations as well as prolonged hospital admissions.
OBJECTIVE
With this first up-to-date systematic review of 134 cases of psychogenic purpura in over a decade, we aim to thoroughly investigate the diagnostic strategy and treatment regimens used in the last decade. With a sooner diagnosis, patient stress and nosocomial ecchymoses can be minimized, and treatment can be expedited.
METHODS
We conducted a literature review of 4 databases (PubMed, Ovid Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, and Web of Science) on October 5, 2022 that yielded 46 full-text articles, which were reviewed and extracted by 2 independent reviewers.
RESULTS
We analyzed a total of 134 cases, consisting largely of females (125/134, 93.3%) with purpura on the upper (103/134, 76.9%) or lower limbs (112/134, 83.6%). Apart from a paresthesia prodrome, patients commonly experienced headaches, malaise, and arthralgia or myalgia. Approximately 70% (95/134) of patients reported a physiological or psychological stressor or psychiatric diagnosis before the development of the purpura. Laboratory testing almost always revealed unremarkable results. The intradermal washed autoerythrocyte sensitization test was positive in 98% (42/43) of cases. Histopathology biopsy findings commonly revealed dermal erythrodiapedesis or hemorrhage (n=34) and perivascular inflammatory infiltrates (n=17). Approximately 42% (56/134) of patients received a novel psychiatric diagnosis, with depression being the most common (40/72, 56%). In both patients with and those without a novel psychiatric diagnosis, observation, counseling, treatment with antidepressants (ie, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), and psychotherapy (ie, cognitive behavioral therapy) prevailed in the resolution of the purpura.
CONCLUSIONS
Due to the unclear etiology and infrequent presentation of this condition, it remains a diagnosis of exclusion based on clinical suspicion evaluating the presence of stressors or psychiatric comorbidities and exclusion of systemic conditions. Clinical confirmation can be sought through a positive autoerythrocyte sedimentation test, characteristic histopathology findings, and remission of purpura after psychiatric treatment.
PubMed: 37703091
DOI: 10.2196/48153 -
The South African Journal of... 2023Female genital mutilation (FGM/C) defined as 'all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Female genital mutilation (FGM/C) defined as 'all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons' is a cultural practice having several consequences on women's health. Medical and sexual consequences have been documented, but the link between FGM/C and the development of psychological symptoms is not clearly established. The influence of contextual factors is poorly understood.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the psychological impact of FGM/C and how victims experience it.
METHOD
A mixed method systematic review was conducted. The inclusion criteria were observational primary studies involving women who had undergone FGM/C and had experienced psychological symptoms. Publication bias was assessed by using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. A configurative strategy that involved a comparison of quantitative and qualitative data was used, followed by an analysis of causal link between FGM/C and induced psychological disorders.
RESULTS
Fourteen studies were included. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety and somatisation showed a significantly higher prevalence in women who have experienced FGM/C versus non-mutilated women. Female genital mutilation type II or III were identified as predictors of disorder severity. Qualitative studies showed a significant difference in the perception of FGM/C between immigrant and non-immigrant women, as well as the multidimensional nature of the factors influencing disorders' onsets.
CONCLUSION
Our study showed a high association of FGM/C (and its degree of severity) with psychological disorders such as PTSD, depression, anxiety and somatisation. It also illustrates contextual factors, including socio-cultural factors that may influence the intensity of these psychological disorders.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
It is important for health professionals to be aware of the psychological consequences of FGM/C and the different factors influencing FGM/C perception. Indeed, a feeling of 'Being abnormal' can be awakened among patients because of health professionals' incorrect behaviours.
PubMed: 38855076
DOI: 10.4102/sajp.v79i1.1877 -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2024The development of clinical practice guidelines in traditional medicine requires evidence that sufficiently reflects the medical field. Cardiac neurosis is a disease...
BACKGROUND
The development of clinical practice guidelines in traditional medicine requires evidence that sufficiently reflects the medical field. Cardiac neurosis is a disease that occurs because of problems in the autonomic nervous system and is characterized by symptoms of the circulatory system that are representative of autonomic dysfunction. In traditional medicine, the heart is considered to be involved in mental health problems, and cardiac neurosis is accompanied by a variety of mental symptoms. Furthermore, there is a categorized diagnosis for cardiac neurosis, and active empirical research is being conducted in China.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to systematically review and quantitatively synthesize the effects of Korean medicine treatments in patients with cardiac neurosis to develop evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of autonomic dysfunction.
METHODS
Nine databases were searched for articles published before September 13, 2022. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the RoB tool. The primary outcomes were somatization, depression, anxiety, and effectiveness rate. The secondary outcome was the rate of adverse effects.
RESULTS
Based on a systematic literature review, 151 randomized controlled trials were selected and analyzed. For patients with cardiac neurosis, herbal medicine, combined treatment of herbal medicine and Western medicine, combined treatment of herbal medicine and acupuncture, acupuncture, and combined treatment of acupuncture and Western medicine showed better overall effects than Western medicine alone. Furthermore, the combined treatment of herbal medicine and psychotherapy and that of herbal medicine, psychotherapy, and Western medicine showed an overall better effect than the combined treatment of Western medicine and psychotherapy.
CONCLUSION
A meta-analysis of articles revealed the effectiveness of Korean medicine treatments and verified the effectiveness of a Korean medicine treatment alone, Korean medicine combined treatment, and combined treatment of Korean medicine and Western medicine on cardiac neurosis. Limitations included the inability to verify the cause of high heterogeneity between studies and the poor quality of the included studies. Nevertheless, this systematic review and meta-analysis of cardiac neurosis showed that the disease concept of traditional medicine can also be organized based on the latest research. Future research related to traditional diseases such as these should be conducted.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022347992, identifier CRD42022347992.
PubMed: 38410677
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1302245 -
Pain Oct 2023Interpatient variability is frequently observed among individuals with chronic low back pain (cLBP). This review aimed at identifying phenotypic domains and...
Interpatient variability is frequently observed among individuals with chronic low back pain (cLBP). This review aimed at identifying phenotypic domains and characteristics that account for interpatient variability in cLBP. We searched MEDLINE ALL (through Ovid), Embase Classic and EMBASE (through Ovid), Scopus, and CINAHL Complete (through EBSCOhost) databases. Studies that aimed to identify or predict cLBP different phenotypes were included. We excluded studies that focused on specific treatments. The methodological quality was assessed using an adaptation of the Downs and Black tool. Forty-three studies were included. Although the patient and pain-related characteristics used to identify phenotypes varied considerably across studies, the following were among the most identified phenotypic domains and characteristics that account for interpatient variability in cLBP: pain-related characteristics (including location, severity, qualities, and duration) and pain impact (including disability, sleep, and fatigue), psychological domains (including anxiety and depression), behavioral domains (including coping, somatization, fear avoidance, and catastrophizing), social domains (including employment and social support), and sensory profiling (including pain sensitivity and sensitization). Despite these findings, our review showed that the evidence on pain phenotyping still requires further investigation. The assessment of the methodological quality revealed several limitations. We recommend adopting a standard methodology to enhance the generalizability of the results and the implementation of a comprehensive and feasible assessment framework to facilitate personalized treatments in clinical settings.
Topics: Humans; Low Back Pain; Anxiety; Adaptation, Psychological; Fear; Catastrophization; Chronic Pain
PubMed: 37027149
DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002911