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Health Psychology Open 2019This systematic review examined the validity of generic coping-with-stress measures in the relationships between avoidance-type coping and psychosocial adaptation to... (Review)
Review
This systematic review examined the validity of generic coping-with-stress measures in the relationships between avoidance-type coping and psychosocial adaptation to chronic illness and disability. Major data bases were searched for studies on the association between avoidance-type coping and psychosocial adaptation to chronic illness and disability. Findings indicated that reliance upon avoidance-type coping is linked to reports of poorer psychosocial adaptation. The veracity of these findings must be treated cautiously owing to conceptual, structural, psychometric, and other issues. Users of generic coping measures should consider these concerns prior to empirically investigating the link between generic avoidance-type coping measures and psychosocial adaptation among people with chronic illness and disability.
PubMed: 31839978
DOI: 10.1177/2055102919891396 -
Harvard Review of Psychiatry 2019Systematic reviews about treatment attitudes of patients influencing adherence in bipolar disorder (BD) are rare.
BACKGROUND
Systematic reviews about treatment attitudes of patients influencing adherence in bipolar disorder (BD) are rare.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines and principles of thematic synthesis. Selectively identified quantitative and qualitative studies were used to examine the attitude-adherence relationship in BD, the types and correlates of treatment attitudes, and the impact of psychosocial interventions on attitudes.
RESULTS
The final list of 163 articles included 114 observational reports (incorporating 21 psychosocial intervention trials), 45 qualitative/descriptive studies, and 4 patient surveys. A positive association between treatment attitudes and adherence was found in most quantitative and qualitative studies, though the strength of the relationship was unclear. Thematic analysis of qualitative studies suggested that patient attitudes influencing adherence were based on perceived advantages and disadvantages of treatment. The principal correlates of patients' attitudes were family attitudes, the clinician-patient alliance, social support, and patients' knowledge of BD. Though negative attitudes such as denial, concerns about adverse treatment consequences, and stigmatizing effects of treatment were common, many patients believed treatment to be beneficial and necessary. The limited data on the effect of psychosocial interventions indicated that treatments selectively targeting attitudes enhanced adherence.
LIMITATIONS
The studies were heterogeneous in design; the quality was uneven (fair to poor); and the risk of bias moderate to high.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite these flaws, awareness of the existing evidence on the attitude-adherence association and other aspects of treatment attitudes in BD can help in efforts to address nonadherence in BD.
Topics: Bipolar Disorder; Health Behavior; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Patient Compliance; Patient Satisfaction
PubMed: 31385812
DOI: 10.1097/HRP.0000000000000228 -
Palliative Medicine Sep 2019Preparing children for the death of a parent is challenging. Parents are often uncertain if and how to communicate and support their children. Many parents feel it is...
BACKGROUND
Preparing children for the death of a parent is challenging. Parents are often uncertain if and how to communicate and support their children. Many parents feel it is protecting their children by not telling them about the prognosis. Children less prepared for parental death from a terminal illness are more susceptive to later adversities. To facilitate coping and moderate for such adversities, there is a need to gain insight and understand the experience and challenges confronted by families.
AIM
This review synthesised evidence on the experiences of parents and children when a parent is at end of life to discern their challenges, support needs and factors that facilitated good practice.
DESIGN
Mixed-methods systematic review.
DATA SOURCES
Four electronic databases (CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO and Ovid MEDLINE) using MeSH terms and word searches in October 2018. Studies were not limited by year of publication, language or country. Grey literature searches were also completed on Google Scholar and OpenGrey.
RESULTS
In all, 7829 records were identified; 27 qualitative and 0 quantitative studies met the inclusion criteria. Eight descriptive themes were identified, further categorised into two broad themes: (1) barriers and facilitators in sharing the news that a parent is dying and (2) strategies to manage the changing situation.
CONCLUSION
Lack of understanding in relation to the parent's prognosis, denial and feeling ill-equipped were suggested as barriers for parents to share the news with their children. Engagement with social networks, including extended family relatives and peers, and maintaining routines such as attending school were suggested supportive by parents and children. Findings are limited primarily to White, middle-class two-parent families. A number of areas for future research are identified.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Child of Impaired Parents; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasms; Parent-Child Relations; Parents; Psychosocial Support Systems; Terminal Care; Young Adult
PubMed: 31244381
DOI: 10.1177/0269216319857622 -
International Journal of Psychiatry in... Jun 2019Cotard syndrome is a rare condition whose main feature is a nihilistic delusion ranging from the denial of body parts to that of the existence of one's own life or even...
Cotard syndrome is a rare condition whose main feature is a nihilistic delusion ranging from the denial of body parts to that of the existence of one's own life or even the entire universe. The aim of this article is to review the nosological significance of Cotard syndrome and to explore the disorder among patients with dementia. Medline and Google Scholar searches were conducted for relevant articles, chapters and books published before 2018. Search terms used included Cotard delusion, Cotard syndrome and dementia, nihilistic delusion. Publications found through this indexed search were reviewed for further relevant references. In this narrative review we emphasise the fact that cases of Cotard syndrome involving patients with dementia are reported quite infrequently. Published studies are limited to very short series or isolated cases. Clinicians are obliged to treat the disorder. They should be alert to the potential high risk inherent in this condition. Keypoints Cotard syndrome is a rare condition characterised by nihilistic delusions that may range from negation of existence of parts of the body to delusion of being dead. The prevalence and incidence of this rare syndrome are not known. Since Cotard's syndrome is conceptualised as part of an underlying disorder, several psychiatric and somatic diseases have been associated with the syndrome. The syndrome may occur in patients suffering from dementia.
Topics: Delusions; Dementia; Humans; Syndrome
PubMed: 30848970
DOI: 10.1080/13651501.2018.1529248 -
Issues in Law & Medicine 2018South Asia, a historically low-incidence region for breast cancer, has produced many recent studies examining reproductive factors. We compiled these studies to confirm... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
South Asia, a historically low-incidence region for breast cancer, has produced many recent studies examining reproductive factors. We compiled these studies to confirm the reality of the significant association reported in the first, 1996 review of induced abortion as a risk factor, independent of abortion's known effect in abrogating the protection afforded by full-term pregnancy.
METHODS
We searched the medical literature for English language studies on breast cancer incidence in women in South Asia published from 1 January, 2000 through 30 June, 2017, using Pubmed, Scholar-Google, and bibliographic searches. Studies were included which reported overall data on induced abortion and/or abortion non-specifically. All 20 eligible studies were of retrospective, case-control design. Data from individual studies were combined using random effects modeling, following the determination of significant heterogeneity.
RESULTS
Cumulative OR for all 20 studies was 2.51 (95%CI: 1.67-3.75) and 3.91 (95%CI: 1.02-14.97) for the five studies which reported specific data on induced abortion. Significant dose-dependence was observed among all 5 studies which stratified by number of abortions. Meta-regression of OR v. abortion prevalence among controls was statistically significant, as observed in a 2013 meta-analysis in China.
CONCLUSION
The moderately strong association identified between abortion and breast cancer explains in part the spread of the breast cancer epidemic to South Asia as it has become Westernized. Continuing denial of the abortion-breast cancer association can only ensure that the acknowledged worldwide breast cancer epidemic will continue to worsen, costing many millions of women their lives over the next several decades.
Topics: Abortion, Induced; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors
PubMed: 30831018
DOI: No ID Found -
Current Opinion in Supportive and... Mar 2019This review aims to describe the recent literature on communication between cancer care clinicians and angry patients and patients in denial.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
This review aims to describe the recent literature on communication between cancer care clinicians and angry patients and patients in denial.
RECENT FINDINGS
Clinicians had improved perceived self-efficacy in responding to patient anger after completing anger management training, with a focus on reframing anger as a normative response to unmet needs. Psychosocial and mindfulness programmes for cancer patients were found to be useful for modifying anger response to stressors. Existing clinician communication guidelines may not meet the complex needs of adolescents and individuals with anger-prone personality expressing anger. The detrimental effects of avoiding communication about cancer and dying in patients and families include increased stress and emotional burden, patient depression and anxiety and regret in bereaved family members. Further understanding of the complex interplay between the expression of instrumental and emotional concerns of patients may lead to improved clinician communication.
SUMMARY
Anger and maladaptive denial in patients with cancer have detrimental effects that can be seen across a wide range of cultural contexts, in not only the patient but also in their families and the involved clinicians. Training interventions for both patients and clinicians can benefit patient emotional response and perceived clinician self-efficacy.
Topics: Anger; Anxiety; Communication; Denial, Psychological; Depression; Emotions; Family; Female; Health Personnel; Humans; Male; Mindfulness; Neoplasms; Self Efficacy; Severity of Illness Index; Stress, Psychological
PubMed: 30632988
DOI: 10.1097/SPC.0000000000000410 -
Health Psychology Review Dec 2019Recent research has examined patients' drawings of their illness as a means to identify patients' illness representations. The aim of this systematic review was to...
Recent research has examined patients' drawings of their illness as a means to identify patients' illness representations. The aim of this systematic review was to examine which representations are evident in patients' drawings, and whether drawing assessments are associated with patient outcomes. Ten electronic databases were searched for published journal papers in English up to 1 July 2017. Narrative synthesis summarised findings by participant characteristics, study design, illness representations, and associations with outcomes. There were 101 eligible studies, published across 29 different countries, with 27 different disease categories; 54 of the studies were with adults and 80 were cross-sectional. All core illness perception domains were evident; the most common being identity and related concepts (including symptoms, anatomy, pathophysiology), and emotional representations (including fear, denial, stigma). Perceptions of treatment and the clinical and social environment were evident. More organ damage drawn and larger drawing size were associated with worse perceptions and health outcomes, and drawings distinguished between patient groups. Limitations include the inability to conduct meta-analysis. In conclusion, patients' drawings reveal additional domains of illness representations, specifically perceptions of pathophysiology, treatment and social environments, as well as illness pre-occupation. These findings expand theories of self-regulation and suggest image-based intervention strategies.
Topics: Art; Behavioral Medicine; Cognition; Diagnostic Self Evaluation; Disease; Humans; Illness Behavior; Models, Psychological; Perception; Self-Control
PubMed: 30558520
DOI: 10.1080/17437199.2018.1558088 -
Journal of Reproductive and Infant... Nov 2018Given the prevalence of antenatal anxiety and its consistent associations with adverse pregnancy and child outcomes, early detection and management of anxiety are...
BACKGROUND
Given the prevalence of antenatal anxiety and its consistent associations with adverse pregnancy and child outcomes, early detection and management of anxiety are essential.
OBJECTIVE
The aim was to identify risk factors for anxiety among pregnant women by systematically reviewing original research.
METHODS
Cross-sectional, case-control and cohort studies that examined associations between antenatal anxiety and at least one potential risk factor prospectively or retrospectively and measured anxiety independent from other mental health conditions were included. Studies rated strong/moderate in methodological quality appraisal were used to synthesise the evidence.
RESULTS
Factors associated with greater risk of anxiety included previous pregnancy loss, medical complications, childhood abuse, intimate partner violence, denial/acceptance coping styles, personality traits, inadequate social support, history of mental health problems, high perceived stress and adverse life events.
CONCLUSIONS
Several risk factors identified in this review are detectable in routine prenatal care visits (e.g. previous pregnancy loss, pregnancy complications), potentially modifiable (e.g. coping styles, social support, partner factors) and can be identified prior to pregnancy (e.g. psychosocial factors), underlining the significance of pre-conception mental health screening.
Topics: Adaptation, Psychological; Anxiety; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Prenatal Care; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Social Support; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 30293441
DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2018.1492097 -
JBI Database of Systematic Reviews and... Nov 2018The aim of this systematic review was to identify and synthesize the best available evidence on first time fathers' experiences and needs in relation to their mental...
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this systematic review was to identify and synthesize the best available evidence on first time fathers' experiences and needs in relation to their mental health and wellbeing during their transition to fatherhood.
INTRODUCTION
Men's mental health and wellbeing during their transition to fatherhood is an important public health issue that is currently under-researched from a qualitative perspective and poorly understood.
INCLUSION CRITERIA
Resident first time fathers (biological and non-biological) of healthy babies born with no identified terminal or long-term conditions were included. The phenomena of interest were their experiences and needs in relation to mental health and wellbeing during their transition to fatherhood, from commencement of pregnancy until one year after birth. Studies based on qualitative data, including, but not limited to, designs within phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography and action research were included.
METHODS
A three-step search strategy was used. The search strategy explored published and unpublished qualitative studies from 1960 to September 2017. All included studies were assessed by two independent reviewers and any disagreements were resolved by consensus or with a third reviewer. The recommended Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) approach to critical appraisal, study selection, data extraction and data synthesis was used.
RESULTS
Twenty-two studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review, which were then assessed to be of moderate to high quality (scores 5-10) based on the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research. The studies were published between 1990 and 2017, and all used qualitative methodologies to accomplish the overall aim of investigating the experiences of expectant or new fathers. Nine studies were from the UK, three from Sweden, three from Australia, two from Canada, two from the USA, one from Japan, one from Taiwan and one from Singapore. The total number of first time fathers included in the studies was 351. One hundred and forty-four findings were extracted from the included studies. Of these, 142 supported findings were aggregated into 23 categories and seven synthesized findings: 1) New fatherhood identity, 2) Competing challenges of new fatherhood, 3) Negative feelings and fears, 4) Stress and coping, 5) Lack of support, 6) What new fathers want, and 7) Positive aspects of fatherhood.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the synthesized findings, three main factors that affect first time fathers' mental health and wellbeing during their transition to fatherhood were identified: the formation of the fatherhood identity, competing challenges of the new fatherhood role and negative feelings and fears relating to it. The role restrictions and changes in lifestyle often resulted in feelings of stress, for which fathers used denial or escape activities, such as smoking, working longer hours or listening to music, as coping techniques. Fathers wanted more guidance and support around the preparation for fatherhood, and partner relationship changes. Barriers to accessing support included lack of tailored information resources and acknowledgment from health professionals. Better preparation for fatherhood, and support for couple relationships during the transition to parenthood could facilitate better experiences for new fathers, and contribute to better adjustments and mental wellbeing in new fathers.
Topics: Adaptation, Psychological; Adult; Birth Order; Fathers; Health Services Accessibility; Humans; Male; Mental Health; Mental Health Services; Parenting; Qualitative Research
PubMed: 30289768
DOI: 10.11124/JBISRIR-2017-003773 -
British Medical Bulletin Sep 2018Sudden cardiac death (SCD) of young athletes during competition or training is a tragic event. The long QT syndrome (LQTS) is an arrythmogenic disorder characterized by...
INTRODUCTION
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) of young athletes during competition or training is a tragic event. The long QT syndrome (LQTS) is an arrythmogenic disorder characterized by prolonged ventricular repolarization leading to torsade de pointes evident at electrocardiogram (ECG). Implantable cardioverter defibrillator is an option to revert ventricular fibrillation to sinus rhythm, although the implantation may result in denial of sports participations to the athlete. The authors reviewed the current literature on LQTS in young athletes, to clarify the role of different screening technologies to prevent SCD.
SOURCES OF DATA
A systematic review of the literature was performed applying the PRISMA guidelines according to the PRISMA checklist and algorithm. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase and Google Scholar databases using various combinations of the keywords: 'QT', 'syndrome', 'screening', 'young', 'athletes', 'genetic', 'electrocardiogram', 'echocardiography' and 'prevention' were used.
AREAS OF AGREEMENT
Young athletes with LQTS are at greater risk of SCD.
AREAS OF CONTROVERSY
Different detection screening technologies, including ECG monitoring and genetic testing, are recommended, even though their role is not fully understood.
GROWING POINTS
ECG and genetic testing screening programmes could reduce the incidence of SCD, and they may positively impact on the health and safety of young athletes during sport.
AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH
Further studies should analyze other modalities of screening to allow early detection of cardiovascular conditions to prevent SCD in young athletes.
Topics: Athletes; Death, Sudden, Cardiac; Electrocardiography; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Genetic Testing; Humans; Long QT Syndrome; Mass Screening
PubMed: 29931253
DOI: 10.1093/bmb/ldy017