| 1. |
- Ferreira, N., et al.
(författare)
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The impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on individuals with gastrointestinal disorders: A protocol of an international collaborative study
- 2021
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Ingår i: Journal of Psychosomatic Research. - : Elsevier BV. - 0022-3999 .- 1879-1360. ; 148
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health across the globe. People living with a chronic gastrointestinal (GI) disorder might be particularly at risk of mental health complications given higher rates of comorbid anxiety and depression compared to the healthy population. As GI disorders affect up to 40% of the population worldwide, this international collaborative study seeks to evaluate the extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on GI symptoms specifically and more generally on the well-being of those living with chronic GI conditions. Methods: A longitudinal survey with three time points (baseline, 6-month, and 12-month) will be conducted online. Adult participants with GI disorders from multiple countries will be recruited via patient associations, social media advertising, utilizing snowball sampling. Participants will be invited to complete a battery of questionnaires including demographic and health parameters, and measures of gastrointestinal symptoms, fear of COVID-19, perceived impact of COVID-19, illness perceptions, coping, depression, anxiety, stress, catastroph-izing, and quality of life, using validated measures where available. Statistical analyses will include univariate descriptive models, multivariate models utilizing regression, mediation, and moderation, and latent growth models. Conclusions: This project may present novel information to the field of psychogastroenterology and may provide crucial information regarding the areas of impact for individuals with GI disorders during and following the pandemic. Further, this information can guide healthcare providers and patient associations on how to target support related to the pandemic mental health sequelae for these patients.
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| 2. |
- Mikocka-Walus, Antonina, et al.
(författare)
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Exploring the Relationship Between Self-Isolation and Distress Among People with Gastrointestinal Disorders During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- 2022
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Ingår i: Journal of clinical psychology in medical settings. - : Springer. - 1068-9583 .- 1573-3572. ; 29:3, s. 654-665
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This study aimed to explore the association between perceived isolation and symptoms of distress in people with GI disorders at the time of the pandemic; and to examine factors which moderate this relationship. This online cross-sectional survey was advertised in May-September 2020 via patient organisations and associated social media. Overall, 831 people (82% female, mean age 49 years) from 27 countries participated. A significant relationship between social isolation and psychological distress was noted (r = .525, p < .001). GI symptoms moderated the association between isolation and distress (B = .047, t = 2.47, p = .015). Interventions targeting these factors may help to reduce distress in people with GI disorders at the time of major stressors such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
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| 3. |
- Carvalho, Sérgio A., et al.
(författare)
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Cognitive fusion and depressive symptoms in women with chronic pain : A longitudinal growth curve modelling study over 12 months
- 2019
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Ingår i: Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1063-3995 .- 1099-0879. ; 26:5, s. 616-625
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This study aims to (a) explore individual differences in women with chronic pain (CP) in regard to pain intensity, functional impairment, cognitive fusion, and depressive symptoms and (b) longitudinally test whether cognitive fusion is a significant predictor of depression symptoms, while controlling for pain intensity and functional impairment, over a 12-month period. This study follows a longitudinal design and was conducted in a sample of 86 women with CP who responded to an online battery of questionnaires in three equally spaced assessment moments. In order to explore the growth trajectory of variables of interest, latent growth curve models were examined. Also, correlation analyses were conducted between demographic and illness-related variables and depressive symptoms, as well as between all variables in all assessment moments. Cognitive fusion and functional impairment (but not pain intensity) were significantly associated with baseline levels of depressive symptoms. Cognitive fusion significantly predicted the growth trajectory of depressive symptoms, whereas pain intensity and functional impairment did not. No demographic (age, marital status, education, socio-economic) nor illness-related variables (number of CP diagnoses, duration of CP, taking medication) were associated with depressive symptoms at any point. These results suggest that the trajectory of depressive symptoms in women with CP is not predicted by the intensity of pain nor pain-related functional impairment, but rather by the tendency to get entangled with internal experiences (e.g., thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations), which may or may not be related to pain-specific contents. Clinical implications are discussed.
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| 4. |
- Carvalho, Sérgio A., et al.
(författare)
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Efficacy of an ACT and Compassion-Based eHealth Program for Self-Management of Chronic Pain (iACTwithPain) : Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
- 2021
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Ingår i: Frontiers in Psychology. - : Frontiers Media S.A.. - 1664-1078. ; 12
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Chronic pain (CP) has serious medical and social consequences and leads to economic burden that threatens the sustainability of healthcare services. Thus, optimized management of pain tools to support CP patients in adjusting to their condition and improving their quality of life is timely. Although acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is considered an evidence-based psychological approach for CP, evidence for the efficacy of online-delivered ACT for CP is still scarce. At the same time, studies suggest that self-compassion mediates the change in disability and psychopathological symptoms in ACT interventions for CP, although self-compassion is not a specific target in ACT. Thus, an explicit focus on self-compassion might increase the efficacy of ACT interventions for CP, although this hypothesis has not been tested. This study aims to develop an eHealth ACT and compassion-based self-management intervention for CP, the iACTwithPain, and to compare its efficacy in improving health outcomes to a similar ACT-only intervention and a medical TAU group.Methods: The eHealth platform that will host the interventions will be developed using a flat design identity and will be interactive. The iACTwithPain intervention will comprise eight weekly self-management sessions and will be developed taking into consideration the psychological flexibility model applied to CP, with the addition of explicit compassion-based components. To analyze whether the iACTwithPain intervention will present superiority in improving CP's impact and related health markers over the two other conditions, this study will follow an RCT design with three arms. CP patients will be recruited through direct contact with patient associations and healthcare services and a national press release in Portugal. Outcome measurement will be conducted at baseline, post-intervention and at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. The interventions' acceptability will also be assessed.Discussion: The iACTwithPain intervention is expected to improve CP patients' psychosocial functioning, quality of life, and empowerment, by promoting adaptive disease management and regulation of pain-related internal experiences. Results will contribute to a better understanding on the pertinence of adding compassion elements to ACT for CP and to reach an optimized intervention for CP.
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| 5. |
- Carvalho, Sérgio A., et al.
(författare)
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Self-Compassion and Depressive Symptoms in Chronic Pain (CP) : A 1-Year Longitudinal Study
- 2020
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Ingår i: Mindfulness. - : Springer. - 1868-8527 .- 1868-8535. ; 11:3, s. 709-719
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: Self-compassion is associated with less depressive symptoms, better mental health outcomes, and less disability in chronic pain (CP). However, it remains longitudinally unexplored the role of self-compassion in CP. Also, although it acknowledged the conceptual overlapping between mindfulness and self-compassion, few studies have explored the role of self-compassion in CP while controlling for mindfulness in a longitudinal design.Methods: The current study conducts correlational and hierarchical linear regression analyses in a sample of 86 women with CP who completed an online battery of questionnaires that assess pain intensity, functional impairment, depressive symptoms, mindfulness, and self-compassion in three time points: baseline (T0), 6 months (T1), and 12 months (T2).Results: Results show that self-compassion (but not mindfulness) significantly predicts depressive symptoms at T1 and at T2 above and beyond depressive symptoms and functional impairment. Also, the interaction between functional impairment and self-compassion at T0 significantly predicts depressive symptoms at T1, but not at T2.Conclusions: These findings expand the current knowledge on the role of self-compassion in CP in showing that self-compassion is a significant predictor of later depressive symptoms in CP and suggesting its potential role in buffering the impact of functional impairment in future levels of depressive symptoms.
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| 6. |
- Carvalho, S. A., et al.
(författare)
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Self-compassion in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for chronic pain: a pilot study
- 2022
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Pain. - : Walter de Gruyter GmbH. - 1877-8860 .- 1877-8879. ; 22:3, s. 631-638
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: Evidence shows that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an empirically supported psychological approach for chronic pain (CP) management. Although self-compassion is not explicitly a target of ACT, it seems to be one mechanism of change in ACT for CP. However, research is lacking on the benefits of including explicit self-compassionate exercises in ACT for CP. The current study pilot tested a Compassionate ACT 8-session group program (COMP.ACT; n=9), as well as an ACT-only 8-session group program (ACT; n=7), in a sample of women with CP. Methods: The current study follows a quasi-experimental design, and conducts Reliable and Significant Change analyses comparing pre- to post-intervention scores of self-report measures. Results: No differences were found between conditions at baseline, nor between completers and drop-outs. Although preliminary, results showed COMP.ACT led to greater clinical improvements in depression and anxiety, while ACT led to greater improvements in stress and uncompassionate self-responding. Reliable and Significant Change analysis showed that some participants improved significantly (in psychopathological symptoms, valued living and uncompassionate self-responding) in both conditions, while the majority did not change significantly. Conclusions: More research is needed to conclude whether explicit self-compassion exercises are useful in ACT for CP. Limitations and implications are further discussed.
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| 7. |
- Ferreira, Cláudia, et al.
(författare)
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Randomized controlled trial of an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and compassion-based group intervention for persons with inflammatory bowel disease : the LIFEwithIBD intervention
- 2024
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Ingår i: Frontiers in Psychology. - : Frontiers Media S.A.. - 1664-1078. ; 15
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: This study tested the acceptability and efficacy of an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and compassion-based intervention (LIFEwithIBD) in people with IBD through a two-arm RCT.Methods: Participants were recruited at the Gastroenterology Department of the Coimbra University Hospital between June and September 2019. Of the 355 patients screened, those who accepted to participate were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: experimental group (LIFEwithIBD; n = 25) or control group (waitlist; n = 29). Participants completed self-report measures at baseline (T0), post-intervention (T1), and 3-month (T2) and 12-month (T3) follow-ups. Intervention acceptability was assessed. Efficacy was examined using intent-to-treat ANCOVA at post-intervention after adjusting for baseline values of depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms (primary outcomes). Linear mixed models for all longitudinal outcomes were also analysed. Inflammatory and disease biomarkers were determined at T0 and T3.Results: Acceptability results revealed a high level of satisfaction and perceived usefulness regarding the intervention. Both groups experienced a significant decrease in stress symptoms and IBD symptom perception at T1. No significant differences were observed at follow-up for the primary outcomes. The experimental group reported significantly lower Crohn’s disease Symptom severity at T2 than the control group. Post-hoc analyses designed to mitigate floor effects revealed substantial treatment effects for the experimental group regarding anxiety symptoms. No significant differences were observed in clinical biomarkers from T0 to T3.Conclusion: The LIFEwithIBD intervention shows promising, although preliminary, benefits for managing disease activity and reducing anxiety symptoms in IBD patients with high severity of psychological distress.
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| 8. |
- Guiomar, Raquel, et al.
(författare)
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Usability Study of the iACTwithPain Platform : An Online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Compassion-Based Intervention for Chronic Pain
- 2022
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Ingår i: Frontiers in Psychology. - : Frontiers Media S.A.. - 1664-1078. ; 13
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: This pilot study aims to test the usability of the iACTwithPain platform, an online ACT-based intervention for people with chronic pain, to obtain information on which intervention and usability aspects need improvement and on expected retention rates.Methods: Seventy-three Portuguese women with chronic pain were invited to complete the first three sessions of the iACTwithPain intervention assess their quality, usefulness and the platform's usability. Twenty-one accepted the invitation. Additionally, eight healthcare professionals working with chronic medical conditions assessed the platform and the intervention from a practitioner's point of view.Results: This study presented a considerable attrition rate (71.43%) among chronic pain participants, with six completers. There were no significant differences in demographic or clinical variables between dropouts and completers except for completed education (participants who dropped out presented less education than completers). Reasons for dropout were related to difficult personal events occurring during the time of the intervention, lack of time, or having forgotten. There seemed to be an overall satisfaction with both the intervention, its contents and form of presentation of information, and the platform, concerning its design, appearance, and usability. Real image videos were preferred over animations or audio by chronic pain participants. Healthcare professionals emphasized the appealing and dynamic aspects of the animation format.Conclusion: This study informs the ongoing improvement of the iACTwithPain platform and provides valuable information on aspects researchers should consider while developing online psychological interventions for chronic pain. Further implications are discussed.
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| 9. |
- Hayes, Bree, et al.
(författare)
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Extending the Common Sense Model to Explore the Impact of the Fear of COVID-19 on Quality of Life in an International Inflammatory Bowel Disease Cohort
- 2022
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Ingår i: Journal of clinical psychology in medical settings. - : Springer. - 1068-9583 .- 1573-3572. ; 29:3, s. 678-688
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim of this cross-sectional study was to use an extended common sense model (CSM) to evaluate the impact of fear of COVID-19 on quality of life (QoL) in an international inflammatory bowel disease cohort. An online study involving 319 adults (75% female, mean (SD) 14.06 (15.57) years of symptoms) completed the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, Brief Illness Perceptions Questionnaire, Fear of Contracting COVID-19 Scale, Brief-COPE, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, and the EUROHIS-QOL. The extended CSM had an excellent fit (chi(2) (9) = 17.06, p = .05, chi(2)/N = 1.90, RMSEA = 0.05, SRMR = 0.04, CFI = .99, TLI = .97, GFI = 0.99), indicating the influence of gastrointestinal symptoms on QoL was mediated by illness perceptions, fear of COVID-19, adaptive and maladaptive coping, and psychological distress. Interventions targeting the fear of COVID-19 in the context of an individual's perceptions will likely enhance QoL during the pandemic.
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| 10. |
- Lo, B., et al.
(författare)
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Fear of COVID-19 Among Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease as Compared to Patients with Other Gastrointestinal Conditions
- 2022
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Ingår i: Turkish Journal of Gastroenterology. - : AVES Publishing Co.. - 1300-4948 .- 2148-5607. ; 33:8, s. 664-672
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Although several studies have reported the impact of fears relating to coronavirus-19 on several chronic illnesses, there are few studies focused on gastrointestinal conditions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the fear of coronavirus-19 in patients with inflammatory bowel disease to other gastrointestinal conditions and how the fear of COVID-19 manifests across different demographical backgrounds among inflammatory bowel disease respondents. Methods: Participants with gastrointestinal conditions (age >= 18) were recruited from 27 countries. Demographic, clinical, and psychosocial information was collected. An adapted scale for inflammatory bowel disease patients measuring the fear of coronavirus-19 and gastrointestinal-specific fear of coronavirus-19 was used. Results: In 831 participants (312 inflammatory bowel disease), only significant increases in gastrointestinal-fear of coronavirus-19 were found in between inflammatory bowel disease and other gastrointestinal conditions (mean [standard deviation]: 13.5 [5.5] vs 10.9 [5.0], P <.01). Among inflammatory bowel disease respondents, persons on sick leave had significantly more fear of coronavirus-19 than those employed (median [IQR], 31.0 [28.5-39.5] vs 26.0 [20.0-33.0], P =.035) and significantly more gastrointestinal-fear of coronavirus-19 compared to the employed (18.0 [14.5-22.0] vs 13.0 [9.0-17.0], P =.033) or respondents outside of the labor market (12.0 [7.0-16.0], P =.022). Persons living in a rural setting had significantly more fear of coronavirus-19 compared to persons living in regional setting (29.5 [22.0-37.8] vs 25.0 [20.0-31.3], P =.007) and gastrointestinal-fear of coronavirus-19 (15.0 [11.0-19.8] vs 12.0 [9.0-16.0], P =.02). Conclusion: Respondents with inflammatory bowel disease are more afraid of coronavirus-19 regarding their disease; especially, persons on sick leave or persons living in a rural setting. This should be taken into consideration to personalize the support that health care providers can offer in mitigating fear related to coronavirus-19.
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