scholarly journals MP40: Psychological distress in patients following pulmonary embolism diagnosis

CJEM ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (S1) ◽  
pp. S56-S57
Author(s):  
A. Tran ◽  
M. Redley ◽  
K. de Wit
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosis ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Treatable Condition

Introduction: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a treatable condition, with a low mortality rate (of around 1% in those who are diagnosed with the condition). The risk of recurrent PE is well managed with long term anticoagulation. Past literature suggests that patients who are diagnosed with PE can go on to experience existential anxiety and symptoms suggestive of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study aimed to evaluate the mental and emotional experiences of PE patients through the lens of PTSD, and the factors involved in psychological distress following a PE diagnosis. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with PE patients at the Juravinski Hospital thrombosis clinic in Hamilton, Ontario. Interview questions were based on DSM-5 criteria of PTSD and relevant existing literature. The transcripts were analyzed by two researchers based on an approach that considers both the content of patients’ accounts as well as the way that patients choose to interpret and deliver those accounts, to develop major themes associated with psychological distress. Results: A total of 37 patients, ranging from 28 to 85 years of age, were interviewed. The patients’ accounts suggested that the manner in which a PE diagnosis was delivered by an emergency physician was a significant factor in the degree to which they experienced psychological distress. For example, patients reported focusing on words suggesting that they were ‘a ticking time-bomb’ or that ‘a lot of people don't get through this,’ which introduced a degree of panic. A number of patients continued to focus on these words, months or years after their diagnosis. Some feared that they could have recurrent PE which could lead to death. Diagnoses that were delivered calmly with thorough explanations of why a patient experienced PE-related symptoms and how they will be treated, helped to minimize any subsequent anxiety. Patients initially misdiagnosed with an alternative condition in the ED also expressed feelings of anxiety and distress. The presence of physically and mentally distressing symptoms was also a factor which contributed to mental distress and anxiety regarding a PE recurrence. Conclusion: Caution should be taken in the delivery of PE diagnosis in the emergency department. Over-emphasis on the severity and life-threatening nature of PE should be avoided to reduce psychological distress.

scholarly journals Paternal and maternal long-term psychological outcomes after uterine artery embolization for severe post-partum hemorrhage

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maude Bernasconi ◽  
Béatrice Eggel-Hort ◽  
Antje Horsch ◽  
Yvan Vial ◽  
Alban Denys ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Uterine Artery Embolization ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Artery Embolization ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Post Traumatic

AbstractThis study intend to compare the long-term psychological impact (depression, post-traumatic stress disorder) on both partners between patients that underwent uterine artery embolization (UAE) for post-partum hemorrhage (PPH) and uneventful deliveries. Women who experienced severe PPH treated by UAE in our institution between 2003 and 2013 were identified in our obstetrical database. These cases were matched to controls with uneventful deliveries. Matching criteria were maternal age, parity, ethnicity, year of delivery, birthweight, gestational age and mode of delivery. Patients and their partners completed validated questionnaires measuring post-traumatic stress (TSQ), as well as depression symptoms (MINI). A total of 63 cases of PPH and 189 matched controls (1:3) participated in a study exploring gynecological and obstetrical outcomes. With a mean of 8 years post-index delivery, patients after PPH showed increased risk of depression (p = 0.015) and post-traumatic stress disorder (22.2% versus 4.8%, p < 0.005) compared to controls. PPH remains strongly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder, even after adjustment for depression (adjusted odds ratio 5.1; 95% confidence intervals 1.5–17.5). Similarly, partners of patients with PPH showed a propensity to depression (p = 0.029) and post-traumatic stress disorder (11.5% versus 1.5%, p = 0.019). In conclusion, both women and their partners are at increased risk of long-term psychological adverse outcomes after PPH. Couples may benefit from psychological support.

scholarly journals Healthcare staff well-being and use of support services during COVID-19: a UK perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. e100458
Author(s):  
Anika R Petrella ◽  
Luke Hughes ◽  
Lorna A Fern ◽  
Lisa Monaghan ◽  
Benjamin Hannon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Acute Phase ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Service Use ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Rapid Evaluation ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Supportive Services ◽  
Post Traumatic

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has drastically increased demands on healthcare workers (HCWs) leaving them vulnerable to acute psychological distress, burnout and post-traumatic stress. In response, supportive services in a central London hospital mobilised mental health support specifically for HCWs.AimsThis rapid evaluation assessed HCW psychological welfare during the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and their use of supportive services made available.MethodsDuring the acute phase of COVID-19 (April to May 2020) all staff working for the hospital were invited to complete an online survey assessing well-being (self-rated health, moral distress exposure, symptoms of burnout and psychological distress) and use of available supportive services (awareness of, use and perceived helpfulness). Associations among personal characteristics and psychological well-being were explored using correlations and linear regression.ResultsA total of 1127 staff participated in the rapid evaluation. On average, psychological distress was high (mean (SD): 22 (7.57)) regardless of role, with 84% of this sample scoring above the general population mean (14.5). Nearly half of the sample reported feeling emotionally drained and a profile emerged displaying higher levels of psychological distress and burnout in those who were younger and exposed to morally distressing situations, with this group also exhibiting greater support service use. Greater levels of burnout were associated with increased psychological distress when controlling for personal factors. During this acute phase of the pandemic, majority of staff used at least one service and rated it as helpful.ConclusionHCWs experienced high levels of psychological distress requiring continued support as the COVID-19 pandemic evolved. Although HCWs were aware of supportive services, uptake varied. In order to mitigate the risk of burnout and post-traumatic stress, long-term, effective strategies that facilitate staff accessing support are urgently required.

Long-Term Pharmacotherapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

CNS Drugs ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 465-476 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lori L Davis ◽  
Elizabeth C Frazier ◽  
Raela B Williford ◽  
Jason M Newell
Keyword(s):  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Post Traumatic

Chronic pain: Sources framing of post-traumatic stress in The New York Times

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 336-351
Author(s):  
Barbara Barnett ◽  
Tien T Lee
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
New York Times ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
News Stories ◽  
Negative Thoughts ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Public Policy Decisions

Post-traumatic stress (PTS) is a common reaction after witnessing a violent event, and individuals who have experienced trauma may relive the event, avoid people or situations that remind them of the trauma, or experience negative thoughts and hyperarousal. When symptoms persist, an individual may receive a medical diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). While nearly eight million Americans, including combat veterans, have PTSD in a given year, few studies have explored how the condition is represented in the mass media. This content analysis examines sources’ characterization of PTSD in New York Times articles. Results show that news stories framed PTSD as a long-term problem, with little chance for recovery, a frame that could negatively affect public policy decisions.

scholarly journals Posttraumatic Stress During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Ayers ◽  
Elizabeth Ford
Keyword(s):  
Subjective Experience ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Individual Vulnerability ◽  
Postpartum Ptsd ◽  
Pregnancy And Postpartum ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
In Pregnancy

Research on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in pregnancy and postpartum is relatively new but clearly demonstrates the importance of recognizing and treating women with PTSD at this time. Women with PTSD in pregnancy are at greater risk of pregnancy complications and health behaviors that have a negative impact on the woman and fetus. Approximately –3% of women develop PTSD after giving birth, and rates increase for women who have preterm or stillborn infants or life-threatening complications during pregnancy or labor. Models of the etiology of postpartum PTSD focus on the interaction among individual vulnerability, risk, and protective factors during and after birth. Research shows evidence for the role of previous psychiatric problems, depression in pregnancy, severe complications during birth, support, and women’s subjective experience of birth in postpartum PTSD. Very little research has examined screening or intervention. The chapter highlights key research topics that need addressing.

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