scholarly journals Medical comorbidities of patients presenting to an adult neurodevelopmental new case clinic in Singapore

BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S295-S295
Author(s):  
Ho Teck Tan ◽  
James Patrick Moon ◽  
Giles Ming Yee Tan
Keyword(s):  
Neurodevelopmental Disorders ◽  
Medical Condition ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Medical Conditions ◽  
Medical Comorbidity ◽  
Medical Comorbidities ◽  
Respiratory Problems ◽  
Gastrointestinal Conditions

AimsTo describe the occurrence of medical comorbity in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders presenting to the Adult Neurodevelopmental Service (ANDS) multi-disciplinary new case clinic at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) in Singapore. We hypothesize that patients with neurodevelopmental disorders have higher rates of medical comorbidity compared to those without a diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorder.BackgroundMedical comorbidities are common in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders. They may have difficulties managing their medical conditions which could in turn affect their well being, quality of life and life expectancy.MethodA retrospective cohort study was conducted amongst patients who presented to the clinic from January 2015 to December 2016. The electronic case records of the assessments were de-identified and the medical conditions of patients were collected and analysed.Result319 patients attended the ANDS new case clinic in the 2-year study period. 87.1% (278/319) were diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder while 12.9% (41/319) did not receive any diagnosis of a neurodevelopmental disorder.58.3% (162/278) of patients with a neurodevelopmental disorder had at least 1 medical comorbidity while only 31.7% (13/41) of patients with no neurodevelopmental disorder had at least 1 medical condition.Patients with neurodevelopmental disorders had higher rates of epilepsy (12.2% vs 4.9%), cerebral palsy (3.2% vs 0%) but lower rates of having other neurological conditions (1.4% vs 7.3%) compared to those with no neurodevelopmental disorders.Patients with neurodevelopmental disorders had higher rates of diabetes (6.1% vs 2.4%), hypertension (6.1% vs 2.4%), hyperlipidaemia (7.1% vs 2.4%) and cardiovascular conditions (2.9% vs 0%) than those without a neurodevelopmental disorder.In terms of other medical comorbidities, patients with neurodevelopmental disorders had higher rates of thyroid abnormalities (4.7% vs 2.4%), respiratory problems (7.6% vs 2.4%), musculoskeletal conditions (5.8% vs 0%), eye issues (5% vs 2.4%) and hearing problems (2.9% vs 0%) but similar rates of dermatological conditions (10.1% vs 9.8%) and gastrointestinal conditions (4.7% vs 4.9%) compared to those with no neurodevelopmental disorders.ConclusionPatients with neurodevelopmental disorders have significantly highly rates of medical comorbidity than those without any neurodevelopmental disorders. This study highlights the need to raise awareness of the common medical comorbidities in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders and to ensure adequate screening and referral for follow-up medical care for them.

scholarly journals Comorbidity and COVID-19: Investigating the Relationship between Medical and Psychological Well-being

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-22
Author(s):  
Owen Stafford ◽  
Anna Berry ◽  
Laura K. Taylor ◽  
Sinead Wearen ◽  
Cian Prendergast ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Vulnerable Populations ◽  
Illness Perceptions ◽  
Medical Condition ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Medical Conditions ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Objective: The unprecedented occurrence of a global pandemic is accompanied by both physical and psychological burdens that may impair quality of life. Research relating to COVID-19 aims to determine the effects of the pandemic on vulnerable populations who are at high risk of developing negative health or psychosocial outcomes. Having an ongoing medical condition during a pandemic may lead to greater psychological distress. Increased psychological distress may be due to preventative public health measures (e.g. lockdown), having an ongoing medical condition, or a combination of these factors. Methods: This study analyses data from an online cross-sectional national survey of adults in Ireland and investigates the relationship between comorbidity and psychological distress. Those with a medical condition (n128) were compared to a control group without a medical condition (n128) and matched according to age, gender, annual income, education, and work status during COVID-19. Participants and data were obtained during the first public lockdown in Ireland (27.03.202008.06.2020). Results: Individuals with existing medical conditions reported significantly higher levels of anxiety (p<.01) and felt less gratitude (p.001). Exploratory analysis indicates that anxiety levels were significantly associated with illness perceptions specific to COVID-19. Post-hoc analysis reveal no significant difference between the number of comorbidities and condition type (e.g. respiratory disorders). Conclusion: This research supports individualised supports for people with ongoing medical conditions through the COVID-19 pandemic, and has implications for the consideration of follow-up care specifically for mental health. Findings may also inform future public health policies and post-vaccine support strategies for vulnerable populations.

Correlazioni positive tra spiritualità e salute: i risultati di alcune indagini / Positive correlations between spirituality and health: results from some surveys

2019 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-54
Author(s):  
Paolo Morocutti
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Health Personnel ◽  
Medical Condition ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Close Correlation ◽  
General Medical Condition ◽  
Spirituality And Health ◽  
Positive Correlations ◽  
Positive Effect

La dimensione religiosa dell’uomo contribuisce in modo sostanziale al mantenimento della condizione medica generale, migliorando e preservando la qualità della vita. Quanto fa bene la fede? La preghiera fa ammalare meno e guarire prima? La partecipazione ai servizi religiosi porta realmente un effetto positivo sulla salute? Gli studi esaminati in questo articolo sembrano rispondere affermativamente a queste domande, evidenziando la stretta correlazione tra religiosità/spiritualità, salute e benessere fisico e psicologico. L’impatto antropologico e sociologico di tale realtà conduce ad evidenti riflessioni storiche e filosofiche, ma anche mediche e bioetiche, generando l’esigenza di una profonda trasformazione nella formazione del personale sanitario, dove l’aspetto religioso o spirituale non è ritenuto importante, né rilevante nell’approccio medico per la cura e l’assistenza del paziente. Nonostante ciò, numerosi studi approfondiscono ed attestano l’importanza di questo aspetto sia dei singoli, sia dell’intera popolazione. ---------- Religious dimension of man contributes substantially to maintain general medical condition, improving and preserving quality of life. How good is faith? Does prayer make you sick less and get better sooner? Does participation in religious services actually have a positive effect on health? The studies examined within this article seem to answer positively to these questions, highlighting the close correlation between religiosity / spirituality, health and physical and psychological well-being. The anthropological and sociological impact of this reality leads to evident historical and philosophical as well as medical and bioethical reflections, generating the need for a deep transformation of health personnel training, where the religious or spiritual aspect are not considered as important, nor relevant for medical approach to patient’s care. Nevertheless, several studies address and highlight the importance of this aspect for both individuals and whole population.

scholarly journals Online Positive Affect Journaling in the Improvement of Mental Distress and Well-Being in General Medical Patients With Elevated Anxiety Symptoms: A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial

10.2196/11290 ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. e11290 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua M Smyth ◽  
Jillian A Johnson ◽  
Brandon J Auer ◽  
Erik Lehman ◽  
Giampaolo Talamo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Positive Affect ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Mental Distress ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Medical Conditions ◽  
Medical Patients ◽  
Web Based

Background Positive affect journaling (PAJ), an emotion-focused self-regulation intervention, has been associated with positive outcomes among medical populations. It may be adapted for Web-based dissemination to address a need for scalable, evidence-based psychosocial interventions among distressed patients with medical conditions. Objective This study aimed to examine the impact of a 12-week Web-based PAJ intervention on psychological distress and quality of life in general medical patients. Methods A total of 70 adults with various medical conditions and elevated anxiety symptoms were recruited from local clinics and randomly assigned to a Web-based PAJ intervention (n=35) or usual care (n=35). The intervention group completed 15-min Web-based PAJ sessions on 3 days each week for 12 weeks. At baseline and the end of months 1 through 3, surveys of psychological, interpersonal, and physical well-being were completed. Results Patients evidenced moderate sustained adherence to Web-based intervention. PAJ was associated with decreased mental distress and increased well-being relative to baseline. PAJ was also associated with less depressive symptoms and anxiety after 1 month and greater resilience after the first and second month, relative to usual care. Conclusions Web-based PAJ may serve as an effective intervention for mitigating mental distress, increasing well-being, and enhancing physical functioning among medical populations. PAJ may be integrated into routine medical care to improve quality of life. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01873599; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01873599 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/73ZGFzD2Z)

scholarly journals Inclusion of medical fitness to drive in medical postgraduate training curricula

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laith Al Azawi ◽  
Aisling O’Byrne ◽  
Lily Roche ◽  
Desmond O’Neill ◽  
Margaret Ryan
Keyword(s):  
Medical Condition ◽  
Well Being ◽  
List Type ◽  
Medical Conditions ◽  
Specialist Training ◽  
Fitness To Drive ◽  
Safe Driving ◽  
Training Schemes ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Medical Fitness

AbstractBackgroundTransport mobility, and access to driving, is an important factor in social inclusion and well-being. Doctors have an important role to play in supporting safe mobility through applying the knowledge developed in the field of traffic medicine and incorporating state of the art national and international medical fitness to drive (MFTD) guidelines. Little is known about the profile of MFTD in postgraduate curricula for core and higher specialist training.AimsWe profiled the inclusion of MFTD in the curricula of postgraduate core, higher and streamlined medical and surgical specialties in the Republic of Ireland and the UK. Methods: All publicly available syllabi of basic and higher/ streamlined specialist training in postgraduate medical and surgical colleges in both jurisdictions were analysed (N = 122).ResultsIn Ireland, 25% of basic training schemes included MFTD in the curriculum. Two-thirds of curricula of higher specialty and streamlined training schemes also included MFTD. For the UK, 44% of core and 36% of higher training schemes curricula included MFTD. Just under one-quarter of all curricula reviewed included MFTD for more than one medical condition or treatment. Common topics in both Irish and UK curricula included seizures/epilepsy, syncope and visual disturbances.ConclusionThere are notable deficits in MFTD training for specialists in Ireland and the UK. Common conditions which can significantly impair MFTD such as stroke, diabetes and alcohol use disorders are severely underrepresented and curricula should be revisited to include relevant training and guidance for MFTD for trainees.Main MessagesDoctors have an important role in supporting safe driving among patients with a range of medical conditionsBasic and higher specialist training curricula in a range of specialities in the British Isles are deficient in content relating to medical fitness to driveCurricular development for specialist training should include provision of concise and speciality-relevant guidance on medical fitness to driveResearch QuestionsWhat barriers exist currently to the inclusion of medical fitness to drive and how could these be mitigated?What are the specialty-relevant prioritizations of medical conditions related to medical fitness to drive for inclusion in each curriculum?What resources and evidence are available to specialist training programmes to support the guidance for medical fitness to drive in their curricula?

scholarly journals Prevalence and changes in boredom, anxiety and well-being among Ghanaians during the COVID-19 pandemic: a population-based study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Godfred O. Boateng ◽  
David Teye Doku ◽  
Nancy Innocentia Ebu Enyan ◽  
Samuel Asiedu Owusu ◽  
Irene Korkoi Aboh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Medical Condition ◽  
Psychometric Evaluation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Sociocultural Factors ◽  
Medical Conditions ◽  
Psychological Well Being

Abstract Background The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with several adverse health outcomes. However, few studies in sub-Saharan Africa have examined its deleterious consequences on mental health. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence and changes in boredom, anxiety and psychological well-being before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana. Methods Data for this study were drawn from an online survey of 811 participants that collected retrospective information on mental health measures including symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, boredom, and well-being. Additional data were collected on COVID-19 related measures, biosocial (e.g. age and sex) and sociocultural factors (e.g., education, occupation, marital status). Following descriptive and psychometric evaluation of measures used, multiple linear regression was used to assess the relationships between predictor variables and boredom, anxiety and psychological well-being scores during the pandemic. Second, we assessed the effect of anxiety on psychological well-being. Next, we assessed predictors of the changes in boredom, anxiety, and well-being. Results Before the COVID-19 pandemic, 63.5% reported better well-being, 11.6% symptoms of anxiety, and 29.6% symptoms of boredom. Comparing experiences before and during the pandemic, there was an increase in boredom and anxiety symptomatology, and a decrease in well-being mean scores. The adjusted model shows participants with existing medical conditions had higher scores on boredom (ß = 1.76, p < .001) and anxiety (ß = 1.83, p < .01). In a separate model, anxiety scores before the pandemic (ß = -0.25, p < .01) and having prior medical conditions (ß = -1.53, p < .001) were associated with decreased psychological well-being scores during the pandemic. In the change model, having a prior medical condition was associated with an increasing change in boredom, anxiety, and well-being. Older age was associated with decreasing changes in boredom and well-being scores. Conclusions This study is the first in Ghana to provide evidence of the changes in boredom, anxiety and psychological well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings underscore the need for the inclusion of mental health interventions as part of the current pandemic control protocol and public health preparedness towards infectious disease outbreaks.

scholarly journals Health-Related Quality of Life and Overall Life Satisfaction in People with Serious Mental Illness

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy L. Barnes ◽  
Meghan E. Murphy ◽  
Christopher A. Fowler ◽  
Melisa V. Rempfer
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Medical Comorbidity ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Mental Hrqol ◽  
Overall Life Satisfaction

Quality of life (QoL) in people with schizophrenia and other serious mental illnesses (SMI) is an important outcome goal, yet there is no consistent definition of the construct. We examined three aspects of QoL in persons with SMI: overall life satisfaction, physical health-related QoL (HRQoL), and mental HRQoL. This study had two primary aims: first, to examine whether there are differences in physical and mental HRQoL in persons with SMI, and, second, to investigate the cognitive, clinical, and functional correlates of the three QoL indicators. Participants were 48 persons with SMI who completed assessments of QoL, cognition, functional capacity, psychiatric symptomatology, and medical comorbidity. Results indicate that participants experience similar levels of physical and mental HRQoL, and these two constructs are not related to one another. Physical HRQoL is associated with less medical comorbidity, while mental HRQoL is associated with negative and depressive symptoms. Overall life satisfaction was associated with fewer psychiatric symptoms and less medical comorbidity. This study adds to the important literature defining distinct domains of QoL and supports the necessity of addressing both physical and mental health factors as they relate to recovery and well-being among persons with SMI.

scholarly journals Comorbidity and COVID-19: Investigating the Relationship between Medical and Psychological Well-being

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-23
Author(s):  
Owen Stafford ◽  
Anna Berry ◽  
Laura K. Taylor ◽  
Sinead Wearen ◽  
Cian Prendergast ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Vulnerable Populations ◽  
Illness Perceptions ◽  
Medical Condition ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Medical Conditions ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Objective: The unprecedented occurrence of a global pandemic is accompanied by both physical and psychological burdens that may impair quality of life. Research relating to COVID-19 aims to determine the effects of the pandemic on vulnerable populations who are at high risk of developing negative health or psychosocial outcomes. Having an ongoing medical condition during a pandemic may lead to greater psychological distress. Increased psychological distress may be due to preventative public health measures (e.g. lockdown), having an ongoing medical condition, or a combination of these factors. Methods: This study analyses data from an online cross-sectional national survey of adults in Ireland and investigates the relationship between comorbidity and psychological distress. Those with a medical condition (n=128) were compared to a control group without a medical condition (n=128) and matched according to age, gender, annual income, education, and work status during COVID-19. Participants and data were obtained during the first public lockdown in Ireland (27.03.2020–08.06.2020). Results: Individuals with existing medical conditions reported significantly higher levels of anxiety (p<.01) and felt less gratitude (p≤.001). Exploratory analysis indicates that anxiety levels were significantly associated with illness perceptions specific to COVID-19. Post-hoc analysis reveal no significant difference between the number of comorbidities and condition type (e.g. respiratory disorders). Conclusion: This research supports individualised supports for people with ongoing medical conditions through the COVID-19 pandemic, and has implications for the consideration of follow-up care specifically for mental health. Findings may also inform future public health policies and post-vaccine support strategies for vulnerable populations.

Depressive Syndromes and Medical Comorbidities

2016 ◽  
pp. 347-360 ◽  
Author(s):  
Derek R. Hopko ◽  
Crystal C. McIndoo ◽  
Audrey File
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Medical Condition ◽  
Chronic Medical Condition ◽  
Medical Illness ◽  
Medical Conditions ◽  
Medical Patients ◽  
Medical Problems ◽  
Optimal Care ◽  
Medical Comorbidities ◽  
Depressive Syndromes

The prevalence of depression is substantial among individuals with medical conditions and is associated with poorer treatment outcome for both the mood disorder and medical condition. This chapter examines the prevalence, risk factors, causal associations, and treatment for depression in four medical conditions: cancer, cardiovascular disease, multiple sclerosis, and HIV/AIDS. Several conclusions are evident: First, depression is unrecognized in about 30% of medical patients, and twice as many medical patients experience depression relative to the general population. Second, regardless of the medical illness, there are common risk factors for depression. Third, individuals with medical illness are most vulnerable to developing depression in the year following medical diagnosis. Fourth, the relationship between depression and medical comorbidities is bidirectional. Fifth, although there are promising psychological and pharmacological interventions for individuals with comorbid depression and medical problems, significant methodological problems limit this research. These limitations must be addressed to provide optimal care for those with depression and a chronic medical condition.

scholarly journals Shedding light on endometriosis: Patient and provider perspectives on a challenging disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 69-76
Author(s):  
Madalene Zale ◽  
Emily Lambert ◽  
Marianna D LaNoue ◽  
Amy E Leader
Keyword(s):  
Medical Condition ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Self Advocacy ◽  
Provider Perceptions ◽  
Provider Perspectives ◽  
Iterative Coding

Background: Endometriosis is a serious yet understudied medical condition impacting millions of women worldwide. Methods: This mixed-methods study aimed to understand healthcare provider perceptions and patient experiences with endometriosis in the United States. Providers were surveyed to assess their understanding of disease prevalence. A subset of providers also participated in short, open-ended interviews about treating patients who have or are suspected to have endometriosis. Interviews were also conducted with women diagnosed with endometriosis to understand their experiences with the disease. Means and frequencies were calculated for survey data; interviews were transcribed and separately analyzed by two coders using an iterative coding process until agreement was reached. Results: Fifty-three providers completed surveys. Of the 53 providers, 6 (11%) accurately identified the prevalence of endometriosis. Four providers and 12 patients completed interviews. Emergent themes among providers included limited training, difficulty of diagnosis, complexity of the referral process, a challenging patient–provider dynamic, and the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration. Emergent themes from patients included the psychological impact of the disease, difficulties interacting with the healthcare system, self-advocacy, quality of life, and limited treatment options. Conclusion: Providers are frequently unfamiliar with the far-reaching scope of endometriosis and cite many challenges caring for patients with the disease. Patients equally find the disease challenging to live with as it encroaches on physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document