Efficacy of hypnotherapy on pain intensity and psychological distress among women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder, applicability of suggestions focused on cognitive flexibility and ego strength

Abstract Background: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder PMDD is a health difficulty that is so similar to premenstrual syndrome PMS but is more serious Many women with PMDD may also have anxiety or depression, in this way, lasting irritability or anger that may affect other people, feelings of sadness or despair, or even thoughts of suicide, feelings of tension or anxiety, panic attacks, mood swings or crying often, lack of interest in daily activities and relationships, trouble thinking or focusing, tiredness or low energy, food cravings or binge eating, trouble sleeping, feeling out of control, physical symptoms such as cramps, bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, and joint or muscle pain are some of prevalent symptoms suffer women with PMDDMethods: The present research was a randomized controlled trial. In order to control variables pain intensity and psychological distress among patients with PMDD, the participants were selected accidently from female students of Shahed University of Tehran who consulted to psychology in order to assess their premenstrual symptoms and randomly divided into two groups. Each of groups encompassed 30 women between 20 up to 35-year-old whom diagnosed by PMDD via PSST from winter 2019 to spring 2020. In this study, one group received hypnotherapy and the other group received no intervention. Results: There are significant differences between the two groups. The efficacy of the procedure of hypnotherapy in the experimental group was more than that in the control group, (sig = 0.05).Conclusion The present study findings revealed that hypnotherapy with suggestions focused on cognitive flexibility and ego strength affected pain intensity and psychological distress among females with PMDD significantly. (sig=0.05)

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Immediate Effects of a Telerehabilitation Program Based on Aerobic Exercise in Women with Fibromyalgia

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18042075 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (4) ◽

pp. 2075

Author(s):

Ignacio Hernando-Garijo ◽

Luis Ceballos-Laita ◽

María Teresa Mingo-Gómez ◽

Ricardo Medrano-de-la-Fuente ◽

Elena Estébanez-de-Miguel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Aerobic Exercise ◽

Pain Intensity ◽

Pain Sensitivity ◽

Pain Catastrophizing ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Control Group ◽

And Control

Background: We analyzed the immediate effects of a Telerehabilitation Program (TP) based on aerobic exercise in women with fibromyalgia (FM) syndrome during the lockdown declared in Spain due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A single-blind randomized controlled trial was designed. Thirty-four women with FM were randomized into two groups: TP group and Control group. The intervention lasted 15 weeks, with 2 sessions per week. The TP based on aerobic exercise was guided by video and the intensity of each session was monitored using the Borg scale. Pain intensity (Visual Analogue Scale), mechanical pain sensitivity (algometer), number of tender points, FM impact (Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire), pain catastrophizing (Pain Catastrophizing Scale), physiological distress (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), upper (Arm Curl Test) and lower-limb physical function (6-min Walk Test) were measured at baseline and after the intervention. Results: The TP group improved pain intensity (p = 0.022), mechanical pain sensitivity (p < 0.05), and psychological distress (p = 0.005), compared to the Control group. The Control group showed no statistically significant changes in any variable (p > 0.05). Conclusions: A TP based on aerobic exercise achieved improvements on pain intensity, mechanical pain sensitivity, and psychological distress compared to a Control group during the lockdown declared in Spain due to COVID-19 pandemic.

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Alleviating psychological distress associated with a positive cervical cancer screening result: a randomized control trial

BMC Women s Health ◽

10.1186/s12905-021-01207-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yukari Isaka ◽

Ai Hori ◽

Rie Tanaka ◽

Masao Ichikawa

Keyword(s):

Cervical Cancer ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Cancer Screening ◽

Cervical Cancer Screening ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Control Groups ◽

And Control ◽

Screening Result

Abstract Background The method of communicating a positive cancer screening result should seek to alleviate psychological distress associated with a positive result. We evaluated whether the provision of information through a leaflet would help reduce psychological distress in a randomized controlled trial. Methods The participants were women aged 20–69 years who were about to undergo cervical cancer screening at health centers. Before the screening, they received hypothetical screening results, with a leaflet (intervention group, n = 493) or without it (control group, n = 479), randomly. Their psychological distress and intention to undergo further examination were then compared between the intervention and control groups. Results After the intervention (providing a leaflet with hypothetical screening results), psychological distress appeared to be higher in the control group than in the intervention group among those who received a hypothetical positive screening result (odds ratio: 2.57, 95% confidence interval: 1.87–3.54), while 95% and 97% of those in the intervention and control groups, respectively, reported that they would undergo further examination. Conclusions Information provision might help reduce psychological distress but not hinder further examination among women who screen positive for cervical cancer. Trial registration: UMIN Clinical Trials Registry UMIN000029894. Date of Registration: November 2017.

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Efficacy of EMDR Therapy on the Pain Intensity and Subjective Distress of Cancer Patients

Journal of EMDR Practice and Research ◽

10.1891/emdr-d-20-00036 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

pp. 18-28

Author(s):

Naeem Abdi ◽

Mohammad Malekzadeh ◽

Zhila Fereidouni ◽

Mohammad Behnammoghadam ◽

Parisa Zaj ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pain Intensity ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Therapeutic Option ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Control Group ◽

Subjective Distress ◽

Patients With Cancer ◽

Before And After ◽

Emdr Therapy

The present study was carried out to investigate the efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in treating pain and subjective distress of patients with cancer. A randomized controlled trial was performed on patients with cancer suffering from moderate to severe cancer pain in Yasuj, Iran, in 2019 and 2020. Sixty patients aged 30–60 years who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected using a consensus sampling technique. Patients were randomly assigned to EMDR therapy or control groups based on random block allocation. EMDR therapy was administered in six to eight daily 1-hour sessions. The control group received the standard treatment provided by the hospital. A Numeric Pain-Rating Scale (NRS) and the Subjective Units of Disturbance Scale (SUDS) were used to assess pain and subjective distress before and after the intervention in each session. The collected data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and independent t test using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24. The mean pain intensity and subjective distress score in the experimental group before and after the EMDR intervention were significantly reduced (p < .001). In the control group, no decreases in NRS and SUDS scores occurred at any time (p > .05). Differences in pain scores between the groups were statistically significant (p < .001). EMDR can effectively and sustainably reduce the pain and subjective distress experienced by patients with cancer. Thus, EMDR is a recommended therapeutic option to mitigate pain and subjective distress among patients with cancer.

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Emotion and Symptom-focused Engagement (EASE): A randomized pilot trial of an integrated psychosocial and palliative care intervention for individuals with acute leukemia (AL).

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2017.35.15_suppl.7041 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 35 (15_suppl) ◽

pp. 7041-7041 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Gary Rodin ◽

Carmine Malfitano ◽

Anne Rydall ◽

Christopher Lo ◽

Aaron David Schimmer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Palliative Care ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Pilot Trial ◽

Physical Symptoms ◽

Comprehensive Cancer Center ◽

Cancer Center ◽

Symptom Screening ◽

Physical Distress

7041 Background: Individuals diagnosed with AL may experience severe physical and psychological distress due to the illness and its treatment, the threat of relapse and treatment failure, and a high risk of mortality. To alleviate psychological and physical distress in this population, we developed a novel, 8-week, manualized intervention called EASE. This includes: 1) EASE-psy- a tailored psychotherapeutic component to reduce psychological distress; and 2) EASE-phys-symptom screening, with moderate to severe physical symptoms triggering early palliative care. Methods: To assess the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of EASE, patients were recruited within 2 weeks of admission to a comprehensive cancer center and randomized to receive either EASE or usual care (UC). Physical and psychological symptoms were assessed at baseline, 4, 8 (primary endpoint), and 12 weeks. Intervention patients received 6-10 psychotherapy sessions over 8 weeks, weekly assessment of physical symptoms, and consultation and follow-up by palliative care, when needed. One-way ANOVA was performed to assess mean change scores over time between groups. Results: Forty-two patients were randomized to EASE (n = 22) or UC (n = 20). Predefined feasibility outcomes were all met: > 86% (19/22) of EASE participants (goal > 64%) completed > 50% of proposed EASE-psy sessions; 64% (14/22) completed symptom screenings (goal > 50%); and 100% of those with moderate to severe symptoms had > 1 meeting with the EASE-phys team (goal 100%). There were statistically significant findings favoring EASE vs. UC for satisfaction with care at 8 and 12 weeks (Δ: -3.12 vs 7.39, p < 0.04; -6.1910 vs 0.0125 p < 0.03). There were trends favoring EASE vs. UC for traumatic stress symptoms, depressive symptoms, quality of life, attachment security, and number, severity, and distress related to physical symptoms at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Conclusions: Although not powered for statistical significance, this randomized pilot trial of EASE for AL showed promising reductions in psychological and physical distress and supports the feasibility and need for a larger randomized controlled trial. Clinical trial information: NCT02353559.

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Effect of dignity therapy on end-of-life psychological distress in terminally ill Portuguese patients: A randomized controlled trial

Palliative & Supportive Care ◽

10.1017/s1478951516001140 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 15 (6) ◽

pp. 628-637 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Miguel Julião ◽

Fátima Oliveira ◽

Baltazar Nunes ◽

António Vaz Carneiro ◽

António Barbosa

Keyword(s):

Palliative Care ◽

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

End Of Life ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Terminally Ill ◽

Control Group ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Dignity Therapy ◽

Desire For Death

ABSTRACTObjective:Dignity therapy (DT) is a brief form of psychotherapy developed for patients living with a life-limiting illness that has demonstrated efficacy in treating several dimensions of end-of-life psychological distress. Our aim was to determine the influence of DT on demoralization syndrome (DS), the desire for death (DfD), and a sense of dignity (SoD) in terminally ill inpatients experiencing a high level of distress in a palliative care unit.Method:A nonblinded phase II randomized controlled trial was conducted with 80 patients who were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the intervention group (DT + standard palliative care [SPC]) or the control group (SPC alone). The main outcomes were DS, DfD, and SoD, as measured according to DS criteria, the Desire for Death Rating Scale, and the Patient Dignity Inventory (PDI), respectively. All scales were assessed at baseline (day 1) and at day 4 of follow-up. This study is registered with http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN34354086.Results:Of the 80 participants, 41 were randomized to DT and 39 to SPC. Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. DT was associated with a significant decrease in DS compared with SPC (DT DS prevalence = 12.1%; SPC DS prevalence = 60.0%; p < 0.001). Similarly, DT was associated with a significant decrease in DfD prevalence (DT DfD prevalence = 0%; SPC DfD prevalence = 14.3%; p = 0.054). Compared with participants allocated to the control group, those who received DT showed a statistically significant reduction in 19 of 25 PDI items.Significance of results:Dignity therapy had a beneficial effect on the psychological distress encountered by patients near the end of life. Our research suggests that DT is an important psychotherapeutic approach that should be included in clinical care programs, and it could help more patients to cope with their end-of-life experiences.

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Mindful gratitude journaling: psychological distress, quality of life and suffering in advanced cancer: a randomised controlled trial

BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care ◽

10.1136/bmjspcare-2021-003068 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. bmjspcare-2021-003068

Author(s):

Ting Ting Tan ◽

Maw Pin Tan ◽

Chee Loong Lam ◽

Ee Chin Loh ◽

David Paul Capelle ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Randomised Controlled Trial ◽

Advanced Cancer ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Control Group ◽

Randomised Controlled

ContextNumerous studies have shown that gratitude can reduce stress and improve quality of life.ObjectiveOur study aimed to examine the effect of mindful gratitude journaling on suffering, psychological distress and quality of life of patients with advanced cancer.MethodsWe conducted a parallel-group, blinded, randomised controlled trial at the University of Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia. Ninety-two adult patients with advanced cancer, and an overall suffering score ≥4/10 based on the Suffering Pictogram were recruited and randomly assigned to either a mindful gratitude journaling group (N=49) or a routine journaling group (N=43).ResultsAfter 1 week, there were significant reductions in the overall suffering score from the baseline in both the intervention group (mean difference in overall suffering score=−2.0, 95% CI=−2.7 to −1.4, t=−6.125, p=0.000) and the control group (mean difference in overall suffering score=−1.6, 95% CI=−2.3 to −0.8, t=−4.106, p=0.037). There were also significant improvements in the total Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score (mean difference=−3.4, 95% CI=−5.3 to −1.5, t=−3.525, p=0.000) and the total Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being score (mean difference=7.3, 95% CI=1.5 to 13.1, t=2.460, p=0.014) in the intervention group after 7 days, but not in the control group.ConclusionThe results provide evidence that 7 days of mindful gratitude journaling could positively affect the state of suffering, psychological distress and quality of life of patients with advanced cancer.Trial registration numberThe trial was registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN1261800172191) and conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.

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Positive Mental Training in patients with Multiple Sclerosis experiencing psychological distress: A Preliminary Randomised Controlled Trial

10.1101/2021.07.15.21260604 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Katy Muray ◽

Giulia Melchiorre ◽

Alastair Dobbin ◽

Killian A Welch

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Randomised Controlled Trial ◽

Low Cost ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Control Group ◽

Mental Training ◽

Current Form ◽

Self Rated Health ◽

Randomised Controlled

Introduction: Psychological distress is a major issue in multiple sclerosis (MS), having a significant impact on quality of life. Antidepressants are generally unhelpful for subsyndromal symptomatology, and psychological treatment approaches often not accessible or too cognitively demanding for some patients. There is an urgent need for low-cost interventions to improve wellbeing in MS. Methods: This was a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) of Positive Mental Training (PosMT), a low intensity intervention providing training in positivity, optimism and resilience previously shown to improve anxious and depressive symptomotology. 28 patients with MS were randomised to the intervention and 30 to the control group. Results: Follow-up data was obtained from 39 patents. The majority of participants receiving PosMT reported that they had used the intervention, with few reporting side effects. The intervention group reported a significant improvement in self-rated health as measured by the EuroQual visual analogue scale, F(4,34) = 3.204, p = 0.025, R2 = 0.274. Discussion: This preliminary RCT found that PosMT in its current form could be used by patients with MS with little difficulty. Despite the small size of the study, allocation to the intervention was found to be associated with a significant improvement in self-rated health. Given the low cost of PosMT and its easy availability (it can simply be downloaded from a website), this pilot RCT suggests it could be a useful tool for MS patients. We believe this intervention warrants further study, ideally in a large multi-centre RCT.

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A Randomised Controlled Trial of Clinician-Guided Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Depressed Patients in Singapore

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2021.668384 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Sharon H. X. Lu ◽

Hanita A. Assudani ◽

Tammie R. R. Kwek ◽

Shaun W. H. Ng ◽

Trisha E. L. Teoh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy ◽

Group Treatment ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Preliminary Evidence ◽

Behavioural Therapy ◽

Depression Score ◽

Control Group ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

Cognitive Behavioural

This study examined the efficacy and acceptability of a hybrid, clinician-guided internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT) programme for outpatients with depression in a psychiatric hospital in Singapore. Fifty three participants were randomly assigned to a treatment or wait-list control group before they underwent a cross-over of conditions. Treatment consisted of a 4-week iCBT with three face-to-face sessions. 60.9% of participants who received treatment completed all six modules. Intention-to-treat analysis showed treatment was associated with significant reductions in symptoms of depression, anxiety and psychological distress but not in functional impairment, while the control condition was not associated with changes in any measures. These reductions had moderate to large effect sizes (ESs) for symptoms of depression and anxiety, and moderate ES for psychological distress. The between-group difference in depression score had a moderate ES. There was a significant between-group treatment effect in depressive symptoms, but not in the other measures. Treatment gains were maintained at 3-month follow-up. Most of the participants were highly satisfied with the programme, with 90 percent stating they would recommend it. This is the first RCT to provide preliminary evidence for the efficacy and acceptability of iCBT for depression in Singapore.

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Evaluation of a Wellness-Based Mindfulness Stress Reduction Intervention: A Controlled Trial

American Journal of Health Promotion ◽

10.4278/0890-1171-15.6.422 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 15 (6) ◽

pp. 422-432 ◽

Cited By ~ 148

Author(s):

Kimberly A. Williams ◽

Maria M. Kolar ◽

Bill E. Reger ◽

John C. Pearson

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Stress Reduction ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Daily Hassles ◽

Control Group ◽

Symptom Checklist ◽

Control Subjects ◽

Medical Symptoms

Purpose. To determine if participation in a Wellness-Based Mindfulness Stress Reduction intervention decreases the effect of daily hassles, psychological distress, and medical symptoms. Design. A randomized controlled trial of a stress reduction intervention with a 3-month follow-up. Setting. A university setting in West Virginia. Subjects. A total of 103 adults, with 59 in the intervention group and 44 in the control group. Eight-five percent of subjects completed the intervention. Fifty-nine percent and 61% of the intervention and control subjects completed the study, respectively. Intervention. The intervention consisted of an 8-week group stress reduction program in which subjects learned, practiced, and applied “mindfulness meditation” to daily life situations. The control group received educational materials and were encouraged to use community resources for stress management. Measures. The Daily Stress Inventory assessed the effect of daily hassles, the Revised Hopkins Symptom Checklist measured psychological distress, the Medical Symptom Checklist measured number of medical symptoms, and a Follow-up Questionnaire measured program adherence. Results. Intervention subjects reported significant decreases from baseline in effect of daily hassles (24%), psychological distress, (44%), and medical symptoms (46%) that were maintained at the 3-month follow-up compared to control subjects (repeated measures analysis of variance [ANOVA]; p < .05). Conclusions. Self-selected community residents can improve their mental and physical health by participating in a stress reduction intervention offered by a university wellness program.

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Effect of a narrative intervention on individual-level abortion stigma: a randomised controlled trial

BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health ◽

10.1136/bmjsrh-2021-201055 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. bmjsrh-2021-201055

Author(s):

Maryl Goldberg Sackeim ◽

Soo Young Lee ◽

Sara Newton ◽

Diane Lauderdale ◽

Melissa Gilliam

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Randomised Controlled Trial ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Control Group ◽

Stigma Scale ◽

Individual Level ◽

Narrative Intervention ◽

Randomised Controlled ◽

Score Range

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of a narrative intervention on individual-level abortion stigma in patients undergoing abortion.Study designThis randomised controlled trial examined individual-level abortion stigma and psychological distress among patients undergoing outpatient abortion. Patients were randomised to a narrative intervention verus usual care. The intervention consisted of viewing a digital narrative and responding to a writing prompt. Abortion stigma was measured using the Individual Level Abortion Stigma Scale (ILAS) and psychological distress was assessed with a modified Profile of Mood States-Short Form (POMS-SF) at baseline and after 2 weeks. The primary outcome compared change in ILAS score from baseline to follow-up between groups. The secondary outcome compared change in the modified POMS-SF score.ResultsWe randomised 215 participants. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Overall baseline stigma scores were low. The study groups did not differ significantly in the primary ILAS outcome (mean change=0.07 in both groups with score range 0 to 3.5, 95% CI -0.11 to 0.11, p=0.98). There was also no significant difference in the secondary modified POMS-SF outcome (mean change −0.64 for the intervention group and −0.65 for the control group with score range −8 to 8, 95% CI -1.10 to 1.12, p=0.98). Black participants, comprising the majority, demonstrated lower levels of individual-level abortion stigma and psychological distress at baseline than participants identifying with any other race (mean baseline ILAS score of 0.70 vs 1.00 and mean modified POMS-SF score of −3.00 vs −1.45, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.46 and 95% CI 0.28 to 2.01, p=0.001 and p=0.02, respectively).ConclusionsPatients who participated in a narrative intervention did not score lower on an individual-level abortion stigma scale compared with a control group at 2-week follow-up. Demographic characteristics may predict levels of individual-level abortion stigma and psychological distress among patients seeking abortion.

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