Quality of Life: Psychological Symptoms—Effects of a 2-Month Healthy Diet and Nutraceutical Intervention; A Randomized, Open-Label Intervention Trial (RISTOMED)

Depression symptoms and lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are associated with inflammation. This multicenter dietary intervention was shown to reduce inflammation in older people. This was the main outcome. Here, we describe the effects on HRQoL, anxiety, and depressive symptoms according to inflammation status. Overall, 125 healthy older subjects (65–80 year) were recruited (Italy, France, and Germany) and randomized into four arms (A, Healthy diet (HD); B, HD plus De Simone Formulation probiotic blend; C, HD plus AISA d-Limonene; D, HD plus Argan oil). The HD was weight maintaining, rich in antioxidant vitamins, polyphenols, polyunsaturated fatty acids (n6: n3 ratio = 3:1), and fiber. Data on inflammatory parameters, mental (MCS) and physical (PCS) component summaries of HRQoL (SF−36), anxiety symptoms (STAI state), and depressive symptoms (CES-D) were collected before and after 56 days of intervention. Body fat mass proportion (BFM) was considered a co-variable. A decrease of CES-D score was seen in the four arms (A: −40.0%, p = 0.001; B: −32.5%, p = 0.023; C: −42.8%, p = 0.004; and D: −33.3%, p = 0.21). Within the subgroups of subjects with medium/high inflammation a similar decrease in CES-D score occurred in all groups (A: −44.8%, p = 0.021; B, −46.7%, p = 0.024; C, −52.2%, p = 0.039; D, −43.8%, p = 0.037). The effect of interventions on CES-D was not related to baseline inflammation. MCS-HRQoL improved in A and C. There was no change in anxiety or PCS-HRQoL. In this trial with no control group, a decrease in depressive symptoms in healthy older volunteers was observed after a 2-month healthy diet intervention, independently of inflammation but with possible limitations due to participation.

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Predictors and Prevalence of Postconcussion Depression Symptoms in Collegiate Athletes

Journal of Athletic Training ◽

10.4085/1062-6050-50.3.02 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 50 (3) ◽

pp. 250-255 ◽

Cited By ~ 45

Author(s):

Gray Vargas ◽

Amanda Rabinowitz ◽

Jessica Meyer ◽

Peter A. Arnett

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Head Injuries ◽

Collegiate Athletes ◽

Control Group ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Premorbid Intelligence ◽

Postconcussion Symptoms ◽

Reliable Increase

Context: Depression is common after concussion and is associated with functional outcome and quality of life after injury. However, few baseline predictors of postconcussion depressive symptoms (PCDS) have been found. Objective: To describe the prevalence of depressive symptoms in a collegiate athlete sample at baseline and postconcussion, compare these levels of symptoms and change in symptoms with those of a control group with no reported concussions in the past year, and examine the baseline predictors for PCDS. Design: Case-control study. Setting: Undergraduate institution. Patients or Other Participants: Participants were 84 collegiate athletes (65 men, 19 women) with concussion and 42 individuals (23 men, 21 women) with no history of recent concussion who served as controls. Main Outcome Measure(s): The Beck Depression Inventory–Fast Screen was administered to the concussion group at baseline and postconcussion and to the control group at 2 time points. Results: Seventeen athletes (20%) showed a reliable increase in depression, and more athletes reported clinically important depression postconcussion than at baseline. Only 2 participants (5%) in the control group showed a reliable increase in depression. Concussed athletes were more likely to show a reliable increase in depression symptoms than control participants (χ21 = 5.2, P = .02). We also found several predictors of PCDS in the athletes, including baseline depression symptoms (r = 0.37, P < .001), baseline postconcussion symptoms (r = 0.25, P = .03), estimated premorbid intelligence (full-scale IQ; r = −0.29, P = .009), and age of first participation in organized sport (r = 0.34, P = .002). For the control group, predictors of depression symptoms at time 2 were number of previous head injuries (r = 0.31, P = .05) and baseline depression symptoms (r = 0.80, P < .001). Conclusions: A large proportion of athletes showed a reliable increase in depression after concussion, and we identified several baseline predictors. Given that depression affects quality of life and recovery from concussion, more research is necessary to better understand why certain athletes show an increase in PCDS and how these can be better predicted and prevented.

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Neuropsychiatric and Psychological Symptoms in Patients with Lyme Disease: A Study of 252 Patients

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9060733 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. 733

Author(s):

Finja Hündersen ◽

Stefanie Forst ◽

Erich Kasten

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Lyme Disease ◽

Psychological Symptoms ◽

Memory Performance ◽

Control Group ◽

Attention And Memory ◽

Quality Of Life Scale ◽

Life Scale

This study examined the relationship between neuropsychiatric and psychological symptoms in patients with Lyme borreliosis. We collected data from an experimental group of 252 Lyme disease patients and a control group of 267 healthy individuals. The quality of life and sleep, attention and memory performance were assessed in both groups. Additionally, we investigated depressive symptoms in patients with Lyme disease to examine whether the duration of the disease had an influence on the severity of symptoms shown. Furthermore, various data on the diagnostics and treatment carried out in the patient group were recorded. On average, patients visited almost eight physicians to obtain a diagnosis, and eight years passed between the tick bite and diagnosis (SD ± 7.8); less than half of the sample (46%) received their diagnosis within the first five years after the development of symptoms. It became clear that Lyme disease is often diagnosed very late. It appears that people suffering from Lyme disease have significantly lower quality of life and sleep and show cognitive impairments when it comes to attention and memory. This study shows that 3.1% of Lyme patients were satisfied with their lives and that 37% scored in the lower third of the quality-of-life scale. It was also shown that Lyme patients tend to have depressive symptoms.

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An Open-Label, Analgesic Efficacy and Safety of Pituitary Radiosurgery for Patients With Opioid-Refractory Pain: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Neurosurgery ◽

10.1093/neuros/nyx363 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 83 (1) ◽

pp. 146-153 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Pierre-Yves Borius ◽

Stéphanie Ranque Garnier ◽

Karine Baumstarck ◽

Frédéric Castinetti ◽

Anne Donnet ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Pain Relief ◽

Cancer Pain ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Analgesic Efficacy ◽

Standards Of Care ◽

Control Group ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

Open Label

Abstract BACKGROUND Hypophysectomy performed by craniotomy or percutaneous techniques leads to complete pain relief in more than 70% to 80% of cases for opioid refractory cancer pain. Radiosurgery could be an interesting alternative approach to reduce complications. OBJECTIVE To assess the analgesic efficacy compared with standard of care is the primary goal. The secondary objectives are to assess ophthalmic and endocrine tolerance, drug consumption, quality of life, and mechanisms of analgesic action. METHODS The trial is multicenter, randomized, prospective, and open-label with 2 parallel groups. This concerns patients in palliative care suffering from nociceptive or mixed cancer pain, refractory to standard opioid therapy. Participants will be randomly assigned to the control group receiving standards of care for pain according to recommendations, or to the experimental group receiving a pituitary GammaKnife (Elekta, Stockholm, Sweden) radiosurgery (160 Gy delivered in pituitary gland) associated with standards of care. Evaluation assessments will be taken at baseline, day0, day4, day7, day14, day28, day45, month3, and month6. EXPECTED OUTCOMES We could expect pain improvement in 70% to 90% of cases at day4. In addition we will assess the safety of pituitary radiosurgery in a vulnerable population. The secondary endpoints could show decay of opioid consumption, good patient satisfaction, and improvement of the quality of life. DISCUSSION The design of this study is potentially the most appropriate to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of radiosurgery for this new indication. New recommendations could be obtained in order to improve pain relief and quality of life.

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Perception of quality of life and social adjustment of patients with recurrent depression

Srpski arhiv za celokupno lekarstvo ◽

10.2298/sarh0610369s ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 134 (9-10) ◽

pp. 369-374 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Zana Stankovic ◽

Gordana Nikolic-Balkoski ◽

Ljubica Leposavic ◽

Ljiljana Popovic

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Social Adjustment ◽

Healthy Subjects ◽

Inverse Correlation ◽

Control Group ◽

Recurrent Depression ◽

Patients With Diabetes ◽

Perception Of Quality

Introduction: Depression is the most commonly present psychiatric entity in clinical practice, accompanied by significant impairment of both social and professional functioning. In addition, depression frequently develops as complication of other psychiatric disorders and various somatic diseases. Objective: To investigate subjective perception of quality of life and social adjustment, severity of depressive symptoms as well as level of correlation of severity of depressive symptoms and quality of life and social adjustment of patients with recurrent depression in comparison to the group of patients with diabetes and healthy subjects. Method: The study included 45 subjects of both sexes, ranging from 18 to 60 years of age, divided in three groups of 15 subjects each. The experimental group comprised the patients diagnosed with recurrent depression in remission (DSM-IV), one control group was consisted of patients diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes mellitus and another one comprised healthy subjects. The instruments of assessment were: The Beck Depression Inventory- BDI, The Social Adaptation Self -evaluation scale - SASS, The Psychological General Well-Being Scale - WBQ. Results: Significant difference of both BDI and WBQ scales was found between the experimental and the control group of healthy subjects (ANOVA, Mann Whitney; p?0.01), as well as between two control groups (p?0.02). The level of inverse correlation of mean score values of BDI and SASS scales was significant in the control group of patients with diabetes while such levels of BDI and WBQ scales (Spearman correlation coefficient, p<0.01) were found in all groups of our study. Conclusion: In the group of patients with recurrent depression, significant decline of quality of life and significantly higher severity of depressive symptoms were present in comparison to the group of healthy subjects as well as significant level of inverse correlation of severity of depressive symptoms and quality of life.

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QUALITY OF LIFE AND DEPRESSION IN WAR-RELATED THE ENDURING PERSONALITY CHANGE AFTER CATASTROPHIC EXPERIENCE (F62.0)

Psymedica ◽

10.7251/psy1002016s ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 1 (1-2) ◽

Author(s):

Milan Stojaković ◽

S. Medenlica ◽

Bogdan Stojakovic

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Personality Change ◽

Control Group ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Adult Men ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

Icd 10 ◽

And Control

GOALS: The authors' objective is to analyze Quality of Life (QoL) and depression in the Enduring personality change after catastrophic expirience (F62.0)SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In study we include 120 adult men, 60 subjects with diagnosis F62.0. according to ICD-10 (experimental group) and 60 adult men veterans without the diagnosis of F62.0 (control group). The subjects were assessed with the standardized psychometric instruments.RESULTS: In subjects with Enduring personality change (F62.0) assessment of QoL shows differences in some segments that are important for further monitoring and analysis. The results of the depression in experimental and control group show statistically significance on level (p< 0.05) for baseline visit and follow-up visit.CONCLUSIONS: The statistical relationship between level of combat exposure and war-related F62.0. depression symptoms and QoL, suggests that it may take time for the consequences of traumatic exposure to become apparent. Moreover, degree of exposure may be important in predicting the eventual development of symptoms and precipitation of F62.0. Continued follow-up will address the evolution of PTSD symptoms in war related PTSD. The results indicate the importance of further monitoring and analysis symptoms of depression in F62.0 and QoL.

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Utilizing a Low-Carbohydrate/High-Protein Diet to Improve Metabolic Health in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury (DISH): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

10.21203/rs.2.311/v2 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Ceren Yarar-Fisher ◽

Jia Li ◽

Amie McLain ◽

Barbara Gower ◽

Robert Oster ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Glucose Tolerance ◽

Dietary Intervention ◽

Gut Bacteria ◽

Control Group ◽

Metabolic Function ◽

Cord Injury ◽

Low Carbohydrate

Abstract Background Metabolic disorders (e.g., impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes) are more prevalent in people with spinal cord injury (SCI) vs. able-bodied individuals. Dietary modification is a more cost-effective treatment option than pharmacological therapies for reducing the risk of metabolic dysfunction. Lowering carbohydrate, increasing protein, and maintaining a proper dietary fat intake are expected to induce favorable adaptations in glucose control, body fat distribution, and the composition of gut microbiome. However, dietary modification has not been rigorously investigated in people with SCI. The purpose of this study is to determine if an 8-week low-carbohydrate/high-protein (LC/HP) dietary intervention will show improvements in clinically important metrics of metabolic function, body composition, the composition of gut bacteria, and quality of life. Methods/design We intend to recruit 100 participants with chronic traumatic SCI (3 years post-injury, C5-L2, AIS A-D, and 18-65 yr) and insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance or untreated type 2 diabetes and randomly assign them into an 8-week LC/HP dietary intervention group or a control group. The daily LC/HP dietary intervention includes ~30% total energy as protein (1.6 g/kg per day) with a carbohydrate-to-protein ratio <1.5 and fat intake set at ~30% of the total energy intake. The control group does not receive any dietary intervention and are continuing with their regular daily diets. Glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, β-cell function, body composition, gut microbiome composition, and quality of life measures are assessed at Week 1, before starting the LC/HP dietary intervention; and at Week 8, after completion of the LC/HP dietary intervention. Discussion New and impactful information to be derived from this project will result in the development of a low-cost, simple, self-administered LC/HP dietary intervention for improving metabolic function in individuals with chronic SCI, improved understanding of the composition of gut bacteria in SCI, and how an LC/HP dietary intervention alters gut bacteria composition. In addition, this project will improve our understanding of the relationship between metabolic function and quality of life in individuals with long-standing SCI.

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A Randomized Controlled Open-Label Pilot Study of Simvastatin Addition to Whole-Brain Radiation Therapy in Patients With Brain Metastases

Oncology Research Featuring Preclinical and Clinical Cancer Therapeutics ◽

10.3727/096504016x14719078133528 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 24 (6) ◽

pp. 521-528 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Manal El-Hamamsy ◽

Hesham Elwakil ◽

Amr S. Saad ◽

May A. Shawki

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Radiation Therapy ◽

Pilot Study ◽

Control Group ◽

Open Label ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Whole Brain Radiation ◽

Radiological Response ◽

Brain Radiation

Statins have been reported to have a potential radiosensitizing effect that has not been evaluated in clinical trials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of simvastatin in addition to whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) in patients with brain metastases (BM). A prospective randomized, controlled, open-label pilot study was conducted on 50 Egyptian patients with BM who were randomly assigned to receive 30-Gy WBRT (control group: 25 patients) or 30 Gy WBRT + simvastatin 80 mg/day for the WBRT period (simvastatin group: 25 patients). The primary outcome was radiological response at 4 weeks after WBRT. Secondary outcomes were 1-year progression-free survival (PFS), 1-year overall survival (OS), and health-related quality of life (HRQL) that was assessed using the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and its brain module (BN-20), at baseline, after WBRT, and 4 weeks after WBRT. The addition of simvastatin was tolerated. Twenty-one patients were not evaluated for radiological response because of death (n = 16), noncompliance to follow-up (n = 4), and clinical deterioration (n = 1). Response rates were 60% and 78.6% (p = 0.427), 1-year PFS rates were 5.2% and 17.7% (p = 0.392), and 1-year OS rates were 12% and 8% (p = 0.880) for the control group and simvastatin group, respectively. Nonsignificant differences were found between the two arms regarding HRQL scales. The addition of simvastatin 80 mg/day did not improve the clinical outcomes of patients with BM receiving WBRT.

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Abstract 12349: Rehabilitation Reduces Depression After Cardiac Arrest

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.144.suppl_2.12349 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 144 (Suppl_2) ◽

Author(s):

Katharyn L Flickinger ◽

Melissa Repine ◽

Kara Deliman ◽

Elizabeth R Skidmore ◽

Jon Rittenberger ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Cardiac Arrest ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Chart Review ◽

Control Group ◽

Optimal Timing ◽

Health Questionnaire ◽

Future Studies ◽

Patient Health

Introduction: Over 70,000 Americans are discharged from the hospital after surviving cardiac arrest (CA) each year. CA survivors experience depressive symptoms that adversely affect quality of life. Exercise, facilitated through cardiac rehabilitation (CR), improves mood after traumatic brain injury. CR is inconsistently offered to CA survivors but may improve recovery. Aims: Determine if: 1) CA survivors receiving CR have less severe depressive symptoms than CA survivors who do not receive CR, and 2) CA survivors receiving CR have less severe depressive symptoms after CR than before. Methods: Chart review including CA survivors between 2016-2019 who received CR or were enrolled in the control arm of a randomized trial in which depression was assessed prospectively. Demographic and cardiac arrest characteristics were recorded for all patients. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) used to quantify depressive symptoms in CR participants at the beginning and end of 12-36 sessions of CR. PHQ-9 was also assessed 6 months after hospital discharge in control subjects. We compared PHQ-9 within and between groups using t-tests. Results: We included 25 patients (15 male), with mean age 54 (SD 17) years, 16 of whom CR and 9 of whom were enrolled in the trial’s control arm. In patients who received CR, PHQ-9 score decreased from a mean of 5 (SD 5) before CR to mean of 1 (SD 1) after CR [difference -4 (95% CI -4 to -1; p=0.01)]. Among patients who received CR, mean PHQ-9 after CR was lower than that of controls 6 months after discharge [control group mean 6 (SD 5); difference -5 (95% CI -9 to -2; p=0.001)]. Conclusions: CR may improve depressive symptoms in CA survivors. Future studies should investigate other benefits, dose-response and optimal timing of CR.

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Quality of Life and Anxious-depressive Symptoms in Cancer Patients Undergoing Mindfulness-based Interventions: Feasibility and Preliminary Outcomes on Prospective Single-centre Case-control Study (MIND4ME St.)

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.02.042 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 41 (S1) ◽

pp. S252-S252

Author(s):

G. Pontoni ◽

M. Maur ◽

R. Ferrari ◽

A. Guida ◽

S. Poletti ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Case Control Study ◽

Psychological Symptoms ◽

Daily Practice ◽

Case Control ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Control Study

BackgroundMindfulness based interventions (MBIs) have shown efficacy in improving psychological symptoms including depression and anxiety in cancer patients (pts). The study aimed to explore feasibility and reproducibility of MBIs in an Italian Cancer Centre measuring biochemical and psychological parameters.MethodsIn this pilot prospective case-control study, we recruited newly diagnosed pts receiving adjuvant chemotherapy (CT). A MBIs program was designed consisting of 2.5 hours weekly for 8 weeks and, including meditation, yoga and body scan. Material for 45 minutes (mn) home daily practice was provided. Primary endpoint was to evaluate feasibility. Secondary endpoints were assessment of quality of life (QoL), psychological and biochemical outcomes of stress, tested at baseline (W0), W4, W8, W24, W48. PSS (Perceived Stress Reduction), POMS (profile of mood states scores), EuroQoL (EQ-5D-3L) were administered.ResultsTen pts underwent MBIs program arm. We present preliminary results, while data of control arm are being collected. All pts were female, two pts (20%) dropped out. Median age was 56 years. All received adjuvant CT, 5/8 received radiotherapy and hormone therapy. Mean of sessions attending was 6.8 (76%). Median daily practice was 30 mn. EQ-5D item for depression and anxiety showed decreasing trend in mean score from moderate to light (P = 0.15) and significant improvement of auto-perceived QoL was observed comparing W0 and W8 (P = 0.02)ConclusionsIn a sensitive setting such as start CT, we found high pts compliance to MBIs. Improvement in self-perceived QoL after starting program was found and comparing anxious-depressive symptoms outcomes with control arm is still needed.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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Managing depressive symptoms in people with mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia with a multicomponent psychotherapy intervention: a randomized controlled trial

International Psychogeriatrics ◽

10.1017/s1041610220000216 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-15 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Johanne B. Tonga ◽

Jūratė Šaltytė Benth ◽

Espen A. Arnevik ◽

Katja Werheid ◽

Maria S. Korsnes ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Cognitive Rehabilitation ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Control Group ◽

Reminiscence Therapy ◽

Randomized Controlled

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the CORDIAL program, a psychosocial intervention consisting of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), cognitive rehabilitation, and reminiscence to manage depressive symptoms for people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. Design: We conducted a randomized controlled trial, based on a two-group (intervention and control), pre-/post-intervention design. Setting: Participants were recruited from five different old age psychiatry and memory clinics at outpatients’ hospitals. Participants: Hundred and ninety-eight people with MCI or early-stage dementia were included. Intervention: The intervention group (n = 100) received 11 individual weekly sessions of the CORDIAL program. This intervention includes elements from CBT, cognitive rehabilitation, and reminiscence therapy. The control group (n = 98) received treatment-as-usual. Measurements: We assessed Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) (main outcome), Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire, and Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s disease (secondary outcomes) over the course of 4 months and at a 10-month follow-up visit. Results: A linear mixed model demonstrated that the depressive symptoms assessed by MADRS were significantly more reduced in the intervention groups as compared to the control group (p < 0.001). The effect persisted for 6 months after the intervention. No significant differences between groups were found in neuropsychiatric symptoms or quality of life. Conclusion: Our multicomponent intervention, which comprised 11 individual sessions of CBT, cognitive rehabilitation, and reminiscence therapy, reduced depressive symptoms in people with MCI and dementia.

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