Journal of psychosomatic research
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Delirium after cardiac surgery is a serious complication that results in higher morbidity and mortality rates, and prolongs hospitalisation. However, the knowledge base regarding the issue of postoperative delirium is still limited. Therefore, in the current study, we evaluated the incidence and independent perioperative risk factors of delirium after cardiac surgery. ⋯ According to the current analysis, the aforementioned conditions independently predispose to delirium following cardiac surgery. Since some of these factors can be successfully treated and eliminated preoperatively and postoperatively, this study should be helpful in reducing the risk of delirium and in improving the medical care of patients undergoing cardiac surgery (Clinical Trials Identifier: NCT00784576).
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Studies have shown beneficial effects from practicing the relaxation response (RR). Various pathways for these effects have been investigated. Previous small studies suggest that spirituality might be a pathway for the health effects of the RR. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that increased spiritual well-being by eliciting the RR is one pathway resulting in improved psychological outcomes. ⋯ Our data demonstrated a possible dose-response relationship among RR practice, spiritual and psychological well-being. Furthermore, the data support the hypothesis that spiritual well-being may serve as a pathway of how RR elicitation improves psychological outcomes. These findings might contribute to improved psychological care of cardiac patients.
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Current evidence regarding the association between psychopathology and subclinical atherosclerosis show inconsistent results. The present study examined whether subclinical atherosclerosis was more prevalent in a large cohort of persons with depressive or anxiety disorders as compared to non-depressed and non-anxious controls. ⋯ Persons with current depressive or anxiety disorders were more likely to have subclinical atherosclerosis compared to healthy controls.
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The purpose of this study is to describe the demographic and clinical profile, mortality rates, and effectiveness of a multifaceted treatment approach in hospitalized children and adolescents with delirium referred to psychiatry. ⋯ Delirium is an important and underresearched disorder in children and adolescents. Although the evidence base for the use of antipsychotic medications in childhood delirium remains relatively slim, tentative threshold criteria for the use of such medications are suggested by this study. Controlled studies comparing different antipsychotic medications with each other and with nonpharmacological strategies are urgently required.