Journal of psychosomatic research
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To design and validate an instrument to capture the characteristic post-exertional exacerbation of fatigue in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). ⋯ The 'fatigue' experienced by patients with CFS covers both physical and cognitive components. The FES captured the phenomenon of a post-exertional exacerbation of fatigue commonly reported by patients with CFS. The characteristics of the symptom response to physical and cognitive challenges were similar. Both the FES and the challenge paradigms offer key tools to reliably investigate biological correlates of the dynamic changes in fatigue.
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The objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between physical injury (no, moderate and severe) and posttraumatic stress reactions (PTSR) at 4-5 months after the attack in survivors of the terror attack at Utøya Island, Norway, 22 July 2011, adjusting for sociodemographic, psychosocial and trauma-related factors. ⋯ Physical injury was associated with higher PTSR after the terror attack. Moderately injured survivors may, as those severely injured, exhibit high levels of PTSR, and this should be taken into account when targeting early psychosocial health care after terror.
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COPD and mental disorder comorbidity is commonly reported, although findings are limited by substantive weaknesses. Moreover, few studies investigate mental disorder as a risk for COPD onset. This research aims to investigate associations between current (12-month) DSM-IV mental disorders and COPD, associations between temporally prior mental disorders and subsequent COPD diagnosis, and cumulative effect of multiple mental disorders. ⋯ Mental disorder prevalence is higher in those with COPD than those without COPD. Over time, mental disorders are associated with subsequent diagnosis of COPD; further, the risk is cumulative for multiple diagnoses. Attention should be given to the role of mental disorders in the pathogenesis of COPD using prospective study designs.
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Delirium superimposed on dementia is common and potentially distressing for patients, caregivers, and health care staff. We quantitatively and qualitatively assessed the experience of informal caregiver and staff (staff nurses, nurse aides, physical therapists) caring for patients with delirium superimposed on dementia. ⋯ This study provides information on the implication of the experience of delirium on caregivers and staff. The distress related to delirium superimposed on dementia underlines the importance of providing continuous training, support and experience for both the caregivers and health care staff to improve the care of patients with delirium superimposed on dementia.
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Distinguishing transient from persistent anxiety and depression symptoms in older people presenting to general practice with musculoskeletal pain is potentially important for effective management. This study sought to identify distinct post-consultation depression and anxiety symptom trajectories in adults aged over 50years consulting general practice for non-inflammatory musculoskeletal pain. ⋯ Older people with non-inflammatory musculoskeletal pain are at high risk of persistent anxiety and/or depression problems. Biopsychosocial factors, such as pain status, coping strategies, instrumental support, performing manual/routine work, being female and age ≥70years, may help identify patients with persistent anxiety and/or depression.