Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ricarda Mewes
Summary: This article discusses the importance of somatic symptoms that cannot be fully explained by medical conditions for public health, and their association with somatoform disorders. It also emphasizes the impact of specific negative psychological factors on symptoms and disorders.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Nadine J. Pohontsch, Thomas Zimmermann, Marco Lehmann, Lisa Rustige, Katinka Kurz, Bernd Lowe, Martin Scherer
Summary: German GPs consider adequate coding as an essential prerequisite for treatment and tend to prefer symptom or functional codes. Exposure, guideline knowledge, and experience are most strongly associated with GPs' subjective coding behavior.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Cathrine Abrahamsen, Silje Endresen Reme, Knut Reidar Wangen, Morten Lindbaek, Erik Lonnmark Werner
Summary: This study aimed to examine the effects of a work-focused structured communication tool based on cognitive-behavioral therapy in patients with Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms (MUPS). The results showed that the intervention group using the tool had significant overall improvement in function, symptoms, and quality of life compared to the usual care group. Furthermore, the intervention group also had a decrease in sick leave and greater satisfaction with the communication during consultations.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
An Mariman, Peter Vermeir, Marta Csabai, Anne Weiland, Karen Stegers-Jager, Ruben Vermeir, Dirk Vogelaers
Summary: Current biomedical thinking hampers adequate management in dealing with medically unexplained symptoms (MUS). A lack of education and training focusing on a biopsychical approach is observed. Intercultural communication skills need to be enhanced in healthcare to address the complexity of MUS management in a diverse context. Research and dedication of healthcare resources should be intensified.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Mujtaba Husain, Trudie Chalder
Summary: Medically unexplained symptoms or persistent physical symptoms are common, real, and have significant impact on patients' distress, functioning, and healthcare costs. Proper history, examination, and investigations are essential for diagnosis, followed by tailored advice for managing the symptoms.
Article
Psychiatry
Susanne Fischer, Nadine Skoluda, Nida Ali, Urs M. Nater, Ricarda Mewes
Summary: This case-control study investigated whether individuals with different forms of medically unexplained symptoms show altered hair cortisol concentrations. Results suggest that a specific subgroup of patients with medically unexplained symptoms may have hypocortisolism, related to excessive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Mitsuhiro Asami, Yasuyuki Kimura, Miho Takenoshita, Risa Tominaga, Chizuko Maeda, Chihiro Takao, Motoko Watanabe, Trang Thi Huyen Tu, Takahiko Nagamine, Akira Toyofuku
Summary: This study compared the DMFT index scores of patients with oral psychosomatic disorders, psychiatric inpatients, and general dental patients. The median DMFT scores of patients with oral psychosomatic disorders, psychiatric inpatients, and general dental patients were 16, 22, and 10, respectively, showing a significant difference. The presence or absence of psychiatric history did not significantly affect the DMFT scores of patients with oral psychosomatic disorders.
JOURNAL OF DENTAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Darren M. Winograd, Justeen K. Hyde, Katharine Bloeser, Susan L. Santos, Nicole Anastasides, Beth Ann Petrakis, Wilfred R. Pigeon, David R. Litke, Drew A. Helmer, Lisa M. McAndrew
Summary: This study evaluated factors that influenced enrollment in and satisfaction with behavioral interventions for Veterans with Gulf War Illness (GWI). Through one-on-one interviews, participants expressed a desire for new knowledge about GWI, learning symptom-management strategies, and improving care, both for themselves and other GWI patients. The results showed that Veterans felt positive about the interventions as they built strong therapeutic relationships with providers, had their experiences validated, and received information and strategies for managing GWI symptoms.
JOURNAL OF PSYCHOSOMATIC RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Victoria Ruschil, Nazar Mazurak, Martin Hofmann, Ekaterina Loskutova, Paul Enck, Tobias Freilinger, Katja Weimer
Summary: Patients with medically unexplained sensory symptoms (MUSS) often have psychiatric comorbidities, as shown in this study. Psychological questionnaires can differentiate between patients and healthy controls, while altered autonomic nervous system (ANS) function was also observed in these patients.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Naomi S. Kane, Nicole Anastasides, David R. Litke, Drew A. Helmer, Stephen C. Hunt, Karen S. Quigley, Wilfred R. Pigeon, Lisa M. McAndrew
Summary: The study suggests that MUS conditions in Gulf War Veterans are often under-recognized in terms of clinical diagnosis and service-connected disability. Veterans were more likely to be diagnosed and service-connected for musculoskeletal-related and mental health conditions instead of MUS conditions. Providers may require more education and training to improve diagnosis and service-connection for MUS conditions.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Joel H. Rubenstein, Li Jiang, Jacob E. Kurlander, Joan Chen, Valbona Metko, Maryam Khodadost, Kimberly Nofz, Trivellore Raghunathan
Summary: The study found an association between incomplete response of GERD symptoms to PPI and psychological distress, but it is not a good predictor for endoscopic pathology. Patients with high psychological distress are less likely to have esophageal pathology such as erosive esophagitis or Barrett's esophagus.
CLINICAL GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Psychiatry
Tanveer Kaur, Piyush Ranjan, Siddharth Sarkar, Gauri Shanker Kaloiya, Munnoo Khan, Aakansha, Harpreet Bhatia
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis found that psychological interventions may be effective in treating patients with Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms (MUPS), improving somatic symptom severity and depression. However, anxiety and the physical and mental component summary of Short-Form General Health Survey 36 did not significantly improve. Therefore, using a tailored psychological intervention module in primary care may help improve overall functioning in these patients.
GENERAL HOSPITAL PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Agata Orzechowska, Paulina Maruszewska, Piotr Galecki
Summary: This article explores the relationship between physical and mental health, highlighting the complexities and challenges faced by patients in modern healthcare. It emphasizes the role of cognitive behavioral therapy in addressing multifaceted somatic disorders.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Viola Sallay, Tamas Martos, Lilla Lucza, Anne Weiland, Karen M. Stegers-Jager, Peter Vermeir, An Noelle Margareta Mariman, Marta Csabai
Summary: The study identified the need for medical specialists to adapt to the personal world of patients, search for common frames to understand MUS, discover methods for adapting to cultural differences, and enhance interprofessional coordination of knowledge and practices.
BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Pauline Bos, Richard C. Oude Voshaar, Denise J. C. Hanssen
Summary: This study found a higher prevalence and severity of alexithymia in older patients with MUS, which was associated with depressive symptoms but not with increasing age. This underscores the need to further study the associations between alexithymia, MUS, and depression in older patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Sarah Hardoon, Joseph Hayes, Essi Viding, Eamon McCrory, Kate Walters, David Osborn
Summary: Contrary to current guidelines, antipsychotics are frequently and continuously prescribed to individuals with recorded personality disorder (PD) but no history of severe mental illness (SMI). An urgent review of clinical practice is necessary, including the assessment of the effectiveness of such prescribing and monitoring for adverse effects.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Brendan Hallam, Irene Petersen, Claudia Cooper, Christina Avgerinou, Kate Walters
Summary: This study investigates the incidence of memory concerns and cognitive decline in primary care patients in the UK. The findings suggest that a minority of individuals experiencing memory loss consult their GP, but those who do report concerns are at higher risk of developing dementia, particularly women, older adults, and those in more deprived areas.
CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Olaitan Okunoye, Louise Marston, Kate Walters, Anette Schrag
Summary: Based on a cohort study using a large UK primary care database, this research found that the incidence of PD in the UK remained stable between 2006 and 2016 when considering age and diagnostic patterns, indicating no major change in underlying risk factors for PD during this time period in the UK.
NPJ PARKINSONS DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jennifer Dykxhoorn, Laura Fischer, Becca Bayliss, Carol Brayne, Liam Crosby, Bobbie Galvin, Emma Geijer-Simpson, Oliver Jones, Eileen Kaner, Louise Lafortune, Michael McGrath, Paula Moehring, David Osborn, Mylene Petermann, Olivia Remes, Ami Vadgama, Kate Walters
Summary: This study developed a comprehensive conceptual framework for public mental health by integrating academic research, policy and practitioner views, and lived experience perspectives. Through stakeholder consultations, 55 determinants were identified and organized into four levels: individual, family, community, and structural. The research highlighted the importance of using multiple sources to create a comprehensive model through shared understanding and prioritization.
Article
Primary Health Care
Cini Bhanu, Irene Petersen, Mine Orlu, Daniel Davis, Kate Walters
Summary: This study investigated the incidence of postural hypotension in general practice between 2008 and 2018, and examined how the trends varied by age, sex, year, and social deprivation. The results showed that the incidence of postural hypotension increased with age and social deprivation, and was higher in males compared to females, especially in older age groups (>80 years).
BRITISH JOURNAL OF GENERAL PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Emily West, Pushpa Nair, Narin Aker, Elizabeth L. Sampson, Kirsten Moore, Jill Manthorpe, Greta Rait, Kate Walters, Nuriye Kupeli, Nathan Davies
Summary: The study aimed to develop a decision-aid in collaboration with people living with dementia and their carers to support their decision-making during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
HEALTH EXPECTATIONS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joy Read, Rachael Frost, Kate Walters, Remco Tuijt, Jill Manthorpe, Bev Maydon, Jennifer Pigott, Anette Schrag, Nathan Davies
Summary: This qualitative study explored the experiences and challenges of people with Parkinson's and their family members living in the community. The results identified three main phases of transition: being diagnosed with Parkinson's, living with the condition, and experiencing increased dependency.
Article
Psychiatry
Kate Dotsikas, David Osborn, Kate Walters, Jennifer Dykxhoorn
Summary: This study investigates the association between trajectories of housing affordability problems and mental health.
SOCIAL PSYCHIATRY AND PSYCHIATRIC EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
M. Poppe, L. Duffy, N. L. Marchant, J. A. Barber, R. Hunter, N. Bass, A. M. Minihane, K. Walters, P. Higgs, P. Rapaport, I. A. Lang, S. Morgan-Trimmer, J. Huntley, Z. Walker, H. Brodaty, H. C. Kales, K. Ritchie, A. Burton, J. Wenborn, A. Betz, C. Cooper
Summary: This study aims to determine if a personally tailored secondary dementia prevention program, delivered remotely and facilitated by non-clinical interventionists, can reduce cognitive decline in older adults. The intervention focuses on promoting healthy lifestyle, increasing pleasurable activities and social connections, and improving self-management. The results of this study could greatly benefit older adults with memory concerns by providing them with effective interventions.
Article
Primary Health Care
Annie Jeffery, Cini Bhanu, Kate Walters, Ian C. K. Wong, David Osborn, Joseph F. Hayes
Summary: This study investigates the association between the number of prescribed medications and early discontinuation of antidepressant treatment in adults with type 2 diabetes. The findings suggest that individuals with higher levels of concurrent polypharmacy are more adherent to treatment, while individuals with lower levels of concurrent polypharmacy may benefit from adherence support.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF GENERAL PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Annie Jeffery, Cini Bhanu, Kate Walters, Ian C. K. Wong, David Osborn, Joseph F. Hayes
Summary: This study found that individuals with physical comorbidities and polypharmacy are more likely to experience depression relapse after discontinuing antidepressant treatment. Additionally, longer durations of previous antidepressant treatment are associated with a higher risk of relapse.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Jennifer Dykxhoorn, David Osborn, Laura Fischer, David Troy, James B. Kirkbride, Kate Walters
Summary: This study aimed to measure social exclusion and its domains using population-based data in England. The findings revealed higher levels of social exclusion in younger age groups, and elevated levels among ethnic minority groups. Different patterns of social exclusion were identified within each domain.
SOCIAL PSYCHIATRY AND PSYCHIATRIC EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Sarah Griffiths, Emily Spencer, Jane Wilcock, Claire Bamford, Alison Wheatley, Greta Brunskill, Federica D'Andrea, Kate R. Walters, Natalia Lago, Aidan O'Keeffe, Rachael Hunter, Remco Tuijt, Karen Harrison Dening, Sube Banerjee, Jill Manthorpe, Louise Allan, Louise Robinson, Greta Rait, PriDem Study Team
Summary: This study aims to assess the feasibility and implementation of a person-centred intervention for dementia care led by Clinical Dementia Leads working in primary care. Data from patients, carers, and healthcare professionals will be collected and analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of the intervention.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Jennifer S. Pigott, Nathan Davies, Elizabeth Chesterman, Joy Read, Danielle Nimmons, Kate Walters, Megan Armstrong, Anette Schrag
Summary: Cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease (PD) poses complex challenges for clinical management and healthcare interactions. The support needs of both PD patients and caregivers are often unmet, with inconsistent diagnostic pathways and poor awareness of cognitive impairment in PD. Clinicians should adapt their approach and provide tailored information and support, while services should be more streamlined and collaborative. Wider awareness and understanding of this condition and its differences from other types of dementia are needed.
PARKINSONS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Cini Bhanu, Irene Petersen, Mine Orlu, Daniel Davis, Reecha Sofat, Juan Carlos Bazo-Alvarez, Kate Walters
Summary: This study reveals the existence of different clusters of drugs associated with orthostatic hypotension in practice, which vary with age. The combination of cardiovascular system drugs, psychoactive drugs, and alpha-blockers may increase the cumulative risk of orthostatic hypotension in older adults.
PHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY
(2023)