Article
Neurosciences
Damiana Scuteri, Marianna Contrada, Teresa Loria, Paolo Tonin, Giorgio Sandrini, Stefano Tamburin, Pierluigi Nicotera, Giacinto Bagetta, Maria Tiziana Corasaniti
Summary: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of analgesia therapy for agitation in Alzheimer's disease patients and the effect of painkillers on pain relief and reduction of agitation.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Frederick Graham, Elizabeth Beattie, Elaine Fielding
Summary: This study investigated hospital nurses' management of agitation in older cognitively impaired patients with pain. The majority of nurses predominately managed agitation with antipsychotics, indicating a common gap in practice where pain in agitated patients may be missed.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Vanesa Canton-Habas, Maria Del Pilar Carrera-Gonzalez, Maria Teresa Moreno-Casbas, Manuel Rich-Ruiz
Summary: This study validated the adaptation of the PAINAD scale in Spanish, showing excellent content validity and internal consistency. The scale can effectively assess pain in patients with dementia who are unable to communicate verbally.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Emma Dunford, Emily West, Elizabeth L. Sampson
Summary: This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the PAINAD scale in people with dementia. The results showed good inter-rater reliability and internal consistency, but modest test-retest reliability. The concurrent validity was weak, and there was no evidence of convergent validity. PAINAD scores were higher during movement, indicating discriminant validity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Damiana Scuteri, Roberta Cassano, Sonia Trombino, Rossella Russo, Hirokazu Mizoguchi, Chizuko Watanabe, Kengo Hamamura, Soh Katsuyama, Takaaki Komatsu, Luigi Antonio Morrone, Laura Rombola, Annagrazia Adornetto, Annarita S. Lagana, Maria Tiziana Corasaniti, Paolo Tonin, Shinobu Sakurada, Tsukasa Sakurada, Pierluigi Nicotera, Giacinto Bagetta
Summary: The study aims to develop a nanotechnology delivery system NanoBEO based on solid lipid nanoparticles loaded with bergamot essential oil (BEO) to manage agitation caused by dementia. The stability of titrated BEO components is guaranteed and double-blind clinical trials are being planned to establish efficacy and safety.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Ivana Babicova, Ainslea Cross, Dawn Forman, Jeffery Hughes, Kreshnik Hoti
Summary: This study further validated the electronic pain assessment instrument PainChek (R) in a UK care home population living with dementia, showing significant positive correlation with the Abbey Pain Scale, satisfactory internal consistency, moderate single measure intraclass correlation, and substantial inter-rater agreement.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Netta Bentur, Jiska Cohen-Mansfield, Zorian Radomyslsky
Summary: This study demonstrates the feasibility of improving pain assessment and identification among OPAD by using validated tools by family members and paid care workers. The correlations between family members and paid care workers ratings were statistically significant, especially when family members lived with the OPAD. The moderate and significant correlations between PAINE and PAINAD scores suggest potential for improving quality of care and life for OPAD.
JOURNAL OF PAIN AND SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
D. Scuteri, F. Guida, S. Boccella, L. Luongo, S. Maione, P. Tonin, P. Nicotera, G. Bagetta, M. T. Corasaniti
Summary: This study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of oral spray nabiximols for pain and agitation treatment in severe dementia patients. The results may provide a safer and more effective treatment option for the pain and agitation in severe dementia patients.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Damiana Scuteri, Laura Rombola, Takafumi Hayashi, Chizuko Watanabe, Shinobu Sakurada, Kengo Hamamura, Tsukasa Sakurada, Paolo Tonin, Giacinto Bagetta, Luigi A. Morrone, Maria Tiziana Corasaniti
Summary: Chronic pain is a common issue, especially in elderly individuals with cognitive impairment. This study highlights the potential of bergamot essential oil (BEO) in managing pain and agitation, providing a safe alternative to neuroleptics.
Article
Neurosciences
Jiaxin Liu, Taoyu Lin, Guanjun Liu, Xiaoxin Dong, Rui Min
Summary: This study investigates the risk factors for agitation in older adults with dementia in China. The results suggest that activities of daily living, family support, and behavioral awareness significantly influence agitated behavior. Caregivers should be attentive and take active measures to improve the quality of life for dementia patients.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Dauda Salihu, Eliza Mi Ling Wong, Umar Muhammad Bello, Rick Yiu Cho Kwan
Summary: Dance interventions have shown significant improvements in agitation and cognitive functioning in people living with dementia in institutional care facilities. The study included six randomized controlled trials and three non-randomized studies with a total of 610 participants. While the evidence is favorable, more studies are needed to confirm these effects.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Yi-Chien Liu, Chih-Ning Liao, Chen-Yi Song
Summary: This study examined the effects of a 10-week manual massage intervention provided by caregivers on the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) and caregiver burden. The results showed a significant decrease in the total scores of all questionnaires after the intervention, and the subscale scores of behavioral disturbance and physical signs on the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia also significantly decreased.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Yi-Yun Ting, Yun Tien, Hsiang -Ping Huang
Summary: This study investigated the effect of aromatherapy on agitation in patients with dementia in the community. Aromatherapy was performed for four weeks, and significant differences were found in the severity of agitation between the aromatherapy group and the control group. The study suggests that aromatherapy can significantly reduce dementia-related agitation, especially in physically non-aggressive behavior.
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Damiana Scuteri, Chizuko Watanabe, Shinobu Sakurada, Kengo Hamamura, Tsukasa Sakurada, Paolo Tonin, Giacinto Bagetta, Maria Tiziana Corasaniti
Summary: The demand for natural products is increasing, and engineering pharmacotechnological processes are needed to investigate the efficacy and safety of these products in clinical conditions. Among elderly dementia patients, a high percentage suffer from chronic pain and neuropsychiatric symptoms, with agitation being the most challenging. Undertreated pain and the use of antipsychotics increase the risk of death. A scoping review identified bergamot essential oil as the only oil engineered to address the criticisms of aromatherapy clinical trials. A clinical trial is currently underway to assess the efficacy and safety of bergamot intervention in managing agitation and pain in severe dementia, with potential implications for other essential oils.
Article
Psychiatry
Anderson Chen, Frank Copeli, Eran Metzger, Alesia Cloutier, David N. Osser
Summary: This article updates algorithms for the use of psychopharmacologic agents in geriatric patients with dementia, proposing different treatment approaches for emergent, urgent, and non-urgent settings. Recommendations for specific medications like olanzapine and trazodone are provided based on the severity of the situation.
PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Rehabilitation
Christine T. Shiner, Angela Vratsistas-Curto, Valerie Bramah, Karon McDonell, Alison E. J. Mahoney, Sarah Sweeney, Steven G. Faux
Summary: Persistent activity limitations are common among road trauma survivors, with a high proportion reporting unmet rehabilitation needs following hospital discharge. Telehealth services appear to be a feasible, convenient, and acceptable mode of assessing and addressing these needs.
DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Jill Newby, Elizabeth Mason, Natalie Kladnistki, Michael Murphy, Michael Millard, Hila Haskelberg, Adrian Allen, Alison Mahoney
Summary: This paper provides clinical insights and practical guidelines on how to integrate iCBT into routine psychological therapy practice, addressing common barriers and offering practical solutions. Flexible and judicious use of iCBT has been shown to reduce treatment waitlists and allow clinicians more time for sophisticated therapeutic interventions and supporting clients.
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Ian Li, Michael Millard, Hila Haskelberg, Megan Hobbs, John Luu, Alison Mahoney
Summary: This study investigated the uptake and effectiveness of iCBT for OCD during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. Results showed a significant increase in course registrations during COVID-19, with participants experiencing medium to large reductions in symptom severity, psychological distress, and disability. The study highlights the scalability and effectiveness of digital mental health services for OCD during the pandemic.
BEHAVIOURAL AND COGNITIVE PSYCHOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Alison Mahoney, Ian Li, Ashlee Grierson, Michael Millard, Hila Haskelberg, Elizabeth Mason
Summary: During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant increase in the uptake of iCBT-I, with treatment outcomes similar to those before the pandemic. Insomnia symptom severity was slightly lower during the COVID-19 period, while levels of psychological distress remained similar. iCBT-I was associated with large reductions in insomnia symptom severity and small improvements in psychological distress and wellbeing, demonstrating its scalability and potential effectiveness.
AUSTRALIAN PSYCHOLOGIST
(2022)
Article
Anesthesiology
Christine T. Shiner, Tania Gardner, Hila Haskelberg, Ian Li, Steven G. Faux, Michael Millard, Alison E. J. Mahoney
Summary: The uptake of an online chronic pain management program significantly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, with similar program adherence and effectiveness before and during COVID. These findings support the effectiveness and scalability of online chronic pain management programs to meet increasing demand.
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Ian Li, Aileen Z. Chen, Jill M. Newby, Natalie Kladnitski, Hila Haskelberg, Michael Millard, Alison Mahoney
Summary: This study examined the outcomes of an online mindfulness course during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. The results showed that participants in the during-COVID-pandemic group reported slightly lower levels of psychological distress and higher levels of wellbeing compared to the pre-COVID group. The mindfulness course was associated with medium effect size reductions in psychological distress and small effect size improvements in wellbeing in both groups.
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Lauren F. McLellan, Megan J. Hobbs, Lorna Peters, Michael Millard, Alison E. J. Mahoney
Summary: This study examined CBT-mindedness among a larger clinical population receiving iCBT. The results indicated that CBT-mindedness (as well as changes in CBT-mindedness) is an important predictor of therapy response.
COGNITIVE THERAPY AND RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Adrian R. Allen, Jessica Smith, Megan J. Hobbs, Siobhan A. Loughnan, Maria Sharrock, Jill M. Newby, Gavin Andrews, Alison E. J. Mahoney
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of internet-based cognitive behaviour therapy (iCBT) with minimal clinician guidance for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The results showed significant reductions in PTSD symptom severity among iCBT participants, with maintenance of gains at the 3-month follow-up. However, the study sample size was small and the difference between the iCBT group and the control group did not reach statistical significance.
BEHAVIOURAL AND COGNITIVE PSYCHOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Caroline Hunt, Kay Bussey, Lorna Peters, Jonathan Gaston, Alice Lo, Ronald M. Rapee
Summary: This study examines peer victimization in youth seeking treatment for anxiety and finds that positive friendships and externalizing problems are associated with the risk of victimization. Treatment is effective in reducing both anxiety and victimization.
BEHAVIOURAL AND COGNITIVE PSYCHOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Amy E. Joubert, Ashlee B. Grierson, Ian Li, Maria J. Sharrock, Michelle L. Moulds, Aliza Werner-Seidler, Eileen P. Stech, Alison E. J. Mahoney, Jill M. Newby
Summary: This study evaluated the effectiveness of an internet intervention targeting rumination and worry. The results showed that both clinician-guided and self-help formats were effective in reducing negative thinking, anxiety, depression, and distress. The intervention was most effective when delivered with clinician guidance.
BEHAVIOUR RESEARCH AND THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Katrina Prior, Elske Salemink, Monique Piggott, Victoria Manning, Reinout W. Wiers, Bethany A. Teachman, Maree Teesson, Andrew J. Baillie, Alison Mahoney, Lauren Mclellan, Nicola C. Newton, Lexine A. Stapinski
Summary: This study examines the feasibility and efficacy of a web-based IBM+ApBM program (Re-Train Your Brain) in conjunction with treatment as usual for young adults with social anxiety and hazardous alcohol use. The results show that both integrated and alternating programs, when combined with TAU, resulted in greater improvements in interpretation biases and comorbid biases compared to TAU only. Additionally, the alternating program showed better outcomes in generalized social anxiety symptoms and alcohol cravings.
JMIR FORMATIVE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Ratih Arruum Listiyandini, Annisa Andriani, Chandradewi Kusristanti, Michelle Moulds, Alison Mahoney, Jill M. Newby
Summary: This paper describes the process of culturally adapting an Australian internet-delivered mindfulness program to be relevant and appropriate for treating Indonesian university students' psychological distress. The study highlights the importance of cultural adaptation and demonstrates how it can be achieved for internet-delivered psychotherapy programs.
JMIR FORMATIVE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Reidar P. Lystad, Diana Fajardo Pulido, Lorna Peters, Melissa Johnstone, Louise A. Ellis, Jeffrey Braithwaite, Viviana Wuthrich, Janaki Amin, Cate M. Cameron, Rebecca J. Mitchell
Summary: This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of recruiting university graduates to establish a longitudinal cohort study on emerging adulthood. The overall recruitment rate was low, but respondents who participated had good completeness of survey responses. The study offers insights and recommendations for future research investigating health and well-being in emerging adults through longitudinal cohort studies.
JMIR FORMATIVE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Francis Merson, Jill Newby, Alice Shires, Michael Millard, Alison Mahoney
Summary: This study aimed to validate the temporal stability of the K10 over various time periods, and found that it demonstrated sound test-retest reliability in both treatment-seeking and non-treatment-seeking samples. The results support the continued implementation of the K10 as an outcome measure in mental health research and treatment.
AUSTRALIAN PSYCHOLOGIST
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Mia Romano, Jelena Arambasic, Lorna Peters
Summary: The study found that MI-consistent therapist behaviors and reflections of change language significantly predicted the proportion of change talk by the client during MI sessions in the context of social anxiety disorder. However, these behaviors did not predict treatment outcome following CBT.
PSYCHOTHERAPY RESEARCH
(2021)
