Evaluating the psychometric structure of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression pre- and post-treatment in antidepressant randomised trials: Secondary analysis of 6843 individual participants from 20 trials.

BACKGROUND: The 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD-17) is the most popular depression measure in antidepressant clinical trials. Prior evidence indicates poor replicability and inconsistent factorial structure. This has not been studied in pooled randomised trial data, nor has a psychometrically optimal model been developed. AIMS: To examine the psychometric properties of the HRSD-17 for pre-treatment and post-treatment clinical trial data in a large pooled database of antidepressant randomised controlled trial participants, and to determine an optimal abbreviated version. METHOD: Data for 6843 participants were obtained from the data repository Vivli.org and randomly split into groups for exploratory (n = 3421) and confirmatory (n = 3422) factor analysis. Invariance methods were used to assess potential sex differences. RESULTS: The HRSD-17 was psychometrically sub-optimal and non-invariant for all models. High item variances and low variance explained suggested redundancy in each model. EFA failed at baseline and produced four item models for outcome groups (five for placebo-outcome), which were metric but not scalar invariant. CONCLUSIONS: In antidepressant trial data, the HRSD-17 was psychometrically inadequate and scores were not sex invariant. Neither full nor abbreviated HRSD models are suitable for use in clinical trial settings and the HRSD's status as the gold standard should be reconsidered.

"This is real", "this is hard" and "I'm not making it up": Experience of diagnosis and living with non-epileptic attack disorder.

PURPOSE: To use a qualitative research approach to explore adults' experience of living with non-epileptic attack disorder. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to explore the experience of adults (18 years+) with a confirmed diagnosis of non-epileptic attack disorder (NEAD) across the trajectory of the disorder. The topics investigated included the onset of symptoms, the experience of non-epileptic attacks, the diagnostic process and living with NEAD. METHOD: Twelve people diagnosed with NEAD who attended a tertiary hospital neurology department took part in semi-structured interviews. The data generated were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Eleven women and one man with median age of 25 years took part. Three themes were developed: mind-body (dis)connect, a stigmatised diagnosis and a role for containment. Adults spoke about their experience of nonepileptic attacks, the diagnostic and management process and the impact of both nonepileptic attacks and the NEAD diagnosis on their lives. CONCLUSIONS: Adults' experience's within the healthcare system across the trajectory of NEAD influenced their own understanding and trust in their NEAD experience, how they shared this with others in their social and work lives and how they managed their NEAD symptoms on a daily basis. The research suggests the need for a consistent, timely implementation of a rule-in diagnostic approach and multi-disciplinary management of NEAD. It is recommended that lessons be taken from theoretical models including the common-sense model and a modified version of the reattribution model to support the de-stigmatisation of this diagnosis to inform psychoeducation and professionally facilitated peer-support groups.

A Systematic Review of Cognition in Cervical Dystonia.

Growing evidence points to a spectrum of non-motor symptoms, including cognitive difficulties that have a greater impact on functional outcomes and quality of life than motor symptoms in cervical dystonia (CD). Some cognitive impairments have been reported; however, findings are inconsistent, and described across mixed groups of dystonia. The current review aimed to examine the evidence for cognitive impairments in CD. MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO and Web of Science databases were searched. Studies were included if they met the following criteria (i) cross-sectional or longitudinal studies of adults with CD, (ii) where the results of standardised measures of cognitive or neuropsychological function in any form were assessed and reported, (iii) results compared to a control group or normative data, and (iv) were published in English. Results are presented in a narrative synthesis. Twenty studies were included. Subtle difficulties with general intellectual functioning, processing speed, verbal memory, visual memory, visuospatial function, executive function, and social cognition were identified while language, and attention and working memory appear to be relatively spared. Several methodological limitations were identified that should be considered when interpreting the evidence to describe a specific profile of cognitive impairment in CD. Clinical and research implications are discussed.

Measuring societal attitudes and behaviours towards radon indoors: A case study of Slovenia.

Public opinion surveys play a crucial role in assessing public awareness, knowledge, and radon risk perception in the context of national Radon Action Plans. However, many of these surveys are constructed without a solid foundation in behavioural theories, health protection theory, or social science methodology. This lack of foundation can lead to misguided priorities in radon mitigation interventions and ineffective communication strategies, ultimately resulting in low compliance with testing and mitigation in private homes. By developing and testing scales that measure a wide range of theory-based socio-psychological concepts influencing protective behaviour of individuals facing radon risk, this study provides researchers, authorities, and practitioners with a useful and versatile survey tool to explore the complexity of human behaviour in the context of radon. The results of this survey, conducted in Slovenia with a representative sample of respondents from low, middle, and high radon risk areas (N = 2012), offer a foundation for assessing gaps and strategies to increase testing and remediation of homes. The findings suggest that communication interventions need to be more precisely tailored to specific population groups and should go beyond enhancing awareness, knowledge and radon risk perception. Effective strategies should evoke emotions, share personal stories, highlight successful mitigation cases, and use personal testimonies from individuals affected by lung cancer. Moreover, incorporating positive social norms can inspire more individuals to engage in testing and mitigation measures. Assessing theory-driven socio-psychological concepts through a survey allows researchers and policymakers to craft more effective strategies aimed at promoting radon testing and mitigation, thereby enhancing overall public health.

A psycho-social-environmental lens on radon air pollutant: authorities', mitigation contractors', and residents' perceptions of barriers and facilitators to domestic radon mitigation.

Introduction: Radon is a major indoor air pollutant that poses a significant risk of lung cancer to those exposed in their homes. While mitigation of high radon levels in homes has been shown to be effective, home mitigation rates remain low. This study examines the barriers and facilitators to radon mitigation in homes from the perspectives of authorities responsible for radon risk management, the mitigation industry (contractors), and residents in four European countries (Belgium, Ireland, Slovenia, and the UK) with high radon risks and low mitigation rates. Methods: A multi-method approach was used to gather data from various stakeholders, including online surveys, content analysis of legal documents, group interviews, workshops, and focus groups. Results: Authorities, contractors, and residents identified various facilitators to radon mitigation, including legal requirements for mitigation, awareness campaigns, low mitigation costs, availability of financial support, accreditation of mitigation contractors, and a perception of radon as a health threat. However, barriers to mitigation were also identified, such as a lack of awareness, fragmented mitigation processes, and inadequate communication between stakeholders. Discussion: The study highlights the complexity of the radon mitigation process and suggests that interventions aimed at increasing mitigation rates should target stakeholders beyond just residents, such as constructors, health professionals, and policy makers. An integrated approach to radon mitigation, from policy to provision, is necessary to effectively lower levels of this indoor air pollutant.

The effects of advanced factor analysis approaches on outcomes in randomised trials for depression: protocol for secondary analysis of individual participant data.

BACKGROUND: Modern psychometric methods make it possible to eliminate nonperforming items and reduce measurement error. Application of these methods to existing outcome measures can reduce variability in scores, and may increase treatment effect sizes in depression treatment trials. AIMS: We aim to determine whether using confirmatory factor analysis techniques can provide better estimates of the true effects of treatments, by conducting secondary analyses of individual patient data from randomised trials of antidepressant therapies. METHOD: We will access individual patient data from antidepressant treatment trials through Clinicalstudydatarequest.com and Vivli.org, specifically targeting studies that used the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) as the outcome measure. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analytic approaches will be used to determine pre-treatment (baseline) and post-treatment models of depression, in terms of the number of factors and weighted scores of each item. Differences in the derived factor scores between baseline and outcome measurements will yield an effect size for factor-informed depression change. The difference between the factor-informed effect size and each original trial effect size, calculated with total HRSD-17 scores, will be determined, and the differences modelled with meta-analytic approaches. Risk differences for proportions of patients who achieved remission will also be evaluated. Furthermore, measurement invariance methods will be used to assess potential gender differences. CONCLUSIONS: Our approach will determine whether adopting advanced psychometric analyses can improve precision and better estimate effect sizes in antidepressant treatment trials. The proposed methods could have implications for future trials and other types of studies that use patient-reported outcome measures.

Intercultural insights on the impact of different non-idealized models on men's body image and advertising perceptions.

This experiment with 363 Irish and Flemish men aged 19 to 30 years (M = 23.56, SD = 2.36) investigated exposure to different male model ads (i.e. muscular, slim, plus-size, overall diversity, and no models) on well-being (i.e. body image, low body fat and muscularity attitudes, self-objectification, and self-esteem) and advertising outcomes (i.e. ad attitudes, brand attitudes, and purchase intent). Moderation effects of country and masculinity (i.e. dominance, winning) were investigated. The diversity condition generated more positive effects for low body fat attitudes than the muscular, slim, and no model conditions. Yet, no differences appeared for this outcome between the diversity and plus-size condition. No effects for the other well-being and advertising variables were found. Moderation analyses revealed higher purchase intent in the slim condition for men high in dominance. No effects were found for country and winning. Findings suggest that non-idealized models have protective effects for some men.

Internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy for depression and anxiety in breast cancer survivors: Results from a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Depression and anxiety symptoms are common among breast cancer survivors. Access to evidence-based psychological therapy remains a major challenge. Despite the proven effectiveness of internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) in reducing depression and anxiety, the research with cancer survivors is still limited. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an iCBT intervention on depression and anxiety, quality of life, fear of recurrence, active and avoidant coping, and perceived social support in breast cancer survivors. METHODS: Seventy-two participants were randomised to a 7-module guided iCBT intervention or treatment-as-usual (TAU). Depression and anxiety symptoms were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale total score (HADS-T). The secondary measures included the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Core Questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ), Breast Cancer Worry Scale (CWC), Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Encountered (Brief COPE), Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS). All were completed at baseline, post-intervention, and 2-month follow-up. Groups were compared using linear mixed models. RESULTS: Although non-significant, iCBT group had lower HADS-T scores than TAU at post-intervention. This difference was statistically significant at 2-month follow-up (Hedge's g = -0.094). No significant group-by-time interaction effects were found for quality of life, fear of recurrence, active coping, avoidant coping, and perceived social support. The intervention adherence was acceptable; 52.8% (n = 28) completed all seven modules. CONCLUSIONS: iCBT intervention demonstrated its preliminary effectiveness in reducing distress in breast cancer survivors.

Pilot trial of a self-compassion intervention to address adolescents' social media-related body image concerns.

Introduction: Self-compassion interventions reduce body dissatisfaction in adults but have not been extensively investigated in adolescents. A novel 5-week Digital Social Media Adolescent Resilience Training intervention grounded in Gilbert's (2010) Compassionate Mind Training was adapted to address adolescent's social media-related body image concerns. Method: A convenience sample of 102 adolescents, 54 girls (53%), 48 boys (47%), aged 15-17 years (M=15.6, SD=0.46) were recruited from four mixed gender Irish Secondary Schools. Due to data loss because of Covid-19, analyses were conducted on data from 80 participants (24 boys, 56 girls). A mixed methods quasi-experimental design was used. Primary outcomes of self-compassion, self-criticism, social media comparisons and body image perceptions were quantitatively assessed at pre, post-intervention and 3-month follow up, while post-intervention focus groups qualitatively documented adolescents' responses to the programme. Results: Qualitative data indicated that the programme was feasible and acceptable. Analyses revealed significant increases in body appreciation and body satisfaction in the experimental group from pre- to post-intervention. Girls exhibited significant increases in body appreciation and reductions in self-criticism, while boys exhibited increases in body satisfaction. Improvements in body satisfaction were observed at 3-month follow up. Conclusions: Findings indicate that self-compassion has potential to improve adolescent's body image perceptions, but further research is warranted.

Illness Perceptions, Coping, Health-Related Quality of Life and Psychological Outcomes in Cervical Dystonia.

This study examined the predictive ability of the Common-Sense Model to explain psychological outcomes in cervical dystonia, a movement disorder that affects the muscles of the head and neck. Illness Perceptions Questionnaire-Revised, brief COPE, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Cervical Dystonia Impact Profile and the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory were completed by 118 people with cervical dystonia. Correlations and hierarchical multiple regression models were conducted. Illness perceptions and coping strategies explained 59% of variance in anxiety, 61% of variance in depression and health-related quality of life and 19% of variance in post-traumatic growth. Illness perceptions and coping strategies are significant factors to consider in terms of psychological adjustment and outcomes in cervical dystonia. Psychological interventions targeting illness perceptions and coping strategies may be beneficial in improving psychological outcomes for people with cervical dystonia.

Developing a health promoting university in Trinity College Dublin-overview and outline process evaluation.

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have the potential to impact positively on the health and wellbeing of their staff and students. Using and expanding on the 'health promoting university' (HPU) platform within HEIs, this article provides a description of 'Healthy Trinity', which is an initiative underway in Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin. First, Healthy Trinity is contextualized in background literature including international and national policy and practice. Second, an overview of Healthy Trinity is provided including its vision and goals. Third, the article describes the steps taken relating to the identification of stakeholders and use of a network and a co-lead model. Within this approach, the article describes a partnership approach whereby responsibilities regarding health and wellbeing are shared by individuals and the institution. Fourth, the design and implementation of Healthy Trinity is discussed by taking a 'settings approach', in which the emphasis for change is placed on individual behaviours, environment, policy and organizational culture. Consideration is given to the interplay between intervention, implementation strategy and context for successful systemic implementation. The fifth element presented is the early-stage challenges encountered during implementation, such as the need to secure recurrent funding and the importance of having a direct input to the governance of the University to enable systemic change. The sixth and final component of the article is an outline of Healthy Trinity's intention to utilize a process evaluation of the early implementation phases of this complex intervention within a settings approach. Potential deliverables and impacts of this HPU initiative are presented and discussed.

Universities, such as Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, can be looked at as a community of staff and students. The university community has needs in terms of health and wellbeing. 'Healthy Trinity' attempted to build strategies and practices to meet these needs for its community. The approach taken was from multiple angles and involved students and staff, focusing on both individual and organizational responsibility to promote and encourage healthy behaviours. Healthy Trinity achieved some successes as well as encountering some challenges. This article explores how the university might build upon the successes of Healthy Trinity in order to embed a culture which prioritizes health and wellbeing for the entire university community. The article also looks at the broader impact of achieving this goal, namely the University's contribution to a healthier community beyond the university setting.

A meta-analysis of the association between event-related rumination and posttraumatic growth: The Event-Related Rumination Inventory and the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory.

Trauma can disrupt an individual's core beliefs about themselves, others, and the world. Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is thought to be the outcome of a reconstruction process involving ruminative processing. This meta-analysis examined the strength of the associations between event-related intrusive and deliberate rumination and PTG. The moderating effects of variables including age, time since trauma exposure, and trauma type were examined. Eight databases were searched for English-language, peer reviewed studies examining the associations between PTG and types of event-related rumination in adults. Effect sizes (Pearson's r) were extracted and analyzed, and study quality was assessed using the Study Quality Assessment Tool for Observational and Cohort studies. In total, 46 studies were included based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A significant main effect was observed for the association between retrospectively reported deliberate rumination that occurred soon after a traumatic event and PTG, r = .45, 95% CI [.41, .49]. There was significant variability in effect sizes, and the strength of this association differed according to age. The association between intrusive rumination and PTG was not significant and varied in direction. Deliberate rumination that occurred relatively soon following trauma exposure was shown to be positively associated with PTG. The findings highlight the importance of supporting trauma survivors to engage in the deliberate cognitive processing of their experiences to encourage PTG. Longitudinal research is needed to further delineate the temporal role of event-related rumination in PTG development.

Post-Intensive Care COVID Survivorship Clinic: A Single-Center Experience.

Patients discharged from the ICU post-COVID-19 pneumonitis may experience long-term morbidity related to their critical illness, the treatment for this and the ICU environment. The aim of this study was to characterize the cognitive, psychologic, and physical consequences of COVID-19 in patients admitted to the ICU and discharged alive. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) follow-up clinic at Tallaght University Hospital, a tertiary referral center with a 16-bed mixed medical-surgical ICU, including critical care physicians, a psychologist, a physiotherapist, and a research nurse. PATIENTS: Patients who had been admitted to the ICU in our tertiary referral center with COVID-19 pneumonitis 6 months earlier. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 22 patients attended the 6-month PICS follow-up clinic following admission to ICU with COVID-19 pneumonitis. Mean grip strength was low at the 6-month follow-up at 24.1 pounds (sd 9.8) with a minimally active median metabolic equivalent (MET) of 970 METs/wk (interquartile range, 0-7,794 METs/wk). Only 59% of patients were independent with regard to their activities of daily living. Eight of 14 patients (57%) had returned to work by 6 months post-ICU discharge. Their mean Intensive Care Psychological Assessment Tool (IPAT) score was 6.6 (sd 4.6) with a Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5th Edition (PCL-5) score of 21.1 (sd 17.5) and a mean Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score of 24 (sd 8.4); suggestive of mild cognitive impairment. In a multivariable regression model, only Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score was significantly independently associated with MoCA score as a cognitive PICS outcome (beta-coefficient, -1.6; se, 0.6; p = 0.04). None of the predictor variables were significantly independently associated with IPAT and PCL-5 as psychologic outcomes, nor with International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form as a physical PICS outcome. CONCLUSIONS: In this single-center prospective cohort study, we found that patients have a high burden of physical and psychologic impairment at 6 months following ICU discharge post-COVID-19 pneumonitis; in many cases requiring specialist referrals for long-term input. We advocate for increased resources for this much needed follow-up multidisciplinary intervention for an ever-growing population of patients.

Female Reproductive Health Disturbance Experienced During the COVID-19 Pandemic Correlates With Mental Health Disturbance and Sleep Quality.

The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected population mental health. Periods of psychological distress can induce menstrual dysfunction. We previously demonstrated a significant disruption in women's reproductive health during the first 6 months of the pandemic. The present study investigates longer-term reproductive and mental health disturbances. A cross-sectional online survey was completed by 1335 women of reproductive age in April 2021. It included validated standardized measures of depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7) and sleep quality (PSQI). 581 (56%) of women reported an overall change in their menstrual cycle since the beginning of the pandemic. There was no change in median cycle length [28 days (28-30)] or days of menses [5 (4-5)], but there was a wider variability in minimum (p<0.0001) and maximum (p<0.0001) cycle length. There was a significant increase in heavy menstrual bleeding, painful periods and missed periods compared to pre-pandemic (all p<0.0001). 64% of women reported worsening pre-menstrual symptoms. Rates of severe depression, anxiety and poor sleep were more than double those from large scale representative community samples. Poor sleep quality was an independent predictor of overall change in menstrual cycle (OR=1.11, 95%CI 1.05-1.18), and missed periods (OR=1.11, 95%CI 1.03-1.19) during the pandemic. Increased anxiety was independently associated with a change from non-painful to painful periods (OR=1.06, 95%CI 1.01-1.11) and worsening of pre-menstrual symptoms (OR=1.06, 95%CI 1.01-1.07) during the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to bear a significant impact on female reproductive health. Increased levels of psychological distress and poor sleep are associated with menstrual cycle disruption.

A comparison of emotion-focused therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder: Results of a feasibility randomized controlled trial.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a chronic mental health difficulty typically present in primary care settings. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the psychological intervention with the best evidence for its efficacy for GAD. The development of other psychological interventions can increase client choice. This feasibility trial examined an initial assessment of the efficacy of EFT in comparison to CBT in the treatment of GAD in the context of an Irish public health service. The trial provided information on recruitment, therapist training/adherence, and client retention relevant for a potential noninferiority trial. A randomized controlled trial compared the efficacy of EFT versus CBT for GAD. Both therapies were offered in a 16-20 sessions format. Therapists (n = 8) were trained in both conditions and offered both therapies. Clients were randomly assigned to the two therapies EFT (n = 29) and CBT (n = 29). Outcomes were assessed using several measures, with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) being the primary outcome. Clients were assessed at baseline, week 16, end of therapy, and at 6-month follow-up. Therapists were able to learn the two models after a short training and showed moderate levels of adherence. Although not statistically significant, the drop out from treatment was 10% for EFT and 27% for CBT. The two therapies showed large pre-post change and similar outcomes across all measures, with these benefits retained at 6-month follow-up. Results suggest that EFT is a potentially promising treatment for GAD. Further investigation is indicated to establish its potential to expand the available psychological therapies for GAD. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Family members' perspectives on the acceptability and impact of a co-facilitated information programme: the EOLAS mental health programme.

BACKGROUND: Despite the critical role families play in the care and recovery journeys of people who experience enduring mental distress, they are often excluded by the mental health services in the care and decision-making process. International trends in mental health services emphasise promoting a partnership approach between service users, families and practitioners within an ethos of recovery. OBJECTIVE: This paper evaluated the acceptability of and initial outcomes from a clinician and peer co-led family information programme. METHODS: A sequential design was used involving a pre-post survey to assess changes in knowledge, confidence, advocacy, recovery and hope following programme participation and interviews with programme participants. Participants were recruited from mental health services running the information programme. In all, 86 participants completed both pre- and post-surveys, and 15 individuals consented to interviews. RESULTS: Survey findings indicated a statistically significant change in family members' knowledge about mental health issues, recovery attitudes, sense of hope and confidence. In addition, the interviews suggested that the programme had a number of other positive outcomes for family members, including increased communication with members of the mental health team and increased awareness of communication patterns within the family unit. Family members valued the opportunity to share their experiences in a 'safe' place, learn from each other and provide mutual support. CONCLUSION: The evaluation highlights the importance of developing information programmes in collaboration with family members as well as the strength of a programme that is jointly facilitated by a family member and clinician.

Scoping review of factors influencing the implementation of group psychoeducational initiatives for people experiencing mental health difficulties and their families.

BACKGROUND: Despite evidence to support the effectiveness of psychoeducation for people experiencing mental health difficulties and their families, understanding issues around the implementation of such programmes is limited. AIM: The aim of this scoping review was to synthesise the peer-reviewed literature on barriers and enablers influencing the implementation of group psychoeducation in adult mental health services. METHODS: Using a pre-defined search strategy and PRISMA guidelines, four databases were systematically searched. Two reviewers independently screened and applied exclusion/inclusion criteria. Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies were included if they provided empirical evidence on the barriers and enablers. Three reviewers independently extracted data. Following this, data were analysed using a five-level implementation framework. RESULTS: Eight articles met the inclusion criteria. Barriers to implementation were identified at all five levels of the framework: participant; practitioner; intervention; organisational; and structural level. Enablers to implementation were evident at four levels: participant; provider; intervention; and organisational level. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the review provide preliminary information on factors that impact implementation. However, large-scale studies informed by implementation theories are required. In addition, other studies are needed to address the potential impact of different models of intervention and explore strategies to minimize obstacles and support sustainability.

Life is about "constant evolution": the experience of living with an acquired brain injury in individuals who report higher or lower posttraumatic growth.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the experience of living with an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) in individuals who report higher or lower posttraumatic growth (PTG). METHOD: A multi-method design was employed. Participant scores on the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) were used to identify groups for qualitative comparative analysis. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with fourteen individuals with ABI. Data were analysed thematically. RESULTS: Four themes emerged. The first two themes: "In my mind I was fine" surviving in aftermath of acquiring a brain injury and The everyday as "derailing" capture the transition process from an initial rehabilitation state characterised by neuropsychological and avoidance coping, towards active rebuilding for PTG. Internal building blocks for PTG and Growing in the social world: "you need to have that social connection" elaborate on the internal (e.g., acceptance, integration of the pre and post-injury self) and external (e.g., social relationships) factors seen to facilitate or obstruct PTG. CONCLUSIONS: Under certain conditions, individuals living with ABI may construe positive growth from their experiences. Practitioners can support PTG development by providing individual and family-based supports aimed at increasing acceptance, the integration of self, and social connection throughout all stages of ABI rehabilitation.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONInternal factors such as having a flexible and positive mindset and external factors such as one's social environment can affect how individuals living with an ABI construe positive growth.Individuals with ABI and their families require access to individualised longitudinal support for neuropsychological and social challenges that can result in increased distress and obstruct the development of PTG.Efforts to facilitate acceptance and support the integration of the pre and post-injury self through recognition of continuity of self and processing of new schematic beliefs can benefit PTG development.Rehabilitation providers should support individuals with ABI to develop or maintain a positive social identity within new or existing social groups.

Investigating the impact of a chronic disease self-management programme on depression and quality of life scores in an Irish sample.

Depression is more common among people with chronic conditions than in the general population and can negatively influence both health behaviours and outcomes. The Chronic Disease Self-Management Programme (CDSMP) is a six-week psycho-educational programme designed to promote self-efficacy and to teach patients skills for managing their chronic conditions. A longitudinal design evaluated the effect of the CDSMP on depression in an Irish cohort. Self-report data on psychological wellbeing were collected at baseline (n = 263), immediately post-program (n = 102), and six months (n = 81) after enrolment. CDSMP participation was associated with a significant decrease in the mean depression score of the whole sample, across the three time points. Significant improvements in quality of life and health interference in social activities were also observed among those who met criteria for depression on the PHQ-8 at baseline, but not their peers with sub-threshold depression scores. Quality of life continued to improve between the end of the programme and 6-month follow-up. These findings support the efficacy of the CDSMP in the treatment of chronic conditions, as well as its role in promoting sustainable changes to quality of life.

Self-reported outcomes and patterns of service engagement after an acquired brain injury: a long-term follow-up study.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical characteristics, self-reported outcomes in domains relating to activities of daily living and patterns of service engagement in the survivors of a moderate-to-severe acquired brain injury over seven years. RESEARCH DESIGN: A longitudinal research design was used. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Thirty-two individuals who sustained a moderate-to-severe acquired brain injury completed a Sociodemographic and Support Questionnaire at one (t1) and seven years (t2) after completing a publicly funded inpatient neurorehabilitation program. MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: There were minimal changes in independent living, mobility, ability to maintain key relationships and in return to work in the interval between t1 and t2. Sixty-nine percent of participants engaged with two or more allied health professional services and 75% engaged with support services in the community over the seven years. CONCLUSIONS: There were minimal additional gains in outcomes relating to activities of daily-living and there was a high level of service need in the first decade postinjury. Young and middle-aged individuals who sustain an ABI may continue to live in the community for decades with some level of disability and may require ongoing access to services.