"I Wish I Had That!": A Qualitative Analysis of Psychosocial Treatment Preferences Among Young Adults With Recent Concussion and Anxiety.

OBJECTIVE: To assess psychosocial treatment preferences and factors that may affect treatment participation among young adults with a recent concussion and co-occurring anxiety. DESIGN: In-depth, semi-structured individual qualitative interviews, followed by thematic analysis using a hybrid deductive-inductive approach. SETTING: Academic medical center in the US Northeast. PARTICIPANTS: Seventeen young adults (18-24y) who sustained a concussion within the past 3-10 weeks and reported at least mild anxiety (≥5 on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 questionnaire). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes include preferences for program content (eg, topics and skills), delivery modality, format, and barriers and facilitators to participation. RESULTS: We identified 4 domains characterizing participants' perceptions of and preferences for treatment. (1) Program content: Participants preferred a program early after injury that included psychoeducation and coping skills (eg, activity pacing, deep breathing, mindfulness). (2) Therapeutic processes: Participants preferred a person-centered approach in which clinicians normalized anxiety postconcussion and reassured them of recovery. (3) Program logistics: Participants endorsed that a brief, virtual program would be acceptable. They preferred access to program components through multiple modalities (eg, audio, video) and accommodations to manage concussion symptoms. (4) Barriers and facilitators to participation: Barriers included acute concussion symptoms (eg, screen sensitivity), time constraints, and forgetting sessions. Facilitators included a program that is flexible (format, scheduling), personalized (self-chosen mode for reminders, measure of accountability), and accessible (ie, advertising through health care professionals or social media). CONCLUSIONS: Participants need psychosocial support that normalizes their experiences and provides education and coping tools. Treatments should be accessible, flexible, and person centered. Psychosocial treatments meeting these preferences may help optimize the recovery of young adults with recent concussion and anxiety.

"I completely shut down": A mixed methods evaluation of the fear-avoidance model for young adults with a recent concussion and anxiety.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: The fear-avoidance model is a well-established framework for understanding the transition from acute to chronic pain. However, its applicability to concussions is not yet well understood. Here, we conduct the first mixed methods analysis of the fear-avoidance model in young adults with a recent concussion and co-occurring anxiety and assess the model's alignment with their lived experience. RESEARCH METHOD/DESIGN: We conducted a mixed methods analysis using a cross-sectional parallel design. Seventeen participants completed questionnaires corresponding with the elements in the fear-avoidance model (e.g., pain catastrophizing, avoidance, disability, anxiety, depression, etc.) and participated in semistructured interviews probing their experiences following their concussion between March 2021 and February 2022. We calculated bivariate correlations for quantitative data and analyzed the qualitative data using hybrid inductive-deductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Quantitative results demonstrated strong and medium-sized correlations among theorized relationships within the fear-avoidance model (rs = .40-.85) with the majority being statistically significant. Qualitative results provided substantial convergent and complementary support (e.g., bi-directionality of some relationships, associations between nonadjacent model components, centrality of anxiety in symptom persistence) for the application of the fear-avoidance model to concussions. Findings highlighted additional factors (social factors and post-injury endurance patterns) relevant to this population. CONCLUSION/IMPLICATIONS: The fear-avoidance model is a useful lens for understanding the lived experience of young adults with a recent concussion and co-occurring anxiety. Psychosocial treatment for this population would benefit from focusing on the interplay of concussion symptoms, anxiety, depression, disability, and pain-related fear, offering adaptive confrontation strategies, and addressing the interpersonal impact of concussion. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

"Alone in the dark": A qualitative study of treatment experiences among young adults with a recent concussion and anxiety.

PURPOSE: Young adults with anxiety are vulnerable to developing persistent symptoms following concussions. In order to develop psychosocial interventions to prevent persistent post-concussion symptoms, we need to understand patients' 1) experiences with treatments offered by health care providers; 2) experiences with attempted concussion management strategies; and 3) needs after their injury. METHODS: We conducted in-depth interviews with 17 young adults with recent (≤ 10 weeks) concussions who have at least mild anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment-7 ≥ 5). We used a hybrid deductive-inductive approach to thematic analysis. RESULTS: Findings provide insight into recommended treatments (e.g., active/avoidant strategies, accommodations, referrals), attempted strategies (e.g., lifestyle changes, pacing, relationships, acceptance-based coping skills), and patient needs (e.g., education, accommodations, referrals for cognitive and emotional skills). Participants frequently expressed that treatment recommendations were confusing and difficult to implement. They initiated non-prescribed strategies that helped promote recovery and expressed a desire for more interdisciplinary treatment and education on concussions. CONCLUSION: Patients' perceptions of health care provider recommendations after concussions did not fully meet patients' perceived needs. Young adults with concussions and anxiety would benefit from more education, guidance, and psychosocial and rehabilitation services. Addressing these gaps may help align treatments with patients' needs and therefore help optimize their recovery.

"I Still Suffer Every Second of Every Day": A Qualitative Analysis of the Challenges of Living with Chronic Orofacial Pain.

Objective: Chronic orofacial pain is prevalent and debilitating. Psychological and social factors place a heavy burden on this population but are often overlooked. Here, we offer the first comprehensive qualitative conceptualization of the challenges of living with chronic orofacial pain through a biopsychosocial perspective to inform multifaceted care for this population. Design: We employed a qualitative thematic analysis of open text responses using a hybrid inductive-deductive approach and a biopsychosocial framework. Methods: Two hundred and sixty participants with chronic orofacial pain responded to an open-ended question: "What is the biggest challenge you face in managing your condition?" by typing their responses into a text box as part of an online survey. We mapped responses onto biomedical, psychological, and social themes (deductive) and concurrently identified findings within each theme that emerged directly from the data (inductive). Results: Subthemes within the biomedical theme included challenges with biomedical pain management, medication side effects, sensory triggers, physical symptoms of stress/tension, and biological functions and related activities of daily living. Subthemes within the psychological theme included anxiety, depression, emotional symptoms of stress, unpredictability/uncertainty of pain, and psychological and cognitive aspects of medication management. Subthemes within the social theme included social relational, experience with providers, socioeconomics and access to care, and roles and responsibilities. Conclusion: Chronic orofacial pain is associated with multifaceted challenges. Consideration of individuals' experiences of biomedical, psychological, and social challenges in the assessment, referral, and treatment of chronic orofacial pain holds the potential to promote more comprehensive, patient-centered care for this population.

"Hidden gains"? Measuring the impact of mindfulness-based interventions for people with mild traumatic brain injury: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Mindfulness-based interventions can support recovery from mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Although measurement is a key determinant of outcomes, there is no comprehensive assessment of measurement approaches used to capture outcomes of these programs. Here, we review the domains targeted, measurement techniques used, and domains and techniques most affected by mindfulness-based interventions for mTBI. METHODS: We conducted a scoping review. After screening and full-text review, we included 29 articles and extracted data related to measurement domains, techniques, and results. RESULTS: We identified 8 outcome domains, each with multiple subdomains. The most common domains were cognitive symptoms and general health/quality of life. No quantitative studies directly assessed sleep, physical-function, or pain-catastrophizing. Self-report was the most common measurement technique, followed by performance-based methods. Coping, somatic symptoms, emotional symptoms, stress response, and domains of cognition (particularly attention) were the most frequently improved domains. Qualitative results described benefits across all domains and suggested novel areas of benefit. Biomarkers did not reflect significant change. CONCLUSIONS: Mindfulness-based interventions for mTBI impact a range of clinical domains and are best captured with a combination of measurement approaches. Using qualitative methods and expanding the breadth of outcomes may help capture underexplored effects of mindfulness-based interventions for mTBI.

"No One Truly Understands What We Go through and How to Treat It": Lived Experiences with Medical Providers among Patients with Orofacial Pain.

Orofacial pain affects 10-15% of adults, yet treatments are limited. The gaps in care are frustrating for both patients and providers and can negatively impact patient-provider interactions. These interactions are key because they impact patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction with care. PURPOSE: Our study aims to understand the nuanced experiences with medical providers among patients with orofacial pain. METHODS: In a cross-sectional survey, 260 patients provided written responses describing their experiences with medical providers. Using an inductive-deductive approach to thematic analysis, we identified themes and subthemes and organized them into four domains based on the Patient-Centered Model of Communication. RESULTS: Patients reported feeling hopeless about treatment options, frustrated with lack of provider knowledge, disappointed in ineffective care, and stigmatized and dismissed by providers. Patients also said they learned to advocate for their health, were grateful for effective care, and felt lucky when providers listened and showed compassion. Patients identified key barriers that interfere with care (e.g., insurance, transportation, limited providers, lack of team coordination). CONCLUSIONS: Findings can help inform training programs and psychoeducation that target patient-provider communication to improve patient-reported outcomes, the quality of care delivered, and health care utilization and costs.

A meta-synthesis of individual, interpersonal, and systemic factors impacting resilience after traumatic brain injury.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are increasingly common and a major cause of death and long-term disability. Many individuals experience chronic stressors and adverse health outcomes, emphasizing the importance of cultivating resilience, (defined herein as individual, social, and systemic components engaged in response to the stressors that allow individuals to "bounce back," or move forward adaptively after TBI). Patients' perceptions of factors influencing resilience are critical to guide interventions that meet their needs. Here we offer the first metasynthesis of factors influencing resilience after TBI using a Social Ecological model framework. Research Methods/Design: We preregistered our metasynthesis on PROSPERO (CRD42021233975) and followed PRISMA guidelines. We searched 4 electronic databases for qualitative studies from inception up until June 2021. We included qualitative studies detailing perspectives of individuals with a history of moderate-severe TBI. We excluded case studies and systematic reviews. After removal of duplicates, we identified 124 articles for screening. We reviewed 49 articles for full text eligibility and included 38 studies. We extracted study characteristics and data (e.g., author interpretations and relevant quotes) relating to factors influencing resilience. RESULTS: We synthesized findings using a Social Ecological model framework to guide thematic analysis. Persons with TBI identified barriers and facilitators to resilience at individual (e.g., physical and cognitive challenges, coping behaviors), interpersonal, (e.g., stigma and isolation) and systemic (e.g., access to resources, rehabilitation support) levels. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: Considering multifaceted factors at individual, interpersonal and systemic levels in clinical, research, and policy-setting contexts is important for cultivating resilience and optimizing recovery after TBI. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Association Between Coping Strategies and Pain-Related Outcomes Among Individuals with Chronic Orofacial Pain.

BACKGROUND: Chronic orofacial pain is associated with substantial pain-related disability and emotional distress. Understanding the relationship between individuals' coping strategies and pain-related outcomes is important yet understudied in this population. PURPOSE: To test the cross-sectional association of three coping strategies (pain catastrophizing, kinesiophobia and mindfulness) to four pain-related outcomes (depression, anxiety, pain intensity, and pain-related disability) among individuals with chronic orofacial pain, after accounting for relevant demographic and clinical variables. METHODS: Individuals (N=303) with heterogeneous chronic orofacial pain (eg, trigeminal neuralgia, other trigeminal neuropathic pain, persistent idiopathic facial pain and other types) completed self-report measures of coping (Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, and the 15-item Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire), pain intensity and pain-related disability (Graded Chronic Pain Scale), and PROMIS measure of anxiety and depression. We conducted 4 two-step hierarchical regressions for each of the four pain-related and emotional outcomes, with the first step including demographic and clinical covariates, and the second step including the three coping variables together. RESULTS: Pain catastrophizing was the only coping variable significantly associated with pain intensity (B=0.362, SE=0.115, p=0.002, 3% variance explained) and pain-related disability (B =0.813, SE=0.162, p<0.001, 7% variance explained). Pain catastrophizing (B=0.231-0.267, SE=0.046-0.051-0.050, p<0.001), kinesiophobia (B=0.201-0.316, SE=0.081-0.084, p<0.001-0.018), and mindfulness (B=0.231-0.306, SE=0.046-0.067, p<0.001) were each independently associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression, with the largest incremental variance added by catastrophizing (5-8%) and mindfulness (5%). CONCLUSION: Pain catastrophizing appears to be an important intervention target to improve pain intensity, pain-related disability, anxiety and depression among individuals with chronic orofacial pain. Kinesiophobia and mindfulness may be additional treatment targets for interventions to improve anxiety and depression.