Posttraumatic Growth Following Cancer: The Role of Cognitive Processing, Anxiety, Depression and Perceived Threat

This study explored several predictors of posttraumatic growth (PTG) in a sample of 169 breast, prostate and colorectal cancer survivors. The first aim was to determine the influence of Anxiety, Depression and Perceived Threat (defined as the combination of Life Outlook Threat, i.e., the degree a cancer diagnosis challenged a survivor\u27s assumptive world, and Physical Threat, i.e., threat to mortality and physical well-being) in the prediction of Positive and Negative Cognitive Processing. The second aim was to examine the effect of Anxiety, Depression, Perceived Threat, and Positive and Negative Cognitive Processing in the predication of PTG. Cancer survivors who were treated at one of the Denver Division clinics of the Rocky Mountain Cancer Center participated in the study. Since little empirical research has been conducted utilizing the variable of cognitive processing in the psychological literature, the study sought to investigate how Anxiety, Depression, and Perceived Threat were related to Positive and Negative Cognitive Processing. Hierarchical regression analyses were used to explore four primary hypotheses. The results of the study revealed several important findings. Physical Threat, Depression, and Permanent After-Effects of Cancer Treatment significantly predicted Positive Cognitive Processing, with lower levels of Physical Threat and Depression and no After-Effects of Treatment predicting higher Positive Cognitive Processing. Life Outlook Threat, Positive Cognitive Processing, and Type of Cancer Treatment Received also significantly predicted PTG. The findings indicated that greater life outlook threat and positive cognitive processing as well as receiving more than one form of cancer treatment predicted greater growth. None of the variables reached significance in predicting Negative Cognitive Processing and Negative Cognitive Processing failed to significantly predict PTG. While perceived threat and cognitive processing have a strong theoretical basis in the emergence of growth, the constructs have received little empirical attention. This is the first study that has assessed how being diagnosed with cancer challenges, rather than alters, a survivor\u27s assumptive world. The results of the study provide evidence that increases in life outlook threat and positive cognitive processing are related to PTG

Video Review of Baseline Performance on Global Ratings in a Double‐Blind Placebo Surgery Trial

BACKGROUND A randomized double‐blind sham surgery‐controlled trial was conducted to determine the effectiveness of implantation of human embryonic dopamine neurons into the putamen of patients with advanced Parkinson\u27s disease (PD). The present analyses determined whether patients viewing a video of themselves performing motor activities off medications at baseline would affect self‐ratings 12 months later on the Global Rating Scale (GRS). OBJECTIVES To examine changes in GRS scores pre‐/post‐video review for the total sample; to examine differences in scores between actual implant and sham groups, as well as perceived groups pre‐ and post‐video review; to examine differences among four subgroups of patients based on actual and perceived treatment (i.e., actual implant/perceived implant). METHODS Forty participants were recruited and randomly assigned to receive either neural implantation or sham surgery. The primary outcome variable was a one‐item GRS ranging from ‐3 (much worse since surgery) to +3 (much improved since surgery). At 12 months (before the blind was lifted) patients rated themselves on the GRS before and after viewing the baseline video. RESULTS Total sample GRS scores improved after the video (P = .001). There were no differences between the actual implant and sham groups before or after the video, but there were differences between perceived groups at both times (P \u3c .001). Among subgroups, improvement after the video was found only in the group receiving the implant but who thought sham (P = .011). CONCLUSION When self‐ratings are an outcome variable, review of baseline videos is recommended before making comparative ratings

A qualitative exploration of the feasibility of incorporating depression apps into integrated primary care clinics

Background: The use of mobile applications or “apps” is beginning to be identified as a potential cost-effective tool for treating depression. While the use of mobile apps for health management appears promising, little is known on how to incorporate these tools into integrated primary care settings – especially from the viewpoints of patients and the clinic personnel. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore patient- and clinic-level perceptions of the use of depression self-management apps within an integrated primary care setting. Methods: Patients (n=17), healthcare providers, and staff (n=15) completed focus groups or semi-structured interviews in-person or via Zoom between January and July 2020. Participants were asked about barriers and facilitators to app use, how to best integrate it into care, and reviewed pre-selected mental health apps. Data were analyzed using a directed content analysis approach. Results: From a patient perspective, features within the app such as notifications, the provision of information, easy navigation, and a chat/support function as well as an ability to share data with their doctor were desirable. Providers and staff identified integration of app data into electronic health records to be able to share data with patients and the healthcare team as well as clear evidence of effectiveness as factors that could facilitate implementation. All participants who reviewed apps identified at least one of them they would be interested in continuing to use. Conclusions: Overall, patients, healthcare providers, and staff believed depression apps could be beneficial for both patients and the clinic

Video Review of Baseline Performance on Global Ratings in a Double‐Blind Placebo Surgery Trial

BACKGROUND A randomized double‐blind sham surgery‐controlled trial was conducted to determine the effectiveness of implantation of human embryonic dopamine neurons into the putamen of patients with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). The present analyses determined whether patients viewing a video of themselves performing motor activities off medications at baseline would affect self‐ratings 12 months later on the Global Rating Scale (GRS). OBJECTIVES To examine changes in GRS scores pre‐/post‐video review for the total sample; to examine differences in scores between actual implant and sham groups, as well as perceived groups pre‐ and post‐video review; to examine differences among four subgroups of patients based on actual and perceived treatment (i.e., actual implant/perceived implant). METHODS Forty participants were recruited and randomly assigned to receive either neural implantation or sham surgery. The primary outcome variable was a one‐item GRS ranging from ‐3 (much worse since surgery) to +3 (much improved since surgery). At 12 months (before the blind was lifted) patients rated themselves on the GRS before and after viewing the baseline video. RESULTS Total sample GRS scores improved after the video (P = .001). There were no differences between the actual implant and sham groups before or after the video, but there were differences between perceived groups at both times (P CONCLUSION When self‐ratings are an outcome variable, review of baseline videos is recommended before making comparative ratings.This accepted article is published as McRae, C., Caspari, J., Russell, D.W., Ellgring,H., Bezzant, C., Greene, P., Fahn, S., Video Review of Baseline Performance on Global Ratings in a Double‐Blind Placebo Surgery Trial. Movement Disorders Clinical Practice. 2018. Doi: 10.1002/mdc3.12666. Posted with permission. </p