A Cross-Sectional Study of the Psychological Needs of Adults Living with Cystic Fibrosis

Abstract

BackgroundDepression and anxiety are prevalent in people with cystic fibrosis (CF), yet psychological services are rarely accessible in CF clinics. This cross-sectional single center study reports on a psychological needs assessment of people with CF.MethodsWe asked adults attending a CF clinic, without integrated psychological services, to complete a psychological needs assessment survey that included items on: a) past access to psychological services (via a CF referral service), b) concerns relevant to discuss with a psychologist, and c) their likelihood of accessing psychological services if available at the CF clinic, and standardized measures of depression (CES-D) and anxiety (GAD-7).ResultsWe enrolled 49 participants and 45 (91.8%) completed the survey. Forty percent reported elevated symptoms of depression and 13% had elevated anxiety. A majority of individuals (72.2% and 83.3%, respectively) indicated they would be likely to use psychological services, if available at the clinic. Concerns considered most relevant to discuss with a psychologist were: 1) worries (51.1%), 2) mood (44.4%), 3) life stress (46.6%), 4) adjustment to CF (42.2%), 5) life transitions (42.2%) and 6) quality of life (42.2%).ConclusionsThis study highlights the rationale for screening adults with CF for depression and anxiety, and to facilitate provision of psychological services and preventative mental health interventions as an integral component of multi-disciplinary CF care.

Breathlessness catastrophizing relates to poorer quality of life in adults with cystic fibrosis

“…As a result of The International Committee on Mental Health in CF's recommendations on screening and treating depression and anxiety, there has been an increased research interest in understanding these psychological symptoms [19]. Individuals with CF also acknowledge the importance of being screened and treated for psychological symptoms [20,21]. This highlights the importance of screening CF patients for psychological symptoms, and exploring other psychological factors related to HRQoL.…”

Parameters of the Subjective Pattern of Disease in Rheumatoid Patients

“…Опыт других исследований, посвященных восприятию хронических системных заболеваний (Karademas et al, 2008), позволяет предположить, что возможной причиной этого может служить разница между субъективным восприятием и объективной реализацией некоторых параметров ВКБ. Так, рецидивирующее заболевание, редко встречаемое в популяции и вносящее высокий уровень неопределенности в повседневную жизнь (каким является СКВ), требует от пациента прикладывать больше усилий, чтобы понять и контролировать его (Pakhale et al, 2015). Но, при этом, попытки понять механизмы течения своего заболевания и его обострений приводят к осознанию его сложности и тяжести, а попытки контролировать болезнь, хотя и являются инструментом саморегуляции, но остаются ограниченными и с недолгосрочным эффектом.…”

Can Existing Knowledge on Eating Behaviors and Obesity Support People with Cystic Fibrosis Who Are Nutritionally Compromised?

“…Overall, the minimal cognitive effort that is required by individuals with CF, and the preservation of self-regulatory resources (Muraven and Baumeister, 2000 ; Chow et al, 2015 ; Schmeichel et al, 2015 ) is of additional psychological value. The ability to assist undernourished individuals with CF before the use of invasive medical procedures could save the individual from illness-related stigma and distress (Pakhale et al, 2015 ), and possibly preserve self-regulatory strength that is much needed in a self-regulatory demanding condition such as CF.…”