Journal of psychosomatic research
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The purpose of this study was to (1) assess the quality of life (QOL) of the primary caregivers of hospice patients and (2) to analyze the ability of the hospice staff to accurately judge caregiver QOL. ⋯ By drawing attention to issues that affect the caregiver, we can improve delivery of hospice care and positively impact QOL for both caregiver and patient. Linear analog self-assessment scales are valuable tools for hospice staff to assess caregivers.
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The present study assessed the relationship of depression, pain, and fatigue to subjective cognitive complaints and objective impairment in patients with fibromyalgia (FM), patients with other chronic pain disorders, and healthy controls. ⋯ Psychological factors, particularly effort, depression, and fatigue, are important in understanding both subjective cognitive complaints and objective cognitive impairment in FM and other chronic pain disorders.
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Emergency surgery is a highly stressful life event. Patients experience distressing anxiety both before and after surgery and this anxiety affects their recovery process. The aim of the present study is to examine variables related to pre- and postoperative anxiety in emergency surgery patients. ⋯ Patient sociodemographic and psychological characteristics and type of surgery need to be considered for identifying patients at risk of experiencing anxiety both before and after surgery and psychological support and clinical management needs to be tailored to the needs of the patients to alleviate their anxiety.
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Depression is a disorder seen commonly in general and specialty medical settings. Screening has been advocated as a means of ensuring that depressed patients are identified and receive appropriate treatment. ⋯ Further, we identify costs to screening that are not readily apparent and that may negatively affect both patient outcomes and health-care delivery systems. We offer suggestions for how screening instruments might be used to improve the outcomes of depressed persons while minimizing negative effects on health care.