Validation of the distress thermometer for caregivers of children and adolescents with schizophrenia

Association and interaction between resilience and psychological distress in disabled elderly-caregiver dyads: An actor-partner interdependence model

OBJECTIVES

This study examined the association and interaction between resilience and psychological distress in disabled elderly-caregiver dyads.

METHODS

A total of 246 disabled elderly individuals and their family caregivers were studied using the Resilience Scale and the Distress Thermometer and Problem List. The data analysis employed the actor-partner interdependence model (APIM) method based on structural equation modelling.

RESULTS

APIM revealed a mixed model. Resilience of disabled elderly individuals and caregivers is negatively associated with their psychological distress (association-actor effect), and the psychological distress of other member in the dyad (interaction-partner effect). Furthermore, the actor effect is twice as large as the partner effect.

CONCLUSION

This mixed model suggests that increased resilience and decreased psychological distress in caregivers may be associated with decreased psychological distress in disabled elderly individuals. Health professionals should design dyadic interventions focusing on resilience and interactions between disabled elderly individuals and caregivers to improve their mental health.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

Heighten public awareness of the interaction between resilience and psychological distress among disabled elderly-caregiver dyads. Based on these insights, advocate for enhanced mental health resources and improved policies to strengthen resilience and more effectively address psychological distress within this vulnerable community.

The relationship between psychological distress and frailty in stroke patients: the mediating effect of depression

BACKGROUND

Frailty is a significant factor affecting the quality of life of stroke patients. psychological distress is an essential factor affecting depression in stroke patients. However, the mediating role of depression between psychological distress and debilitation has not been explored.

METHODS

In this study, 315 stroke patients in Shandong and Liaoning provinces were investigated by convenience sampling method from May 2024 to October 2024. Questionnaires included Frailty Scale and Psychological Distress and Depression scale.

RESULTS

In this study, psychological distress scores (4.16 ± 2.29), depression scores (8.81 ± 4.55) and frailty scores (8.92 ± 4.09) were obtained. There was a significant positive correlation between depression and psychological distress in stroke patients (r = 0.483, P < 0.001), depression and frailty (r = 0.575, P < 0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between psychological distress and frailty in stroke patients (r = 0.391, P < 0.001). The direct effect of psychological distress in stroke patients was 0.264. The direct mediating effect of depression on psychological distress and frailty was 0.435.

CONCLUSION

This study provides further insights into the psychological mechanism of psychological distress and frailty in stroke patients. Clinicians and nurses can actively help stroke patients reduce psychological distress, reduce the depression of stroke patients, so as to reduce the occurrence of frailty and improve the quality of life of patients.

Depression in caregivers of patients with schizophrenia: a scoping review

PURPOSE

Caregivers play a vitally important role in the lives of people with schizophrenia. However, their mental health can often be overlooked. In recent years, with increasing attention to mental health and wellness, common mental illness such as depression in caregivers of people with schizophrenia has received renewed attention. The purpose of this review was to consolidate and synthesize recent literature on (1) the prevalence of depression in caregivers of people with schizophrenia, (2) factors associated with depression in caregivers of people with schizophrenia, and (3) interventions that target depression in caregivers of people with schizophrenia.

METHODS

A systematic search focusing on literature published between 2010 and 2022 was done to retrieve relevant articles from the following databases: Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, and Ovid Psych INFO.

RESULTS

Twenty-four studies met inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Nine evaluated the prevalence of depression, 18 evaluated factors associated with depression in caregivers, and 6 examined interventions targeting depression. The prevalence of depression and depressive symptoms in samples of caregivers ranged between 12 and 40% across the studies. Females, especially mothers of people with schizophrenia, were more likely to experience depression, followed by younger caregivers. Several factors, including gender, interpersonal relationships, social support, stigma, literacy, and financial constraints, were identified as factors associated with depression in caregivers. Several interventions like yoga, emotional training, and psychoeducation were evaluated, and they showed a significant reduction in the level of depression and depressive symptoms experienced by the caregiver population.

CONCLUSIONS

Depression in caregivers in this clinical population may be widespread and warrants further study. There are promising interventions that can target depression in caregivers. Well-designed longitudinal studies may help identify caregivers at risk of developing depression and further inform targets for intervention.

Psychometric Properties and Clinical Utility of the Distress Thermometer in Caregivers of Persons With Multiple Sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Caregivers of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) report high levels of distress. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer (DT) is used extensively with patients with cancer and their caregivers but has not been tested in nononcology caregivers. The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties and clinical utility of the barometer portion of the DT in caregivers of persons with MS.

METHODS

A secondary analysis was performed of data from a randomized trial comparing the effectiveness of 2 interventions aimed at reducing psychological outcomes associated with caregiving. The DT and the 4-item Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Anxiety and Depression scales, which were administered at baseline, were used for all analyses. Construct validity (known groups) and convergent validity (interscale correlations) were evaluated. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate clinical diagnostic test evaluation.

RESULTS

The DT had good construct validity supported by strong correlations for known-groups analyses and good convergent validity (r = 0.70-0.72). The DT also demonstrated good discrimination for anxiety (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.83) and depression (AUC = 0.80). The optimal screening cut point on the DT was 4 for anxiety and 5 for depression.

CONCLUSIONS

The barometer portion of the DT demonstrates good psychometric properties and clinical utility in caregivers of persons with MS. This is the first examination of the DT in MS care partners.

The psychosocial situation of families caring for children with rare diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic: results of a cross-sectional online survey

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting many areas of life and has posed additional strains on the highly vulnerable group of caregivers of children with rare diseases (RDs). The psychosocial situation of the family caregivers deserves more attention, both in research and practice. The current study explores the distress level of caregivers of children with RDs, their psychosocial information needs, and caregiver-reported health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of children with RDs in times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

Data from a cross-sectional online survey conducted within the German CARE-FAM-NET project (children affected by rare diseases and their families-network) between March and August 2020 were examined. The study sample included 149 family caregivers, mostly mothers (83.2%) of 167 children with RDs. The survey assessed demographic and disease-related characteristics, distress and everyday problems of caregivers (Distress Thermometer for Parents; scale 0-10), psychosocial information needs (self-developed items; scale 0-100), and caregiver-reported HRQoL of the children with RDs (DISABKIDS Chronic Generic Measure, short-form; scale 0-100). Using descriptive statistics, we analyzed the psychosocial situation of families during the COVID-19 pandemic. We further conducted correlation analysis to investigate interrelations.

RESULTS

The distress level among caregivers was high (M = 6.84, SD = 2.43); 89.6% reported clinical distress (≥ 4). Everyday problems (e.g., sleep problems, fatigue, being out of shape, fears, feeling tense or nervous, and worry) were frequent. Caregivers reported a wide range of psychosocial information needs. In about half of the children (49.5%), caregiver-reported HRQoL was low, while average HRQoL (M = 58.7, SD = 19.5) was comparable to parent-reported norm data of children with severe clinical conditions. Distress correlated positively with psychosocial information needs (r = 0.40), and negatively with the caregiver-reported HRQoL of the children (r =  - 0.46).

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates a high psychosocial burden on family caregivers of children with RDs during the early COVID-19 pandemic, characterized by high distress levels and wide-ranging everyday problems, unmet psychosocial information needs, and reduced caregiver-reported HRQoL in children with RDs. The findings highlight the ongoing need for target group-specific, low-threshold support services (e.g., websites) during and after the pandemic.

Psychological distress and morbidity of family members experiencing virtual visiting in intensive care during COVID-19: an observational cohort study

Purpose

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, intensive care units (ICUs) around the world introduced virtual visiting to mediate the psychological impact of in-person visiting restrictions. Our objective was to evaluate levels of distress, depression, anxiety, and stress among family members experiencing virtual visits.

Methods

Multi-centre prospective observational study recruiting adult family members of critically ill patients in the United Kingdom (UK) using a bespoke virtual visiting solution (aTouchAway). We recruited participants and administered validated questionnaires digitally via their aTouchAway account. Prior to first virtual visit, participants completed the Distress Thermometer (score range 0–10) and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS)-21. Following first and subsequent virtual visits, participants repeated the Distress Thermometer and completed the Discrete Emotions Questionnaire.

Results

We recruited 2166 adult family members of ICU patients in 37 UK hospitals. Most were grown up children (33%) or spouses/partners (23%). Most (91%) were ≤ 65 years. Mean (SD) pre-virtual-visit Distress Thermometer score was 7 (2.6) with 1349/2153 (62%) reporting severe distress. Pre-visit Distress Thermometer scores were associated with relationship type (spouse/partner OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.27–2.12) but not family member age, or length of ICU stay. Mean (SD) post-visit Distress Thermometer score provided by 762 (35%) participants was 1.6 (3.2) points lower than pre-visit (P < 0.001). Of participants experiencing multiple visits, 22% continued to report severe distress. Median (IQR) pre-visit DASS-21 score was 18 (2–42) (1754 participants). Severe-to-extremely severe depression, anxiety, or stress were reported by 249 (14%), 321 (18%), and 165 (9%) participants, respectively. Participants reported a range of emotions with reassurance being the most common, anger being the least.

Conclusion

Family members exposed to COVID-19 pandemic ICU visiting restrictions experienced severe distress. One fifth of family members reported severe-to-extremely sever anxiety or depression. Distress score magnitude and prevalence of severe distress decreased after undertaking one or more virtual visits.

The clinical utility of the Distress Thermometer in non-oncological contexts: A scoping review

AIMS

To assess the clinical utility of the Distress Thermometer (DT) in non-cancer populations.

METHODS

The search was performed between the 6th and the 18th of April 2020, on the following databases: Web of Science (all databases included), Scopus and Science Direct. One last update was performed on 5 June 2020. The findings were reported using the PRISMA-ScR.

RESULTS

Fifty-three studies were included. Overall results indicated that this tool has been used in several contexts and populations (clinical and non-clinical). The DT is highly accessible, suitable and relevant for health professionals and/or researchers who aim to use it as a distress screening tool, particularly in patients with chronic physical conditions. Assumptions about its practicality and acceptability in non-oncology care should be made with caution since few studies have explored the psychometric qualities of this instrument, the completers' perceptions about completing the DT and the perceptions of health professionals who administer the tool.

CONCLUSIONS

This lack of information undermines conclusions about the overall clinical utility of the DT as a screening tool for distress in individuals who do not have cancer.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Future research should aim to fill this gap and investigate the psychometric qualities of the DT through validation studies and, thus, increase the rigour of its application and clinical utility in non-oncological contexts.