J Appl Biobehav Res
· 2018 Jun · PMID 30479469
·
Full text
PURPOSE: The current manuscript reviews approaches for phenotyping central sensitization (CS). METHODS: The manuscript covers the concept of diagnostic phenotyping, use of endophenotypes, biomarkers, and symptom clusters...PURPOSE: The current manuscript reviews approaches for phenotyping central sensitization (CS). METHODS: The manuscript covers the concept of diagnostic phenotyping, use of endophenotypes, biomarkers, and symptom clusters. Specifically, the components of CS that include general sensory sensitivity (assessed by quantitative sensory testing) and a symptom cluster denoting sleep difficulties, pain, affect, cognitive difficulties, and low energy (S.P.A.C.E.). RESULTS: Each of the assessment domains are described with reference to CS and their presence in chronic overlapping pain conditions (COPCs) - conditions likely influenced by CS. CONCLUSIONS: COPCs likely represent clinical diagnostic phenotypes of CS. Components of CS can also be assessed using QST or self-report instruments designed to assess single elements of CS or more general composite indices.
Steiner JL, Bigatti SM, Slaven JE
… +1 more, Ang DC
J Appl Biobehav Res
· 2017 Dec · PMID 29527113
·
Full text
PURPOSE: Fibromyalgia (FM) is typically associated with the experience of diffuse pain and physical impairment. Depression also commonly co-exists in patients with FM, and has been correlated with pain intensity and phys...PURPOSE: Fibromyalgia (FM) is typically associated with the experience of diffuse pain and physical impairment. Depression also commonly co-exists in patients with FM, and has been correlated with pain intensity and physical functioning. Previous research suggests an association between pain intensity and physical functioning; however, the direct causal relationship between improvements in pain intensity and in functioning is not observed in many FM patients. This may suggest that another factor such as depression is mediating this relationship. The present work examined mediating role of depression. METHODS: 216 patients with FM completed measures of pain intensity, depression, and physical function as part of a larger longitudinal study. Assessments were completed at baseline, 12, 24, and 36 weeks. RESULTS: Longitudinal mediational analyses indicated that depression is a partial mediator of the relationship between pain intensity and physical functioning at all four assessment points. Beta coefficients for the path from pain to physical functioning ranged from 0.18 - 0.36, with attenuated path coefficients ranging from 0.03 - 0.08, still showing significant but decreased associations when depression was added as a mediator. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical implication includes the importance of treating co-morbid depression in patients with fibromyalgia early in the course of treatment to prevent engagement in the cycle of disability.
Tran P, Sturgeon JA, Nilakantan A
… +3 more, Foote A, Mackey S, Johnson K
J Appl Biobehav Res
· 2017 Dec · PMID 29456448
·
Full text
OBJECTIVE: There is an extensive relationship between chronic pain and depression; however, there is less research examining whether pain-specific factors, such as pain intensity, predict depression, above and beyond the...OBJECTIVE: There is an extensive relationship between chronic pain and depression; however, there is less research examining whether pain-specific factors, such as pain intensity, predict depression, above and beyond the role of normative factors, such as positive emotions. The current study characterized the independent contributions of pain intensity, pain catastrophizing, and a trait measure of happiness to self-rated depressive symptoms. METHODS: We recruited and enrolled 70 volunteers across 3 groups of participants: two groups of patients with current low back pain (one group on opioids and one group opioid-naïve), and individuals in a methadone maintenance treatment program. RESULTS: Of note, participants reporting concurrent opioid use reported significantly higher levels of depressive symptomatology, although study groups did not differ on any other clinical variables. In our path model, we failed to find direct relationships between pain (intensity or duration) and either trait happiness or depressive symptoms (p > .05). However, our analysis did reveal that individuals with chronic back pain who reported higher levels of trait happiness reported lower levels of depressive symptomatology; this effect was significantly mediated by lower levels of pain catastrophizing (standardized = -.144, p = .002). CONCLUSION: Our analysis suggests that trait happiness, while unrelated to ongoing pain, may predict a decreased vulnerability to depressive symptoms in individuals with chronic pain, which may operate via lower levels of pain catastrophizing.
Trahan LH, Cox-Martin E, Johnson CE
… +5 more, Dougherty PM, Yu J, Feng L, Cook C, Novy DM
J Appl Biobehav Res
· 2017 Dec · PMID 29230086
·
Full text
PURPOSE: The objectives of the study were to (1) assess the extent to which interrater reliability of pain drawing location and dispersion scoring methods are similar across pain disciplines in a sample of patients with...PURPOSE: The objectives of the study were to (1) assess the extent to which interrater reliability of pain drawing location and dispersion scoring methods are similar across pain disciplines in a sample of patients with cancer treatment-induced neuropathic pain ( = 56) and (2) investigate indicators of validity of the pain drawing in this unique sample. METHODS: Patients undergoing cancer therapy completed the Brief Pain Inventory Body Map, the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory, and the McGill Pain Questionnaire. RESULTS: Intraclass correlation coefficients among medical and psychology professionals ranged from .93-.99. Correlations between pain drawing score and symptom burden severity ranged from .29-.39; correlations between pain drawing score and symptom burden interference ranged from .28-.34. Patients who endorsed pain in the hands and feet more often described their pain as electric, numb, and shooting than patients without pain in the hands and feet. They also endorsed significantly more descriptors of neuropathic pain. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest a similar understanding among members of a multidisciplinary pain team as to the location and dispersion of pain as represented by patients' pain drawings. In addition, pain drawing scores were related to symptom burden severity and interference and descriptors of neuropathic pain in expected ways.
J Appl Biobehav Res
· 2017 Sep · PMID 29104423
·
Full text
PURPOSE: Compare non-parametric permutation method using intr-meal rate as endpoint to existing ANOVA method that uses average daily meal duration as an endpoint for detection of chronic pain in Sprague-Dawley rats. METH...PURPOSE: Compare non-parametric permutation method using intr-meal rate as endpoint to existing ANOVA method that uses average daily meal duration as an endpoint for detection of chronic pain in Sprague-Dawley rats. METHODS: Nociception following bilateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) injection of high-dose of Complete Freunds Adjuvant (CFA, 250 μg/50 μL per side) could be detected in young adult male Sprague-Dawley rats using average daily meal durations as a measure of nociception for up to 19 days (Kramer, Kerins, Schneiderman, & Bellinger, 2010) using ANOVA and multiple comparisons range tests. In this study, we reanalyzed the data using a non-parametric permutation procedure based on absolute differences between intra-meal feeding rate curves. In addition, to that experiment, we injected bilaterally the TMJ of naive rats with either a low-dose CFA (15 μg/50 μL per side, n=6) or saline (50 μL of 0.9%, n=4) and monitored the animals for 7 days. RESULTS: The permutation test of the intra-meal feeding rate detected the presence of nociception in the high-dose CFA treatment group for up to 40 days or twice as long as when using ANOVA on average daily meal durations. The permutation method also detected the low-dose CFA induced nociception with ten-times lower -values and for several days longer than ANOVA of changes in meal durations. CFA-induced injury resulted in even reduction of intra-meal feeding rate and lengthening of the meals in both high- and low-dose CFA-injected animals. The rate analysis also showed when the rats first started a meal they were experiencing the same level of nociception as at the end of the meal. This demonstrated that intra-meal chewing itself did not alter the level of nociception. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that permutation tests based on differences in intra-meal feeding rates can be used as a sensitive test to determine and study the temporal patterns of TMJ nociception.
Dougall AL, Swanson J, Kyutoku Y
… +2 more, Belani CP, Baum A
J Appl Biobehav Res
· 2017 Sep · PMID 28966544
·
Full text
PURPOSE: This longitudinal study characterized psychological adjustment in a sample of lung cancer patients by examining the occurrence of posttraumatic stress and growth and their relationships with mental and physical...PURPOSE: This longitudinal study characterized psychological adjustment in a sample of lung cancer patients by examining the occurrence of posttraumatic stress and growth and their relationships with mental and physical health quality of life and survival over time. METHODS: Two waves of consecutive cohort samples, totaling 115 participants diagnosed with lung cancer, were identified from outpatient oncology clinics. Of these, 93 consented and completed the first of three assessments, and 57 completed the study. Prevalence of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSD Checklist) and posttraumatic growth (Posttraumatic Growth Inventory) were assessed and used to predict physical and mental health components of quality of life (Short Form 36) and survival. RESULTS: Patients reported both negative and positive psychological sequelae, with prevalence of estimated PTSD ranging from 5-16% at each assessment as determined by symptom and cut-off methods. Posttraumatic stress and growth were positively related, but were differentially associated with outcomes. More posttraumatic stress predicted lower mental health quality of life, whereas more posttraumatic growth predicted better physical health quality of life and longer survival. These relationships persisted after accounting for disease variables and attrition due to death or illness. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the importance of using longitudinal designs to identify relationships between stress and resilience factors in predicting outcomes.
J Appl Biobehav Res
· 2017 Jun · PMID 28694680
·
Full text
PURPOSE: Intervention content written by adults for youth can result in miscommunication due to generational and cultural differences. Inviting at-risk youth to participate in the creation of intervention material can au...PURPOSE: Intervention content written by adults for youth can result in miscommunication due to generational and cultural differences. Inviting at-risk youth to participate in the creation of intervention material can augment acceptability for their peers. METHODS: To improve intervention messaging, the present study examines the utility of a card sort technique when creating cellular phone text messages to be used in a preventive substance use intervention. During focus groups with 24 youth who are exiting the foster care system - a population with distinct cultural attributes - participants were asked to rate stage of change-specific health messages rooted in Motivational Interviewing and the Transtheoretical Model. RESULTS: Participants unanimously favored content that encouraged autonomy and choice. Statements that invited a "look to the future" were also rated favorably. Messages that referenced the past were not rated well, as were suggestions for professional assistance. Finally, encouragement to receive social support for change was met with ambivalence. While some participants regarded support as helpful, many others felt a severe lack of support in their lives, possibly prompting further substance use. CONCLUSIONS: Youth exiting foster care constitute a unique population whose voice is paramount in the development of interventions. The content present in traditional approaches to substance use prevention (e.g., increasing social support) may not apply to this group of vulnerable youth. The card sort technique has strong potential to evoke youth-specific intervention content that is more readily understood and accepted by target audiences.
Pressman AJ, Peterlin BL, Tompkins DA
… +4 more, Salas RE, Buenaver LF, Haythornthwaite JA, Campbell CM
J Appl Biobehav Res
· 2017 Mar · PMID 30983846
·
Full text
Catastrophizing, a persistent negative mental set characterized by helplessness, rumination, and magnification of pain sensations, has a potent effect on pain report and clinical outcomes. Previous studies have documente...Catastrophizing, a persistent negative mental set characterized by helplessness, rumination, and magnification of pain sensations, has a potent effect on pain report and clinical outcomes. Previous studies have documented an association between cognitive factors and central sensitization. The current analysis sought to test the potential modulating effect of pain catastrophizing on the association between capsaicin pain and the region of secondary hyperalgesia. Thirty-eight healthy individuals (50% women, mean age = 25.7, = 5.3) completed the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), then underwent topical application of 10% capsaicin, which was covered by a thermode maintained at 40°C for 90-min. Following removal of the capsaicin, the region of secondary hyperalgesia was determined. Hayes' PROCESS macro was employed to examine catastrophizing's potential moderating effect, which did not reveal a significant association between capsaicin pain ratings and the region of secondary hyperalgesia (β = 15.1, = .06). Though PCS was not associated with area of secondary hyperalgesia (β = 23.9, = .29), a significant interaction was present between PCS and capsaicin pain ratings (β = 3.7, = .0004). Specifically, those endorsing higher catastrophizing levels and higher pain ratings experienced the greatest areas of secondary hyperalgesia. The Johnson-Neyman technique was used to determine the regional effect of the moderation, which indicated that when PCS scores were ≥10.6, capsaicin pain significantly moderated the association between pain and area of secondary hyperalgesia. These results suggest that catastrophizing plays an important role in the area of secondary hyperalgesia, and potentially central sensitization, warranting further testing in future research.
Kyranou M, Puntillo K, Aouizerat BE
… +7 more, Dunn LB, Paul SM, Cooper BA, West C, Dodd M, Elboim C, Miaskowski C
J Appl Biobehav Res
· 2014 Jun · PMID 25382962
·
Full text
Depressive symptoms are common in women with breast cancer. This study evaluated how ratings of depressive symptoms changed from the time of the preoperative assessment to 6 months after surgery and investigated whether...Depressive symptoms are common in women with breast cancer. This study evaluated how ratings of depressive symptoms changed from the time of the preoperative assessment to 6 months after surgery and investigated whether specific demographic, clinical, and symptom characteristics predicted preoperative levels of and/or characteristics of the trajectories of depressive symptoms. Characteristics that predicted higher preoperative levels of depressive symptoms included being married/partnered; receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy; more fear of metastasis; higher levels of trait anxiety, state anxiety, sleep disturbance, problems with changes in appetite; more hours per day in pain; and lower levels of attentional function. Future studies need to evaluate associations between anxiety, fears of recurrence, and uncertainty, as well as personality characteristics and depressive symptoms.
J Appl Biobehav Res
· 2014 Feb · PMID 24891812
·
Full text
Considerable research effort in the past several decades has focused on the impact of psychological stress, and stress hormones, on cancer . Numerous studies have reported that stress hormone treatment or stress exposur...Considerable research effort in the past several decades has focused on the impact of psychological stress, and stress hormones, on cancer . Numerous studies have reported that stress hormone treatment or stress exposure can enhance the growth of tumor cell lines , as well as tumors in animal models, and have begun to explore molecular mechanisms. Comparatively little research has focused on the impact of psychological stress and stress hormones on cancer , in part due to inherent methodological challenges, but also because potential underlying biological mechanisms have remained obscure. In this review, we present a testable theoretical model of pathways by which stress may result in cellular transformation and tumorigenesis. This model supports our overarching hypothesis that psychological stress, acting through increased levels of catecholamines and/or cortisol, can increase DNA damage and/or reduce repair mechanisms, resulting in increased risk of DNA mutations leading to carcinogenesis. A better understanding of molecular pathways by which psychological stress can increase the risk of cancer initiation would open new avenues of translational research, bringing together psychologists, neuroscientists, and molecular biologists, potentially resulting in the development of novel approaches for cancer risk reduction at the population level.
J Appl Biobehav Res
· 2013 Jun · PMID 24143062
·
Full text
Emotion and pain are known to be intimately related, but treating co-occurring problems is still in its infancy mainly because we lack a clear theoretical understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved. This lack of...Emotion and pain are known to be intimately related, but treating co-occurring problems is still in its infancy mainly because we lack a clear theoretical understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved. This lack of understanding is problematic because treatment has proved challenging and co-occurring pain and emotional problems are associated with poor outcome, relapse, and greater sick absenteeism. Transdiagnostics has emerged as one way of focusing on the shared underlying mechanisms that drive comorbid problems. This approach has not been thoroughly examined for pain and emotion. Hence, the purpose of this review is to describe a transdiagnostic approach to pain and emotion and its clinical implications. To this end, the transdiagnostic approach is applied to pain and emotion in a narrative review of the literature. A focus on the function of emotion and pain relative to the context is underscored as a way to understand the relationship better. Avoidance, catastrophic worry, and thought suppression are put forward as three examples of potential transdiagnostic mechanisms that may underlie a co-occurring emotion and pain problem. The approach is readily translated to the clinic where assessment and treatment should focus on identifying transdiagnostic mechanisms. However, additional exploration is needed and therefore suggestions for future research are presented.
Lopez CR, Antoni MH, Pereira D
… +5 more, Seay J, Whitehead N, Potter J, O'Sullivan M, Fletcher MA
J Appl Biobehav Res
· 2013 Mar · PMID 23526866
·
Full text
The stress of co-infection with HIV and Human Papillomavirus (HPV), in race/ethnic minority women, may increase depression and immune decrements. Compromised immunity in HIV+ HPV+ women may increase the odds of cervical...The stress of co-infection with HIV and Human Papillomavirus (HPV), in race/ethnic minority women, may increase depression and immune decrements. Compromised immunity in HIV+ HPV+ women may increase the odds of cervical dysplasia. Thus we tested the efficacy of a 10-wk cognitive behavioral stress management (CBSM) group intervention and hypothesized that CBSM would decrease depression and improve immune status (CD4+ T-cells, natural killer [NK] cells). HIV+HPV+ women (n=71) completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and provided blood samples, were randomized to CBSM or a control condition, and were re-assessed post-intervention. Women in CBSM revealed less depression, greater NK cells, and marginally greater CD4+ T-cells post-intervention vs. controls. Stress management may improve mood and immunity in HIV+HPV+ lower income minority women.
J Appl Biobehav Res
· 2011 Dec · PMID 22919263
·
Full text
Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder (TMJMD) is one of the most prevalent types of musculoskeletal disorders. The major goal of the study was to more objectively quantify clinically meaningful relief for TMJMD tre...Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder (TMJMD) is one of the most prevalent types of musculoskeletal disorders. The major goal of the study was to more objectively quantify clinically meaningful relief for TMJMD treatment outcomes by using the new metric of minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Pre- to post-treatment changes on a number of self-report measures were evaluated in a cohort of 101 acute TMJMD patients. An anchor-based MCID approach was employed, with an objective chewing performance measure serving as the clinical outcome of interest. Using a Receiver Operating Curve analysis, it was found that the Physical Component Scale (PCS) of the SF-36 was the most robust self-report measure to use as the MCID in a TMJMD patient population.
Cordero ED, Loredo JS, Murray KE
… +1 more, Dimsdale JE
J Appl Biobehav Res
· 2012 Mar · PMID 22773899
·
Full text
It is unknown if fatigue measures like the Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory-Short Form (MFSI-SF; Stein, Jacobsen, Blanchard, & Thors, 2004) appropriately describe fatigue in Hispanics or if acculturation plays...It is unknown if fatigue measures like the Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory-Short Form (MFSI-SF; Stein, Jacobsen, Blanchard, & Thors, 2004) appropriately describe fatigue in Hispanics or if acculturation plays a role in fatigue. This study compared fatigue in community samples of Hispanics and Anglos. The MFSI-SF and pertinent questionnaires were administered to adults in San Diego County via telephone survey. Some differences in fatigue were observed in initial comparisons between Hispanics and Anglos, including when acculturation was considered. When age and education were controlled, Hispanics reported less general fatigue than Anglos, regardless of acculturation status, p = < .01. Exploratory factor analyses indicate that the MFSI-SF general-fatigue subscale was problematic for Hispanics. Implications, limitations, and future directions are discussed.
Cherry KE, Brown JS, Marks LD
… +6 more, Galea S, Volaufova J, Lefante C, Su LJ, Welsh DA, Jazwinski SM
J Appl Biobehav Res
· 2011 Dec · PMID 23526570
·
Full text
The authors examined the effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (HKR) on cognitive and psychosocial functioning in a lifespan sample of adults 6 to 14 months after the storms. Participants were recruited from the Louisia...The authors examined the effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (HKR) on cognitive and psychosocial functioning in a lifespan sample of adults 6 to 14 months after the storms. Participants were recruited from the Louisiana Healthy Aging Study (LHAS). Most were assessed during the immediate impact period and retested for this study. Analyses of pre-and post-disaster cognitive data confirmed that storm-related decrements in working memory for middle-aged and older adults observed in the immediate impact period had returned to pre-hurricane levels in the post-disaster recovery period. Middle-aged adults reported more storm-related stressors and greater levels of stress than the two older groups at both waves of testing. These results are consistent with a burden perspective on post-disaster psychological reactions.
J Appl Biobehav Res
· 2010 Sep · PMID 21278843
·
Full text
Theoretical accounts of autism have hypothesized links between arousal and behavior but research translations of theory to real-world contexts have been limited. In this single-subject experimental analysis, a school-age...Theoretical accounts of autism have hypothesized links between arousal and behavior but research translations of theory to real-world contexts have been limited. In this single-subject experimental analysis, a school-age subject chose between high and low arousing activities with real time monitoring of behavior and heart rate (HR). Time series statistical analysis showed significant changes in HR associated with activity type and no association with motor movement. Sequential analysis showed that activity choice and HR were significantly associated (i.e., activity choice sequentially dependent with the preceding level of HR). Highly arousing activities were more likely to be chosen following high HR and vice versa. Results provide evidence of the feasibility of an integrative bio-behavioral approach to understand behavior in neurodevelopmental disorders.
Morokoff PJ, Redding CA, Harlow LL
… +6 more, Cho S, Rossi JS, Meier KS, Mayer KH, Koblin B, Brown-Peterside P
J Appl Biobehav Res
· 2009 Jan · PMID 25018617
·
Full text
This study examined whether the Multifaceted Model of HIV Risk (MMOHR) would predict unprotected sex based on predictors including gender, childhood sexual abuse (CSA), sexual victimization (SV), depression, and sexual a...This study examined whether the Multifaceted Model of HIV Risk (MMOHR) would predict unprotected sex based on predictors including gender, childhood sexual abuse (CSA), sexual victimization (SV), depression, and sexual assertiveness for condom use. A community-based sample of 473 heterosexually active men and women, aged 18-46 years completed survey measures of model variables. Gender predicted several variables significantly. A separate model for women demonstrated excellent fit, while the model for men demonstrated reasonable fit. Multiple sample model testing supported the use of MMOHR in both men and women, while simultaneously highlighting areas of gender difference. Prevention interventions should focus on sexual assertiveness, especially for CSA and SV survivors, as well as targeting depression, especially among men.
Torres-Harding S, Sorenson M, Jason L
… +4 more, Maher K, Fletcher MA, Reynolds N, Brown M
J Appl Biobehav Res
· 2008 Jan · PMID 19701493
·
Full text
Hypocortisolism has been reported in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), with the significance of this finding to disease etiology unclear. This study examined cortisol levels and their relationships with symptoms in a group...Hypocortisolism has been reported in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), with the significance of this finding to disease etiology unclear. This study examined cortisol levels and their relationships with symptoms in a group of 108 individuals with CFS. CFS symptoms examined included fatigue, pain, sleep difficulties, neurocognitive functioning, and psychiatric status. Alterations in cortisol levels were examined by calculation of mean daily cortisol, while temporal variation in cortisol function was examined by means of a regression slope. Additionally, deviation from expected cortisol diurnal pattern was determined via clinical judgment. Results indicated that fatigue and pain were associated with salivary cortisol levels. In particular, variance from the expected pattern of cortisol was associated with increased levels of fatigue. The implications of these findings are discussed.