Mental disorders significantly increase the risk of physical illness

This is a study looking at the effect that psychiatric co-morbidity has on the subsequent development of physical illness, published in JAMA Psychiatry in 2016. [1] Eighteen face-to-face, cross-sectional household surveys of adults were conducted in 17 countries (47 609 individuals; 2 032 942 person-years) from January 1, 2001, to December 31, 2011. Most associations…

CBT based counselling significantly reduces their uptake of primary and secondary care services in patients with chronic medical conditions

A study that was published in 2005. [1] Frequent attenders and patients with diabetes, hypertension and asthma were invited to take part in the study and received eight 90-minute small-group counselling sessions, conducted by trained counsellors. The counselling followed a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) approach, with the aim of developing personal responsibility. Psychological outcomes were…

Cognitive behavioural therapy delivered by respiratory nurses is clinically effective and cost-effective for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and symptoms of anxiety

This is a randomised controlled trial that was published in 2018. [1] A total of 236 patients with a diagnosis of mild to very severe COPD took part in the trial. Each patient was screened for anxiety using the HADS-Anxiety Subscale. This is a questionnaire that asks patients about their feelings of anxiety and depression…

Psychological interventions reduce length of stay and health care costs

This is a meta-analysis that was published in 1999. [1] The authors analysed the impact of psychological interventions on the use of medical services by examining the outcome of 91 studies published between 1967 and 1997. Psychological treatments included psychotherapy, behavioural medicine, and psychiatric consultation. Psychological interventions in hospitals and other settings reduced the length…