Search

Background: Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune disease with ocular and oral dryness and a wide spectrum of symptoms leading to psychological distress and reduced quality of life (QoL). Subsequently, emotional disorders increase mucosal dryness by causing pathological vicious cycles. The aim of the present pilot study was to investigate the effect of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) protocol on perceived stress, awareness, mood states, mental and physical health, and discomfort associated with mucosal dryness in patients with primary SS (pSS) and non-Sjögren's sicca syndrome (nS-SS). Methods: Twenty-one patients with pSS or nS-SS participated in a MBSR program, lasting eight weeks. Patients were assessed by clinimetric tools for health-related QoL (Short Form 36 [SF-36]), fatigue and discomfort (Profile of Fatigue and Discomfort-Short Form), QoL related to oral health (Oral Health Related Quality of Life in Primary Sjögren's), perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale [PSS]), mindful attention and awareness (Mindful Attention Awareness Scale), and mood states (Profile of Mood State [POMS]) at the beginning of the study, at the end of the MBSR program, and after a follow-up period. Results: SS patients showed a significant improvement after the MBSR program for mental health measured by the SF-36 scale (P < 0.001), PSS (P < 0.05), and all subscales of POMS (total score, anger, confusion, depression, fatigue, tension and vigor; P < 0.05). Conclusions: This pilot study shows mindfulness training to be very useful as an additional and effective approach to a multidisciplinary care plan in patients with pSS and nS-SS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides essays that offer insights on somatic practices and the connection and contact between healthcare provider and patient. Topics covered include somatics and cultivating awareness of sensations, stress and the body-to-body conversation in couple therapy, and non-verbal sensory insight of the biological built-in compass for navigating optimal functioning.

An interview with Larry R. Wells is presented . Topics discussed include talking about neurolinguistic programming (NLP) is appropriate for dealing with conditions such as stress-related illnesses, insomnia, trauma, addictions, chronic pain, and getting through medical procedures; mentions her work experience at NLP; and also mentions NLP phobia cure has been used with victims of trauma to reduce or eliminate post-trauma effects.

Background: Stress, sometimes referred to as psychological distress, is common in Australia and many people choose to self-medicate by purchasing over-the-counter complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) products from pharmacies. Aims: This review has five aims: to determine the philosophical underpinnings of CAM use in the general population and also in those who experience a mental health disorder, notably psychological distress; to find more specific reasons for CAM use in those two population groups; and to examine the influences and information sources relating to CAM purchases in pharmacy, particularly for stress. Materials and Methods: This review was conducted using a systematic approach across relevant databases and using specific inclusion criteria. Results: Examination of 47 studies produced a disparate group of findings. Consumers of CAM in the general population often related to the modality with a philosophical congruence (e.g., holistic views and personal empowerment) and more specifically the ability to actively and positively self-manage their health. Those with mental health disorders felt similarly, but also exhibited a negative attitude to conventional treatments, often considering CAM safer and more appropriate. A more specific reason for CAM adoption in the wider population was prior usage and self-belief of effectiveness. Only one study examined CAM use in those with a mental health disorder indicating a 'last resort' attitude. In six studies, one being Australian, it was demonstrated that family and friends were common sources of influence and information; however, no studies were found relating to CAM usage in those with psychological distress. Conclusion: CAM use both in the general Australian population and in those self-managing stress is common. These groups share some philosophical viewpoints. Family and friends often guide decision making in the first group, but almost nothing is known of those suffering stress, indicating a dire need for research. Implications indicate an extended role for pharmacists and pharmacy staff in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study regarding the use of aromatherapy for reducing stress and chronic renal asteatotic eczema that causes blood pooling. Topics discussed include use of juniperus communis, helichrysum italicum and lavandula angustifolia mixture in aromatherapy, working of mixture as relaxing essential oil for patient with acute stress, and use of lavandin in reducing postcardiotomy stress in an intensive care unit (ICU).

The article presents abstracts related to alternative and complementary therapies including the effect of physical activities in reducing breast cancer risk during postmenopause, the association of vitamin D deficiency and dementia, and the effect of tree nuts on glycemic control.

The article focuses on a study to examine the effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) for effective stress management in adults. It mentions that 30 adults have been divided into two groups having one group subjected to CBT and the other group applied with CBT and AAT. It reveals the result where the presence of a dog in AAT group was found beneficial in reducing stress.

The article discusses a study evaluating if wave motion intervention (WMI) is an effective stress relieving method in patients suffering with stage II and III breast cancer. The results revealed that WMI method can relieve stress, provide relief and improve quality of life (QOL) of those women suffering with breast cancer. WMI is a safe mechanism which improves the ability to cope, benefits the patients in facial lines smoothing, sleep and relief in physical discomfort.

The article offers information related to alternative therapies to various medical conditions. It says that music therapy can help in reducing anxiety in cancer patients, but depression in patients is unaffected by the therapy. It states that acupuncture can help relieve the pain in patients who underwent panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) treatment. It also mentions that caffeine increases blood pressure (BP), in which habitual intake can cause cardiovascular diseases.

The article offers insights of several physicians' approaches for the treatment of stress. Doctor Ronald M. Glick recommends physical activities for patients and guided-imagery audiotapes for insomnia cases. Doctor Catherine Ulbricht also recommends evidence supported integrative therapies, such as Kava (Piper methysticum) and music therapy. Furthermore, doctor George Nemecz lists several therapies including Shirodhara, yoga asanas, and aroma therapy.

The article offers information on various ways in managing stress based from the perspectives of different medical practitioners. It states that the defensive mechanisms for stress include sleep, exercise, and eating raw fruits and vegetables. It mentions that biofeedback, guided breathing exercises, and meditation are effective tools in understanding how stress in translated physiologically in the body. It adds that mind-body medicine is a good way to lessen stress.

The article presents an evidence-based research on the therapeutic use of Rhodiola rosea on various conditions including anxiety, adaptogen, and fatigue. The research utilized systematic review method of several studies on topics such as the use of Rhodiola rosea in stress-related fatigue and the mental performance of pneumonia patients treated with Rhodiola rosea containing product. Preliminary evidences indicate medical efficacy of Rhodiola rosea in reducing depression, anxiety, and fatigue.

The article offers medical news briefs. A study funded by the National Institutes of Health reveals that women with HIV who take preformed vitamin-A and β-carotene (VA/BC) have an increased risk of transferring the virus to their infants through breastfeeding. A prospective cohort study indicates that high intake of chocolate results to increased risk of heart failure hospitalization or death in women. Two studies discover that sleep loss contributes to obesity in children and adults.

The article offers information on how stress-management therapies work in treating various chronic diseases like hypertension and HIV/AIDS. It states that stress-management programs help in easing the negative effects of stress on people with chronic disease. It notes that the most effective stress-reduction in hypertension is the Transcendental Meditation™ program, while stress-management interventions such as cognitive and behavioral training reduce stress in HIV/AIDS patients.

A personal narrative is presented which explores the author's experience of using Shen Zhen Qigong in dealing with parents of critically ill infants.