Matching Items (3)
Description
Abstract Chronic pain is a growing problem in the western world and is one of the largest costs to the healthcare system. In order to decrease both the prevalence and the cost, it is necessary to understand factors that influence the chronic pain experience and potential ways to treat it. This literature review examines three demographic factors - gender, ethnicity and age \u2014 and the effect each has on the chronic pain experience. Pain intensity, disability caused by pain, mood and coping were reviewed in relation to gender. No conclusions were able to be drawn based on the literature reviewed for any of the topics; findings were conflicting. Ethnic groups with chronic pain were evaluated for differences in the pain experience, psychological and emotional responses and coping. A lack of consistent findings among studies made it hard to come to conclusions. As children and adolescents get older, the frequency of their pain becomes higher. The literature review then continues by examining three treatment methods: cognitive behavioral therapy, hypnosis and exercise. Each treatment method discussed had beneficial outcomes in the treatment of chronic pain. Cognitive behavioral therapy seemed to be the most beneficial both short- and long-term. Hypnosis was most beneficial short-term for flair-ups and exercise had the best effects long term when the treatment is continued. In the future, I recommend designing a study that takes into consideration multiple variables that may have an effect on the pain experience including gender, ethnicity, age, socioeconomic status, education, income and duration of pain, and manipulating one at a time.
ContributorsHarris, Ellaura Yvonne-True (Author) / Miller, Paul (Thesis director) / Newman, Matt (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Social and Behavioral Sciences (Contributor)
Created2014-05
Description
Dementia is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease for which there is no cure at the present time. Patients with dementia and age-related disorders experience neuropsychiatric symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, and other difficult to handle behaviors (Peipert et al., 2018). Due to the staggering cost of hiring in-home help or placing their loved ones in a memory care facility, many Americans choose to care for their loved one at home. Unfortunately, this undertaking can impact the caregiver’s emotional and mental health, financial situation, and social life (Peipert et al., 2018). Psychosocial interventions, ranging from social support to therapy, have been shown to be incredibly effective in improving dementia caregiver mental health. One such psychosocial intervention is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps the individual adapt more effective thinking patterns in order to improve their coping skills (Kwon et al., 2017). CBT combines cognitive theory and behavioral theory to explain how our thoughts and feelings directly impact the severity of a situation. In cognitive theory, it is our interpretation of the events that happen to us that is the root of our emotions, not the events themselves. The relationship between our interpretation and our emotions is known as the ABC model (Sorocco & Lauderdale, 2011). In this paper, several relevant studies researching the impacts of CBT on family dementia caregiver stress and burden are assessed and reviewed. A comprehensive, tentative CBT plan for family dementia caregivers is included and proposed.
ContributorsVan Duine, Kelly Nicole (Author) / Infurna, Frank (Thesis director) / Baker, Zach (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Social and Behavioral Sciences (Contributor) / School of International Letters and Cultures (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
Chronic pain is devastating and highly prevalent among Veterans in the United States (Johnson, Levesque, Broderick, Bailey & Kerns, 2017). While there are various treatment options for chronic pain, opioids remain high in popularity. Although opioids are fast-acting and effective, potential consequences range from unpleasant side effects to dependence and fatal overdose (Baldini, Korff & Lin, 2012; Park et al., 2015; Kaur, 2007). The effects of opioid treatment can be further complicated by a history of alcohol abuse. Past alcohol abuse is a risk factor for opioid misuse (McCabe et al., 2008). One alternative to opioid medication is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain (CBT-CP). CBT-CP has shown small to moderate effects on chronic pain after the end of treatment (Naylor, Keefe, Brigidi, Naud & Helzer, 2008). The current study examined the effect of CBT-CP on opioid prescriptions, as well as the role of past alcohol abuse in CBT-CP efficacy, through an archival data analysis of Veterans Affairs patient charts. In order to determine the effect of CBT-CP on opioid prescriptions, an opioid change score was calculated from treatment start date to twelve months post-treatment. An analysis of 106 patient charts demonstrated no statistically significant difference in opioid prescriptions between Veterans who were referred and attended treatment (n = 24) and those who were referred but did not attend (n = 82). Veterans from both groups showed a reduction in prescribed opioids during a 12-month period. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference between Veterans with versus without a history of alcohol abuse in terms of the change in opioid prescriptions over a 12-month period (both groups showed reductions). This research suggests that opioid prescriptions may decrease over time among Veterans referred for CBT-CP, even among those who do not participate in the groups. More work is needed to understand the relationship between opioid prescriptions and actual opioid use over time among Veterans who do and do not choose to participate in CBT-CP. Continuing to address poly-substance use in chronic pain patients also is critical to ensure that Veterans suffering from chronic pain receive appropriate intervention.
ContributorsMiller, Stephanie C (Author) / Roberts, Nicole (Thesis director) / Gress-Smith, Jenna (Thesis director) / Burgess, Lisa (Committee member) / School of Social Transformation (Contributor) / Department of Psychology (Contributor) / Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2019-05