Psychological Interventions for People with a Chronic Illness and Their Families

Dear Colleagues,

Chronic illnesses are frequently employed to characterize a diversity of health-related conditions within the human body, such as encompassing syndromes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, diabetes, and physical impairments. These enduring conditions can lead to disabilities and a reduction in both physical and mental health. When people suffer from chronic illnesses, they might experience psychological problems and distress, e.g., anxiety, depression and grief. Parallel to that, their family members or caregivers often experience mental imbalance and distress too. This calls us to pay attention to the mental health of people with chronic illnesses and their families and provide professional psychological support and psychotherapy when indicated.

This Special Issue aims to identify psychological interventions that can aid individuals with chronic illnesses and their family members in enhancing their psychological well-being and to prevent them from developing more serious mental illnesses. We are in search of articles and reviews that will enrich our understanding of behavior change interventions, spanning the entire spectrum from their development and creation to their execution and assessment as well as the substantiating evidence. Moreover, we are interested in exploring how these interventions are effectively incorporated into both policy and real-world applications within various healthcare systems.

Dr. Marieke Verkleij
Dr. Eleonora Volpato
Guest Editors

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• chronic illnesses
• psychological distress
• mental health
• psychological intervention
• counseling
• patients’ families
• caregivers

Title: The experience of Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV) in people with COVID-19 between the acute and rehabilitation settings: a prospective pre-post observational study
Authors: Volpato Eleonora 1,2, Pierucci Paola 3, Poletti Valentina 1, 2, Di Palma Lavinia 3, Pilon Alessandro 3, Carpagnano Giovanna Elisiana 3, Banfi Paolo 2
Affiliation: 1 Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore - Milano (Italy) 2 IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milano (Italy) 3 A. Cardiothoracic Department, Respiratory and Critical care Unit Bari Policlinic University Hospital, B. Section of Respiratory Diseases, Dept. of Basic Medical Science Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari 'Aldo Moro' Bari Italy
Abstract: Background: Utilizing Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV) in the acute management of COVID-19-induced Acute Hypoxic Respiratory Failure (AHRF) can evoke stress and anxiety among patients admitted to Respiratory and Intensive Care Units (RICU and ICU). Aims and objectives: This study seeks to explore the prevalence of anxiety, symptoms indicative of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), psychological distress, and depression concerning one's perception of their disease status among individuals with COVID-19-related AHRF receiving NIV during their RICU/ICU stay and post-rehabilitation. Methods: Fifty-two COVID-19 patients (mean age=66.9; SD=9.17) were assessed during RICU/ICU hospitalization and six months post-rehabilitation for anxiety, psychological distress, PTSD symptoms, and depression, relative to their perceived illness severity and NIV utilization. Results: COVID-19 patients reported heightened fear and anxiety due to illness severity and the uncertainty surrounding the disease during acute care. The necessity of NIV, indicative of severe COVID-19, significantly amplified fear and anxiety (t(14) = 2.79, p =.014) compared to the recovery phase, leading to feelings of loss of control and diminished psychological well-being (t(17) = 2.35, p =.031). However, resilience significantly improved over time (t(16) = -4.78, p <.001). Conclusions: Patients undergoing NIV for COVID-19-related AHRF in RICU/ICU exhibit profound psychological distress. Nevertheless, resilience tends to enhance during rehabilitation. Healthcare providers should offer enhanced support, including reassurance, information dissemination, and addressing patients' concerns and fears. Key Words: Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV); COVID-19; Acute Hypoxic Respiratory Failure, acute setting; rehabilitation setting; psychological distress; anxiety