The COMFORT trial: a randomised control trial comparing group-based COMpassion-FOcussed therapy and breathing pattern ReTraining with treatment as usual on the psychological functioning of patients diagnosed with cancer recurrence during COVID.

Background: A cancer diagnosis is a known precipitant of psychological distress, with fear of recurrence being a well-documented distressing consequence of cancer. Cancer recurrence often results in an additional psychological burden, which may exacerbate as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: This is a single-centre, prospective, randomised controlled trial.

Effect of perioperative cognitive behavioural therapy on chronic post-surgical pain among breast cancer patients with high pain catastrophising characteristics: protocol for a double-blinded randomised controlled trial.

Background: Surgery is regarded as the primary treatment for breast cancer. Chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP) is a recognised complication after breast cancer surgery, and it is estimated to affect 20-30% of women. Pain catastrophizing has emerged as one of the most influential psychological variables associated with CPSP.

Exercise combined with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy compared with a standalone supervised exercise programme for adults with chronic pain: a randomised controlled trial.

A prospective, 2-armed, parallel group randomised controlled trial (RCT) was conducted to compare the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) combined with a supervised exercise programme with a supervised exercise programme alone for adults with chronic pain. One hundred seventy-five participants were individually randomised to receive either the combined Exercise and ACT (ExACT) intervention or supervised exercise alone. Those allocated to the ExACT group attended 8 weekly sessions with a psychologist based on the ACT approach, in addition to supervised exercise classes led by a physiotherapist.

Investigating the impact of a chronic disease self-management programme on depression and quality of life scores in an Irish sample.

Depression is more common among people with chronic conditions than in the general population and can negatively influence both health behaviours and outcomes. The Chronic Disease Self-Management Programme (CDSMP) is a six-week psycho-educational programme designed to promote self-efficacy and to teach patients skills for managing their chronic conditions. A longitudinal design evaluated the effect of the CDSMP on depression in an Irish cohort.

Exercise and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Chronic Pain: A Case Series with One-Year Follow-Up.

Introduction: There is growing evidence to support Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in the management of chronic pain. However, there is a need for further research evaluating ACT combined with physical exercise, and few studies have assessed the long-term impact of this type of intervention. This case series reports on the acceptability and impact of an ACT-based multidisciplinary pain management programme on a range of health outcomes in both the short and long-term.

Exercise combined with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ExACT) compared to a supervised exercise programme for adults with chronic pain: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

Background: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of cognitive behavioural therapy, which may be beneficial for people with chronic pain. The approach aims to enhance daily functioning through increased psychological flexibility. Whilst the therapeutic model behind ACT appears well suited to chronic pain, there is a need for further research to test its effectiveness in clinical practice, particularly with regards to combining ACT with physical exercise.

Effects of anti-viral therapy and HCV clearance on cerebral metabolism and cognition.

Background & Aims: Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with altered cerebral metabolism and cognitive dysfunction. We aimed to evaluate the effect of pegylated interferon/ribavirin (PIFN/R) and HCV clearance on cerebral metabolism, and neuropsychological performance.

Methods: Fifteen non-cirrhotic HCV positive subjects underwent (1)H MR spectroscopy (MRS) before, during, and after treatment with PIFN/R.

Hepatitis C management: the challenge of dropout associated with male sex and injection drug use.

Background: Anecdotal reports of poor patient compliance with hepatitis C disease management exist yet little data are available on the true rates of dropout.

Aims: To examine all referrals made to an urban tertiary care liver centre for hepatitis C virus (HCV) management, track subsequent progress and identify dropout trends.

Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective review was conducted to examine the HCV referrals received on 2000 through 2007.