When insurance is not a barrier: psychological factors predicting whether bariatric candidates undergo surgery.

Background: Despite the effectiveness of bariatric surgery, utilization rates have increased only marginally over the last 2 decades; candidates who are eligible for bariatric surgery regularly fail to undergo surgery. The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) has previously been used to assist in identification of those who will not move forward with surgery after being identified as eligible. However, medical insurance has been identified as a significant barrier to surgery; research in those who have universal healthcare may yield different results.

The role of obesity severity in Minnesota multiphasic personality inventory-2-restructured form prediction of 12-month bariatric surgery outcomes.

Background: The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) has been widely used in bariatric surgery samples. However, questions remain regarding its utility when predicting changes in body mass index over time following bariatric surgery.

Objectives: Examine whether MMPI-2-RF scales differentially predict 12-month changes in body mass index (BMI) following bariatric surgery when comparing patients with Class III or higher versus Class II or lower obesity.

Psychological Profiles and 12-Month Weight Outcomes of Women Evaluated for Reoperative Bariatric Surgery.

Background: The use of psychological screening instruments prior to bariatric surgery has been well established. However, there is currently no specific literature on psychological screening of candidates for reoperative bariatric surgery.

Methods: This study evaluated archival data for 40 women who were candidates for reoperative bariatric surgery and completed the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF).

Millon Behavioral Medicine Diagnostic Scales Do Not Predict Long-term Weight Loss Outcomes in Bariatric Surgery Patients.

Background: Psychological factors identified during presurgical screening have the potential to identify which patients may respond better to bariatric surgery, and which patients may need additional assistance. Previous research has validated a number of potential instruments for use in presurgical screening.

Method: This study evaluated archival data for 224 patients for a 60-month period following bariatric surgery to examine how presurgical scores on the Millon Behavioral Medicine Diagnostic predict body mass index (BMI) over time.

The relationship of presurgical Personality Assessment Inventory scales to BMI following bariatric surgery.

Objective: Notwithstanding the efficacy of bariatric surgery in reducing the negative sequelae of obesity, psychological factors may play a significant role in long-term weight maintenance following surgery. Previous research on these factors has shown mixed outcomes, indicating the need for further study in samples undergoing bariatric surgery.

Method: This study evaluated archival data for 194 patients from a single-payer system for a 60-month period following bariatric surgery to examine how presurgical scores on the Personality Assessment Inventory predict body mass index (BMI) over time.

Preoperative Psychological Assessment and Weight Loss Outcomes in Bariatric Surgery Patients at a Military Treatment Facility: A Retrospective Profile Analysis.

Introduction: Research on effectiveness of preoperative psychological measures as predictors of weight loss success and weight regain following bariatric surgery has been inconsistent. Despite mixed findings, preoperative psychological assessment instruments are used routinely, including in military medical facilities. Health concerns associated with obesity potentially impact military family readiness, with accompanying utilization of medical resources.

Exploring How Trait Mindfulness Relates to Perceived Stress and Cardiovascular Reactivity.

Background: Mindfulness interventions have been associated with less global perceived stress as well as attenuated cardiovascular reactivity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether high levels of trait mindfulness would also be associated with these benefits.

Methods: Participants were 99 healthy young adults aged 18-25 years.

Depressive Symptoms are Associated with Heart Rate Variability Independently of Fitness: A Cross-Sectional Study of Patients with Heart Failure.

Background: Depression is associated with reduced heart rate variability (HRV) in healthy and cardiac samples, which may be accounted for by physical fitness. In a small sample of cardiac patients, activity and fitness levels attenuated the relationship between HRV and depression. In the current study of heart failure (HF) patients, we hypothesized that depressive symptoms and HRV would be inversely related and physical fitness would attenuate this association.

Sleep quality and daytime sleepiness are not associated with cognition in heart failure.

Background: Individuals with heart failure (HF) exhibit comorbid impairments in both sleep and cognitive performance. Sleep quality has been associated with impaired cognitive performance in HF patients, but reports are inconsistent. In this study, we examined associations between sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and cognitive function in HF.

Executive function moderates the relationship between depressive symptoms and resting heart rate variability in heart failure.

Heart failure (HF) is associated with high rates of depression. In turn, depression is associated with reduced heart rate variability (HRV), a marker of parasympathetic dysfunction and poorer cardiac outcomes. Cognitive impairment--especially executive dysfunction--is also highly prevalent in HF, but it is unknown whether executive function (EF) impacts the depression-HRV relationship.