Outpatient group therapy for post-COVID patients - a naturalistic feasibility study of a face-to-face and online group concept.

Background: A significant number of individuals diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 continue to suffer from persistent symptoms, a condition commonly referred to as Post-COVID syndrome (PCS). The most common manifestations are fatigue, post-exertional malaise, respiratory problems and cognitive deficits due to the lack of a causal treatment, therapeutic options remain symptom oriented. The aim of this study was to develop a low-threshold group therapy concept for patients with PCS and to test its feasibility in face-to-face and online format.

Predicting anxiety in cancer survivors presenting to primary care - A machine learning approach accounting for physical comorbidity.

Background: The purpose of this study was to explore predictors for anxiety as the most common form of psychological distress in cancer survivors while accounting for physical comorbidity.

Methods: We conducted a secondary data analysis of a large study within the German National Cancer Plan which enrolled primary care cancer survivors diagnosed with colon, prostatic, or breast cancer. We selected candidate predictors based on a systematic MEDLINE search.

Impact of Depression and Psychosocial Treatment on Heart Rate Variability in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: An Exploratory Analysis Based on the HEIDIS Trial.

Objectives: To explore the impact of depression on heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) as a marker of autonomic nervous system (ANS) impairment in depressed and non-depressed patients with advanced type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to explore possible effects of an acceptance- and mindfulness-based group intervention (MBSR) on HR and HRV.

Methods: Alongside a prospective clinical trial, we collected demographic, psychosocial and clinical data from 113 chronic T2DM patients in a standardized setting. At baseline and after one year, depressive mood was assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and autonomic function was determined by measuring HR and HRV markers.

[Psycho-oncology care in rural areas : Results from a cross-sectional survey on the utilisation of community-based psychosocial support services].

Background: Clinically relevant distress and unmet psychosocial needs frequently occur in the course of cancer diseases. Particularly for thinly populated rural areas in Germany rates of distressed patients and uptake of community-based psycho-oncology services are unknown.

Objectives: Determination of a) the proportion of cancer patients with psychosocial distress and unmet needs and b) the utilisation of community-based psycho-oncology services in thinly populated rural areas.

Accessibility, Availability, and Potential Benefits of Psycho-Oncology Services: The Perspective of Community-Based Physicians Providing Cancer Survivorship Care.

Background: As persons of trust, community-based physicians providing survivorship care (e.g., general practitioners [GPs]) often serve as the primary contacts for cancer survivors disclosing distress.