Bernd Löwe
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View article: Efficacy of a mechanism-based psychological intervention for persistent gastrointestinal symptoms in ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome: results of a three-arm randomised controlled trial (SOMA.GUT-RCT)
Efficacy of a mechanism-based psychological intervention for persistent gastrointestinal symptoms in ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome: results of a three-arm randomised controlled trial (SOMA.GUT-RCT) Open
Summary: Background: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC) are chronic gastrointestinal conditions with differing pathologies but overlapping symptoms and shared risk factors contributing to symptom persistence. Illnes…
View article: Measuring anticipated stigma towards irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in the German general population: testing the applicability of a modified version of the Perceived Stigma Scale of IBS in the cross-sectional SOMA.SOC study
Measuring anticipated stigma towards irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in the German general population: testing the applicability of a modified version of the Perceived Stigma Scale of IBS in the cross-sectional SOMA.SOC study Open
Objective There is only a little research on anticipated stigma in the general population, despite evidence of negative consequences with regard to underutilisation of medical testing or treatment. While a lot of instruments focus on the i…
View article: Somatic symptom severity and psychological distress among immigrants: findings from a population-based study
Somatic symptom severity and psychological distress among immigrants: findings from a population-based study Open
In this study, the SSS-8 demonstrated measurement invariance across immigrant and non-immigrant populations, supporting its applicability for research in diverse sociocultural contexts. The findings suggest a higher vulnerability to SSS an…
View article: Prevalence and Burden of Somatic Symptom Disorder in Atopic Dermatitis and Chronic Pruritus—The Persistent Somatic Symptoms Across Diseases: Pruritus (SOMA.PRU) Study
Prevalence and Burden of Somatic Symptom Disorder in Atopic Dermatitis and Chronic Pruritus—The Persistent Somatic Symptoms Across Diseases: Pruritus (SOMA.PRU) Study Open
Background Somatic symptom disorder (SSD) is a relatively “novel” psychiatric diagnosis defined as excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors related to persistent somatic symptoms such as chronic pruritus (CP) and could be important in th…
View article: Comparative Analysis of Patient-Reported Outcomes in Chronic Pruritus: Patients with Chronic Liver or Kidney Diseases Exhibit Higher Psychological Distress than Those with Atopic Dermatitis
Comparative Analysis of Patient-Reported Outcomes in Chronic Pruritus: Patients with Chronic Liver or Kidney Diseases Exhibit Higher Psychological Distress than Those with Atopic Dermatitis Open
These results highlight the need for holistic, patient-centred management strategies that address both the physical and psychological aspects of CP.
View article: Mapping the Network of Persistent Somatic Symptoms Across Diseases: A Longitudinal Analysis from the SOMACROSS Research Unit
Mapping the Network of Persistent Somatic Symptoms Across Diseases: A Longitudinal Analysis from the SOMACROSS Research Unit Open
Background Persistent Somatic Symptoms (PSS) are common, functionally disruptive, multifactorial, and often remain stable over time. Understanding how symptoms interact may clarify transdiagnostic patterns and inform treatment. This study …
View article: Heterogeneity in Effects of Automated Results Feedback After Online Depression Screening: Secondary Machine-Learning Based Analysis of the DISCOVER Trial
Heterogeneity in Effects of Automated Results Feedback After Online Depression Screening: Secondary Machine-Learning Based Analysis of the DISCOVER Trial Open
Background Online depression screening tools may increase uptake of evidence-based care and consequently lead to symptom reduction. However, results of the DISCOVER trial suggested no effect of automated results feedback compared with no f…
View article: Development of the Pruritus-Associated Stress Scale: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study in Adults with Atopic Dermatitis, Chronic Prurigo and Chronic Pruritus on Non-Lesional Skin
Development of the Pruritus-Associated Stress Scale: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study in Adults with Atopic Dermatitis, Chronic Prurigo and Chronic Pruritus on Non-Lesional Skin Open
Background: A significant relationship exists between perceived stress and the exacerbation and perpetuation of chronic pruritic dermatoses. Despite this, there is a notable absence of validated tools to specifically measure pruritus-assoc…
View article: Non‐Adherence to Standard Therapy in Autoimmune Hepatitis: Impact of Steroid Use and Over‐the‐Counter Medications
Non‐Adherence to Standard Therapy in Autoimmune Hepatitis: Impact of Steroid Use and Over‐the‐Counter Medications Open
Background and Aims Non‐adherence to treatment may be one of the most important causes for the failure of therapy goals in autoimmune liver diseases (AILD). We aimed to assess factors related to non‐adherence in adult non‐transplanted pati…
View article: Peer Support in Chronic Conditions from the Peer Supporters’ Perspective: A Systematic Review
Peer Support in Chronic Conditions from the Peer Supporters’ Perspective: A Systematic Review Open
Objective: Peer support can be a valuable addition to routine care for patients with chronic conditions. While the benefits of peer support are well documented, most research has focused on the recipients' perspective. Given the central ro…
View article: Healthcare professionals’ views on healthcare-related factors influencing symptom course in persistent somatic symptoms: a qualitative study of four European countries
Healthcare professionals’ views on healthcare-related factors influencing symptom course in persistent somatic symptoms: a qualitative study of four European countries Open
Background The care trajectory for patients with Persistent Somatic Symptoms (PSS) is complex due to variability in diagnoses and treatments, with differences across European healthcare systems. Existing findings predominantly come from in…
View article: Potential Harms of Feedback After Web-Based Depression Screening: Secondary Analysis of Negative Effects in the Randomized Controlled DISCOVER Trial
Potential Harms of Feedback After Web-Based Depression Screening: Secondary Analysis of Negative Effects in the Randomized Controlled DISCOVER Trial Open
Background Web-based depression screening followed by automated feedback of results is frequently used and promoted by mental health care providers. However, criticism points to potential associated harms. Systematic empirical evidence on …
View article: Building the TechHub.training Website for Training Accountants in Data Analytics
Building the TechHub.training Website for Training Accountants in Data Analytics Open
SYNOPSIS We use the design science methodology to develop and validate a website that serves as a free resource for learners to hone their technology skills through meaningful technology experiences, while also providing recognition for th…
View article: Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) and 2-item (GAD-2) scales for detecting anxiety disorders in adults
Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) and 2-item (GAD-2) scales for detecting anxiety disorders in adults Open
The GAD-7 and the GAD-2 scales have been tested in numerous languages and different populations. Overall, the GAD-7 and the GAD-2 seem to have acceptable or good diagnostic accuracy for both generalised anxiety disorder and any anxiety dis…
View article: Integrating DCPR-R and DSM-5 into Clinical Psychosomatic Practice in Taiwan: Their Relationship with Psychopathologies and Quality of Life
Integrating DCPR-R and DSM-5 into Clinical Psychosomatic Practice in Taiwan: Their Relationship with Psychopathologies and Quality of Life Open
Introduction: This study aimed to assess the benefit of integrating the Diagnostic Criteria for Psychosomatic Research-Revised (DCPR-R) into the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Specifically, it …
View article: Patient Needs and Treatment Goals in Chronic Atopic Pruritus: Does Eczema Make a Difference?
Patient Needs and Treatment Goals in Chronic Atopic Pruritus: Does Eczema Make a Difference? Open
Chronic pruritus (≥ 6 weeks) is a frequent symptom in atopic diseases, with phenotypes ranging from non-lesional skin to inflammatory diseases like atopic dermatitis. Data on patients’ needs and treatment goals depending on the skin phenot…
View article: Collaborative and stepped care for mental disorders: Results of a cluster-randomized controlled trial in outpatient care (the COMET study)
Collaborative and stepped care for mental disorders: Results of a cluster-randomized controlled trial in outpatient care (the COMET study) Open
We found no superiority of the COMET model for the mental disorders addressed. Methodological issues, including differences at baseline and high dropout rates, make these findings challenging to interpret. Future studies should ensure comp…
View article: Patient experiences in multidisciplinary care for persistent somatic symptoms across four European countries: a cross-sectional comparison
Patient experiences in multidisciplinary care for persistent somatic symptoms across four European countries: a cross-sectional comparison Open
Objectives The aim of this study is to explore patients with persistent somatic symptoms and functional disorders’ (PSS/FD) experiences of and preferences for multidisciplinary care across Europe. A further aim is to compare the experience…
View article: Assessment of psychosocial aspects in adults in post-COVID-19 condition: the EURONET-SOMA recommendations on core outcome domains for clinical and research use
Assessment of psychosocial aspects in adults in post-COVID-19 condition: the EURONET-SOMA recommendations on core outcome domains for clinical and research use Open
Background Harmonizing core outcome domains allows for pooling data, comparing interventions, and streamlining research evaluation. At the same time clinicians require concise and feasible measures for routine practice. Considering the het…
View article: Development of an expectation management intervention for patients with Long COVID: A focus group study with affected patients
Development of an expectation management intervention for patients with Long COVID: A focus group study with affected patients Open
Background A significant number of individuals who have contracted SARS-CoV-2 report persistent somatic symptoms after the infection has resolved. Evidence-based treatment options for Long COVID are lacking to date. To ensure that an expec…
View article: Time-dynamic associations between symptom-related expectations, self-management experiences and somatic symptom severity in everyday life: an ecological momentary assessment study with university students
Time-dynamic associations between symptom-related expectations, self-management experiences and somatic symptom severity in everyday life: an ecological momentary assessment study with university students Open
Objective The present study investigated the associations between symptom-related expectations, self-management experiences and expectation framing on somatic symptom severity in university students in two conditions (positive or standard …
View article: Integrating the Patient Perspective into Healthcare and Real-World Evidence: The Multi-site, Cross-Disease, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Project in the Medical Informatics Initiative (PCOR-MII)
Integrating the Patient Perspective into Healthcare and Real-World Evidence: The Multi-site, Cross-Disease, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Project in the Medical Informatics Initiative (PCOR-MII) Open
This paper presents the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research within the Medical Informatics Initiative (PCOR-MII) project, focusing on the integration of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) into a large-scale national data sharing infrastructur…
View article: The criterion validity of the online version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (Preprint)
The criterion validity of the online version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (Preprint) Open
BACKGROUND The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is probably the most often recommended depression screening questionnaire. Despite its frequent use on the internet, the criterion validity of the PHQ-9 and its abbreviated versions, t…
View article: Data-Driven Cutoff Selection for the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 Depression Screening Tool
Data-Driven Cutoff Selection for the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 Depression Screening Tool Open
Importance: Test accuracy studies often use small datasets to simultaneously select an optimal cutoff score that maximizes test accuracy and generate accuracy estimates. Objective: To evaluate the degree to which using data-driven methods …
View article: The overlooked burden of persistent physical symptoms: a call for action in European healthcare
The overlooked burden of persistent physical symptoms: a call for action in European healthcare Open
Regardless of their cause, persistent physical symptoms are distressing somatic complaints that occur on most days for at least several months. They are common in patients with somatic diseases, functional somatic disorders, mental disorde…
View article: Data-Driven Cutoff Selection for the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 Depression Screening Tool
Data-Driven Cutoff Selection for the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 Depression Screening Tool Open
Importance Test accuracy studies often use small datasets to simultaneously select an optimal cutoff score that maximizes test accuracy and generate accuracy estimates. Objective To evaluate the degree to which using data-driven methods to…