Anxiety Burden in Chronic Intestinal Failure Patients and Caregivers

Strategic Insights -

Chronic intestinal failure and home parenteral nutrition profoundly disrupt the lives of patients and their caregivers, posing persistent psychological and relational challenges. A recent study explored the progression of anxiety symptoms in patient-caregiver pairs over 12 months and the impact of a systemic-relational psychotherapy program. The findings highlight the need for more intensive and sustained psychological interventions tailored to the dyadic experience of living with chronic intestinal failure.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study aimed to assess the progression of anxiety symptoms in chronic intestinal failure patient-caregiver pairs over 12 months and the effect of a systemic-relational psychotherapy program.
  • Both patients and caregivers exhibited high anxiety levels at baseline, with no significant difference between the groups.
  • Participating in a systemic-relational psychotherapy program for one year did not significantly modify anxiety levels in either group over the 12-month period.
  • The Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) scores remained largely unchanged at 6 and 12 months, indicating no significant improvement in anxiety levels.
  • The study concludes that a brief systemic-relational psychotherapy program offered quarterly did not significantly modify anxiety levels in chronic intestinal failure patient-caregiver pairs over 12 months.
  • The findings highlight the need for more intensive and sustained psychological interventions tailored to the dyadic experience of living with chronic intestinal failure and home parenteral nutrition.
  • The research was conducted at Federico II University Hospital in Naples, Italy.
  • The study involved 50 patient-caregiver pairs, with 10 pairs participating in the psychotherapy program (Group Y) and 40 pairs declining participation (Group N).
  • The study used the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) to assess anxiety levels at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months.

Statistics:

  • 50 patient-caregiver pairs participated in the study, with 10 pairs in Group Y receiving psychotherapy and 40 pairs in Group N not receiving psychotherapy (0.2:1 ratio).
  • At baseline, both patients and caregivers in both groups exhibited high anxiety levels, with Group Y patients having significantly higher total HAM-A scores than Group N patients (0.048).
  • The Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) scores remained largely unchanged at 6 and 12 months, regardless of group allocation.
  • The study found that participating in a brief systemic-relational psychotherapy program for one year did not significantly modify anxiety levels in chronic intestinal failure patient-caregiver pairs over the 12-month period.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Studies in the Area of Anxiety Disorders Reported from Federico II University Hospital (Tracking Anxiety in Chronic Intestinal Failure: The Role of Time in Healing). Psychology & Psychiatry Journal. November 1, 2025; p 7735.
  • Tracking Anxiety in Chronic Intestinal Failure: The Role of Time in Healing. Healthcare, 2025;13(19):2503.