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Pre-defined, researcher-selected outcomes are routinely used as the clinical end-point in randomized controlled trials (RCTs); however, individualized approaches may be an effective way to assess outcome in mental health research. The present study describes the development and evaluation of the Individualized Outcome Measure (IOM), which is a patient-specific outcome measure to be used for RCTs of complex interventions. IOM was developed using a narrative review, expert consultation and piloting with mental health service users (n = 20). The final version of IOM comprises two components: Goal Attainment (GA) and Personalized Primary Outcome (PPO). For GA, patients identify one relevant goal at baseline and rate its attainment at follow-up. For PPO, patients choose an outcome domain related to their goal from a pre-defined list at baseline, and complete a standardized questionnaire assessing the chosen outcome domain at baseline and follow-up. A feasibility study indicated that IOM had adequate completion (89%) and acceptability (96%) rates in a clinical sample (n = 84). IOM was then evaluated in a RCT (ISRCTN02507940). GA and PPO components were associated with each other and with the trial primary outcome. The use of the PPO component of IOM as the primary outcome could be considered in future RCTs. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., (Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Introduction: The aim of this study was to survey the attitudes of 115 patients with the diagnosis of somatoform pain disorder, toward anticipated discrimination and mental illness stigma and how it is influenced by depressive symptoms. Method: 115 consecutive in- and outpatients with somatoform pain disorder (mean age: 50 ± 11 years; 62% female) from the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, were administered a modified 12-item version of Link's Perceived Stigma Questionnaire and the Beck Depression Inventory. Results: With regard to close personal relationships, such as taking care of children or dating, somatoform pain patients showed a rather high perceived stigma score (over 70% for both items). Also nearly 70% think that 'most employers' would pass over the application of a psychiatric patient in favour of another applicant. The overall results show a significant correlation with depressive symptoms (r = 0.228 and p = 0.014). Conclusion: Fear of stigma increases with depressive symptoms and both are a risk for treatment delay. The goal of future research should be the question how to reduce subjective stigma experiences of the patients affected in order to help them enter psychiatric treatment early and gain self-confidence and mental health back again. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Several studies indicate a significant longitudinal comorbidity of depression and chronic pain. Also, perceived stigma is a barrier to recovery. This study wanted to evaluate the correlations. Objectives: To investigate to what degree chronic pain patients suffer from depression and stigma fears 132 (66% females) consecutive in- and out-patients with somatoform pain disorders who presented at the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy (MUV) were investigated using the Stigma Questionnaire by Link and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Aims: The aim of this study was to survey the attitudes of 132 patients with the diagnosis somatoform pain disorder, toward mental illness stigma and the influence of depressive symptoms. Methods: The BDI was employed for measuring of the severity of depression and the modified 12-item version of Links Stigma Questionnaire to evaluate stigma perception. Results: Three third of the patients expect discrimination because of their psychiatric diagnosis and two third of the chronic pain patients also showed depressive symptoms. The overall results show a significant correlation between stigma perception and depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Fear of stigma increases with depressive symptoms and both are a risk for treatment delay. Goal of future research should be the question how to reduce depression and fear of stigma in order to help them enter psychiatric treatment early and gain self-confidence and mental health back again. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]