title: Cognitive-behavioural therapy targeting fear of progression in an interdisciplinary care program: a case study in systemic sclerosis.
abstract: People living with chronic illness often report uncertainty about the future, fear of disease progression, fear of becoming physically disabled, and a reduced life expectancy as important sources of stress. However, little is known about psychological interventions targeting these concerns. The aim of this study is to illustrate an intervention to reduce emotional distress and concerns about the future in a patient with systemic sclerosis (SSc), a rare chronic rheumatic disease with serious consequences for most patients, and to present a preliminary report on its effectiveness using a single-case study design. Because of the complexity of symptoms and complaints due to SSc, the psychological intervention was embedded in an interdisciplinary care program also consisting of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and specialized nurse care.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology, Sint Maartenskliniek, Nijmegen, The Netherlands, kwakkenbosl@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kwakkenbos
authors.forename: Linda M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Willems
authors.forename: Frank H J
authors.initials: FH
authors.lastname: van den Hoogen
authors.forename: Wim G J M
authors.initials: WG
authors.lastname: van Lankveld
authors.forename: Hanneke
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Beenackers
authors.forename: Toon F
authors.initials: TF
authors.lastname: van Helmond
authors.forename: Eni S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Becker
authors.forename: Cornelia H M
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: van den Ende
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D018450:Disease Progression; D005239:Fear / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome