• 대한상한금궤의학회지
• /
• v.12 no.1
• /
• pp.23-48
• /
• 2020

Objectives : This study aimed to suggest distinct signs of Greater yin disease (tàiyīnbìng, 太陰病) by researching the etymology of three terms: zi-tong (自痛), jie-ying (結硬), and yin-er (因爾), which are exclusive found only in Greater yin disease (太陰病) in Gangpyeong-shanghanlun, but not in other categories. Methods : We studied the etymologies of the three terms that are unique in Greater yin disease, then found some pathological signs that are related with them through the four mental illness cases, which include somatization, obsessive-compulsive behavior, delusion, and panic disorder. Results : Based on the definitions of each term, we diagnosed the four patients who had mental illnesses as having Greater yin disease, and we observed meaningful improvements after administering herbal medication. After Gyejigajakyak-tang administration, the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) score decreased from 18 to 7 and the Beck's Anxiety Index (BAI) score decreased from 36 to 18 in the first case, the ISI score decreased from 27 to 16 and the BAI score decreased from 50 to 33 in the second case, and the ISI score decreased from 23 to 4 and the BAI score decreased from 34 to 5 in the third case. In the last case, the ISI and BAI scores were 16 and 22, respectively, at the first visit, and it was found that the scores had changed to 6 and 22, respectively, at the last visit. Conclusions : We found that the unique terms in Greater yin disease, including zi-tong (自痛), jie-ying (結硬), and yin-er (因爾), can be interpreted as groundless arbitrary assumption, resting strong tension, and psychological projection based on the etymological hypothesis. Therefore, we suggest these as specific signs of Greater yin disease.

• Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
• /
• v.26 no.2
• /
• pp.111-124
• /
• 2019

Objectives: Healthy sleep is important and can have a positive effect on resilience. The aim of the present study was to compare the differences in resilience between two group nurses in rotating shift and daytime fixed work schedules and to investigate stress perception, coping factors, social and psychological health, and sleep factors that may affect resilience. Methods: A total of 400 female nurses having rotating shift and daytime fixed work schedules at two hospitals was surveyed from June 12, 2017 to June 12, 2018. All participants completed perceived stress scale (PSS), stress coping short form (Brief COPE), psycho-social wellbeing Index short form (PWI-SF) or general health questionnaire-18 (GHQ-18), center for epidemiologic studies depression scale (CES-D), STAI-X-1 in state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), insomnia severity index (ISI), Conner Davidson resilience scale (CD-RISC). Independent t-test, paired t-test, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis were applied to the results of the final 373 questionnaires of 400 nurses in two general hospitals. Results: Comparing the variable statistics between the two groups of rotating shift and daytime fixed work nurses, showed statistically significant differences in all variables except perceived stress, sleep quality, and daytime sleepiness. Factors that had a significant correlation with resilience were stress coping strategies, depression, and insomnia severity (p < 0.001). In multiple regression analysis, larger positive reframing1 (β = 0.206, p < 0.001), severe less depression (β = -3.45, p < 0.001), and higher psychosocial health (β = 0.193, p < 0.001). As acceptance coping2 increased (β = 0.129, p < 0.05), as daytime sleepiness decreased (β = -1.17, p < 0.05), and as active coping2 increased (β = 0.118, p < 0.05), as the positive reframing2 increases (β = 0.110, p < 0.05), the resilience increased. Conclusion: This study, it was found that resilience was higher in daytime fixed workers than in shift workers. In addition, specific stress coping strategies, psycho-social health, sleep, and depression factors were associated with resilience.

• Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
• /
• v.22 no.2
• /
• pp.64-69
• /
• 2015

Objectives: We investigated whether sleep behaviors, severity of insomnia and circadian typology are associated with quality of life among Gyeongsang National University (GNU) medical students. Methods: Questionnaires were distributed to 46 fourth-year students of GNU Medical School. The hospital anxiety-depression scale, insomnia severity index (ISI), morningness-eveningness questionnaire (MEQ) and WHO Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) were used. Results: Quality of life in terms of physical health was associated with age, weekday total sleep time (TST), weekend TST, catch up sleep, depression, ISI score, and MEQ score. Quality of life in terms of psychological health was correlated to weekday and weekend TST, anxiety, ISI score and MEQ score. Sex, weekday TST, depression, and ISI score were revealed to influence the social aspect of quality of life, and weekday and weekend TST, and ISI score were associated with quality of life in terms of environment. Multiple regression analysis showed that better sleep quality predicted to a higher quality of life in terms of physical, psychological and environmental health, and eveningness was associated with a better quality of life in terms of physical and psychological health. Conclusion: It is concluded that physical, psychological, and environmental aspects of quality of life were associated with quality of sleep and that physical and psychological aspects of quality of life were related to eveningness in GNU medical students. Therefore, it is equally important to treat emotional problem as well as improve sleep quality.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
• /
• v.27 no.1
• /
• pp.1-16
• /
• 2014

Objectives : The aim of this study is to examine the effect of external application containing herbal extracts (Betula platyphyllae Cortex, Viticis Fructus, Agrimoniae herba) to patients with atopic dermatitis. Methods : Twenty patients (experiment group) were treated with the external application containing herbal extracts (Betula platyphyllae Cortex, Viticis Fructus, Agrimoniae herba) and other twenty patients (control group) were treated with normal external application that doesn't contain herbal extracts for 2weeks. We observed comparisons between experiment and control group after 1week, 2weeks. Degrees of severity of atopic dermatitis were measured by SCORAD index (Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis Index). Statistical significance was achieved if the probability was less than 5% (p<0.05). Results : 1. After 1week of external application treatment, SCORAD Index in experiment group was significantly decreased comparing with control group, which is a marginally significant result between two groups. But after 2weeks the experiment group showed no statistically significant result. 2. After 1week of external application treatment, Intensity Criteria (Erythema, Edema/papulation, Total) in experiment group was significantly decreased comparing with control group, which is a statistically significant result between two groups. But after 2weeks the experiment group showed no statistically significant result. 3. After 1week and 2weeks of external application treatment, comparison of changes in Subjective Symptoms (Pruritus, Insomnia) indicated that the experiment group showed no statistically significant result. 4. After 1week of external application treatment, Total Quality of life through Skindex-29 in experiment group was significantly decreased comparing with control group, which is a marginally significant result between two groups. But after 2weeks the experiment group showed no statistically significant result. Conclusions : As a result of applying the external application containing herbal extracts to patients with atopic dermatitis and watching the progress, we can speculate that the external application containing herbal extracts has especially short-term therapeutical effects in mitigating the symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis. Thus, it is concluded and considered that the external application containing herbal extracts can be used by atopic patients effectively with almost no side-effect.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
• /
• v.18 no.2
• /
• pp.72-81
• /
• 2010

Objectives : Early detection and proper management of distress are known to be important for efficient care in cancer patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of distress and to evaluate its influence on quality of life in subjects with breast cancer. Methods : A total of 95 patients were recruited from a breast cancer patient community of a general hospital in Seoul. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale(HADS), the Insomnia Severity Index(ISI), the Impact of Event Scale-Revised(IES-R) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast(FACT-B) were measured. Results : The prevalence of anxiety, depression, insomnia and posttraumatic stress disorder symptom among breast cancer patients was 26.3%, 26.3%, 13.7%, 24.3%, respectively. Nearly half(47.4%) of total subjects were under one or more significant distress, and they showed significantly lower mean FACT-B total score than patients without distress(82.91 vs. 107.20, p<0.001). Distress was negatively correlated with the quality of life to a significant level even in patients who were in normal range of distress scale scores. Conclusion : These results support the importance of regular screening and proper management of distress for breast cancer patients.

• Stress
• /
• v.26 no.4
• /
• pp.305-311
• /
• 2018

Background: The purpose of the study was to explore whether the effect of Huanglian-jie-du granule depends on the baseline heart rate variability in patients with Hwa-byung. Methods: We used the supplementary data from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Huanglian-jie-du granule for Hwa-byung patients. Study drugs were taken orally three times per day for one week. Heart rate variability was measured three times; before the treatment, after the treatment, and month follow-up period. Spearman's rho test was done to explore the role of the baseline heart rate variability to the effect of Huanglian-jie-du granule. Results: Baseline low frequency power of heart rate variability was negatively correlated with the reduction of the insomnia severity index in experimental group (r=-0.493 p=0.02). Also, Huanglian-jie-de granule significantly decreased the low frequency power of heart rate variability in patients with Hwa-byung compared to placebo (mean difference 266 [95% CI: 29~503], p=0.028). In Hwa-byung symptoms, stuffy, pushing up in the chest, and flush of anger were correlated with low frequency power of heart rate variability (p=0.010, p=0.000, and p=0.016, respectively). Conclusions: The effect of the Huanglian-jie-de granule for insomnia seems to be lower when the baseline low frequency power of heart rate variability is higher in Hwa-byung patients. Also, Huanglian-jie-de granule is likely to decrease the sympathetic activity in patients with Hwa-byung. Measurement of heart rate variability may be the useful to understand the state of Hwa-byung patients.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
• /
• v.35 no.2
• /
• pp.205-216
• /
• 2024

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of Mindfulness & Loving Beingness (M&L) psychotherapy combined with traditional Korean medicine in treating acute sleep disorders in patients hospitalized following traffic accidents. Methods: We applied traditional Korean medicine treatments in conjunction with various mindfulness meditation techniques from M&L therapy, including Resource Mindfulness and Nourishment Brief Therapy. This study was conducted on three patients who reported acute sleep disorder symptoms on the first day of hospitalization following a traffic accident. The effectiveness of these interventions was assessed using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5-K), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), EuroQol 5-Dimension (EQ-5D), Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), and Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC). Results: ISI and PCL-5-K scores showed significant improvements after treatment, indicating reduced sleep disturbances and stress symptoms. Additionally, EQ-5D and PGIC scores were enhanced, reflecting an overall improvement in quality of life. Conclusions: This study suggests that integrating M&L therapy with traditional Korean medicine could significantly improve symptoms in patients with acute sleep disorders following traffic accidents.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
• /
• v.25 no.1
• /
• pp.56-62
• /
• 2017

Objectives : The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between psychological distress and pain in cancer patients. Methods : 249 patients with cancer who visited National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital between April 2013 and March 2014 were evaluated with National Cancer Center Psychological Symptom Inventory(NCC-PSI) which consisted of Modified Distress Thermometer(MDT) and Modified Impact Thermometer(MIT). Each scale was divided into 3 subscales targeting separate symptoms: insomnia, anxiety, and depression. Psychological distress was defined as positive for those who scored above the cutoff values in at least one of all six subscales. The Numeric Rating Scale for Pain(NRS-Pain) was used to assess the subjective severity of pain. Logistic regression was performed to investigate the association between psychological distress and pain. Results : Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that pain, gender, compliance, and two subscale scores of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale(HADS) were significantly associated with psychological distress. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that pain and HADS anxiety subscale score maintained a statistically significant association with psychological distress adjusted for variables including age, gender, years of education, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, cancer stage, Charlson Comorbidity Index, compliance, and HADS depression subscale score. One point increase in pain was 1.31 times more likely to cause psychological distress. In secondary analysis, pain was significantly associated with all subscales of NCC-PSI, except MIT-anxiety subscale. Conclusions : This study suggests that NCC-PSI, a screening tool for psychological distress, reflects pain. We recommend that physicians who treat cancer patients consider the examination of psychological distress which provides comprehensive evaluation of various factors regarding quality of life.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
• /
• v.31 no.2
• /
• pp.63-76
• /
• 2020

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to verify the clinical effects of herbal medicines on patients with depressive disorder. Methods: A prospective observational study on patients with depressive disorder was conducted. The patients were treated with herbal medicines for eight weeks. The Korean Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (K-HDRS) was evaluated as the primary outcome and the Korean Beck's Depression Inventory (K-BDI), Instrument on Pattern Identification for Depression, Korean Symptom Checklist-95 (KSCL-95), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Korean State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-K), Korean State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI-K), EuroQol five-dimensional Questionnaire (EQ-5D), Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2), Heart Rate Variability (HRV) were measured as the secondary outcome. Adverse events were assessed for safety. Results: A total of 35 participants were observed for 12 weeks. The K-HDRS improved significantly in four, eight, and 12 weeks and the K-BDI showed significant differences in four, and eight weeks. There were no significant improvements in other evaluation scales. Gyejibongnyeong-hwan was the most frequently and continuously prescribed, showing significant improvements of K-HDRS after eight weeks of treatment. Conclusions: In our observational study, herbal medicine was effective for relieving the depression of patients with depressive disorder and Gyejibongnyeong-hwan showed the most significant effectiveness.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
• /
• v.50 no.4
• /
• pp.631-640
• /
• 2020

Purpose: This study aimed to examine premenstrual symptoms (PMS) of shift nurses and identify the association between PMS, sleep, and occupational stress. Methods: This study was conducted with a secondary data analysis that used data from the Shift Work Nurse's Health and Turnover study. The participants were 258 nurses who were working in shifts including night shifts. PMS, sleep patterns (sleep time and sleep time variability), sleep quality, and the occupational stress of each participant were measured using the Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire, a sleep diary, an actigraph, the Insomnia Severity Index, and the Korean Occupational Stress Scale, respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS 23 and STATA 15.1 to obtain descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficients, multiple linear regression with generalized estimating equations (GEE) and Baron and Kenny's mediating analysis. Results: The average PMS score, average sleep time, average sleep time variability, average sleep quality score, and average occupational stress score of the participants was 53.95 ± 40.45, 7.52 ± 0.89 hours, 32.84 ± 8.43%, 12.34 ± 5.95, and 49.89 ± 8.98, respectively. A multiple linear regression analysis with GEE indicated that sleep time variability (B = 0.86, p = .001), and sleep quality (B = 2.36, p < .001) had negative effects on nurses' PMS. We also found that sleep quality had a complete mediating effect in the relationship between occupational stress and PMS. Conclusion: These findings indicate that both sleep time variability and sleep quality are important factors associated with PMS among shift work nurses. To improve shift nurses' PMS status, strategies are urgently needed to decrease sleep time variability and increase sleep quality.