Mental health support for chronic disease
Living with one or more chronic diseases can be stressful. Treatment and survivorship come with their their own mental health challenges. Offer support for the psychological side of chronic disease.
Customized psychological support for those living with chronic diseases
Support members in managing the most common issues
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Anxiety disorders affect approximately 19.1% of the U.S. adult population each year, making everyday activities and social interactions challenging due to persistent worry and fear. These overwhelming feelings can lead to avoidance behaviors and reduced quality of life. Our low-intensity CBT program can help by providing individuals with tools to manage their anxiety through gradual exposure and cognitive restructuring, thus reducing avoidance and improving daily functioning.
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Depression impacts about 7.1% of adults in the U.S. annually, leading to prolonged periods of sadness, lack of interest in activities, and significant impairment in daily life, including work and relationships. This can result in a cycle of inactivity and social withdrawal. Low-intensity CBT can assist by helping individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and engage in more positive activities, thus alleviating depressive symptoms.
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Approximately 30% of adults experience insomnia, which can lead to difficulties in concentration, memory issues, and an increased risk of other health problems such as depression and anxiety. Poor sleep negatively affects overall well-being and daily performance. Low-intensity CBT can improve sleep by addressing behaviors and thoughts that disrupt sleep, such as developing better sleep hygiene and managing stress.
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Low mood, often characterized by persistent sadness and lack of motivation, can affect one's ability to perform everyday tasks and enjoy life. It is a common symptom in various mental health disorders and can lead to social withdrawal and decreased productivity. Low-intensity CBT helps by encouraging engagement in enjoyable activities and cognitive techniques to challenge and change negative thinking patterns.
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Reduced activity levels can stem from or contribute to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. It often leads to physical health decline and further emotional distress. Low-intensity CBT can support individuals in setting realistic activity goals, gradually increasing their activity levels, and reinforcing positive behaviors, thus improving both physical and mental health.
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Unhelpful thoughts, such as negative self-talk and catastrophizing, can perpetuate and exacerbate mental health problems like anxiety and depression. These thoughts can limit one's ability to function and enjoy life. Low-intensity CBT can help individuals identify, challenge, and replace unhelpful thoughts with more balanced and realistic ones, leading to improved mental well-being.
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Panic disorders affect about 2-3% of people, leading to sudden and intense episodes of fear accompanied by physical symptoms such as heart palpitations and shortness of breath. These attacks can significantly disrupt daily life and lead to avoidance behaviors. Low-intensity CBT can be effective in reducing panic symptoms by teaching techniques for managing physical symptoms, altering panic-inducing thoughts, and gradually confronting feared situations.
Managing behavioral health leads to improved physical health outcomes for a range of chronic conditions
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Low-intensity cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be particularly beneficial for individuals with diabetes by helping them manage the psychological stress and depression often associated with the condition. Studies have shown that CBT can lead to improved glycemic control and better adherence to medication regimens. For example, a meta-analysis found that psychological interventions, including CBT, resulted in significant reductions in HbA1c levels by approximately 0.29% compared to standard care. This improvement can enhance overall diabetes management and quality of life.
Reduced diabetes distress, health anxiety, alongside increased quality of life, treatment adherence and physical activity (Abbas 2023), alongside diet and monitoring blood and feet condition (Wroe et al, 2018).
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For patients with kidney disease, low-intensity CBT can help address the anxiety and depression commonly experienced due to the chronic nature of the illness and the demanding treatment regimen. CBT can improve coping strategies and reduce symptoms of depression. Research indicates that CBT can significantly improve mental health outcomes, which, in turn, may lead to better treatment adherence and quality of life for individuals undergoing dialysis or managing chronic kidney disease .
Improved quality of life in haemodialysis patients (NG et al., 2019), and sleep quality, fatigue and inflammatory cytokine levels in peritoneal dialysis patients (Chen et al., 2015).
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Cancer patients often face significant psychological distress, including anxiety and depression, due to the diagnosis and treatment process. Low-intensity CBT has been shown to effectively reduce these symptoms. A study revealed that cancer patients undergoing CBT experienced a reduction in depressive symptoms and an improvement in their overall psychological well-being . CBT can also assist in managing pain and other physical symptoms associated with cancer treatment, thereby enhancing patients' overall quality of life.
Reductions in symptoms of death anxiety alongside improved life satisfaction and self esteem (Abbas 2022).
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Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is often exacerbated by stress and anxiety. Low-intensity CBT can help individuals manage these psychological factors, potentially leading to better blood pressure control. Evidence suggests that CBT can lead to significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. For example, a study found that patients who participated in a CBT program experienced an average reduction of 5 mmHg in systolic blood pressure . This can contribute to reducing the risk of cardiovascular events and improving overall cardiovascular health.
Reduce systolic pressure, diastolic pressure and total cholesterol levels (Li et al. 2021)
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Patients with COPD often suffer from anxiety and depression due to their chronic respiratory symptoms and the impact on their daily lives. Low-intensity CBT can provide these individuals with strategies to manage their anxiety and improve their mental health. Research has demonstrated that CBT can lead to reductions in anxiety and depression, as well as improvements in quality of life for COPD patients . This can also encourage better adherence to treatment plans and enhance physical functioning.
Reduced breathlessness alongside improved quality of life and exercise capacity. (Williams 2020).
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Long COVID, characterized by persistent symptoms following a COVID-19 infection, often includes fatigue, brain fog, and psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression. Low-intensity cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be particularly beneficial for managing the mental health aspects of Long COVID. Studies suggest that CBT can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, which are common in Long COVID sufferers. For example, a study reported that CBT led to a significant reduction in anxiety and depressive symptoms, with patients experiencing a 40% improvement in psychological well-being . Additionally, CBT can provide strategies to manage fatigue and cognitive difficulties, improving overall quality of life and aiding in the recovery process for those affected by Long COVID.
Reduced fatigue (Tanja 2023).
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For individuals with cardiovascular conditions, low-intensity CBT can help manage the psychological stress and depression that often accompany these illnesses. Studies have shown that CBT can improve mental health outcomes, which are closely linked to better cardiovascular health. For instance, a review found that patients who received CBT had a 45% lower risk of cardiac events compared to those who did not receive psychological therapy . This suggests that improving mental health through CBT can have direct benefits on cardiovascular outcomes.
Reduced cardiovascular readmissions whilst improving BMI and physical functioning. (Li 2021).
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Chronic pain often leads to significant psychological distress, including depression and anxiety. Low-intensity CBT has been shown to be effective in helping individuals cope with chronic pain by altering their pain perception and improving their mental resilience. Research indicates that CBT can lead to a reduction in pain intensity and an improvement in physical functioning. For example, a study found that CBT participants reported a 20% reduction in pain intensity and a 30% improvement in physical functioning compared to those receiving standard care . This can greatly enhance the quality of life for individuals suffering from chronic pain.
Improved physical functioning and pain reduction (Ho, 2022).
Cost-effective and drives outcomes
People with depression are nearly 30% less healthy on average than those without it and use healthcare services more than other commercially insured Americans. This results in more than two times higher overall healthcare spending ($10,673 compared to $4,283). These findings come from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Health index which is built on claims data from 41 million commercially insured Americans.
Only 11% of people are solely diagnosed with depression. 7% have a diagnosis comorbid with another condition, whilst the vast majority experience multi-morbidity, with 82% having two or more additional health conditions.
Case studies
Partnering with the Carbone Cancer Center in Wisconsin to support cancer patients with the psychological stresses of treatment
The product
The Iona Mind platform was used to develop a low-intensity cognitive behavioural therapy program specifically designed to support patients undergoing, or who have been treated, for head and neck cancer. The program is fully digital and accessible on patient’s mobile phones, it uses AI-support to personalize the experience and is available 24/7.
The need
All the changes imposed by HNC and oncological treatments, and the need to adapt to the “new normal,” often cause distress, anxiety, and depression. Some researchers report HNC as the most psychologically distressing and traumatic of all cancers and the prevalence of depression among HNC survivors can be as high as 48%.
The population
Head and neck cancers (HNC) are the 7th most common cancer worldwide. HNC usually require multimodality treatments, and frequently affect critical functions such as breathing, speaking, swallowing, and eating.
Aptar Digital Health and Iona Mind partner to deliver scalable mental health support to chronic disease patients
The product
Aptar Digital Health, a global expert in Software as a Medical Device (SaMD), digital Patient Support Programs (PSPs) and disease management solutions, and Iona Mind, a global leader in low-intensity Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) solutions for mental health, partnered to help support patients with chronic diseases to manage their psychological stress and emotional wellbeing. The partnership brings evidence-based and scalable mental health support to any patient using the Aptar Digital Health platform.
The need
Untreated mental health problems can worsen physical health, reduce treatment engagement, and increase premature mortality (NCCMH 2024). This interplay raises healthcare costs by at least 45% and increases absenteeism and unemployment (Naylor 2012).
The population
People with long-term physical health conditions are 2-3 times more likely to experience depression and anxiety (Guthrie 2016). These mental health issues are linked to poorer health outcomes and less effective self-care, including a threefold increase in treatment noncompliance (DiMatteo 2000). Despite more available psychological therapies, only 1 in 7 chronic disease patients receive treatment for anxiety or depression (NCCMH 2018).
Customizing solutions for your members
Iona Mind Development Program
Customized behavioral health products for your population in just 12 weeks with full implementation support
The Iona Mind Development Program is a structured program of collaboration between Iona Mind and the sponsoring organization to build behavioral health products that meet the needs of its members.
The Iona Mind clinical development team has significant expertise in intervention development, currently leading a range of programs and conducting wider research into a range of areas including carers of people with dementia, end-stage renal failure, parents of children being treated for cancer and the Muslim community.
*The Iona Mind platform is a technology used to build a variety of customized products. These products are in various stages of development and subject to different regulatory enforcement.