Reducing Uncertainty Distress in Long Term Health Conditions

Uncertainty is a natural part of chronic illness and is typically experienced as aversive for most people. Sources of uncertainty in illness can include living with ambiguous symptoms, unpredictability of flare ups, if/when the illness will worsen and how effective treatment will be. Whilst some real-world uncertainty is inevitable in illness, perceived uncertainty can be exacerbated by inconsistent and/or inadequate health information. High levels of illness uncertainty have been associated with greater emotional distress/mood disturbances, poorer adjustment and reduced quality of life.

Uncertainty management interventions have traditionally focused on reducing uncertainty through information management strategies. These have been shown to be effective in improving patient knowledge of their condition, improve patient-health professionals communication, mood and coping skills. Research into emotional disorders have identified uncertainty as a transdiagnostic source of distress and studies increasing tolerance of uncertainty have been shown to be effective.

To date there is no research combining informational interventions to reduce perceived uncertainty and interventions increasing tolerance of uncertainty in those with chronic health conditions. The aim of this study is pilot a transdiagnostic treatment model combining both elements. The intervention consists of 4 main interventional areas; information management, building safety, addressing overestimation of threat, and tolerating uncertainty. This treatment has the potential to reduce disease distress and burden and potentially reduce health care utilisation if patients are managing their health conditions and associated uncertainty better.

Using single case design this study will look to develop and evaluate the new treatment intervention. The aim is to establish whether his treatment is feasible and acceptable to be delivered within a health care setting.

Up to 6 participants will be recruited from the Rheumatology department within a hospital setting. Participants will be experiencing distress related to the uncertainty of their diagnosed health condition and willing to engage in a psychological treatment to reduce distress.

Treatment will consist of 16 weekly therapy sessions (dependent on clinical need) delivered face to face or via telehealth.

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosed with Long Term Health Condition (Rheumatic Disease)
• Minimum of 12 months since diagnosis
• Difficulties adjusting to long term health condition
• Willingness to engage with a psychological treatment to manage distress associated with health condition
• Fluent English Speaker

Exclusion criteria

• Multiple long term health conditions
• Progressive health conditions
• Experiencing mental health difficulties that might interfere with ability to engage in time limited psychological therapy such as Major Depressive Episode and/or severe and enduring mental health problems, comorbid substance misuse, suicidality
• Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Non- English Speaker