Perceived causal networks in patients with fibromyalgia and depression: construction of a structured interview and testing reliability
Purpose: The PErceived CAusal Network (PECAN) approach offers a novel, idiographic method for mapping perceived causal relations between symptoms. While promising for clinical case formulation, prior studies have shown limited test-retest reliability and have been based on self-reported or non-clini...
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| Autori principali: | , , , , , , , |
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| Natura: | Article (Journal) |
| Lingua: | inglese |
| Pubblicazione: |
25 April 2026
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| In: |
Cognitive therapy and research
Year: 2026, Pages: 1-14 |
| ISSN: | 1573-2819 |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s10608-025-10705-y |
| Accesso online: | Verlag, kostenfrei, Volltext: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-025-10705-y
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| Note sull'autore: | Julian Reichert, Margaritha Klimov, Anabelle Kachel, Valentina Tei, Eva Beiner, Felix Vogel, Lars Klintwall, Jonas Tesarz |
| Riassunto: | Purpose: The PErceived CAusal Network (PECAN) approach offers a novel, idiographic method for mapping perceived causal relations between symptoms. While promising for clinical case formulation, prior studies have shown limited test-retest reliability and have been based on self-reported or non-clinical samples. This observational two-wave study examined the feasibility, test-retest reliability, and subjective clinical utility of a structured, interview-based PECAN assessment in patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS). Methods: A structured symptom list was developed through literature review and expert and patient input. A total of 100 clinically diagnosed adult patients (n = 50 MDD; n = 50 FMS) completed two semi-structured PECAN interviews, spaced one week apart. Participants selected ten personally relevant symptoms from the pre-defined list of symptoms, and rated the perceived causal influence between these. Feasibility and clinical utility were assessed via standardized feedback; test-retest reliability was examined using Spearman correlations for edge weights and centrality indices. Qualitative data were analyzed to identify reasons for inconsistencies between interviews. Results: The PECAN interviews were rated as comprehensible and manageable. Mean test-retest reliability was r = .62 for edge weights and r = .76 for out-degree centrality. Qualitative inconsistencies were mainly attributed to symptom variation (50%) or methodological factors (26%). Most participants reported increased awareness of symptom interactions. Conclusions: The PECAN interview proved to be a feasible and acceptable method for assessing perceived symptom relationships in clinically diagnosed populations. Further refinement is needed to improve measurement precision and support robust idiographic case conceptualizations. |
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| Descrizione del documento: | Online veröffentlicht: 25. April 2026 Gesehen am 15.06.2026 |
| Descrizione fisica: | Online Resource |
| ISSN: | 1573-2819 |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s10608-025-10705-y |