EMOTIONAL DISTRESS IN HAEMOPHILIA: FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PRESENCE OF ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION IN ADULT PATIENTS

In addition to clinical manifestations, people with haemophilia also face psychosocial issues, such as uncertainty, social restriction, and unemployment, which have also been associated with emotional disorders. Therefore, current guidelines for optimal haemophilia care establish psychosocial health promotion as a priority, along with bleeding prevention and complication management.

A recent study found significant symptoms of anxiety and depression in 36.3% and 27.5% of haemophilic patients, respectively.

Results showed a substantial percentage of participants with significant symptoms and association of anxiety and depression, with clinical and psychosocial outcomes. It was also seen that occupational status, physical activity, pain interference, and perception of consequences underlying haemophilia were associated with increased symptomatology.

Given these associations, and regardless of whether emotional distress is a cause or consequence of disease and treatment problems, a promising strategy for improving haemophilia outcomes would be indeed the effective management of emotional distress experienced by patients. A thorough psychological assessment, including appropriate screening for anxiety and depression, would therefore be optimal in haemophilia care, in view of a more systemic approach and integrated care.

 

Reference:

  • Pinto PR, Paredes AC, Moreira P, et al. Emotional distress in haemophilia: Factors associated with the presence of anxiety and depression symptoms among adults. Haemophilia. 2018;00:1-10. https://doi.org/10.1111/hae.13548
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Wikiphilia

Learn more about the meaning of the words you read on this page and learn about the entire glossary on hemophilia.

Active involvement of the patient in the management of his/her health programme.

A ereditary genetic illness, characterised by a deficiency of clotting factor VIII, that exposes the individual to a greater risk of both internal and external bleeds.

Haemophilia A is more common in males, whereas females tend to be healthy carriers of the condition.

The typical symptoms of the condition include haemarthroses (joint bleeds) and haematomas (muscle bleeds).

Condition that occurs when factor VIII activity is between 1% and 5%.

Condition that occurs when factor VIII activity is between 1% and 5%.

Condition that occurs when factor VIII activity is <1%.