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Psychiatric symptoms associated with scleroderma
N V Angelopoulos1, A A Drosos, H M Moutsopoulos
1Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, University of Thessalia, Larissa, Greece. nikifang@med.uth.gr
Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics
|May 8, 2001
Summary
Scleroderma patients exhibit higher rates of psychiatric symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and guilt, compared to healthy individuals. This study highlights the significant psychological burden associated with scleroderma.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Psychiatry
- Psychosomatic Medicine
Background:
- Scleroderma is associated with psychiatric symptoms and hostility, though poorly studied.
- Understanding the psychological impact is crucial for comprehensive patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of psychiatric symptoms and hostility in scleroderma patients.
- To compare these factors with a healthy control group.
Main Methods:
- Thirty female scleroderma patients and 33 healthy women were assessed.
- Psychometric instruments included the Hostility and Direction of Hostility Questionnaire (HDHQ), Delusions Symptoms States Inventory/states of Anxiety and Depression (DSSI/sAD), and Symptom Check List-90R (SCL-90R).
Main Results:
- Scleroderma patients showed significantly higher scores for depression, anxiety, somatization, interpersonal sensitivity, and obsessive-compulsiveness.
- Elevated scores were also noted for paranoid ideation and psychotic symptoms.
- Patients reported significantly higher hostility, particularly guilt.
Conclusions:
- A majority of scleroderma patients experience psychiatric symptoms like anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsiveness, somatization, and guilt.
- These findings underscore the significant psychological distress in scleroderma.