Psychological impact of thrombosis in the young

Thrombosis is rare in the young, but can cause severe psychological distress that influences the quality of life and the coping capacities of these patients. This study was meant to increase the understanding of self-perception, social and family functioning and ways of coping with the disease in young patients after an episode of thrombosis.

Seven questionnaires spanning social and family functioning and ways of coping with disease were completed by 50 patients < or = 45 years of age after a first episode of venous or arterial thrombosis. Data were compared with those of 39 healthy individuals with similar age, sex and level of education.

Compared to healthy controls, young patients with thrombosis had lower self-esteem, showed higher impairment in social activities and in familial relationships, and used more frequently coping strategies. Most patients used all coping strategies, preferring the more active ones, but more patients than controls used the passive ones, particularly "avoidance" and "religiosity". A correlation was found between the frequency of use of passive or negative coping strategies and some of the psychological, social and familial dimensions that scored more negatively. Greater psychological impairment and differences in coping styles were found in women compared with men and in individuals < 34 years compared with those > or = 34 years.

Young individuals with thrombosis develop psychological changes that influence their behaviour, quality of life and coping. This is particularly evident in women and in young patients. Physicians dealing with thrombosis should be aware of this situation and offer psychological support.