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Psychosocial aspects of systemic sclerosis
Vanessa L Malcarne1, Rina S Fox, Sarah D Mills
1aDepartment of Psychology, San Diego State University bSDSU/UCSD Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, California, USA.
Current Opinion in Rheumatology
|September 27, 2013
Summary
Recent research on systemic sclerosis (SSc) highlights key psychosocial challenges including depression, anxiety, and fatigue. Developing and testing interventions through randomized controlled trials is crucial for improving patient quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Psychosocial aspects of systemic sclerosis (SSc)
- Scleroderma research
- Psychoneuroimmunology
Background:
- An international consortium established a research agenda for psychosocial aspects of SSc in 2010.
- Systemic sclerosis significantly impacts patients' mental health and daily functioning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent research on various psychosocial aspects of SSc.
- To identify research gaps and future directions for SSc psychosocial care.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on SSc.
- Analysis of research on depression, anxiety, fatigue, sleep, pain, pruritus, body image, sexual function, work disability, healthcare needs, interventions, and psychoneuroimmunology.
Main Results:
- Prevalence rates for mood disorders established, but anxiety understudied.
- Fatigue predictors identified; body image distress linked to facial/hand changes.
- Sexual dysfunction common; breathing problems and fatigue predict disability.
- Multidisciplinary care improved quality of life in a randomized trial.
Conclusions:
- Significant expansion in SSc psychosocial research and measure validation.
- Prospective studies are scarce.
- Need for development and rigorous testing of interventions via RCTs to improve patient outcomes.
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