Psychological Features of Systemic Sclerosis
Author Information
Author(s): Romanazzo Sara, Rometsch Caroline, Marangoni Alessia, Guiducci Serena, Cosci Fiammetta
Primary Institution: University of Florence, Florence, Italy
Hypothesis
What are the mental disorders and psychological features in patients with systemic sclerosis compared to healthy subjects?
Conclusion
Patients with systemic sclerosis exhibit significant psychological distress and mental disorders, which require assessment and intervention.
Supporting Evidence
- Major depressive episode and panic disorder were more prevalent among patients with systemic sclerosis.
- SCL-90-R somatization and depression were more severe in systemic sclerosis patients.
- Psychological wellbeing was poorer in patients with systemic sclerosis compared to healthy controls.
- The final model accounted for 20.4% of variance in psychological features related to systemic sclerosis.
Takeaway
People with a disease called systemic sclerosis often feel sad and anxious, and they need help to feel better.
Methodology
The study compared 200 patients with systemic sclerosis to 100 healthy subjects using various psychological assessments.
Potential Biases
Selection bias may affect the generalizability of results as participants might have had higher motivation and better health.
Limitations
The study had a monocentric design and potential selection bias due to voluntary participation.
Participant Demographics
Participants were mainly females (91%) with a mean age of approximately 59 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95%CI: 9.540–85.255
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website