Georgiadi Elpida
General Hospital of Limnos Island Greece
Title: Psychological effects of Thalassemia with Nurses eyes
Biography:
Georgiadi Elpida a technological education nurse with postgraduate degree in intensive care units. I have 13 years of experience in teaching in Technological Educational Institution of Athens in Nursing Section. I have worked in surgical and pathological hospital departments, as well in the Unit infarctions. The last 10 years I am in charge to Thalassemia and Sickle Cell disease unit and I have publications and presentations relating to both prevention and treatment of the diseases.
Abstract:
Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder characterized by abnormalities in the synthesis of beta hemoglobin chains resulting in a variety of health problems. The chronicity and the nature of disease impose significant restrictions on the lives of individuals. As a result, they often experience anxiety and depression that brings the patients faced with serious challenges. The natural course of the disease, as well as the lack of public awareness, are causing to patients, parents and their families, emotional difficulties in their efforts to cope with the problems of the disease.
The problems are greater, particularly during childhood and adolescence, when people seek greater autonomy. Therefore, it can be significantly impacted their sense of autonomy and mental health. In addition, the treatments of Thalassemia affect negatively the general appearance, causing bony deformities and short stature and thus alter the image of the body, causing psychological problems and reduce quality of life. These problems can destroy interpersonal relationships between patients, undermine confidence and self-esteem and lead to depression and hopelessness.
Changes in self-esteem are associated with changes in the level of depression, fear and anxiety. These psychological issues can significantly affect the adhesion to the treatment and self-management of the disease.
On the other hand, improvements in survival of patients of Thalassemia, due to advances in the treatment of the disease in recent decades, resulted in greater exposure of patients to problems associated with Thalassemia and more chance of developing psychological problems such as depression and anxiety.