Influence of learning disabilities on the tumour predisposition syndrome NF1--survey from adult patients' perspective
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Abstract
AIM: To analyze psychosocial burdens associated with neurofibromatosis type-1 (NF1) phenotype--visible symptoms, medical complications, learning disabilities (LD)--from patients' perspective with focus on LD.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: A survey of 228 adult patients with NF1 was carried-out. Symptoms to estimate disease severity and visibility, and learning disability were assessed. Outcome parameters were social situation and psychosocial aspects.
RESULTS: Social situation and psychosocial aspects differed depending on NF1 phenotype. Patients with LD (n=55) were less frequently in a partnership (p=0.005) or had children (p=0.015) than those without (n=132). They also reported a higher frequency of depression (p=0.019) and sensitivity to stress (p<0.001) and more uncertainty regarding NF1-associated symptoms. These differences were significant when adjusting for disease severity and self-perceived disease visibility.
CONCLUSION: Beside the psychosocial needs of patients with LD with NF1, medical management of this sub-group should include doctor-patient communication in easy language to compensate for patients' lack of knowledge about symptoms associated with cancer.
Bibliographical data
Original language | English |
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ISSN | 0250-7005 |
Publication status | Published - 01.07.2014 |
PubMed | 24982386 |
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