CLINICAL AND PSYCHIATRIC ASPECTS OF PATIENTS WITH HODGKIN'S LYMPHOMA

Abstract

Hodgkin's lymphoma is characterized by the presence of abnormal cells called Reed-Sternberg cells, which multiply uncontrollably and compromise the functioning of lymph nodes and other organs. Hodgkin's lymphoma can cause a variety of symptoms, such as fever, night sweats, weight loss, itchy skin, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin, chest pain, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, anemia, among others. . In addition to the clinical aspects, Hodgkin's lymphoma can also affect the mental health of patients, generating psychological and psychiatric impacts. Objective: to analyze the clinical and psychiatric aspects of patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma, as well as possible interventions to improve the quality of life of these individuals. Methodology: the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) checklist was used, the databases PubMed, Scielo, Web of Science were consulted, using the following descriptors: "Hodgkin's lymphoma", "clinical aspects", "psychiatric aspects", "quality of life" and "interventions". The review included articles published in the last 10 years that addressed the clinical and psychiatric aspects of patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma, as well as interventions to improve the quality of life of these patients. Articles that were not related to the proposed topic, that were duplicates, that were not available in full or that did not present methodological rigor were excluded from the review. Results: 15 studies were selected. Hodgkin's lymphoma is more common in young adults (15 to 35 years old) and the elderly (over 60 years old), being more common in men than in women. The diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma is made through biopsy of the lymph nodes or other affected tissues, followed by histological and immunohistochemical analysis of the tumor cells. The treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma depends on the stage of the disease, the patient's age and clinical conditions. The main therapeutic modalities are chemotherapy, radiotherapy and bone marrow transplantation. Hodgkin's lymphoma can cause several adverse effects resulting from treatment, such as nausea, vomiting, hair loss, infections, bleeding, infertility, among others. Hodgkin's lymphoma can also cause emotional changes in patients, such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, low self-esteem, social isolation, among others. Hodgkin's lymphoma can compromise patients' quality of life in several areas, such as physical, psychological, social and spiritual. Interventions to improve the quality of life of patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma involve psychological support, social support, health education, promotion of physical activity, occupational therapy, among others. Conclusion: Hodgkin's lymphoma is a serious disease that affects both the clinical and psychiatric aspects of patients, compromising their quality of life. It is important that health professionals are attentive to the signs and symptoms of the disease, as well as the needs and demands of patients, offering adequate treatment and multidisciplinary monitoring, aiming to improve the survival and well-being of these individuals.