MYASTHENIA GRAVIS: THE IMPORTANCE OF PSYCHOLOGY IN THE FACE OF AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE AND ITS CONTRIBUTION TO THE MYASTHENIC INDIVIDUAL

Abstract

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic disease that has an autoimmune nature, characterized by interrupting the subject's neuromuscular transmission, affecting the skeletal muscles, causing excessive fatigue, fluctuating weakness in the ocular and facial muscles, as well as changes in the vocal pattern, and, the patient's quality of life. All of this leads to the worsening of mental health conditions with emotional affects, which, added to other symptoms, make it difficult for this person to carry out easy daily activities. The idea of studying myasthenia is justified by its autoimmune condition/character that requires the patient to undergo long periods of treatment with a multidisciplinary team, with the role of the psychologist being crucial in this process of gaining knowledge about psychosocial issues involving those with myasthenia. The purpose of the article is to develop a reflection on the impacts on the patient's quality of life when diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, as well as the need for psychological support to maintain mental health throughout life. Taking these aspects into account, a quantitative and qualitative bibliographic study was carried out, analyzing articles indexed in a database, which address the quality of life of patients diagnosed with myasthenia gravis.

Keyword: Myasthenia gravis. Psychology. Mental health.

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic disease that has an autoimmune nature, characterized by interrupting the subject's neuromuscular transmission, affecting the skeletal muscles, causing excessive fatigue, fluctuating weakness in the ocular and facial muscles, as well as changes in the vocal pattern, and, the patient's quality of life. All of this leads to the worsening of mental health conditions with emotional affects, which, added to other symptoms, make it difficult for this person to carry out easy daily activities. The idea of studying myasthenia is justified by its autoimmune condition/character that requires the patient to undergo long periods of treatment with a multidisciplinary team, with the role of the psychologist being crucial in this process of gaining knowledge about psychosocial issues involving those with myasthenia. The purpose of the article is to develop a reflection on the impacts on the patient's quality of life when diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, as well as the need for psychological support to maintain mental health throughout life. Taking these aspects into account, a quantitative and qualitative bibliographic study was carried out, analyzing articles indexed in a database, which address the quality of life of patients diagnosed with myasthenia gravis.