A review of quality of life and psychosocial issues in scoliosis.
METHODS
Recent literature regarding the psychological impact of scoliosis was reviewed.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the impact of scoliosis on health-related quality of life (HRQL), psychosocial functioning, and body image to improve patient outcomes.


BACKGROUND
Adolescents and adults with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis have been known to score lower than healthy controls on HRQL measures. However, HRQL instruments may not adequately capture psychological distress experienced by patients.


METHODS
Research papers concerning HRQL and psychosocial factors in patients with scoliosis were reviewed.


RESULTS
Studies of psychosocial health and body image have revealed that functioning in these domains may affect compliance behavior and satisfaction with treatment outcomes among adolescent patients. Psychosocial and body image disturbance is less marked in patients with good social or family functioning, or patients who exercise regularly or are psychologically healthy. Adults with scoliosis generally display fewer psychological problems than adolescents. However, adults with scoliosis may experience psychosocial limitations due to poor physical health or body image disturbance. Support group membership can improve psychosocial health in adults with scoliosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Adolescent patients with scoliosis may experience psychosocial difficulties, especially while undergoing treatment for scoliosis. Interventions aimed at managing psychosocial or body image disturbances may help to ameliorate the potentially negative impact of scoliosis on these facets of life.
Tones
Megan
M
Queensland University of Technology, School of Psychology and Counselling, Brisbane, Australia. m.tones@qut.edu.au
Moss
Nathan
N
Polly
David W
DW
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001828:Body Image; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D011788:Quality of Life; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000523:psychology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome