Psychosocial aspects of pulmonary hypertension: a review.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by progressive and sustained elevation of pulmonary-artery pressure, which ultimately leads to right-ventricular failure and death. The diagnosis carries with it an uncertain and historically very bleak prognosis. Although new oral and chronic parenteral (intravenous and subcutaneous) treatments have had a significant positive medical impact on the physical functioning of individuals with PAH, patients often struggle with new short- and long-term psychosocial challenges. The purpose of the current article is to 1) provide a brief review of PAH and its treatment; 2) summarize the limited literature examining the psychosocial adjustment of those with a PAH diagnosis; and 3) provide pertinent information extrapolated from the larger literature on chronic illness that might inform us on the psychosocial challenges faced by the patient diagnosed with PAH.
Wryobeck
John M
JM
University of Toledo Health Science Campus, Department of Psychiatry, Toledo, OH 43614, USA. John.Wryobeck@utoledo.edu
Lippo
Giuseppina
G
McLaughlin
Valerie
V
Riba
Michelle
M
Rubenfire
Melvyn
M
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006976:Hypertension, Pulmonary / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy