Psychosocial dysfunction in the first year after Guillain-Barré syndrome.
In this investigation we study the impact of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) on psychological distress, depressive symptoms, and health status of patients during the first year after GBS. At 3, 6, and 12 months, patients were given the General Health Questionnaire, the Sickness Impact Profile, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Eighty-five patients participated. Psychological distress and depressive symptoms were present but improved between 3 and 6 months. At 12 months the psychosocial health status was still impaired. Patients who perceived their physical residua to be moderately to seriously disruptive and patients with muscle ache and cramps had worse scores on all scales. It can be concluded that most of the improvement occurred in the first 6 months. Psychosocial health status, however, was still impaired at 1 year, but depressive symptoms played no role. Treatment of muscle ache and cramps, and the disruptive effect of physical residua should be seriously considered.
Bernsen
Robert A J A M
RA
Department of Neurology, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, P.O. Box 90153, 5200 ME 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands. r.bernsen@jbz.nl
de Jager
Aeiko E J
AE
Kuijer
Wietske
W
van der Meché
Frans G A
FG
Suurmeijer
Theo P B M
TP
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D020275:Guillain-Barre Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D012917:Social Adjustment; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult