Psychiatric aspects of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive disorder characterized by degeneration of motor neurons. Given the severe nature of ALS, many believed that patients would suffer from a high level of depression and a low quality of life. However, research into the psychological health of patients with ALS has shown that this is not the case. This article reviews the state of current knowledge as it pertains to the psychological health of ALS patients in four broad areas: quality of life, personality characteristics, emotional reactions, and end-of-life choices.
Norris
Lorenzo
L
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, George Washington University, 2150 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037, USA. lnorris@mfa.gwu.edu
Que
Guinevere
G
Bayat
Elham
E
D000368:Aged; D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index