Regular Article

Persistent Psychological Distress in Patients Treated for Endocrine Disease
Nicoletta Sonino^a,b, Cecilia Navarrini^d, Chiara Ruini^d, Fedra Ottolini^e, Agostino Paoletta^c, Francesco Fallo^c, Marco Boscaro^f, Giovanni A. Fava^d

Departments of
^aStatistical Sciences,
^bMental Health and
^cMedical and Surgical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova,
^dDepartment of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna,
^eDepartment of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, and
^fDivision of Endocrinology, University of Ancona, Ancona, Italy

Address of Corresponding Author

Psychother Psychosom 2004;73:78-83 (DOI: 10.1159/000075538)

  Key Words

• Endocrine disease
• Quality of life
• Pituitary
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Irritable mood

  Abstract

Background: The purpose of the study was to assess the frequency and characteristics of psychological distress, even after adequate treatment, in the heterogeneous population of an endocrine outpatient clinic. Methods: 146 endocrine patients (31 males/115 females; age 39.4 ± 12.5 years), who were cured or in remission, were studied in a university endocrine outpatient clinic. Semistructured clinical interviews to assess psychiatric (Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV) and psychological (Diagnostic Criteria for Psychosomatic Research, DCPR) diagnoses were employed and were supplemented by self-rated instruments (the Psychosocial Index and the Medical Outcome Study short form General Health Survey) which could provide the patients' perception of their own quality of life. Results: There were 118 patients (81%) who presented with at least 1 psychiatric (DSM-IV) or psychological (DCPR) diagnosis. The most frequent diagnostic findings were generalized anxiety disorder (29%), major depression (26%), irritable mood (46%), demoralization (34%) and persistent somatization (21%). By self-rated instruments, patients with at least 1 DSM-IV or DCPR diagnosis reported significantly more stressful life circumstances, psychological distress and an impaired quality of life compared to those who had none. Conclusions: A high prevalence of psychological distress may be encountered in the long-term follow-up of endocrine patients. A biopsychosocial consideration of the person and his/her quality of life appears to be mandatory for improving therapeutic effectiveness in endocrine disorders.

Copyright © 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

N. Sonino, MD
Department of Statistical Sciences
University of Padova, Via Battisti, 241/243
IT-35121 Padova (Italy)
Tel. +39 049 8274184, Fax +39 049 8274170, E-Mail nicoletta.sonino@unipd.it

  Article Information

Number of Print Pages : 6
Number of Figures : 0, Number of Tables : 4, Number of References : 40