Depression, anxiety, risk factors for suicide in sickle cell disorder – Expert
NAN-HG-5
Sickle-cell
By Talatu Maiwada
Abuja, Oct. 21, 2016 (NAN) Mrs Maureen Osuji, an Abuja based Clinical Psychologist, says depression and anxiety are major risk factors for suicide among sickle cell patients.
Osuji told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abujathat Sickle Cell Disorder (SCD) was a global health problem with psycho-social implications.
She therefore advised patients to seek specialised medical intervention.
According to her, studies in Nigeria had shown that SCD had a prevalence rate of depression, greater than those of cancer patients but less than persons with HIV and AIDS.
Osuji said the rate of depression was also similar to those found in chronic medical disorder ranging from 18 per cent to 44 per cent.
The expert explained that such prevalence was a major risk factor for suicide.
“The despair and hopelessness that goes along with depression can make suicide feel like the only way a sickle cell patient can escape pain.
“Suicide talks and behaviour should be taken seriously, such as an unusual preoccupation with death or dying, expressing feeling of being trapped or hopelessness and acting recklessly,’’ she said.
She said that studies of depression in children with SCD had shown mixed results including high rate of fatigue, frequent hospitalisation, impaired self-esteem and inability to experience a normal childhood.
Osuji listed signs of depression to include loss of interest in daily activities, social activities, sex as well as loss to feel joy and pleasure.
Others, she said, include changes in sleep, anger or irritability, feeling agitated, restless or violent, loss of energy, sluggish and being physically drained.
She said that early intervention was very crucial in managing sickle cell patients as well as adequate psychological support to improve an individual’s life.
The clinical psychologist identified psycho-educational intervention as therapy focused on improving the knowledge and understanding of patients regarding their illness.
“This approach emphasise that the information provided can lead to improved knowledge and better coping with the condition.
“Secondly, patients who feel isolated could benefit from the support and motivation of others through shared experiences,’’ she added.
Other intervention include cognitive behavioural therapy which aims at challenging and changing inappropriate self-defeating thoughts to enable the patient lead a productive and satisfying life. (NAN)
TIM/BOLA/MST
Edited by Bola Akingbehin/Muhammad Suleiman Tola