https://doi.org/10.4081/ejtm.2024.12727
Integrating psychological assessment in achalasia management: addressing mental health to enhance patient outcomes
Submitted: 17 June 2024
Accepted: 2 July 2024
Published: 22 July 2024
Accepted: 2 July 2024
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All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
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Achalasia is a chronic esophageal disorder with a generally favorable prognosis; however, approximately 20% of patients experience persistent or recurrent symptoms despite therapeutic interventions. These ongoing symptoms can significantly diminish both disease-specific and overall quality of life. Although the physical manifestations of achalasia, such as regurgitation, dysphagia, chest pain, and weight loss, are well-documented and assessed using the Eckardt score, the psychological burden of the disease remains underexplored. Individuals with achalasia are at an increased risk of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and somatization, exacerbated by the emotional strain and social limitations imposed by the disease. Despite this, psychological impacts are often overlooked in clinical settings, leading to inadequate mental health support for these patients. This article underscores the necessity for prompt psychological assessments during the diagnosis of achalasia to better address these mental health challenges and improve overall patient care.
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How to Cite
Khosravi, M., Kavoosi, A., Rezapour-Nasrabad, R., Omraninava, M., Anamagh, A. N., & Asl, S. T. S. (2024). Integrating psychological assessment in achalasia management: addressing mental health to enhance patient outcomes. European Journal of Translational Myology, 34(3). https://doi.org/10.4081/ejtm.2024.12727
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