The psychological impact of Behçet's disease

Musculoskeletal Care. 2022 Dec;20(4):742-757. doi: 10.1002/msc.1632. Epub 2022 Apr 6.

Abstract

Background: Bechet's disease (BD), a chronic multiorgan involving disease, has a significant impact on quality of life in spite of effective treatment modalities. Disease manifestations such as arthritis, orogenital ulcerations, rashes, angiitis, and neurological involvement affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL) through its impact on depression, anxiety, and fatigue.

Objectives: We aimed explore the psychological impact of BD, taking into consideration the effect on the HRQoL, as well as the association with depression, anxiety, wellbeing, and fatigue.

Methods: This is a narrative review of the literature that looks into the association of BD on the HRQoL including all studies that have assessed such as association.

Results/findings: Depression and anxiety are prevalent among patients with BD, and contribute significantly to fatigue, a common symptom among BD patients. In addition, the psychological wellbeing is affected by the disease, however, more studies are needed to assess this relationship.

Conclusion: Depression and anxiety are strongly associated with BD, and contribute significantly to fatigue, a common symptom among BD patients. In addition, the psychological wellbeing is affected by the disease, however, more studies are needed to assess this relationship. Besides, the controlling factors of the psychological impact are still to be deciphered.

Keywords: Behcet's disease; anxiety; depression; fatigue; quality of life.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Behcet Syndrome* / complications
  • Humans
  • Quality of Life