Eur J Endocrinol
HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced]


     

DOI: 10.1530/EJE-07-0205
European Journal of Endocrinology, Vol 157, Issue 2, 127-131
Copyright © 2007 by European Society of Endocrinology
This Article
Right arrow Full Text
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in ISI Web of Science
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Coulter, I
Right arrow Articles by Perros, P
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Coulter, I
Right arrow Articles by Perros, P
REVIEW

Psychological implications of Graves’ orbitopathy

I Coulter, S Frewin, G E Krassas1 and P Perros

Endocrine Unit, Level 6, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7DN, UK and 1 Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, ‘Panagia’ General Hospital, Thessaloniki 55132, Greece

(Correspondence should be addressed to P Perros; Email: petros.perros{at}ncl.ac.uk)

Abstract

Patients with thyroid eye disease, Graves’ orbitopathy (GO), often appear distressed and it is likely that features of the condition such as disturbances in visual function, orbital discomfort and alterations in facial appearance can impart significant psychological morbidity upon the patient, which in turn can be detrimental to their quality of life. When considering the psychological impact of GO, two elements of the disease are important. The disfiguring changes to the eyes and face can have a direct effect upon psychological health, while physical aspects of the disease such as altered visual acuity, diplopia, orbital pain and lacrimation may influence psychological function as a secondary phenomenon, due to interference with daily living. Evidence appears to confirm the anecdotal impression of many clinicians dealing with GO patients that the prevalence of psychological morbidity in this patient group is high. A ‘biopsychosocial’ approach to care that addresses biological and psychosocial functioning as major determinants of health is an appropriate strategy when treating patients with GO.






HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
Copyright © 2007 European Society of Endocrinology.