Emotional aspects present in the lives of amputees: a literature review

Abstract

Sistema de avaliação: às cegas por pares (double blind review).

Psychological Consequences in Patients With Amputation of a Limb. An Interpretative-Phenomenological Analysis

“…But long after surgery, patients, in addition to physical and mental suffering, face a number of difficult problems: the cost of the prosthetic limb, the pursuit of compensation in the case of car or work-related accidents, continuing treatment for chronic disease (such as diabetes), decreased sexual activity, especially in young people, and, in particular, uncertainty about the future. The latter is the most commonly reported feeling (Galván et al, 2009;Sales et al, 2012;Simsek et al, 2017;Bergo and Prebianchi, 2018) and it was also present in the findings of our study. It stands to reason that in order for the person to regain a sense of normality and to be able to develop an adaptive new self-representation as a participative active being in the environment, a complex system of support and resources must be in place.…”

“…This study confirms the meta-analysis of Bergo and Prebianchi (2018) who, quoting Rodrigues (2011) , concluded that the emotional responses following amputation differ from patient to patient, and are influenced by a constellation of factors: the etiology of amputation, elements of personal life, the social-historical moment, the pathogenicity of the disease, and the patient’s interpretation of the symptoms. Patients who suffer from amputation due to a vascular disorder that causes unbearable pain will feel relieved.…”

“…Their need to avoid contact with other people seemed to serve important temporary defensive functions for the vulnerable recovering self, shielding it from experiencing shame and hostility as a result of anticipation of negative attitudes or actual negative attitudes of others (Murray and Forshaw, 2013). This finding is supported by other authors (Bergo and Prebianchi, 2018) who consider that separation from social networks (a recurring theme among amputees) is temporary, being specific to the immediate post-operative period. With time and especially after prosthesis, the patient becomes accustomed to the situation and begins to resume the old connections.…”

“…In a qualitative study ( Franchini and Savoia, 2013 ; Bergo and Prebianchi, 2018 ), it was observed that patients who participated in group psychotherapy became more independent and showed greater acceptance, faster rehabilitation, and positive thinking. Therefore, the efficacy of such programs may be enhanced if the practitioners know the phenomenology of the various psychological consequences in the case of patients with limb amputation.…”

“…The decision to amputate a limb is difficult for both medical staff, the patient, and his/her family ( Boccolini, 1995 ). The fear of losing a visible part of the body leads to a true sense of body disintegration ( Bergo and Prebianchi, 2018 ). However, amputation may be necessary to save a life.…”