Psychological and mental health problems in patients with thalidomide embryopathy in Japan

Abstract

Aim:The aim of the study was to examine the presence of psychological and mental health problems in patients with thalidomide embryopathy in Japan in order to develop and build future support systems. Methods:The present study examined the presence/ absence of electroencephalographic abnormalities, intellectual/cognitive functions, and mental health problems in 22 participants (nine men, 13 women) with thalidomide embryopathy. Participants completed the electroencephalograph instrument. Participants were also assessed using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III; the Autism-Spectrum Quotient; the General Health Questionnaire-28, and the MiniInternational Neuropsychiatric Interview. Results:The results suggest the following: (i) electroencephalographic abnormality observed in several thalidomide embryopathy participants is unlikely to be the direct result of thalidomide; (ii) the cognitive functions of working memory and processing speed are lower in thalidomide embryopathy patients than in healthy individuals; and (iii) 40.9% of the thalidomide embryopathy participants have possible mental disorders, with more mental problems observed than in healthy individuals.Conclusions: Deterioration of mental health in patients with thalidomide embryopathy is indicated. Anxiety, insomnia, and physical symptoms were especially remarkable and may have resulted in restriction of social activities. Therefore, careful examination and active support of patients' psychological and mental problems is essential.

Health-related quality of life and function in middle-aged individuals with thalidomide embryopathy

“…Some studies of the long-term outcome related to a variety of the malformations have recently been published—on ocular problems [10], speech pathology [11], oral health including teeth [12] and the development of degenerative changes to the lower limbs and the cervical spine [13, 14]. Studies from Japan report that mental health had deteriorated and anxiety levels had increased in this population [15]. …”

Thalidomide embryopathy: Follow‐up of cases born between 1959 and 2010

“…A recent study by a Japanese group evaluated the psychological and mental health of TE individuals. It was concluded that despite there being no evident influence of thalidomide in encephalographic abnormalities, these individuals seem to have a decreased working memory capacity (Imai et al, ). They also observed that in TE individuals there is evidence of somatic suffering, such as anxiety and insomnia (Imai et al, ).…”

“…It was concluded that despite there being no evident influence of thalidomide in encephalographic abnormalities, these individuals seem to have a decreased working memory capacity (Imai et al, ). They also observed that in TE individuals there is evidence of somatic suffering, such as anxiety and insomnia (Imai et al, ). Similar to our research, the group was only able to compare these conditions with a general population of individuals without congenital anomalies.…”

A nationwide survey regarding the life situations of patients with thalidomide embryopathy in Japan, 2018: First report

“…For example, one recent study focused mainly on lifestyle‐related diseases among middle‐aged thalidomiders (Shiga, Shimbo, & Yoshizawa, ), while a few others investigated internal organ and vascular anomalies using imaging screening (Tajima, Wada, & Yoshizawa, ; Weinrich et al, ). In addition, reports have been published on mental disorders and psychological problems in thalidomiders in Sweden and Japan (Ghassemi Jahani, Karlsson, et al, ; Imai et al, ), and on peripheral nerve dysfunction in thalidomiders in the UK (Nicotra et al, ). Moreover, in 2017, a practical guide was devised to aid understanding of and to discuss treatment for TE in all medical areas (Ohnishi & Hinoshita, in Japanese and 2018 in English).…”