Fear for health: This is how the myasthenia gravis community suffers!

Fear for health: This is how the myasthenia gravis community suffers!

In a comprehensive study conducted by Prof. Dr. Moritz Petzold and a team from the Medical School Berlin and the Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, the psychological stress of patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) during the COVID-19 pandemic was analyzed. The study spanned from May 2020 to February 2022 and included a total of 648 adult MG patients. The focus was on identifying specific COVID-19-related fears, as these patients are often treated with immunosuppressants and are therefore at higher risk of serious infections, which could worsen their symptoms.

The results of the investigation are alarming. A total of 83.9% of respondents said they were concerned about their health. In addition, a significant proportion, specifically 75.1%, reported specific MG-related fears and risks. Fear was particularly pronounced in women and in people treated with immunosuppressive therapies such as rituximab. The study also found that concern for one's health was the only factor significantly associated with vaccination status. These findings illustrate that COVID-19-related anxiety is widespread among MG patients and can lead to psychological distress in the long term.

Psychological effects of the pandemic

Mental health in the general population has also changed significantly during the pandemic. Research shows that the overall number of people suffering from anxiety and depressive symptoms has risen sharply. The study, which analyzed data from telephone surveys between 2019 and 2022, shows that the frequency of anxiety symptoms increased to 11% in the period from March to June 2022, while it was 7% in 2021. Women, younger adults and people over 65 were particularly affected.

In addition to anxiety, subjective mental health was found to have decreased. Only 40% of respondents described their health as very good or good, compared to 44% before the pandemic. These changes illustrate the far-reaching psychological impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on a wide range of population groups. The data suggests that mental health should continue to receive increased attention in future pandemics.

• 83,9 % der MG-Patient:innen berichteten von Ängsten um die eigene Gesundheit.
• 75,1 % äußerten spezifische MG-bezogene Risiken.
• Frauen und immunsuppressiv behandelte Personen zeigten erhöhte Ängste.

These findings are relevant not only for the medical care of MG patients, but also for the development of strategies to support mental health in general. The team around Prof. Dr. Petzold recommends that anxiety screenings and psychological support be increasingly integrated into clinical care in order to meet the needs of this vulnerable group. The pandemic has made the burdens on these patients visible and highlights the need for long-term adaptation of healthcare to psychological challenges.

In summary, knowledge shows that COVID-19-related fears are high in the general population and are also particularly pronounced in specific groups such as MG patients. This requires targeted targeting and support from the healthcare system to mitigate the lasting psychological impact of the pandemic.

Medical School Berlin reports that patients with myasthenia gravis are suffering significantly from anxiety during the pandemic PubMed indicates the higher risk of these fears. The Robert Koch Institute highlights the general changes in the mental health of the population during the pandemic and calls for increased support measures.