The psychosocial impacts caused by diagnosis and treatment of Coeliac Disease^*

Los impactos psicosociales generados por el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la enfermedad celiaca

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

To comprehend the psychosocial effects that Coeliac Disease diagnosis entails.

METHOD

Qualitative study, achieved through semi-structured interviews, analyzed in accordance to the Association of ideas map Technique. A total 12 recently-diagnosed patients from the Centro de diagnóstico, tratamento e apoio ao paciente com doença celíaca (Coeliac Disease Prevention, Support and Treatment Diagnose Centre) from the Hospital Universitário de Brasília (University Hospital of Brasilia) were enrolled for the study, between the years of 2013 and 2014.

RESULTS

The interviewed patients presented negative impacts in three categories: psychoaffective, family and social relationships, indicating issues with social readaptation once the treatment had started, as well as difficulty coping with a gluten free diet.

CONCLUSION

Coeliac Disease holds substantial impact on psychological functions, family and social relationships to diagnosed patients, requiring a clinical biopsychological assistance for better adherence to treatment and patients quality of life.

Descriptors
Celiac Disease; Diagnosis; Therapeutics; Psychosocial Impact; Quality of Life