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The Patient Experience of Recovery Following Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis: A Qualitative Content Analysis.
- Source :
-
The Journal of neuropsychiatry and clinical neurosciences [J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci] 2021 Winter; Vol. 33 (1), pp. 57-63. Date of Electronic Publication: 2020 Sep 02. - Publication Year :
- 2021
-
Abstract
- Objective: The authors examined patients' perceptions of the factors affecting their recovery from anti- N -methyl-d-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis, which is a rare, severe immune-mediated neurological disorder.<br />Methods: Seven patients completed semistructured interviews exploring their experience of recovery. Participants were interviewed between 7 and 41 months after the initiation of treatment. Interviews were transcribed and subjected to qualitative content analysis.<br />Results: Facilitators of recovery included the presence of a support system and treatment-related factors. Barriers to recovery included perceived psychiatric stigma, insufficient illness education, and lifestyle disruptions to accommodate ongoing treatment. Adverse physical, psychological, and neurocognitive sequelae of anti-NMDAR encephalitis continued to affect participants' daily functioning. Most participants described strategies to manage neurocognitive deficits, fatigue, and anxiety.<br />Conclusions: Anti-NMDAR encephalitis contributes to persistent burden on patients, their families, and health services after the resolution of acute symptoms. Physical, psychological, and cognitive changes contribute to long-term disease morbidity. To optimize recovery and reduce disability, further attention must be directed toward illness education, reducing stigma, and role disruption. Longer-term disability support may benefit those who do not fully recover.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1545-7222
- Volume :
- 33
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- The Journal of neuropsychiatry and clinical neurosciences
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 32873136
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.neuropsych.20030049