Fatigue is very common in myasthenia gravis (MG) and is linked to worse quality of life, but feeling understood by others can offset some of the burden, found a study recently published in the journal Healthcare.
MG is a long-term disease characterized by muscle weakness. Fatigue is one of the hardest symptoms for patients. It affects their ability to do daily tasks, their mental health and overall well-being.
The new study looked at how patients experience fatigue, how it affects their everyday life, and whether they feel understood by others.
More than 70% of patients said they felt tired all the time or very often. People who had more severe fatigue had more difficulty with daily activities and a poorer quality of life. When fatigue strongly interfered with daily life, patients were more likely to report symptoms of depression, poorer self-rated health and more negative feelings about their illness.
However, patients who felt that others understood their fatigue tended to have less anxiety and depression, and greater acceptance of their disease. They were also more likely to follow treatment recommendations.
The study’s authors noted these results highlight how acceptance may serve as a coping mechanism for people with MG, and emphasize the role of social support in MG care. “These findings support the need for a comprehensive approach to the management of myasthenia gravis that extends beyond pharmacological treatment and incorporates psychological support, patient education, and attention to social understanding and coping resources,” the researchers said.
Read more about MG signs and symptoms
The study included 67 patients treated at the Neurology Outpatient Department of the University Clinical Center in Gdańsk, Poland. About 60% of participants were women, and the average age was 53.
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