Recently came across this article, which in turn reminded me of the 'Depressive' bout I suffered from earlier on in my diagnosis of having an MPN. At that time, I was also being treated w/ Interferon Alpha after not being able to tolerate HU at all...
It probably also bears mentioning, that I was quite depressed and extremely disappointed that all my plans to work abroad after 5 years of studying came to a screaming halt, because of my MPN diagnosis...
However, on the Interferon Alpha, it rapidly grew worse in my own case. Hence, this article made for some interesting findings in my view
The Abstract states the following, (see below), however, I would strongly suggest that people read the entire article in order to glean a more comprehensive appreciation of the findings it endeavours to deliver... (The Link is provided in the REference below)
Stay safe & well...
Best wishes all...
Steve
Abstract
Background: Philadelphia chromosome negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), including essential thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera, and myelofibrosis,have severe function-limiting symptom burden that is experienced by the majority
of patients. Previous studies have suggested that depression may be present in over a quarter of MPN patients, but to date no studies have evaluated the relationship between depression and other variables such as symptoms.
Methods:
A 70-item internet based survey regarding fatigue and mood symptoms was developed by a multidisciplinary team of MPN investigators, patients and patient advocates including Patient Health Questionnaire and the Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Symptom Assessment Form was completed by over 1300 patients with MPN diagnosis.
Results:
There were 309 respondents (23%) with PHQ-2 scores3. In this analysis, we found worse systemic symptom burden in individuals reporting depressive symptoms.
Conclusion:
This analysis suggests the importance of depression in contributing to as well as confounding symptomatology in MPN patients, and suggests that this critical variable should also be addressed by clinicians and researchers alike when comprehensively
assessing symptom burden etiologies.
REFERENCE
Padrnos et al. 2020. "Depressive symptoms and myeloproliferative neoplasms:
Understanding the confounding factor in a complex condition". Cancer Medicine June, 2020. DOI: 10.1002/cam4.3380
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epd ... /cam4.3380