Document Type

Poster Presentation

Publication Date

12-2018

Keywords

fsc2019

Abstract

Background: Myotonic dystrophy (DM) and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) are two types of muscular dystrophies with multi-system manifestations.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine 1: the prevalence of depression in patients with myotonic dystrophy (DM) and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) and 2: which non-pharmacological methods DM and FSHD patients are using to manage their depression.

Methods: A survey was conducted using the online system, Qualtrics. The voluntary and anonymous survey was emailed to 1,205 eligible patients from the National Registry for DM and FSHD Patients and Family Members at the University of Rochester. Participants were at least 18 years old, a member of the registry, and diagnosed with DM or FSHD. The 65 question survey included questions on basic demographic information, depression diagnosis, medication use and effectiveness, and non-pharmacological management. Surveys were collected between May 2017 and August 2017 and the responses were analyzed and compared to the general population. The study was approved by the St. John Fisher College Institutional Review Board and the Registry Scientific Advisory Committee.

Results: Of the 1,205 surveys that were sent, 466 patients responded. A total of 46 percent of patients had DM (DM1 30 percent, n=138/460 and DM2 16 percent, n=75/460) and 48 percent (n=223/460) of respondents had FSHD. Of the study respondents, 34 percent (n=150/436) reported being diagnosed with depression, while 8 percent (n=24/294) feel depressed, but haven’t been diagnosed. Non-pharmacological techniques used by patients who were diagnosed with depression or feel that they are depressed included: exercise (33 percent, n=57/150), relaxation techniques once per week (51 percent, n=50/98), and visiting a counselor or therapist once per week (11 percent, n=4/37). The most common type of relaxation technique used was meditation (52 percent, n=77/147) followed by yoga (18 percent, n=24/147). In conclusion, 32 percent (n=34/107) stated that relaxation techniques helped them, and 49 percent (n=52/107) stated that relaxation techniques may have helped them.

Conclusion: Patients with both DM and FSHD have been diagnosed with depression. To manage their depression, and similar to what occurs in the general population, DM and FSHD patients are using a combination of both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic strategies. DM and FSHD patients also believe that these non-pharmacologic methods, which include exercise, counseling, and relaxation techniques are helpful in their managing depression.

Comments

Presented at American Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Midyear Meeting, December 2-6, 2018, in Anaheim, California.

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