Abstract
The purpose of this study is to present the daily emotional states of patients suffering from subacute myelo-optico-neuropathy (SMON), and to investigate both the background factors and the coping styles for stresful situations in SMON patients with emotional problems.We therefore administered a survey to 107 SMONpatients living in Chugoku and Shikoku areas by means of 2 questionnaires, that is, Profile ofMood States (POMS) and Stress Coping Scale (SCS). POMS consists of 65 items and evaluates the states of mood or emotion by classifing 6 scales. SCS measures the stress coping behavior and contains 33 questions, which were divided into 5 scales.As a result of the survey, the number of available subjects was 102 (male 31,female 71). The mean±SD age of them was 68.7±9.1 (ranged from 51 to 88). And the mean±SD age at onset of SMON was 40.0±9.2.The results of POMS scores showed that the emotional states of SMON patients were more tense, anxious, depressive, vigorless, fatigued and confused. And then, they also hd markedly angry and hostile emotions. Those who were in emotional crisis were defined to score above the cut-off point at each scale of POMS. The ratio of SMON patients in emotional crisis extended to 40.2% of 102 patients. Especially, the number of elderly-aged(from 60 to 69)patients was comparatively large. However, there were no significant relations between the presence of emotional crisis and their sex, severity, complication, and status of family.The findings from SCS scores indicate that the stress coping behavior of SMON ptients had a less tendency to behave actively or passively for a diversion. Furthermore, the features of the coping styles in patients in emotional crisis were significantly recognized to rather suppress their emotional expressions and their actions derived from stress.These results suggest that SMON patients may be emotionally more unstable and stressful than we can expect. In order to support them mentally, it will be increasingly essential to help them disclose their individual emotional problems by psychological interview.
