Anxiety, Depression and Self-Efficacy in Patients with Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia is an autoimmune disease of neuromuscular transmission. This disease is typically characterised by muscle weakness, which is exacerbated by the performance of certain activities or exercise; patients usually recover with rest. Some studies have noted that people with myasthenia gravis have significantly higher depression scores than control participants. Extended experience with neuromuscular disease symptoms has been correlated with mood disorder symptoms. The present study measured and compared the presence of depression, anxiety and self-efficacy as well as the relationships among these variables in people with myasthenia gravis. An evaluation scale for this disease was specifically adapted. A total of 52 participants with myasthenia gravis were given two tests: the HAD questionnaire, which measures depression, and the general self-efficacy questionnaire (GSE). This study found a significantly correlation between anxiety and depression in people with myasthenia gravis. A correlation between self-efficacy and depression was also observed.