Symptoms of depression, anxiety, social and family support: measurement and intervention in groups of elderly people with Parkinson's

• Grant number: 17/14719-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2017
• End date: November 30, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Psychology - Psychological Treatment and Prevention
• Principal Investigator: Hugo Ferrari Cardoso
• Grantee: Helena Milaré Camargo
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências (FC). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Bauru. Bauru , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The demographic transition, a phenomenon that has been occurring in Brazilian reality since the 20th century, accompanies the epidemiological transition intrinsically: now is the increase in the number of chronic diseases and the non-communicable diseases that predominate in the country's health system. Among one of the diseases, Parkinson's disease is present in approximately 200 thousand Brazilians. Parkinson's is a neurodegenerative disease, its symptoms progressing over time. Although there is no cure, an increasing number of treatments demonstrate efficacy with respect to delay or longer stabilization of its various effects. The most obvious, known as classic signs of the disease, are tremors, body and facial stiffness and slowness of movements, and these are the effects that most commonly lead to demand and thus to the diagnosis. However, Parkinson's triggers other symptoms that, because they are more subtle, may influence negatively the patient's condition, if not considered during the treatment. In the literature, depressive and anxiolytic symptoms are the most reported by elderly people with the disease and who, depending on the intensity with which they present themselves, can also influence the overall motor behavior of the person. In addition, it is known that social and subjective aspects are directly related to the onset of these symptoms, demonstrating the importance of studies that include family variables and social support in the monitoring of each case. In order to explore these issues, the project intends, through meetings with people with Parkinson, discuss them and, if they are present, identify how they manifest themselves. It is possible that during the group process, other relevant points can be reached, and it is by making this movement of listening on the other that the study aims to achieve the goal of proposed psychosocial intervention. (AU)