Mental health and counseling intervention for hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) during the COVID-19 pandemic: perspectives from Italy

• Published in: European review for medical and pharmacological sciences Vol. 24; no. 19; p. 10225
• Main Authors: Marano, G, Gaetani, E, Gasbarrini, A, Janiri, L, Sani, G, Mazza, M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Italy 01-10-2020
• Subjects: Counseling - methods; COVID-19 - epidemiology; COVID-19 - psychology; Humans; Internet; Italy - epidemiology; Loneliness - psychology; Mental Health - statistics & numerical data; Pandemics; Telangiectasia, Hereditary Hemorrhagic - epidemiology; Telangiectasia, Hereditary Hemorrhagic - psychology; Italy
• ISSN: 2284-0729
• DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202010_23246

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an inherited disorder of fibrovascular tissue, transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait. This rare disease can involve one or more organs and clinical manifestations interest several medical specialties.
A review of recent literature and our clinical experience shows that COVID-19 pandemic greatly influences the autonomy and psychic sphere of patients with HHT, causing them further distress.
Often patients affected by HHT experience a sense of loneliness due to the rarity of this pathology and COVID-19 pandemic adds a burden for them and their caregivers who have to face emotional experiences that interfere with personal, social and working functioning.
Multidisciplinary approach and web-mediated counseling intervention could offer a valid and personalized support for patients affected by HHT and their caregivers during quarantine due to COVID-19 pandemic.