Quality of Life of Patients with Stiff Person Syndrome

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to identify the factors that significantly affect the quality of life (QoL) of patients with Stiff-Person syndrome (SPS) by examining their physical, psychological, and social aspects using questionnaires. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 23 patients with SPS. Data were collected using several questionnaires. Patient QoL was quantified using the EuroQoL-5-Dimention 5-Level; sociodemographic characteristics and other relevant variables were examined. Results: QoL was poorer for patients with SPS than those with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease. Several important factors for patients’ QoL have been identified, including difficulty in breathing, pain, mobility issues leading to difficulty performing daily activities, depressive symptoms inherent to SPS, and insufficient social support. Conclusion: Factors that significantly influenced the QoL of patients with SPS were related to multiple aspects of their lives. We evaluated all previously used methods. A disease-specific evaluation form is required to assess these patients thoroughly.