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From the Research
Psychological Assessment and Support Services
To address Donna Sizmur's complex needs, the following psychological assessment and support services are recommended:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to manage depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms 1, 2, 3
- Pain management strategies to alleviate chronic pain, which can exacerbate PTSD and depression symptoms 4
- Sleep hygiene practices to improve sleep quality, which is often disrupted in individuals with myotonic dystrophy and PTSD 1, 5
- Social support services to combat social isolation, including transportation assistance and access to community resources
- Carer support services, such as counseling and respite care, to mitigate carer stress and burnout for Donna's husband Stevan and daughter Belinda
Neuropsychiatric Disorder Screening
Given the high prevalence of neuropsychiatric disorders in individuals with myotonic dystrophy, regular screening for:
- Depression and anxiety disorders 2, 3
- PTSD symptoms 5, 4
- Cognitive deficits and apathy 1 is essential to ensure timely intervention and support.
Multidisciplinary Care Approach
A multidisciplinary care approach, involving healthcare professionals from various disciplines, such as psychology, neurology, and social work, is necessary to address Donna's complex needs and provide comprehensive support 1, 2, 4.