Mental Health of People with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Potential Interventions

Abstract

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative ailment. It is the most typical type of motor neuron disease seen in adults. The average survival time is 3 to 5 years after diagnosis. ALS patients might suffer from mental illnesses and distress, as they are conscious that their bodies are gradually deteriorating. It is most likely for them to develop mental illnesses immediately before and after diagnosis, as well as throughout the disease’s early stages. This paper reviews previous researches and studies on common mental illnesses in ALS patients, which are depression and anxiety, as well as their effect on patients’ quality of life. It also discusses methods to improve mental conditions of ALS patients, both for people in the vicinity of patients and the patients themselves.