VPB0695 - A study of mood state using POMS2 in hemophilia patients

Background: Advancements in treatment have extended the life expectancy of patients with hemophilia. There are patients who are already living with the pain and inconvenience because of arthropathy, or who have complications from aging, such as malignancy or lifestyle-related diseases. Then, patients also suffer from anxiety related to the disease and mental stress caused by stigma from others.

Aims: This study reports on the psychological issues of hemophilia patients, especially their mood state.

Methods: We evaluated 28 adult patients with hemophilia (median age of 35 (range: 19-76)). A clinical psychologist had interviews with patients independently of doctor’s medical examination, measured mood and emotion state by POMS2 (Profile of Mood States Second Edition), and assessed the Total Mood Disturbance (TMD) scores and each factors of POMS2.

Results: The TMD score of the patients was 43.6. This was in the “average” TMD score group of the general male population in their 30s. On the other hand, one patient (4%) was in the "high" TMD score group, which was less than the "high" TMD score group of the general male population (16%). Each factors of POMS2 showed the healthy profile, with low scores on negative mood states and high scores on positive mood states. However, five patients had high scores on negative mood states or low scores on positive mood states. Patients who had inhibitors had low scores on positive mood state.

Conclusion(s): We found that few hemophilia patients were high scores more than average TMD scores. This was less than the general male population. However, hemophilia patients have the various kind of mental stress. It is necessary to establish a support system by interdisciplinary approach. We would like to continue to provide supports for the psychosocial issues.