Citation

Lulé D, Häcker S, Ludolph A, Birbaumer N, Kübler A. Dtsch Arztebl Ausg A 2008; 105(23): 397-403.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Deutscher Ärzte-Verlag)

DOI

10.3238/arztebl.2008.0397

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: There is increasing debate on the issue of whether to facilitate the end-of-life decisions of severely disabled paients with diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Our two studies were intended to explore the emotional state and quality of life of patients with ALS.

METHODS: Two studies were performed to investigate depression and the quality of life in ALS patients: one was a longitudinal study, the other a comparison of ALS patients to normal control subjects.

RESULTS: These studies found no correlation between physical disability in ALS and either depression or the quality of life. The rate of depression was found to be inversely related to educational status. A satisfactory quality of life without depressive manifestations seems to be possible in any stage of ALS. In ALS patients the quality of life was comparable with healthy controls.

DISCUSSION: The rationale for not providing life-sustaining treatment to severely disabled patients is that a poor quality of life is expected after such treatment. Our studies have shown, however, that ALS patients can experience a satisfactory quality of life even if they are severely physically impaired, including in the terminal phase.

Language: de

Keywords

disability; human; Depression; quality of life; depression; assisted suicide; longitudinal study; article; mental disease; euthanasia; physical disease; terminal disease; physical disability; palliative therapy; Assisted suicide; long term care; Quality of life; patient satisfaction; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; correlation analysis; respiratory failure; emotionality; educational status; Respiratory insufficiency; patient decision making; Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis