Neuropsychiatric manifestations of AFD

Abstract

There is growing evidence that both male and female AFD patients are at risk for developing neuropsychiatric symptoms. An expanding number of studies have demonstrated that these patients suffer from psychiatric disorders, especially from depression. Results of studies of the patients' cognitive function are variable, ranging from severe impairment to normal functioning. Living with a chronic and painful disease, might be related to the difficult psychosocial adjustment of AFD patients. More attention should be given to the psychiatric and cognitive needs of the patients. We recommend that neuropsychiatric evaluation, and treatment should be included in the multidisciplinary care of AFD patients. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.