[Type 2 spinocerebellar ataxia: an experience in psychological rehabilitation].

INTRODUCTION

Psychological rehabilitation in patients with neurodegenerative disorders helps to improve their quality of life and provide the most suitable approach to their disease. There are no records of this type of treatment being used in type 11 spinocerebellar ataxia.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of group therapy within the framework of psychological rehabilitation and determine the most favored psychological function markers.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study is a quasi experimental study of 24 patients with type 2 spinocerebellar ataxia rehabilitated in the CIRAH (Cuba). The procedure involved psychological assessment before and after the strategy for intervention, which consisted of 15 sessions of group therapy.

RESULTS

The pathological levels of anxiety were reduced in 50.1% of the cases, and 31.4% of the patients with depression improved. The self assessment markers of a taking step forward were happiness and worry level. The disorder affected all aspects of the life of the patients studied, particularly their interests, family, self esteem and work.

CONCLUSIONS

It is possible to improve the attitude of the patient to his disease and his psychological function by means of group therapy during the process of psychological rehabilitation of patients with type 2 spinocerebellar ataxia.