Lived Experience of People with Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia is an autoimmune disease that leads to disorder of the neuromuscular junctions. Unstable weakness due to movement is characteristic of this disease. Because myasthenia is a chronic disease with debilitating complications and unpredictable progression, psychological reactions are expected in these patients. Therefore, the present study examines the lived experience of people with myasthenia to look at their psychological issues from the perspective of patients. To provide a platform for professionals to better understand their issues.

In this study, 11 people with myasthenia had in-depth semi-structured interviews, which were analyzed by colaizzi method. The present study is a qualitative method of descriptive phenomenology.

This study included 4 main clusters including: 1) experience of using specialized medical services, 2) internal and external effects of the disease, 3) coping methods, 4) satisfaction period after disease control.

The results showed that disabilities and limitations and unpredictable living conditions lead to a decrease in the perceived control in individuals and this leads to a negative self-assessment of individuals and increases negative emotions such as depression, anxiety and stress. many patients with post-traumatic stress disorder have experienced post-traumatic growth.