RESEARCH ARTICLE


Psychological Aspects Associated with the Acquisition and Development of HPV Infection and its Repercussion on Quality of Life



Tomás-Aragonés L.*, 1, Castillo-Amores A.B. 1, Rodríguez-Cerdeira C.2, Marrón-Moya S.E. 1
1 Department of Dermtology, Hospital Ernest Lluch of Calatayud & Aragon Health Sciences Institute, Spain
2 Dermatology Department, CHUVI & University of Vigo, Vigo, Spain


Article Metrics

CrossRef Citations:
2
Total Statistics:

Full-Text HTML Views: 490
Abstract HTML Views: 1232
PDF Downloads: 2753
Total Views/Downloads: 4475
Unique Statistics:

Full-Text HTML Views: 313
Abstract HTML Views: 762
PDF Downloads: 2061
Total Views/Downloads: 3136



Creative Commons License
© 2009 E. Tomás-Aragonés et al.

open-access license: This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Public License (CC-BY 4.0), a copy of which is available at: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode. This license permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

* Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Dermatology, Hospital Ernest Lluch. of Calatayud & Aragon Health Sciences Institute, Spain; Tel: 0034606973090; E-mail: luciatomas@cop.es


Abstract

A clear relationship between infection by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and mental health problems does not seem to exist. Nonetheless, the presence of psychological symptoms – such as fear, guilt, shame and anxiety– are frequent in people who suffer the disease. A series of myths and false beliefs exist which may lead to great psychological discomfort. The diagnosis supposes putting into effect a process of adaptation. In this adaptation process to the disease, various defence mechanisms may appear. The importance of informing the patient – by the health professional – in a true and precise way, and allowing time for the patients to express their doubts about everything that is worrying them in order to face the emotional impact that giving the news to their partner and family may suppose should be highlighted. The disease leads to changes in lifestyle and quality of life. The aim is to help the patient in this process.

Keywords: HPV, psychological symptoms, quality life.