Psychological Impact in Individuals with Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance and Smoldering Multiple Myeloma
Tanvi H Patel, Ramya Bachu, Trilok Shrivastava, Jawad Alrawabdeh, Marah Alzubi, Jael Hastings, Harold Dean, Carolina Schinke, Sharmilan Thanendrarajan, Maurizio Zangari, Guido Tricot, Fenghuang Zhan, John D. Shaughnessy, Frits van Rhee, Samer Al Hadidi
Abstract
In our study of 246 newly diagnosed individuals with MGUS or SMM (115 MGUS, 131 SMM), we found that 19% reported anxiety, with no significant difference between the MGUS and SMM groups (22% vs. 17%). Those with a history of psychiatric disorders or belonging to certain racial groups were more likely to experience anxiety. Initial coping responses included religious coping, denial, frustration, irritability, and seeking social support. Given anxiety's detrimental effects, our findings emphasize the importance of incorporating psychosocial assessments to optimize care for MGUS and SMM patients.