Relação entre Queixa para Deglutir e Transtornos Mentais Comuns em Laringectomizados Totais

Abstract

Purpose: To identify whether there is a relationship between complaint for swallowing and common mental disorders in total laryngectomees. Method: A structured interview was conducted with 14 total laryngectomy patients attending a support group of a reference service in oncology in the city of João Pessoa. After signing the Free and Informed Consent Term (TCLE), the subjects were submitted to the Self-Report Questionnaire (SRQ-20), a dichotomous scale instrument (yes / no), used for the screening of common mental disorders (CMD). They were then questioned through a pilot question about a possible difficulty in swallowing. Negative replies ended the interview. Positive responses guided them to the last instrument, used to evaluate the effects of dysphagia on quality of life in patients undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer, the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI). Results: The sample profile was of males, low schooling and average age (65 years). The mean total SRQ-20 scores (m = 3.07; dp = 2.67) were below the cut off point, insufficient to determine the level of suspicion of some common mental disorder in this population. Of the 14 interviewees, five reported a swallowing complaint. Mean SRQ-20 domains did not differ significantly between subjects with and without complaint. The MDADI scores indicated a mean limitation in quality of life, with greater impact in the emotional domain (severe limitation). Conclusion: There was no significant relationship between swallowing complaint and common mental disorders in total laryngectomized patients.