Perceived Psychological and Physical Health as Predictors of Mortality and Quality of Life in Patients with Lymphedema: A Prospective Study Spanning Almost Two Decades.

Background: How does living with a chronic disease of the lymphatic system affect quality of life and mortality? Lymphedema is a chronic disease mostly affecting women and research is sparse. To this date, longitudinal studies evaluating biopsychosocial predictors for mortality and quality of life in lymphedema are largely missing. This study aims to identify possible predictors and could open innovative ways for treatment options.

[Psychosocial aspects of lymphedema].

The lymphedema requires from the involved persons numerous adaptation processes. If these doesn't succeed, comorbide mental disorders can develop. Studies show that an intensive psychological therapy makes sense and it's therefore necessary for the purposes of a biopsychosocial model of therapy.