Support Needs of Patients with Cushing's Disease and Cushing's Syndrome: Results of a Survey Conducted in Germany and the USA.

Background: Cushing's disease (CD) and Cushing's syndrome (CS) are chronic illnesses, characterized by symptoms of prolonged hypercortisolism, which often changes to hypocortisolism after successful treatment. In view of the high disease burden of CD/CS patients and long-term impaired quality of life, the present survey was conducted to gain information about subjective illness distress and patients' specific needs in terms of supportive measures beyond medical interventions.

Patients And Methods: Cross-sectional questionnaire study including patients with CD treated in 2 German neurosurgical tertiary referral centers and CD/CS patient members of a US-based patient support group completed a survey inquiring about disease burden, coping strategies, and support needs.