SICKLE CELL ANEMIA PATIENTS AND MENTAL DISTRESS: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Sickle cell anemia, a chronic genetic disease and the most severe form of sickle cell disease, presents frequent pain crises and a complicated clinical picture with high mortality rates that cause great mental suffering. Given this, the present study aimed to verify, analyze, and synthesize the evidence found in the scientific literature on mental suffering in patients with sickle cell anemia, identifying the main psychological symptoms involved with the pathology and its course. This is an integrative literature review, conducted in April 2025. It included original articles published in the last ten years, in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. The selection followed the PRISMA guidelines. Studies conducted in Nigeria, the United States, and Ghana were included. The study identified that people with sickle cell anemia constantly suffer from anxiety, feelings of helplessness about the future, episodes of depression, isolation, and other symptoms that affect their mental health. Chronic pain and frequent hospitalizations negatively impact patients' daily lives, affecting school performance, professional integration, and social relationships. The selected studies showed that psychological symptoms are directly associated with increased pain frequency and intensity, worsening quality of life, and risk of opioid misuse. The review points to the need for further studies in this area and greater multidisciplinary involvement in the care of this population.