Article

The current study sought to (1) determine the relative frequency and severity of
eight symptoms in adults with cerebral palsy (CP), (2) examine the perceived
course of these eight symptoms over time, and (3) determine the associations
between the severity of these symptoms and psychosocial functioning. Eighty-three
adults with CP completed a measure assessing the frequency, severity, and
perceived course of eight symptoms (pain, weakness, fatigue, imbalance, numbness,
memory loss, vision loss, and shortness of breath). Respondents also completed
measures of community integration and psychological functioning. The results
indicated that pain, fatigue, imbalance, and weakness were the most common and
severe symptoms reported. All symptoms were reported to have either stayed the
same or worsened, rather than resolved, over time. The symptoms were more closely
related to social integration than to home integration, productive activity, or
psychological functioning. Memory loss was a unique predictor of social
integration in the multivariate context. This study highlighted several common
and problematic symptoms experienced by adults with CP. Additional research is
needed to identify the most effective treatments for those symptoms that affect
community integration and psychological functioning as a way to improve the
quality of life of individuals with CP.

Langue : ANGLAIS