Anxiety in Myasthenia Gravis Patients Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic-Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Association With Vaccination Status.

INTRODUCTION

A high prevalence of COVID-19-related anxiety was observed among the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) might be at higher risk for COVID-19-related anxiety due to immunosuppressive therapy in the majority of cases and risk of myasthenic exacerbation in case of an infection. This prospective longitudinal study assessed COVID-19-related anxiety in MG patients over 2 years of the pandemic and its association with MG-specific factors (e.g., disease severity, immunosuppressive medication) and with vaccination status.

METHODS

A three-wave longitudinal online survey was conducted from May 2020 to February 2022, including a total of 648 adult MG patients. Descriptive, univariate, and multivariate analyses were performed to assess COVID-19-related and MG-related anxiety, associated MG-specific factors, and association with vaccination status.

RESULTS

COVID-19-related anxiety was frequent, with the most pronounced fear being risk for one's own health (overall 83.9%). Anxiety was influenced by MG diagnosis (overall 75.1%), especially by fear of exacerbation of myasthenic symptoms and greater risk of infection due to immunosuppressive therapy. Female sex and treatment with immunosuppressive medication, including rituximab, were associated with an increased concern for one's own health. Fear for one's own health was the only factor associated with vaccination status.

CONCLUSIONS

COVID-19-related anxiety was prevalent among MG patients. An ongoing psychological impact is likely and highlights the need for anxiety screening in clinical practice. Our findings emphasize the importance of addressing mental health challenges during future pandemics.