[Psychological aspects and quality of life in uveal melanoma patients during the treatment process by ocular bulb remotion].

PURPOSE To evaluate prospectively the emotional repercussions in the individual with uveal melanoma and surgical indication in three phases: diagnosis and preoperative, postsurgery and late postsurgery. METHODS Clinical qualitative study based on the following instruments: STAI--State, Trait Anxiety Inventory; BDI--Beck Depression Inventory; Quality of Life Questionnaire SF-36. RESULTS The sample of this study consisted of 20 patients, 13 males and seven females, with average age of 52 years. Before surgery: the patients appear fragile and impacted by diagnosis and treatment. The state of depression indicates a minimum to light state. Anxiety has the state increased in relationship to Trait. Quality of Life has the emotional and physical aspects affected. Three months after surgery: the Depression shows to light to serious state. Anxiety has the state considerably increased. Quality of Life has most aspects affected: the physical, vitality, social, mental health and emotional aspects being the most affected. One year after surgery: the State of Anxiety decreases considerable. The Trait of Anxiety is maintained in most patients when compared to the first evaluation. Depression shows a minimum state. Quality of Life has most of its aspects balanced. CONCLUSION After three months of surgery the patients appear more fragile with adaptation difficulty, Anxiety and Depression increasing. This period revealed to be the worst moment. One year after surgery, they appear more structured and with a more balanced Quality of Life.