Obeagu, Emmanuel Ifeanyi PhDa,*; Obeagu, Getrude Uzoma B. NScb. Managing emotional and physical stress in sickle cell anemia: a review of effective strategies and approaches. Annals of Medicine & Surgery 87(3):p 1370-1382, March 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000002748
Sickle cell anemia (SCA) causes both emotional and physical stress because of chronic pain, frequent hospital visits, and unpredictable health problems. Emotional stress can lead to anxiety, depression, and feeling isolated. To manage this, patients can benefit from therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help change negative thought patterns, support groups for shared experiences, education about the disease and coping strategies, and resilience training to handle stress more effectively. Family and social support are also important, as they provide comfort, practical help, and encouragement, while reducing stigma helps patients feel understood.
Physical stress mainly comes from painful episodes called vaso-occlusive crises, when sickle-shaped red blood cells block blood flow. Pain management includes medications like opioids for severe pain, over-the-counter anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen) for milder pain, and hydroxyurea, which helps prevent crises by keeping red blood cells from sickling. Non-medication strategies include staying hydrated, using heat therapy, gentle exercise or physical therapy, and avoiding triggers like extreme temperatures. Newer treatments like gene therapy and stem cell transplants may offer long-term solutions. Complementary approaches like acupuncture, massage, mindfulness, and meditation can also help reduce pain and stress when used alongside regular treatments.
The article emphasizes that the best SCA care addresses both emotional and physical stress together, using a team of doctors, psychologists, pain specialists, and social workers. Teaching patients about their disease and self-care strategies is crucial for empowering them and reducing the impact of crises. Overall, combining emotional support, effective pain management, and preventive measures improves quality of life for people living with SCA.
