Research Information System
in: Handbook of the Behavior and Psychology of Disease, Martin CR,Preedy VR,Patel VB,Rajendram R. (eds), Editor, Springer, London/Berlin , Geneve, pp.1-17, 2025
Pectus deformity, which refers to deformities and deformity of the chest wall, is usually manifested and more pronounced in adolescence, a sensitive period characterized by major physical, social, and emotional changes. It is reported that individuals with the deformity often consult clinicians only because they are disturbed by their appearance. Furthermore, many patients express feelings of discomfort, embarrassment, shyness, anxiety, pain, and even depression, which may even lead to social isolation. These problems lead patients to have a disturbing body image and poor quality of life. For these reasons, there is a need for future studies investigating various treatments to improve patients’ body image and low quality of life. Treatments used in studies should include pulmonary and musculoskeletal exercises in combination with orthotics to improve physical quality of life measures and reduce deformity, as well as biopsychosocial treatments including self-management and self-esteem related to body image to improve psychosocial quality of life submeasures. The results of using these treatments individually or in combination should also be documented.