Personality profile and defensive models assessment for the management of patients with β-thalassemia major

BACKGROUND: β-thalassemia major is a chronic, early-onset disease, whose psychopathological correlates in adulthood have only recently been investigated, thanks to the increased availability of treatments that have extended the average life expectancy of these patients. CASE PRESENTATION: The case report presented highlights the importance of psychiatric and psychotherapeutic management of adults with thalassemia. CONCLUSIONS: This management must include a psychodiagnostic assessment, focused on studying the personality profile and defensive styles, in order for realizing targeted psychotherapy interventions when there are psychopathological conditions that reduce compliance with medical treatments and the quality of life of these patients.