Reducing Risks of Acute Intermittent Porphyria #3 - Psychological Factors

Figure 23. Interconnection between behaviour, feeling and thoughts

Besides, people with AIP should try to avoid the condition that caused physical and emotional stress, as well as exhaustion (Bylesjo, Wikberg, & Andersson, 2009). Rather, they would have to find another alternative ways to reduce the stress if the condition is unavoidable, counselling and therapy would be a way for them to express their feelings and emotions. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely used psychosocial intervention for stress as well as depression which it able to diminish the level of stress (Holdevici & Craciun, 2015).

Another way to reduce the severe attack of AIP from psychological perspective is individual's inner motivation, also known as intrinsic needs.  Inner motivation can reduce the sense of powerlessness to deal with difficulties (Wikberg, Jansson, & Lithner, 2000).