Gender Matters in Perceived Burdensomeness in POTS Patients with Dr. Cathy Pederson

This episode centers on the concept of perceived burdensomeness in POTS patients, exploring how feelings of being a burden to friends and family can drive suicidal thoughts, particularly among men. Dr. Cathy Pederson discusses her findings that perceived burdensomeness is a stronger predictor of suicidal ideation than depression in the POTS community. The study highlights that men with POTS feel a greater sense of burdensomeness due to traditional masculine roles being challenged by illness-related vulnerabilities. Potential protections against these feelings include aging, strong social relationships, and improving psychological health. The discussion also offers strategies for alleviating perceived burdensomeness, such as screening for it in clinical settings, pursuing counseling for coping skills, fostering family support, and considering career retraining to match new physical capabilities. Overall, the episode stresses the importance of hope and community support in managing these psychological challenges.