Socio-emotional support for men with NMO

Introduction: Studies show a higher incidence of NMO in women compared to the percentage of cases in men. In a qualitative study carried out in 2024, data showed that 21% of participants were male diagnosed with NMO and 79% were female. Patients generally show emotional and psychological difficulties from the first symptoms to the conclusion of the diagnosis and afterwards with coping with their new life condition.
Objectives: Point out the importance of the participation of men with NMO in the Psychoemotional Support Group (GAP), created in 2023 by the Neuromyelitis Optica Association (ABNMO), enabling them to reframe their experience with the diagnosis and the new construction of themselves, their masculinity, sexuality and their role in the family and society.
Method: GAP has 13 members, with virtual meetings once a month, with an average of 4 participants per meeting, aged between 18 and 48. The topics were suggested by the patients according to their demands and are worked on through sharing experiences, conscious breathing and body awareness exercises, mindfulness exercises and the development of new coping strategies.
Results: Participants are able to address their issues freely to the group, and receive welcome from the others. According to one participant, hearing people share their experiences made it possible to reduce anxiety, as he realized that there were others with demands similar to his and possible ways of dealing with the new situation. Sexual impotence is a common and challenging issue for some, as it affects their concepts of masculinity.
Conclusion: The participation of men with NMO in GAP provides a safe space for talking, listening and working through issues related to masculinity. The possibility of being vulnerable in a group of equals helps these patients to gain new perspectives on their lives after diagnosis.