Introduction:Passing through the cancer increases the risk of depression. Also known that social support is an important predictor of a better adaptation and higher quality of life (QoL). Meanwhile, there are common cognitive distortions which may lead to inadequate perceive social support and deterioration in QoL. Correction of cognitive distortions through the use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) should help to improve the functioning of cancer patients.Aims:The first aim is establish correlation between cognitive distortions, level of depression, perceive social support and QoL. The second is examine the effectiveness of CBT among patients with breast cancer.Methods:Longitudinal study included women with breast cancer and their partners. Experimental group consisted of 61 couples who had participated in ten-week CBT. A control group consisted of 56 couples, who did not benefit from any psychotherapy. The study used the following questionnaires: BDI, EORTC-QLQ-C30 (women) and BSSS (women and men).Results:At baseline there were no differences between women in the experimental and control groups. Women evaluated the support much lower than the average level of support declared by their partners. At post-test evaluation of support by men has not changed, but there observed an improvement in evaluation of support among women in CBT-group and a further deterioration in the evaluation in the control group. Simultaneously, an improvement in QoL and reduction in depressive symptoms were noticed in CBT-group.Conclusions:Correction of cognitive distortions through the use of CBT should help to improve the functioning of patients with breast cancer.

IntroductionNon-heterosexual orientations are widely stigmatized and frequently exposed to discrimination and victimization. Stigma has an impact on the formation of minority stress which base on the premise that non-heterosexuals in the society are subjected to chronic stress. This is a cause of the occurrence many psychological problems including depression among homosexual and bisexual individuals.AimsThis study examined the relationship between sexual orientation and level of depression among young adult people.MethodsThe designed cross-sectional survey was used. The study comprised 316 participants who declare themselves as heterosexual (n=98), homosexual (n=160) and bisexual (n=58). The following questionnaire methods were used: the Beck Depression Inventory and self-report questionnaire including items about demographic characteristics.ResultsData analyses has shown that 30.7% of surveyed non-heterosexual people have a higher risk of depression. It's nearly three times greater than for general Polish population. The research also has distinguished level of depression according to sexual orientation of respondents (bisexual: M=13.22, SD=10.69; homosexual: M=8.85, SD=8.29; heterosexual: M=4.13, SD=3.88). Results present that the highest risk of depression occurs among bisexual individuals (F=3.68, p< 0.01), especially women.ConclusionsSome of the excess depression among non-heterosexuals could be lessened by intervention strictly associated with gender and sexual orientation.

Introduction:Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. What is less apparent to the casual observer are thepsychological costs borne by the caregiver. Their lives are marked with significant changes concerning family relationships and social life.Aims:The purpose of this study was to define the correlation between the psychophysical functioning of the AD patient, the quality of caregiversufferer relations and the psychological costs borne (depression and burden) by the caregiver.Method:The design is a cross-sectional study. This study encompassed 292 caregivers. The following questionnaire methods were used: BDI, Caregiver Burden/Burnout Inventory, Emotional Bond Questionnaire (caregivers) and MMSE and ADL (patients).Results:The study indicated the greatest level of depression and caregiving-related burdens in the spouses group, and the least in the friends/others group. The most important predictor of the level of burden turned out to be the nature of the caregiver-patient relationship. The positive experiences with the AD patients from the pre-onset time are an important protective factor in all the groups of caregivers.Conclusion:The fact that the group of spouses was found to be the most affected by the burden of care indicates the need to provide them with help. One of the most significant predictors of caregiving burnout in this group is a sense of loss and positive experiences. Therefore it seems reasonable to assume that refreshing and nurturing such memories could also enhance the caregiver's ability experiences and emotions predominate.

BackgroundBeing a homosexual may be burdened by several psychological problems. This is due to the minority stress that results from feeling excluded and it is characteristic of social minorities. Negative beliefs about their psychosexual orientation and sense of exclusion may be the cause of both depressive disorders and internalized homophobia. These factors can affect the quality of sexual life.AimThe aim of the study is to analyze the relationship between internalized homophobia, social pain and the severity of depressive symptoms and quality of sexual life.MethodsThe study included 103 young adults remaining in permanent homosexual relationships. The study was cross-sectional. The study used Beck Depression Inventory, Social Pain Thermometer, Internalized Homophobia Scale and Quality of Sexual Life Questionnaire.ResultsIt observed the significant correlations between the level of internalized homophobia and a sense of social pain and the severity of depressive symptoms. Both internalized homophobia, and severe social pain and depressive symptoms proved to be significant predictors of reduced quality of sexual life of homosexuals.ConclusionsDuring the treatment of depressive symptoms and discomfort associated with the sexual life of homosexuals, it is important to take into account the phenomenon of internalized homophobia.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.

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