Postsurgical screening for psychosocial disorders in neurooncological patients

Abstract

Both the DT and HSI are suitable instruments for identifying patients in psychological distress after brain tumor surgery in neurooncological routine. Our results confirm that nearly one third of patients are unable to overcome the difficulties facing the diagnosis of a brain tumor in this early situation and should be supported by mental health professionals.

Biopsychosocial problem‐related distress in cancer: examining the role of sex and age

“…The present findings reinforce the potential influence exerted by these demographic characteristics and provide greater insight into the different ways in which females and males may respond to diagnosis and treatment. Consistent with past findings, females expressed more distress than males in the middle and older age groups ; however, younger males expressed more distress than younger females. This sex and age distinction suggests not only biological differences but also variation in the way in which individuals respond to stressors, environmental experiences and life conditions .…”

“…Sex has been identified as an important potential moderator of one's response to cancer and cancer treatment . The majority of studies suggest that female patients are more likely to report higher levels of distress than male patients, regardless of the type of cancer, disease stage or timing of the screening (e.g. at diagnosis or post‐treatment) .…”

“…The majority of studies suggest that female patients are more likely to report higher levels of distress than male patients, regardless of the type of cancer, disease stage or timing of the screening (e.g. at diagnosis or post‐treatment) . Evidence also suggests that females will report higher levels of distress than males regardless of whether they are the patient or the partner .…”

“…Further research has found that patients with cancer in the age range of 40–59 years tend to require greater psychological support than other age groups . This may suggest that there is a greater willingness to seek care at this age as well as to acknowledge one's physical vulnerability and consider one's global sense of meaning in life .…”

Assessing psychological and supportive care needs in glioma patients - feasibility study on the use of the Supportive Care Needs Survey Short Form (SCNS-SF34-G) and the Supportive Care Needs Survey Screening Tool (SCNS-ST9) in clinical practice

“…Patients harbouring a glioma often suffer from a significant symptom burden: Apart from neurological and neurocognitive deficits, seizures, fatigue, depression and anxiety are the main symptoms throughout the disease course and should be managed actively (Ford et al, 2012;Goebel, Stark, Kaup, von Harscher, & Mehdorn, 2011;Heese et al, 2013;Renovanz et al, 2013;Struik et al, 2009;Walbert, 2014). At the end of life, the symptom burden increases and the majority of the patients lose decision-making capacity.…”