Psychotherapy in the Oncology Setting

Abstract

A person who faces the diagnosis of cancer is subjected to changes within his body, but also with regard to his view of himself and his social relationships. Cancer related psychological distress occurs frequently and has a different prevalence according to-among other factors-cancer type and stage of disease. The main psychiatric disturbances observed in patients with cancer are adjustment disorders and affective disorders (anxiety and depression), which in the majority of patients are due to stressors related to the occurrence and threat of the disease and pre-existing psychological vulnerabilities; however, they might also be a direct consequence of biological causes either resulting from bodily modifications induced by the cancer or from treatment side effects. This chapter provides theoretical and practical information on the main psychotherapeutic approaches for cancer patients, complemented by some reflections on their clinical and scientific evidence.

Understanding factors influencing demoralization among cancer patients based on the bio‐psycho‐social model: A systematic review

“…In the majority of cancer patients, demoralization may be due to stressors related to the occurrence and threat of cancer, pre-existing psychological vulnerabilities, as well as being a direct consequence of biological causes either by physical changes induced by cancer or side effects of treatment. 73 Furthermore, the cumulative burden of symptoms may quickly challenge a patient's ability to cope 1 and limit their ability to participate in social activities and maintain relationships, 42 eventually leading to a loss of morale. Notably, the physical symptoms were all assessed via subjective self-report measures, using the physical problem list of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer, the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Short Form, and the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Systemrevised, and so on.…”

A clinical trial of group-based body psychotherapy to improve bodily disturbances in post-treatment cancer patients in combination with randomized controlled smartphone-triggered bodily interventions (KPTK): study protocol

“…In most cases these treatments go along with physical and psychological distress and additional approaches are required to improve health related quality of life in cancer patients. In recent years, psychosocial interventions have gained increasing importance [72–75]. Therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that have proven to be effective in non-cancer contexts often show little or no effects in cancer patients [76–79].…”

Distinguishing and treating depression, anxiety, adjustment, and post-traumatic stress disorders in brain tumor patients

“…If patients do not respond to psychotherapy, psychiatric medications similar to those used for anxiety and depression can also be used to address symptoms. Overall, psychiatric intervention can improve symptoms of AD in cancer patients and more studies are needed to identify the most effective treatments for treating cancer-related AD, particularly in palliative care settings (1,49,50,(61)(62)(63)(64)(65).…”

“…Therefore, screening for AD should take place early and continue throughout patients' cancer care. There are no studies to date that examine AD treatments for brain tumor patients, but research with general cancer patient populations indicate that CBT, relaxation interventions, and psychiatric medications for symptom management are effective therapies for cancer-related AD (1,49,50,(62)(63)(64)(65).…”