Stress and intervention preferences of patients with brain tumors

Abstract

The results of this study clearly indicate that patients with BTs experience stress. Furthermore, the data is encouraging in regard to the patients' desire to learn about stress reduction techniques. However, the lack of interest in actually receiving information and the inability to envision themselves participating in programs present a major challenge.

Distress and quality of life in primary high-grade brain tumor patients

“…The prevalence of symptoms of psychological distress is generally higher than the prevalence of anxiety or depression meeting diagnostic criteria, and recent publications indicate that high levels of psychological distress occurs among brain tumor patients. Among a sample of 60 adult patients with primary brain tumors, 63% reported experiencing elevated levels of stress on the ten-item Perceived Stress Scale [13]. Use of the Distress Thermometer, a single-item instrument that compares favorably with longer instruments, also allows patients to identify factors that they feel are contributing to their distress [9].…”

Comorbid mental disorders and psychosocial distress in patients with brain tumours and their spouses in the early treatment phase

“…It has been revealed that patients with brain tumours are particularly at risk of experiencing high emotional distress due to the severe functional and neuropsychological sequelae of the disease and the often devastating prognosis. Therefore, intracranial tumours rank among those cancer sites that result in the highest emotional burden for the concerning patients and carers (e. g. [6,24,28,50]). Brain tumours are often associated with high rates of stress, anxiety and/or depression (e. g. [3,27]) as well as a prominent reduction in health related quality of life (e. g. [15,24,30]).…”

Effect of massage therapy on stress levels and quality of life in brain tumor patients—observations from a pilot study

“…Previous work by the author indicates that brain tumor patients want to learn about techniques, such as massage, to help them reduce what they experience across disease continuum [2]. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) defines massage therapy as a treatment in which the soft tissues of the body are kneaded, rubbed, tapped, and stroked.…”

“…A diagnosis of a brain tumor and its subsequent treatment can significantly disrupt a person's life, create stress, and impair QoL [1,2]. Research indicates that patients with brain tumors experience more psychological distress (stress, anxiety, and depression) than other cancer populations [3].…”

“…Research indicates that patients with brain tumors experience more psychological distress (stress, anxiety, and depression) than other cancer populations [3]. It has been suggested that the elevated level of distress for these patients results from limited treatment options for a disease with a very poor prognosis that is associated with physical and cognitive deficits [2]. While a cancer diagnosis can be devastating, a brain tumor conveys unique associations and implications.…”