Work

Improving the Recognition and Treatment of Cancer-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Year: 2011

Type: article

Abstract: Life-threatening illness has been identified as a stressor that can precipitate posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Major advances in cancer treatment have led to increased survival periods. At the same time, there is a growing awareness of the psychological impact of cancer diagnosis and treatment on the patient. Cancer survivors report that cancer can elicit symptoms of traumatic stress. When cancer-related PTSD is untreated, medical and psychiatric morbidity increase. Despite the prevalence, impact, and morbidity of cancer-related PTSD, access to mental health care in cancer patients remains limited. It is important to increase mental health providers' awareness of cancer-related PTSD, given rising cancer rates and the potential for enhancing quality of life. This article presents an overview of the recognition, diagnosis, management, and follow-up of cancer-related PTSD for the mental health clinician.

Source: Journal of Psychiatric Practice

DOI: 10.1097/01.pra.0000400264.30043.ae

Authors: Lindsay N. French-Rosas, Jennifer Moye, Aanand D. Naik

Institutions: Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Harvard University, VA Boston Healthcare System

Language: English

Topic: Cancer survivorship and care

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Boston VA Research Institute, National Institute on Aging