Psychological functioning in cancer patients treated with radiotherapy
Related Experiment Videos
Heidi E Stiegelis1, Adelita V Ranchor, Robbert Sanderman
1Northern Centre for Healthcare Research, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 196, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands. h.stiegelis@ocw.denhaag.nl
Abstract:
Although many side-effects of radiotherapy (RT) are physical, previous studies have shown that patients, when treated with RT, also experience psychological problems. This review describes the psychological functioning of cancer patients prior to, during, and after RT. Moreover, we examined whether medical factors are related to psychological functioning. Using Medline and Psychlit databases over the period 1980-2002, 45 articles were studied for this review. Although some global trends were found, studies revealed great variability in psychological functioning prior to, during, and after RT. Longitudinal studies should include pre-, during, and post-RT assessments of psychological functioning and also take into account the previous psychological stability of the patient.
Related Concept Videos
Cancer Survival Analysis
Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer
Elements Crucial for Effective Psychotherapy
The Therapeutic Alliance
The therapeutic alliance refers to the relationship between the therapist and the client. The alliance strengthens when the therapist and the client engage in a nurturing, supportive, trusting, empathetic, and respectful relationship, improving therapeutic outcomes. Therapists must monitor this relationship...