Psychosocial issues in the diagnosis and management of cancer cachexia and anorexia

Anorexia with its associated decreased food intake and weight loss is a common and profoundly important symptom in cancer, and one which has at times a psychological as well as physical component. When it is physical in origin it may be caused directly or indirectly by the disease process or treatment. Most poorly understood is the anorexia-cachexia syndrome of advanced disease. Psychological causes often reflect anxiety about cancer, its possible progression, depression, anticipatory phenomena, and learned food adversions. Pre-existing psychiatric disorders, especially anorexia nervosa or paranoid states, can substantially complicate cancer treatment. Learned food aversions, which can further restrict limited intake, have been demonstrated in children receiving chemotherapy and may also contribute to aversions of specific foods seen among adult patients after chemotherapy or radiation. Regardless of etiology, psychological management of the anorexia is often helpful. Optimal management often involves use of a combination of modalities: psychotherapeutic, behavioral and/or pharmacologic supplemented by education, counseling and support. Behavioral techniques such as relaxation exercises are useful tools to alter this response as well as to relieve the anxiety precipitated by the patient's concerns about anorexia and weight loss. Environmental interventions and nutritional advice can also be of considerable value in reversing the negative effects of this distressing symptom in cancer.