Treating Radiation Anxiety With Systematic Desensitization: Head and Neck Cancer Case Reports

Head and neck cancer patients have high rates of psychological distress, which may be exacerbated by the treatments they receive. Many patients who undergo radiation therapy report significant anxiety associated with the thermoplastic mask required for immobilization during treatment. This report presents two examples of head and neck cancer patients reporting high mask anxiety, along with a history of claustrophobia, who expressed concern about their abilities to initiate and adhere to treatment. Both were referred to supportive care psychology before radiation treatment initiation. With counseling and the use of systematic desensitization, they were successfully able to complete their treatments. Results of these case reports highlight the value of integrating early supportive care in the treatment of head and neck cancer and support the need for further study in future randomized controlled trials.