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Related Experiment Videos

The fallacy in postmastectomy depression

J W Worden, A D Weisman

    The American Journal of the Medical Sciences
    |March 1, 1977
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    Postmastectomy depression is not as common as believed, with few women linking emotional distress to breast loss. Other factors are stronger predictors of psychological well-being after cancer treatment.

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    Area of Science:

    • Oncology
    • Psychology
    • Women's Health

    Background:

    • The perceived link between mastectomy, breast symbolism, and psychological distress warrants investigation.
    • Previous assumptions suggest a high prevalence of postmastectomy depression and lowered self-esteem.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the prevalence of postmastectomy depression and loss of self-esteem.
    • To examine the relationship between breast symbolism/sexual significance and psychological impact.
    • To identify predictors of emotional distress in breast cancer patients.

    Main Methods:

    • Comparison of 40 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with 50 women undergoing treatment for other cancers.
    • Assessment of depression, self-esteem, health concerns, and energy levels.

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  • Evaluation of the timing and attribution of emotional distress post-surgery.

    • Main Results:

    • A syndrome of depression, lowered self-esteem, increased health concerns, and loss of energy was reported by only 20% of breast cancer patients and 18% of other cancer patients.
    • Peak emotional distress in breast cancer patients occurred 2-3 months post-mastectomy, potentially influenced by treatment and return to responsibilities.
    • Few women attributed their psychosocial problems primarily to the loss of their breast; other variables were better predictors of emotional distress than body image concerns.

    Conclusions:

    • The common assumption of widespread postmastectomy depression is not supported by this study.
    • While not common, the high incidence of breast cancer means a significant number of women may still experience distress.
    • Psychosocial problems post-mastectomy are influenced by multiple factors, with body image being less significant than previously assumed.