March 11, 2022 Author : Carolina Pinheiro It is estimated that 30%-40% of cancer patients simultaneously have depression, anxiety or other problems that interfere with their quality of life. These may be, for example, related to body image, sexual dysfunctions, cognitive disorders or even suicidal ideation. A direct relationship between cancer progression, chronic stress, depression, and social isolation has been demonstrated. The intervention of psychology can help cancer patients . At the beginning of the disease, it is necessary to consider: The pre-diagnosis phase , where the psychotherapeutic intervention involves the integration of past experiences and the sharing of feelings and emotions that are present; In the second phase, called initial diagnosis , there is the shock and denial of the disease and, here, the focus of the intervention of psychology is the modeling of the psychological impact of the diagnosis through encouraging the patient to speak freely about his situation. By alleviating dysfunctional beliefs and concerns there is an improvement in emotional and physical well-being; The third phase refers to the impact of the diagnosis based on stress and depression. Here, with psychotherapy, stress and anxiety reduction techniques can be used. The second phase refers to a cceptance of the diagnosis and treatment , and it is important to explain the characteristics of the disease, the treatment process, its duration, side effects, as well as the importance of performing the treatments. It is important to promote healthier behaviors, emotional adjustment, reframe and restructure irrational cognitive thoughts. In the third phase, which concerns the period of treatment onwards , it is important to reinforce the maintenance of a quality life, encouraging healthy habits, adherence to the recommendations of health professionals and the prevention of relapse by maintaining medical and psychological follow-up. The intervention of psychology in the field of oncology can provide the necessary assessment, intervention, and support for cancer patients and their families , working to find strategies that alleviate the suffering of cancer patients and encourage adherence to the necessary treatments for their disease. Together with the other members of the health team, psychologists can also support the communication of the diagnosis. Briefly, the intervention of psychology in oncological diseases helps to: Decrease emotional suffering and deal with the role that feelings play in the process of diagnosis and treatment of the disease; Effectively manage treatment and decisions about medical procedures that must be performed; Deal with the impact of the disease on personal, family and social relationships; Deal with the pain, discomfort and fatigue of treatments and decreasing the side effects of these treatments, which can interfere with the quality of life but also with the treatment process itself; Decrease levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, developing skills to deal with them; Adjusting to loss and change in the face of the roles played; Manage uncertainty about the future and life expectancy, improving quality of life. Meet the psychology clinical team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
