What is Psychological distress ?

Addressing the issue of Psychological distress in Cancer patients.

• The issue of 'Psychological distress' is often neglected and underestimated, owing to the kind of clinical set up we have now. The visits have become shorter, and there are so many people who attend one person. Patients often find it difficult to open up to so many different people every time they visit the hospital.

image courtesy : springerimages.com

• Moreover, there's always a fear of being labelled as a 'psychiatric' case. It's really to much to take, apart form the dreadful diagnosis of Cancer, and its horrid treatment. So, it's very common feeling amongst Cancer patients that they will have to handle the 'distress' all by themselves. Also, the patients might not open up to their loved ones with the fear of being pitied upon, or even because they don't want the loved ones to be worried, or think that they are emotionally weak. Hence, patients rarely come forward and talk about 'how they feel'

• Psychological distress begins the very moment a person is diagnosed. Researches show that the way the diagnosis is delivered to the patient matters a lot. A patient carries the bitter memory along forever if the Oncologist delivers the diagnosis in an indifferent manner. And this becomes the beginning of distress too.

• It's important to understand all the factors that have a role to play in causing distress. First of all, it's the diagnosis. Then, the disease itself. The treatment course takes its toll as well. Besides, there are always family and financial issues to deal with. Then, there's a spiritual crisis that the patient is likely to undergo. All of these factors give rise to distress.

a distressed woman

• Psychological distress is a common finding in Cancer patients, but that's not where it ends. It has the potential to expand into the Psychiatric territory and debilitate the patient at any point. Hence, this issue needs to be addressed and attended to with utmost care, compassion and empathy.

• The simple diagnostic tools for psychological testing, like a 0-10 scale or a Distress Thermometer(shown above) should be used for all the patients, conveniently, like in the waiting lobby. The clinical set up should be made more patient-friendly.

Also read
Coping with Cancer| Active Treatment.
What is Psycho-Oncology?
War against Cancer
5 reasons why you should study oncology.
Cancer in 21st century.
Brachytherapy for prostate cancer.
Cancer and surgery.
What is Cancer-related Fatigue?