Post-traumatic stress disorder in cancer: A review

Author(s): Redd, W. H., Peyser, C., Vogl, D.

Journal/Book: Psycho Oncol. 1999; 8: Baffins Lane Chichester, W Sussex PO19 1UD, England. John Wiley & Sons Ltd. 521-537.

Abstract: The stressor criterion for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has been recently modified to include life-threatening illnesses, such as cancer, as precipitating traumatic events. We sought to examine the empiric evidence for cancer's inclusion as a traumatic stressor. Nine published studies assessing PTSD in cancer survivors and/or family members were identified in the literature. The studies were predominantly small (n < 100) and cross-sectional. Study target groups included one or more of the following: children cancer survivors, parents of pediatric survivors and adult cancer survivors. There was considerable inter- and intra-study variability in the type and stage of cancer diagnosed and in the type of treatment regimens participants had undergone. Only three studies utilized a validated PTSD diagnostic tool to evaluate the disorder. Evidence of full-blown PTSD was found for adults and parents, and for children in all but one instance. These results suggest that a PTSD symptom assessment provides valuable clinical information concerning the post-treatment adjustment of cancer survivors and their immediate family members.

Note: Article Smith MY, CUNY Mt Sinai Sch Med, Derald H Ruttenberg Canc Ctr, 1 Gustave Levy Pl, Box 1130, New York,NY 10029 USA

Keyword(s): BONE-MARROW TRANSPLANTATION; COMBAT-RELATED PTSD; POSTTRAUMATIC-STRESS; BREAST-CANCER; VIETNAM VETERANS; PSYCHOSOCIAL ADAPTATION; CHILDHOOD LEUKEMIA; RESPONSE SYNDROMES; INCREASED RISK; SURVIVORS

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