Relevance of psychosocial intervention in breast cancer patient

Abstract

Cancer diagnosis and disease progression induce high levels of stress that in some people go along with depression and anxiety. Objectives: To analyze the incidence of psychological alterations in breast cancer patients and possible modifications by a cognitive-behavioral treatment, that included relaxation and guided-imagery as well as stress management. Methods: Depression, anxiety and alexithymia were diagnosed by the use of Beck’ Depression Inventory, Spielberger’ State/Trait Anxiety Inventory and Toronto Alexithymia Scale in 26 breast cancer patients and 18 controls without cancer with mean age 48±11 years. Eight patients attended for 5 days to a psychosocial intervention program. Depression, anxiety, alexithymia and perceived physical well-being were measured before and one week after program attendance. Results: Higher frequency of depression, state and trait anxiety was detected in patients in opposition to controls who showed higher frequency of alexithymia. Patients showed increased severity of depression and alexithymia. Furthermore, a higher percentage of patients showed simultaneous expression of depression and state/trait anxiety. Lower levels of state anxiety levels (p<0.02) and trait anxiety were detected after support program attendance. Patients with previous depression diagnosis did not showed depression indicators after intervention. Conclusion: Breast cancer patients showed higher incidence of psychological alterations than persons without cancer. Psychosocial Interventions can increase the quality of life in breast cancer patients by decreasing the anxiety and depression they present.