Efficacy of psychological interventions in women with breast cancer

Abstract

The objective of this study was to review the current evidence for efficacy of different ways of psychological intervention in breast cancer. We distinguish three main terapeutic forms: informational-educational intervention, behavioural-cognitive therapy and group therapy. Only psychological applications with breast cancer patients are reviewed. The data of several studies showed that the information-education approach has positive effects at affective and coping level, especially in the beginning of the disease. On the other hand, the cognitive-behavioural intervention seams to be effective for a better control of disease-related symptoms, affect states related to concrete situations and for coping during the phases of illness. The psychotherapeutic educational group approach seams to be more effective than the emotional one. The different therapy formats, including support by phone and Internet, may facilitate that psychological support arrives to all patients. The benefit of structured therapies for the patients’ quality of life remains at middle-term in the most cases.