Health Psychology Flashcards Preview

Abnormal Psychology > Health Psychology > Flashcards

Flashcards in Health Psychology Deck (8)
Loading flashcards...
1
Q

What are the stages of the cancer trajectory?

A
  • Screening
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment decision making
  • Treatment
  • Between end of treatment and 5 year survival
  • End of life issues
  • Survivorship
2
Q

What are the psychological responses at the screening stage?

A

Before illness develops, screen for

  • genetic risk (BRCA1, BRCA2 genes for breast and ovarian cancer)
  • early detection of disease or symptoms (lumps, cervical abnormalities), behavioural risks (smoking, sedentary lifestyle, sun protection).
  • The tests can make women worry about negative consequences and their partners can feel anxious.
  • Women who do not carry the mutation feel distress and over half choose to undergo double mastectomy.
3
Q

What are the psychological responses at the diagnosis stage and the strategies to address adjustment?

A

The diagnosis:

  • reactions may vary, some in denial, shock, feel angry, depressed, gradual adjustment, then acceptance.
  • Doctors need to communicate with empathy and be genuinely interested in their wellbeing. Give the patient realistic hope.
  • They can record the consultations so the patient can listen to it at home.
  • Family members should attend medical consultations with the patient to provide emotional support and help guide decision making.
4
Q

What are the psychological responses at the treatment decision making stage and the strategies to address adjustment?

A

Treatment decision making:

  • Advances in treatment mean that patients are given more than one treatment option, therefore they need to make the best decision for themselves.
  • Shared decision making (SDM) combines the experiences of the clinician and patient to make an informed decision.
  • They share information, deliberate on options, agree on treatment.
  • Improves quality of life, satisfaction with medical care, improves treatment adherence, knowledge.
  • Communication is key.
  • Patient can use question prompt sheets that provide useful questions to ask their doctor. Psychoeducational resources, decision aids.
5
Q

What are the psychological responses at the treatment stage and strategies to address adjustment?

A

Treatment:

  • Patients feel anxious before surgery, are afraid of radiotherapy and chemotherapy which have adverse side effects.
  • Must provide education so that patient is aware of effects, help them manage side effects
  • Support from nurses
  • Manage their anxiety
  • Use complementary therapy to enhance quality of life e.g. acupuncture, massage, aromatherapy, meditation.
6
Q

What are the psychological responses between end of treatment and 5 year survival?

A

Between end of treatment and 5 year survival:
- 2 years after treatment, some patients anxious or depressed, worry about the cancer coming back as they are not in treatment

7
Q

What are the psychological responses at the end of life stage and strategies to address adjustment?

A

End of life issues:

  • Fear of pain and suffering, grieving begins
  • Palliative care - ease suffering, improve quality of life
8
Q

What are the psychological responses at the survivorship stage and strategies to address adjustment?

A

Survivorship:

  • Life after diagnosis and treatment may be very different
  • Values, identity change, discovering who they are again
  • Disconnected from body as it does not feel the same, have to adjust
  • They may learn and grow from the experience
  • Some have mental health issues
  • Having a positive attitude helps them cope, be mindful of negative feelings
  • Survivorship care plans are formal documents that provide details of cancer diagnosis, treatment, effects, plans for follow up, strategies to manage medical, psychosocial and practical issues, coaching for a healthy lifestyle, discuss potential future issues.
  • Most cope well with illness diagnosis and are satisfied with medical care.