Anxiety and depression and cognitive coping strategies and health locus of control in patients with ovary and uterus cancer during anticancer therapy

Abstract

Aim of the studyThe crisis associated with cancer may contribute to the development of anxiety and depressive disorders. Contemporary psycho-oncology focuses on the psychological determinants of the cancer patients functioning to find which disease-coping strategies help the healing process, facilitate the establishment of a good therapeutic relationship and the process of adapting to difficult situations. Aim of the study was assess the psychological functioning of patients with cancer of reproductive organs in the cancer-treating process. The practical aim was to develop guidelines for psychological care dedicated to this group of patients.Material and methodsThe study was conducted in the Reproductive Organs Cancer Clinic in Institute of Oncology in Warsaw using a questionnaire consisting of: Demographic, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Multidimentional Health Locus of Control (MHLC), Cognitive Emotions Regulations Questionaire (CERQ).ResultsSeventy-eight patients aged 22 to 82 (average 54) were examined. Investigation of relationships between anxiety and depression and coping strategies showed: positive correlation of anxiety with self blame and rumination, positive correlation of anxiety and depression with catastrophizing, positive correlation of depression with blaming others, negative correlation of anxiety and depression with acceptance and positive refocusing, negative correlation of depression with refocus of planning and putting into perspective.ConclusionsThe results of this study indicate that there may be an indirect method of diagnosing anxiety and depression disorders in cancer patients by observing the coping strategies to cope with the difficult situation.

Evaluation of predictor factors of psychological distress in women with unexplained infertility

“…When the cause of infertility is identified, the availability of targeted treatments could help decrease the anxiety of couples. The prevalence of anxiety symptoms observed in the present study is similar to that reported in women with ovarian cancer (56%) 17 and far exceeds the prevalence described for head and neck cancers (18%) using the same HADS questionnaire. 18 This comparison shows that infertility, although not a life-threatening condition, can have devastating psychological effects.…”

Evaluation of predictor factors of psychological distress in women with unexplained infertility

“…When the cause of infertility is identified, the availability of targeted treatments could help decrease the anxiety of couples. The prevalence of anxiety symptoms observed in the present study is similar to that reported in women with ovarian cancer (56%) 17 and far exceeds the prevalence described for head and neck cancers (18%) using the same HADS questionnaire. 18 This comparison shows that infertility, although not a life-threatening condition, can have devastating psychological effects.…”

Methods of coping with neoplastic disease in men with non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer

“…The study by Hinz et al analysing the German population showed that the mean HADS scores for anxiety and depressive symptoms in men were 4.4 and 4.8 20 . In the case of Polish oncological patients, it was proved that among patients with gynaecological and breast neoplasms, the average intensity of anxiety symptoms ranged from 7.0 to 8.2, and the average intensity of depressive symptoms was from 6.1 to 8.4 points 21,22 . In our population, the results were similar.…”

“…20 In the case of Polish oncological patients, it was proved that among patients with gynaecological and breast neoplasms, the average intensity of anxiety symptoms ranged from 7.0 to 8.2, and the average intensity of depressive symptoms was from 6.1 to 8.4 points. 21,22 In our population, the results were similar. The average intensity of depressive and anxiety symptoms were 7.2 and 5,8, respectively.…”

Experiences of cancer rehabilitation among patients in rural areas in northern Iceland: physical and psychosocial well-being, coping, quality of life, and satisfaction with care. A qualitative study

“…The participants' determination was clearly seen in their descriptions, in which they voiced their intention to live in the present and value life despite the severe impact that the cancer and its treatments had on their quality of life and well-being. These findings, characterised by positive thinking and new attitudes towards life, indicate that the patients' acceptance of the situation and their ability to put worries into perspective may reduce anxiety and depression [46]. Further, there is a resemblance between our findings and an earlier study, suggesting how everyday activities can help patients to distance themselves from their diagnosis and prognosis, and enjoy life, even when they are constrained by generally lower energy levels [47].…”

Evaluation of predictor factors of psychological distress in women with unexplained infertility

“…When the cause of infertility is identified, the availability of targeted treatments could help decrease the anxiety of couples. The prevalence of anxiety symptoms observed in the present study is similar to that reported in women with ovarian cancer (56%) 17 and far exceeds the prevalence described for head and neck cancers (18%) using the same HADS questionnaire. 18 This comparison shows that infertility, although not a life-threatening condition, can have devastating psychological effects.…”

Methods of coping with neoplastic disease in men with non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer

“…The study by Hinz et al analysing the German population showed that the mean HADS scores for anxiety and depressive symptoms in men were 4.4 and 4.8 20 . In the case of Polish oncological patients, it was proved that among patients with gynaecological and breast neoplasms, the average intensity of anxiety symptoms ranged from 7.0 to 8.2, and the average intensity of depressive symptoms was from 6.1 to 8.4 points 21,22 . In our population, the results were similar.…”

“…20 In the case of Polish oncological patients, it was proved that among patients with gynaecological and breast neoplasms, the average intensity of anxiety symptoms ranged from 7.0 to 8.2, and the average intensity of depressive symptoms was from 6.1 to 8.4 points. 21,22 In our population, the results were similar. The average intensity of depressive and anxiety symptoms were 7.2 and 5,8, respectively.…”

Experiences of cancer rehabilitation among patients in rural areas in northern Iceland: physical and psychosocial well-being, coping, quality of life, and satisfaction with care. A qualitative study

“…The participants' determination was clearly seen in their descriptions, in which they voiced their intention to live in the present and value life despite the severe impact that the cancer and its treatments had on their quality of life and well-being. These findings, characterised by positive thinking and new attitudes towards life, indicate that the patients' acceptance of the situation and their ability to put worries into perspective may reduce anxiety and depression [46]. Further, there is a resemblance between our findings and an earlier study, suggesting how everyday activities can help patients to distance themselves from their diagnosis and prognosis, and enjoy life, even when they are constrained by generally lower energy levels [47].…”

Evaluation of predictor factors of psychological distress in women with unexplained infertility

“…When the cause of infertility is identified, the availability of targeted treatments could help decrease the anxiety of couples. The prevalence of anxiety symptoms observed in the present study is similar to that reported in women with ovarian cancer (56%) 17 and far exceeds the prevalence described for head and neck cancers (18%) using the same HADS questionnaire. 18 This comparison shows that infertility, although not a life-threatening condition, can have devastating psychological effects.…”

Methods of coping with neoplastic disease in men with non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer

“…The study by Hinz et al analysing the German population showed that the mean HADS scores for anxiety and depressive symptoms in men were 4.4 and 4.8 20 . In the case of Polish oncological patients, it was proved that among patients with gynaecological and breast neoplasms, the average intensity of anxiety symptoms ranged from 7.0 to 8.2, and the average intensity of depressive symptoms was from 6.1 to 8.4 points 21,22 . In our population, the results were similar.…”

“…20 In the case of Polish oncological patients, it was proved that among patients with gynaecological and breast neoplasms, the average intensity of anxiety symptoms ranged from 7.0 to 8.2, and the average intensity of depressive symptoms was from 6.1 to 8.4 points. 21,22 In our population, the results were similar. The average intensity of depressive and anxiety symptoms were 7.2 and 5,8, respectively.…”

Experiences of cancer rehabilitation among patients in rural areas in northern Iceland: physical and psychosocial well-being, coping, quality of life, and satisfaction with care. A qualitative study

“…The participants' determination was clearly seen in their descriptions, in which they voiced their intention to live in the present and value life despite the severe impact that the cancer and its treatments had on their quality of life and well-being. These findings, characterised by positive thinking and new attitudes towards life, indicate that the patients' acceptance of the situation and their ability to put worries into perspective may reduce anxiety and depression [46]. Further, there is a resemblance between our findings and an earlier study, suggesting how everyday activities can help patients to distance themselves from their diagnosis and prognosis, and enjoy life, even when they are constrained by generally lower energy levels [47].…”