Fear of recurrence, sense of coherence and posttraumatic stress disorder in haematological cancer survivors

Abstract

The diagnosis and treatment of cancer has been shown to precipitate posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in some cancer survivors. However few studies have considered the links between cancer-related PTSD and theoretical models of PTSD. This study considers a cognitive model of PTSD by examining the relationship between sense of coherence, and fear of recurrence to posttraumatic stress symptomatology (PTSS) in haematological cancer survivors. Thirty-six participants completed the PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C), the Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R), the sense of coherence scale and two measures of fear of recurrence. Two measures of fear of recurrence were included as no fear of recurrence measures had previously been assessed for reliability and validity on British populations. Seventeen percent of the sample met DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for PTSD. Statistically significant relationships were found between sense of coherence and fear of recurrence and PTSS, raising questions about the possibility of using this construct as a screening measure for vulnerability to PTSD. A relationship was also found between fear of recurrence and PTSS suggesting that cancer-related PTSS may fit within the theoretical model of PTSD considered. Further examination of factors affecting the onset, maintenance and treatment of PTSD in this population is required.

Physical and psychological long-term and late effects of cancer

“…For example, survivors of hematopoietic and head and neck cancers may be particularly vulnerable to PTSD, 56,57 whereas head and neck cancer survivors may be particularly vulnerable to major depression. 58 Third, less severe 'adjustment' disorders, characterized as evidencing either a depressed or anxious mood or a mixture of both, are a fairly likely consequence of cancer diagnosis and treatment.…”

Factors associated with post-traumatic stress symptoms experienced in the acute phase following haemopoietic stem cell transplant

“…Results of these studies have been mixed. 10,11 The present study aimed to examine the severity of PTSD symptoms at 2-3 weeks and 3 months post transplant and whether medical/physical (that is, disease status, transplant type and physical functioning) and socio-demographic (that is, gender, age and relationship status) factors, and SOC were associated with PTSD symptom severity. Data regarding depression, anxiety and quality of life have been reported in a previous publication.…”

Psychohematology. Attempt to Summarise

“…P.Davidson (1964) [71] described a case, showing a development of conversion disorders (stuttering) within hystero-depressive adjustment disorder in a Hodgkin's disease patient. T.Sasaki et al (2000) [3] gave their own data on the frequency of depressive adjustment disorders in 39 (8%) of patients with leukemia, and point out that, according to different authors, the prevalence of these disorders is between 20 and 40% [66][67][68][69] .…”

“…Some authors distinguish among anxiety disorders in patients with BD conditions are regarded by them as PTSD. Thus, the study of E.Black and C.White (2005) [68] in which included 36 patients (questionnaires were used: PTSD Checklist Civilian Version (PCL-C), the Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R) and 2 questionnaire of fear of recurrence). In 17% of the patients signs of PTSD were revealed, and between fear of recurrence and PTSD statistically significant correlations were found.…”