Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Following Cancer. A Conceptual and Empirical Review

Overview

Journal Clin Psychol Rev

Specialty Psychology

Date 2002 Jul 4

PMID 12094509

Citations 136

Authors

Maria Kangas

Jane L Henry

Richard A Bryant

Affiliations

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Abstract

Life-threatening illness has recently been recognized as a stressor that can precipitate posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This development has raised questions over the extent to which the PTSD diagnosis is applicable to the psychological reaction to being diagnosed with cancer. This paper identifies the core conceptual issues pertaining to cancer-related PTSD, critically reviews the empirical literature on PTSD following cancer, and considers the possible mechanisms and course of PTSD following a diagnosis of cancer. Specific issues that need to be considered in the assessment and treatment of cancer-related PTSD are reviewed. This review highlights that there is a need for stronger empirical base to guide clinical management of PTSD in cancer patients.

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