Stress and depression of facing death: Investigation of psychological symptoms in patients with mesothelioma |
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| Authors: | Dr Julian J Dooley John P Wilson Vicki A Anderson |
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| Institution: | 1. Child Health Promotion Research Centre, Edith Cowan University, Mount Lawley, Western Australia;2. Department of Psychology, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA;3. Department of Child Neuropsychology, Murdoch Children's Research Institute;4. Department of Psychology, Royal Children's Hospital;5. Department of Psychology and Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia |
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| Abstract: | Cancer often results in psychological impairment, and lung cancer has been associated with greater morbidity and higher levels of psychological distress than any other form. Chronic exposure to asbestos is a significant risk factor for development of lung cancer, called mesothelioma. Few have studied the psychological consequences of chronic asbestos exposure and mesothelioma. This study investigated stress and depression symptoms in 49 men (M = 51.1 years, SD = 6.0) diagnosed with mesothelioma. Participants completed traumatic stress, depression and general psychological health questionnaires. All participants reported significant levels of traumatic stress symptoms, which was associated with increased symptoms of depression, anxiety, somatic complaints and social dysfunction. The results provide important suggestions for clinicians treating such terminally ill patients. |
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| Keywords: | Death and dying depression health psychology mesothelioma post‐traumatic stress stress |
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