Abstract
Purpose: 1) to determine the level of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by means of impact of event scale (IES) in patients for whom lung cancer has been diagnosed for the first time and compare this level in patients having learnt that they affected by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); 2) to compare PTSD in patients and their significant others facing a diagnosis of lung cancer; 3) to determine whether or not IES and General Health Questionnaire 28 (GHQ-28) correlate. Methods: This prospective survey-study included 41 consecutive patients who learnt that they were afflicted by primary lung cancer. IES and GHQ-28 were answered once between four and five weeks following medical appointment. The significant others (n = 16) who were present during the lung cancer diagnostic appointment were also invited to complete similar questionnaires. Control group consisted of 19 patients with chronic asthma or COPD. Results: Following a lung cancer diagnosis, patients and their significant others are indistinctly affected by a high level of PTSD. These two groups had a higher frequency of high IES total score when compared with COPD patients. The IES intrusion subscale score significantly differed among groups: median [IR] values: 20 [12 - 26]; 15 [9 - 22]; 7 [5 - 15] for significant others, cancer patients and COPD patients respectively; P = 0.02). IES and GHQ-28 inversely correlated. Conclusion: Patients and significant others facing a diagnosis of lung cancer are at high risk of PTSD. The level of IES intrusion in persons facing lung cancer increases emotional distress that in turn affects quality of life.
Highlights
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is commonly observed in patients facing cancer (McBride et al, 2000; McCaul et al, 1998)
Patients affected by cancer are considered to be affected by a potential traumatic event inasmuch as life-threatening illnesses are included as PTSD-leading stressor according to the DSM-IV
The reported results suggest that patients facing a lung cancer diagnosis together with their significant others have been affected by a high level of intrusive thoughts
Summary
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is commonly observed in patients facing cancer (McBride et al, 2000; McCaul et al, 1998). Patients are exposed to other stressors such as treatment consequences, major style-life changes, fears of future, family impact. The latter impact has been only partially analyzed and the detection of PTSD in patients and their relatives might be an important psychological dimension of quality of life. Among the different tools developed in order to evaluate PTSD, the impact of event scale (IES), developed by Horowitz et al (1979) is considered as a reliable screening method. This instrument has been shown to efficiently measure avoidance and intrusion cognitions following any traumatic event.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call