Abstract
Background: Cancer has many potential physical, psychological and social consequences for the patient. This single case study explored the efficiency of mindfulness therapy with the aid of virtual reality (VR) focusing on minimizing anxiety especially death anxiety in a patient with cerebellar cancer. Methods: In this case study research the patient met and consulted 3 times in the first week, and the aim of these meetings was to break the patient’s resistance through meditation and psychological treatment. After that, 8 sessions each one 2 hours were planned at the patient’s home. In the second week, a subsidiary device called VR (large eye crystal capable of playing 3D film) was used as a method to assist the patient. Results: The data collected from the pre/posttest of Beck anxiety showed significant progress in blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature, and increased up to its normal levels. In addition, the sense of satisfaction expressed by the patient during the sessions was noticeably significant. Conclusion: According to results mindfulness therapy by VR with a focus on anxiety reduction as a complementary therapy has remarkable efficacy on improving quality of life in the cancer patient.
Highlights
Cancer can be the causes of the major psychological challenge for individuals
This study shows death anxiety could not be regarded as a natural consequence of having cancer; it is associated with the unresolved psychological and physical distress
Cerebellar cancer can cause a wide range of disabilities, which affects patients in various physical, social, and psychological dimensions. This single case study explored the efficiency of mindfulness therapy with the aid of virtual reality (VR) focusing on minimizing anxiety especially death anxiety in a patient with cerebellar cancer
Summary
Cancer can be the causes of the major psychological challenge for individuals. A meta-analysis of psychiatric disorder in oncological and hematological settings yielded a prevalence of psychiatric disorder of 30% to 40%1 In the coming decades, a great increase is expected in the number of people suffering from cancer.[2]. Since death anxiety is a psychological component, psychological therapies can manage death anxiety in affected patients. This study shows death anxiety could not be regarded as a natural consequence of having cancer; it is associated with the unresolved psychological and physical distress. Studies show there is no significant relationship between death anxiety among male and female cancer patients. Cancer has many potential physical, psychological and social consequences for the patient. This single case study explored the efficiency of mindfulness therapy with the aid of virtual reality (VR) focusing on minimizing anxiety especially death anxiety in a patient with cerebellar cancer. Conclusion: According to results mindfulness therapy by VR with a focus on anxiety reduction as a complementary therapy has remarkable efficacy on improving quality of life in the cancer patient.
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