Psychosocial Interventions For Patients Research Articles

Psychosocial issues in lung cancer patients.

Lung cancer is a major cause of death in industrialized countries. In contrast to other cancers (e.g., breast), there have been few studies of quality of life, coping, behavioral interventions, and other psychosocial issues in patients with lung cancer. There are several possible explanations to consider. Metastatic disease is frequently present at the time of lung cancer diagnosis, and the limited survival time of these patients diminishes the opportunity for psychosocial investigations. Similarly, psychosocial interventions for patients with cancer are more likely to be applied in patients with longer survival times. In addition, the poor performance status and rapid disease progression in many lung cancer patients inhibits studies that require patient attentiveness and cognitive effort. Lastly, until recently, lung cancer has primarily affected men, and male patients may be more reluctant to participate in psychosocial research in which their emotional concerns are discussed.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: psychosocial interventions for patients and their families.

Because amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) differs in many of its characteristics from other progressive and fatal diseases, much of the literature on terminal or paralyzing illness only partially describes the experience of ALS patients. This study details the psychosocial impact of the disease for patients and their families and concludes with specific recommendations on intervention for health care and for social service providers.