Donna M Posluszny1,2, Angela Liegey Dougall3, Jonas T Johnson4,5, Athanassios Argiris6, Robert L Ferris4,5,7, Andrew Baum3, Dana H Bovbjerg2,8, Mary Amanda Dew2,9. 1. Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 2. Biobehavioral Medicine in Oncology Program, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 3. Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Arlington, Texas. 4. Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 5. Head and Neck Cancer Program, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 6. Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Center at San Antonio, Texas. 7. Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 8. Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology, Behavioral, and Community Health Sciences, and Clinical and Translational Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 9. Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Head and neck cancer is a life-threatening illness requiring aversive treatments. Despite clear potential for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in both patients and their partners, research is scant. METHODS: Newly diagnosed patients and partners (number of dyads = 42) completed questionnaires to assess symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression, as well as demographic, medical, and attitudinal variables. RESULTS: Partners had higher average levels of PTSD symptoms than patients (p = .023). More partners (28.6%) met criteria for estimated PTSD caseness than did patients (11.9%). There were no significant differences in levels of other anxiety or depression symptoms. Perceived threat of disease appeared to be a stronger correlate of PTSD symptom levels than medical variables in patients and partners. CONCLUSION: A diagnosis of head and neck cancer elicits significant levels of PTSD symptoms in patients, and even higher levels among partners. Identified correlates of distress, including perceived threat of disease, are potential intervention targets.
BACKGROUND:Head and neck cancer is a life-threatening illness requiring aversive treatments. Despite clear potential for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in both patients and their partners, research is scant. METHODS: Newly diagnosed patients and partners (number of dyads = 42) completed questionnaires to assess symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression, as well as demographic, medical, and attitudinal variables. RESULTS: Partners had higher average levels of PTSD symptoms than patients (p = .023). More partners (28.6%) met criteria for estimated PTSD caseness than did patients (11.9%). There were no significant differences in levels of other anxiety or depression symptoms. Perceived threat of disease appeared to be a stronger correlate of PTSD symptom levels than medical variables in patients and partners. CONCLUSION: A diagnosis of head and neck cancer elicits significant levels of PTSD symptoms in patients, and even higher levels among partners. Identified correlates of distress, including perceived threat of disease, are potential intervention targets.
Authors: Michelle Cororve Fingeret; Damon J Vidrine; Gregory P Reece; Ann M Gillenwater; Ellen R Gritz Journal: Head Neck Date: 2010-03 Impact factor: 3.147
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