Psychological aspects of breast cancer

Conn Med. 1999 Jan;63(1):35-9.

Abstract

This paper reviews the common psychological concerns expressed by women with breast cancer. It also reviews the epidemiology of psychiatric diagnoses in this population. The special diagnostic problems and available pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions are discussed. The aim of psychiatric treatment in breast cancer patients is to relieve major psychological symptoms as well as to address underlying intrapsychic conflicts that become prominent during treatment.

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Depression / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Psychotherapy
  • Stress, Psychological / etiology
  • Suicide