Psychiatric Side Effects

21.03.2024

PSYCHIATRIC SIDE EFFECTS DURING CANCER TREATMENT

During cancer treatment, patients' physical health, as well as their psychiatric and emotional states, can be significantly affected. Treatment methods, especially chemotherapy and radiotherapy, may cause psychiatric side effects such as anxiety, depression, stress disorder and sometimes even decreased cognitive functions in some patients. These conditions may arise from the direct neurological effects of the treatment, the emotional stress the patient experiences during the fight against cancer, or the psychological burden caused by the physical side effects of the treatment. Patients may have to cope with challenges such as uncertainty about the future, pain, fatigue, body image changes, and reduced functional capacity. In addition, isolation and lack of social support while receiving cancer treatment can also negatively affect patients' emotional state. Management of these psychiatric side effects should be seen as an integral part of cancer treatment and, when necessary, supported by interventions such as psychological counseling, support groups, meditation and relaxation techniques. It is vital for patients and their families to receive adequate psychological and emotional support during this difficult process for treatment success and general well-being.

Drugs that can cause psychiatric side effects in cancer treatment include:

Chemotherapy Drugs: Some chemotherapeutic agents, especially interferons, may cause mood changes such as depression and anxiety.

Steroids: Corticosteroids such as prednisone may increase the risk of mood swings and psychosis.

Hormonal Treatments: Medications such as tamoxifen may increase the risk of depression and anxiety.

During the use of these drugs, patients' mood and behavior should be closely monitored and psychiatric support should be provided if necessary. The cancer treatment process is not only a physical struggle for patients, but also a difficult psychological process. This process can cause a variety of psychiatric side effects, and their management requires a holistic approach to treatment.

Image 1: During the cancer treatment process, patients may experience many different psychiatric complaints in the short term or long term.

SIDE EFFECTS

Psychiatric side effects seen during cancer treatment and their treatments are discussed below:

Psychiatric Side Effects

Depression: Stress, isolation, and physical limitations experienced during cancer diagnosis and treatment can increase the risk of depression. Symptoms such as emotional collapse, hopelessness, loss of interest, and decreased energy level may be observed.

Anxiety: Uncertainty about treatment results and health concerns can lead to anxiety. Excessive anxiety, restlessness, sleep problems and concentration difficulties may occur.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): The experience of cancer can have a traumatic effect in some patients, causing PTSD. Complaints such as fear, nightmares, constant tension and reliving events may be observed.

Cognitive Changes: Chemotherapy, also called "chemo brain," can have negative effects on cognitive functions. Memory problems, distraction and difficulty in learning may occur.

Image 2: Psychiatric evaluation at every stage of the cancer treatment process is extremely important for the quality of life of patients and their families.

Treatment and Management Strategies

Psychological Counseling and Therapy: Individual or group therapy provides emotional support for coping with cancer. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be effective in managing symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Medication: Antidepressants and anxiolytics can help relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety. Appropriate medications may be prescribed for sleep problems and cognitive issues.

Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, a healthy diet and adequate sleep can improve overall mood and energy levels. Meditation, yoga and relaxation techniques can help manage stress.

Support Groups: Sharing experiences with other individuals struggling with cancer provides emotional support and solidarity.

Education and Information: Informing patients about the disease and the treatment process can reduce patients' anxiety and increase their sense of control.

Family and Social Support: Family members and friends can ease the burden on patients by providing emotional support and assistance with daily living.

Psychiatric side effects of cancer treatment are an integral part of the treatment process, and management of these effects is vital to patients' overall health and well-being. Ensuring that patients and their families receive adequate psychological and emotional support during this difficult process plays an important role in the success of treatment and the recovery process. Therefore, psychiatric and psychological support must be integrated with a multidisciplinary approach during the cancer treatment process.