Citation

Smith JD, Shuman AG, Riba MB. Curr. Psychiatry Rep. 2017; 19(9): e56.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s11920-017-0811-9

PMID

28726060

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: There are frequent and diverse psychosocial issues that afflict patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) across the illness trajectory, prompting a focus on clinical interventions to prevent and mitigate psychosocial distress. We sought to characterize current understanding on the cause, effects, and interplay of various psychosocial factors in HNC and summarize updated, evidence-based interventions.
RECENT FINDINGS: The psychosocial experience of patients with HNC is characterized by a disproportionately high incidence of depression, suicide, continued substance dependence/abuse, and distress related to relationship conflict, social isolation, disfigurement, and damage to self-image. As we move towards a more thorough understanding and greater appreciation of the relationship between HNC and patient quality of life (QoL), future research focuses on implementation of effective, accessible clinical interventions to alleviate psychosocial distress in this population.

Language: en

Keywords

Humans; Self Concept; Depression; Suicide; Social Support; Substance-Related Disorders; Quality of Life; Social Isolation; Interpersonal Relations; Disfigurement; Head and neck cancer; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Psychosocial issues