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Psychology and the alleviation of symptoms
Page 343 Black blue HIV AND CANCER 343 Psychology and the alleviation of symptoms Psychology also has a role to play in the alleviation of symptoms of cancer, and in promoting quality of life (see Chapter 16 for a discussion of quality of life theory and measurement). Cartwright et al. (1973) described the experiences of cancer sufferers, which included very distressing pain, breathing difficulties, vomiting, sleeplessness, loss of bowel and bladder control, loss of appetite, and mental confusion. Psychosocial interventions have therefore been used to attempt to alleviate some of the symptoms of the cancer sufferer and to improve their quality of life. 1 Pain management. One of the main roles of psychology is in terms of pain management, and this has taken place through a variety of different pain management techniques (see Chapter 12). For example, biofeedback and hypnosis have been shown to decrease pain. Turk and Rennert (1981) encouraged patients with cancer to describe and monitor their pain, encouraged them to develop coping skills, taught them relaxation skills, encouraged them to do positive imagery and to focus on other things. They reported that these techniques were successful in reducing the pain experience. 2 Social support interventions. Social support interventions have also been used through the provision of support groups, which emphasize control, meaningful activities and aim to reduce denial and promote hope. It has been suggested that although this intervention may not have any effect on longevity it may improve the meaningfulness of the cancer patient’s life. In line with this, Holland and Holahan (2003) explored the relationship between social support, coping and positive adaptation to breast cancer in 56 women. The results showed that higher levels of perceived social support and approach coping strategies were related to positive adjustment. 3 Treating nausea and vomiting. Psychology has also been involved in treating the nausea and vomiting experienced by cancer patients. Cancer patients are often offered chemotherapy as a treatment for their cancer, which can cause anticipatory nausea, vomiting and anxiety. Respondent conditioning and visual imagery, relaxation, hypnosis and desensitization have been shown to decrease nausea and anxiety in cancer patients. Redd (1982) and Burish et al. (1987) suggested that 25–33 per cent of cancer patients show conditioned vomiting and 60 per cent show anticipatory anxiety. It is reported that relaxation and guided imagery may decrease these problems. 4 Body image counselling. The quality of life of cancer patients may also be improved through altered body image counselling, particularly following the loss of a breast and more generally in dealing with the grief at loss of various parts of the body. 5 Cognitive adaptation strategies. Research also suggests that quality of life may also be improved using cognitive adaptation strategies. Taylor (1983) used such strategies to improve patients’ self-worth, their ability to be close to others, and the improvement in the meaningfulness of their lives. Such methods have been suggested to involve selftranscendence and this has again been related to improvement in well-being and decrease in illness-related distresses. Page 343 Black blue