Psycho-oncology
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Randomized Controlled Trial
A pilot randomized controlled trial of a brief early intervention for reducing posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depressive symptoms in newly diagnosed head and neck cancer patients.
Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients have a high incidence of cancer-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other anxiety and depressive disorders. We report the results from the first pilot randomized controlled trial in which the efficacy of an early cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) program was compared with a non-directive supportive counseling (SC) intervention in reducing PTSD, general anxiety and depressive symptoms, and improving perceived quality of life in newly diagnosed, distressed HNC patients undergoing radiotherapy. ⋯ Findings indicate that the early provision of psychotherapy has utility in reducing PTSD, anxiety and depressive symptoms, and preventing chronic psychopathology in distressed HNC patients.