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Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings

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Open Access 01-09-2021 | Anxiety or Fear-Related Disorders

Exploring Fear of Cancer Recurrence in a Sample of Heterogeneous Distressed Cancer Patients with and Without a Psychiatric Disorder

Authors: Else M. Bisseling, Félix R. Compen, Melanie P. J. Schellekens, Belinda Thewes, Anne E. M. Speckens, Marije L. van der Lee

Published in: Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings | Issue 3/2021

Abstract

Fear of Cancer Recurrence (FCR) is a concern among cancer patients. Recent insights suggest that FCR should be viewed as a distinct syndrome. However, few studies have explored its overlap with psychiatric morbidity. We examined this overlap in a sample of distressed cancer patients. Self-referred patients (n = 245) were assessed with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR Axis-I disorders and the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory-Short Form. Proportions of patients with and without a psychiatric disorder meeting validated cut-offs for screening and clinically relevant FCR were compared. The prevalence of psychiatric disorders was 36%. Clinically relevant FCR was found in 198 patients (81%). Patients with a current psychiatric disorder reported clinically relevant FCR more frequently (89%) compared to those with no disorder (77%). Of patients reporting clinically relevant FCR, the majority (61%) did not additionally meet the criteria for a psychiatric disorder. These findings suggest that there should be particular attention for patients with elevated levels of FCR, warranting FCR-specific treatment.

Trial registry number Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02138513

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Title: Exploring Fear of Cancer Recurrence in a Sample of Heterogeneous Distressed Cancer Patients with and Without a Psychiatric Disorder
Authors: Else M. Bisseling
Félix R. Compen
Melanie P. J. Schellekens
Belinda Thewes
Anne E. M. Speckens
Marije L. van der Lee
Publication date: 01-09-2021
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Anxiety or Fear-Related Disorders
Anxiety
Published in: Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings / Issue 3/2021
Print ISSN: 1068-9583
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3572
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10880-021-09776-2

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Exploring Fear of Cancer Recurrence in a Sample of Heterogeneous Distressed Cancer Patients with and Without a Psychiatric Disorder

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