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Current Psychiatry Reports
Published in: Current Psychiatry Reports 9/2017

01-09-2017 | Complex Medical-Psychiatric Issues (M Riba, Section Editor)

Psychosocial Issues in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer: an Updated Review with a Focus on Clinical Interventions

Authors: Joshua D. Smith, Andrew G. Shuman, Michelle B. Riba

Published in: Current Psychiatry Reports | Issue 9/2017

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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.

Summary

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.
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Metadata
Title
Psychosocial Issues in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer: an Updated Review with a Focus on Clinical Interventions
Authors
Joshua D. Smith
Andrew G. Shuman
Michelle B. Riba
Publication date
01-09-2017
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Psychiatry Reports / Issue 9/2017
Print ISSN: 1523-3812
Electronic ISSN: 1535-1645
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-017-0811-9

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