Despite the fact that modern methods of cancer treatment can hope to cure or retard the growth of cancerous tumors for a long time, one of the major problems is that treat the disease, not the patient, therapy is aimed at symptomatic treatment, and mental condition of the patient has received little attention. According to experts, psychotherapy plays an important role in the complex treatment aimed at disease control.

it is Noted that in some cases, the goal of psychological adjustment is the creation of a comfortable psychological atmosphere. For this category of patients in sessions individually and in groups. Also psychotherapy is used to improve the effectiveness of treatment and rehabilitation, then its tasks are determined by the peculiarities of the disease, at what stage it currently is and the likely prognosis.

In the period of cancer prevention widely used methods of behavioral psychotherapy and autogenic training. At primary diagnosis, when the main emotions experienced by patients are anxiety and fear, applied rational therapy, contributing to the calming of the patient, the formation of a rational relationship to the diagnosis, treatment methods, probable predictions, adaptation to the current situation. With a high degree of anxiety, manifestations of neurosis shown hypnotherapy. Before surgery, when the patient's anxiety increases, also recommended rational psychotherapy and methods of self-hypnosis. They are designed to remove fear and instill confidence in the success of treatment and a favorable outcome of surgical intervention.

After surgery, the choice of methods of psychotherapeutic treatment depends on the condition of the patient and the subsequent plan of therapeutic measures. For patients undergoing radiation therapy sessions individual and group psychotherapy to harmonize their emotional state, eliminate possible negative effects of the treatment. Apply techniques such as anonymous discussion, the term therapeutic, psychotherapeutic mirror. If we are talking about cancers in advanced stage, the use of techniques that normalize sleep, reduce pain. At this stage is very important compassion and empathy towards the patient, help in finding hope for the best.

Personality-focused group sessions with a therapist based on an understanding of the psychology of cancer patients and their emotional state before surgery and at its conclusion, the characteristics of their vision of the disease, psychological defense mechanisms, feelings of isolation.

the practice of holding group sessions noted the efficacy of daily sessions of approximately one hour, where participants shared their personal experiences making the diagnosis, adaptation to the disease, ways to cope with stress and nervous tension, solving the problems caused by the disease. Group members provided each other moral support, have combined their efforts to win over the disease. In particular, the experts describe the experience of conducting group psychotherapy with the terminally ill, and daily therapy in a group of 6-7 people was quite effective in supporting patients. Classes helped to overcome stress and adapt to the neuro-mental stress, resulting from all the problems that are faced by patients after diagnosis.

to Help overcome the crisis and depression, adjust psychological and psychopathological reactions to a cancer diagnosis and reduce the risk of such manifestations may be creating support groups for cancer patients and their relatives and friends, as well as early psychological and psychiatric assistance.

Scientists also proved experimentally that psychotherapy has a beneficial effect on cancer patients. The tests demonstrated that the role of psychological support is extremely important both for prevention and for increasing the length and quality of life for terminal patients. Experts believe that the impact of stress on physiological processes in the body are very essential. For example, stress contributes to increased cortisol in the blood, which weakens the immune system, the inability to relax causes high blood pressure. The body is under great stress due to a destabilized emotional state – the patient is constantly in tension, suffering from insomnia, loses appetite. The vast majority of cancer patients their diagnosis is associated with hopelessness, doom, imminent painful death, and it is natural that they feel shock, fear of death, fear for their children or elderly parents, fall into depression, leading even to suicide. All these symptoms worsen, the chances of stable remission and recovery, because the body is so weakened by the disease itself, surgery, chemical and radiation therapy with its side effects.

physicians are experts in the field of cancer treatment, but they are often unable to provide their patients adequate psychological support, therefore, for successful work with patients is important to doctors and nurses realized that they needed to learn techniques for interaction with people with severe disabilities, to understand their psychology, to learn to cope with their own concerns and anxiety that naturally arise when dealing with patients. Ongoing Ecopsychology group seminars for professionals in the field of Oncology has proven to be effective.

Often provided by the doctors help in overcoming psychological problems caused by disease, confined to the prescription of psychotropic drugs to reduce anxiety. But the effects of stress need to be treated comprehensively, with the help of psychologists and psychotherapists specializing in the field of Oncology. They will help to reduce anxiety and reduce fears and adapt to new diseases and new conditions of life to reveal the inner reserves of the body to recovery.

With the help of experts, patients can get rid of the existing myths and stereotypes regarding their diagnosis to understand that cancer is not necessarily a fatal disease, it can be curable that the human body has many resources to fight the disease and defeat it, and current therapies can achieve sustainable results in the treatment. Once a person begins to believe in the possibility of healing and changing its view about the disease, he learns to overcome stress, changes the view of himself and the problems that need to be addressed. Patient finds hope for the best, returns to him an interest in life, he is able to adequately assess the situation rationally and to seek the road to recovery. In this case, it is very likely that after the full course of treatment it is waiting for a long and full life.

Ustinova, Yulia
Clinical psychologist
Certified specialist in psychotherapy of psychosomatic disorders,
existential psychotherapy and group therapy, Ecopsychology

Source: ustinova.info