Treatment FAQ

what is the most widely held opinion concerning the effect of mood and attitude on cancer treatment

by Dr. Mia Bednar III Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Studies have shown that keeping a positive attitude does not change the course of a person’s cancer. Trying to keep a positive attitude does not lead to a longer life and can cause some people to feel guilty when they can’t “stay positive.” This only adds to their burden. Instead, a person with cancer should talk about their feelings.

Full Answer

Do mood and attitude affect cancer treatment?

Research so far is unable to show conclusively that mood and attitude affect cancer treatment. What effect do negative emotions have on stress? Negative emotions can elevate CHD risk.

Does a positive attitude help cancer patients live longer?

Trying to keep a positive attitude does not lead to a longer life and can cause some people to feel guilty when they can’t “stay positive.” This only adds to their burden. Instead, a person with cancer should talk about their feelings. Many people find it helpful to join a support group or seek counseling.

Can mental health issues affect cancer treatment outcomes?

Even if a person does have a mental health issue, studies have yet to definitively say that the cancer patient will experience a negative outcome from treatments. For anyone going into cancer treatment, how well they take care of themselves plays a large role in outcomes.

Is it normal to feel sad when you have cancer?

But sadness, distress, depression, fear, and anxiety are all normal feelings when learning to deal with cancer. Ignoring these feelings or not talking about them can make the person with cancer feel alone. And this can make it harder for them to cope with how they are feeling .

What statement concerning stressors and stress is accurate?

Which statement concerning stressors and stress is accurate? Stressors are external events; stress is an internal reaction to such events.

Which approach appears to be the most effective long term treatment GAD?

Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective form of psychotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder.

Which approach would be most likely to emphasize how other people especially significant others influence our behavior?

Which of the following approaches would be most likely to emphasize how other people, especially significant others, influence our behavior? Family Systems. According to the multipath model, cultural differences: Do not necessarily equate with deviance.

Which neurotransmitter appears to have the greatest influence on mood and anxiety disorders?

The role of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA has long been regarded as central to the regulation of anxiety and this neurotransmitter system is the target of benzodiazepines and related drugs used to treat anxiety disorders.

Which behavior therapy technique is commonly used to treat anxieties or fears?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most widely-used therapy for anxiety disorders. Research has shown it to be effective in the treatment of panic disorder, phobias, social anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder, among many other conditions.

Is CBT the most effective therapy?

Research shows that CBT is the most effective form of treatment for those coping with depression and anxiety. CBT alone is 50-75% effective for overcoming depression and anxiety after 5 – 15 modules. Medication alone is effective, however, science still does not understand the long-term effects on the brain and body.

What is the branch of psychology that is concerned with the study of abnormal behavior and psychological dysfunction?

Clinical psychology is the branch of psychology concerned with the assessment and treatment of mental illness, abnormal behavior, and psychiatric disorders.

What psychological concept describes the process of managing our behaviors thoughts and emotions?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an effective form of psychological treatment that is practiced by many thousands of therapists worldwide. CBT theory suggests that our thoughts, emotions, body sensations, and behavior are all connected, and that what we think and do affects the way we feel.

How does stress affect human behavior?

Impulsive behavior. Decreased productivity at school or work. Irritability, anger, and sometimes even aggression. Loss of interest in appearance and self-care.

Which neurotransmitter is most clearly implicated in mood disorders?

Monoamine neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, norepinephrine or serotonin are the most important neurotransmitters in pathophysiology of mood disorders and in mechanisms of action of antidepressants. Catecholamines (dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine) are synthesized from tyrosine.

Which neurotransmitters are most important in the development of mood disorders?

Neurotransmitters that play an important function in mood disorders are serotonin and norepinephrine, which are decreased in episodes of depression. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter most commonly associated with depression.

Which neurotransmitter is implicated in anxiety disorders?

Epinephrine/Norepinephrine Norepinephrine is responsible for many of the symptoms of anxiety. These hormones and neurotransmitters are responsible for the adrenaline and energy that is pumped through your body when you're stressed or anxious, and cause changes like rapid heartbeat, sweating, etc.

How to help someone with cancer?

Instead, a person with cancer should talk about their feelings. Many people find it helpful to join a support group or seek counseling. Working through their feelings can help a person with cancer feel more optimistic. And this optimism can lead to a better quality of life.

Why do people with cancer need support groups?

Research shows that giving people with cancer information in a support group helps reduce tension, anxiety, and tiredness, and may lower the risk of depression. Being in a support group may also improve feelings of well-being and quality of life.

Does having a positive attitude help with cancer?

Studies have shown that keeping a positive attitude does not change the course of a person’s cancer. Trying to keep a positive attitude does not lead to a longer life and can cause some people to feel guilty when they can’t “stay positive.”. This only adds to their burden.

Can cancer make you feel alone?

But sadness, distress, depression, fear, and anxiety are all normal feelings when learning to deal with cancer. Ignoring these feelings or not talking about them can make the person with cancer feel alone.

Does personality affect cancer?

Your personality and emotions did not cause your cancer. Research on this topic has not shown a link between personality and overall cancer risk. Also, personality traits and attitude do not affect cancer survival.

Does guided imagery help cancer?

Research has not shown that guided imagery or other similar techniques can control cancer growth. They also do not help a person with cancer live longer. However, these techniques can help with many symptoms related to cancer and cancer treatment. Some of these include pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and retching, anxiety and depression.

Why is a positive attitude important?

A positive attitude is important to overall health, but a new study suggests a bright outlook could play a major role in how someone handles cancer treatments.

What percentage of HSCT patients have a high risk for depression?

About 35 to 40 percent of HSCT patients have a high risk for depression and anxiety after treatment, Richardson added. A few studies have shown that HSCT patients with psychiatric or psychosocial risk factors are at a higher risk for psychological complications.

Is depression worse for cancer patients?

Dr. Charles L. Shapiro, co-director of the Dubin Breast Center at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, said studies have shown that some outcomes have been worse for cancer patients who are depressed.

Does being positive help with cancer?

There’s no proof that being positive can alter cancer’s progression, though studies suggest optimism boosts longevity and overall mental healthhr — something Puckett has witnessed in her work. “People are often told that they have to be positive to get through cancer treatment,” she said.

Should mental health screenings be performed before or after a procedure?

The researchers say that mental health screenings should be performed before the procedure. It could provide at-risk patients with assistance prior to and after the procedure as a way to prevent readmissions. Read more: ‘Toxic masculinity’ leads to mental health problems for men ».

Does cancer have a negative outcome?

Even if a person does have a mental health issue, studies have yet to definitively say that the cancer patient will experience a negative outcome from treatments. For anyone going into cancer treatment, how well they take care of themselves plays a large role in outcomes.

Can personality traits cause cancer?

The American Cancer Society reports that personality traits have not been proven to cause cancer. There is no reason to think that emotions can cause or perpetuate cancer based on research of how cancer starts and grows, the ACS says.

Why is it important to keep a positive attitude when you have cancer?

Often, a patient will feel the need to keep a positive attitude for fear of negatively influencing the outcome of their disease. However, treatment is available to deal with these feelings. “An important part of coping with a cancer diagnosis is recognizing emotions and feelings,” according to an article by the American Cancer Society.

What is an attitude?

The Oxford English Dictionary defines attitude as “a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something” typically reflected in a person's behavior. There have been many studies conducted on attitudes, behaviors and the ways they affect lives.

How can a person with cancer become overwhelmed?

The person with cancer can become overwhelmed, thinking it’s necessary to be upbeat and positive in an effort to protect loved ones. The person with cancer should be allowed freedom to embrace their own feelings of happiness or sadness and to realize one day may be different from the next.

What to think about when you have cancer?

Thinking about a diagnosis of cancer can be overwhelming. More than likely, a person will begin to think about all the negative things associated with cancer, like chemotherapy, radiation and even the possibility of death. Along with treatments for cancer come nasty side effects.

Why do people attend support groups?

Attending a support group can be therapeutic. “A support group provides an opportunity for people to share personal experiences and feelings, coping strategies, or firsthand information about diseases or treatments,” according to the Mayo Clinic.

Is it easier to have a positive attitude?

For instance, it’s easier to adopt a positive attitude when life circumstances are generally good and problems are few. But when circumstances drastically change in a negative way, it’s not always easy to keep a positive outlook, especially when those changes involve ill health. A diagnosis of breast cancer can affect attitude.

Is it possible to have a positive outlook on cancer?

No one has the right to expect a person with cancer to have a positive outlook all the time because fighting cancer is extremely difficult. But choosing a positive attitude can affect one’s physical and mental well-being in a constructive way. And by choosing to think good thoughts, our behavior can follow.

Is there enough time to wait for a second opinion?

Treatment decisions should be made after you have learned all you can about your diagnosis, prognosis, and available treatment options. This can take time, depending on the type of cancer you have. In a few cancers, there are some treatment decisions that have to be made right away.

Remembering what your doctor says

It’s hard to understand complex information when you are anxious or afraid. And sometimes, without knowing it, doctors use words that you don’t understand. If you don’t understand something, ask your doctor to explain it to you.

How to talk to your doctor about getting a second opinion

Some people find it hard to tell their doctors that they’d like a second opinion. Remember it is common for patients to get a second opinion, and doctors are comfortable with the request. If you are unsure of how to begin, here are a few ways to start the conversation:

The second opinion process: what to expect

Before you start looking for a second opinion, contact your insurance company to find out what your policy covers. In some cases, you may have to get a second opinion from another doctor who is part of your health plan before the plan will pay for your treatment

Deciding where to go for a second opinion

Let your doctor know if you want to get a second opinion. Most doctors understand the value of a second opinion, and they are not offended when a patient wants one. They may even be able to recommend another doctor.

Making sense of the second opinion

Although cancer patients seem to be asking for a second opinion more frequently, studies show the benefits of getting one are unclear . If the second opinion differs from the first, you may find the following tips helpful:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9