Post-traumatic stress disorder can develop in patients with cancer

This study aimed to evaluate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in patients who have had treatment for cancer. This study found that a number of patients undergoing cancer treatment developed PTSD after treatment and recommended that supports are put in place. 

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition. It is triggered by an event that is upsetting or distressing. Symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. It is unclear if PTSD affects patients who have had treatment for cancer. 

This study included 469 patients with various cancer types. Patients who had significant psychological distress were interviewed at six months, but all patients were interviewed after four years. 

PTSD was identified in 21.7% of patients at six months. At four years 6.1% of patients had PTSD. Patients who had breast cancer were 3.68 times less likely to develop PTSD at six months after treatment. One third of patients who were diagnosed with PTSD six months after treatment still had it four years later. 

This study found that a number of patients undergoing cancer treatment developed PTSD after treatment and recommended that supports are put in place. 

This study is based on an Asian population and may not be representative of all populations. The level of PTSD in the American population is 6.8% in comparison to 6.1% in this study. This was also a relatively small number of patients. Larger studies should be done to examine the rates of PTSD.

Discuss any psychological difficulties you may be experiencing with your doctor.