The psychological effect of lung cancer in patients and caregivers

The authors aimed to determine the psychological effect of advanced lung cancer on patients and their family caregivers. 

Patients with advanced lung cancer experience higher levels of emotional and physical distress compared to patients with other cancers, which can effect their own suffering as well as their families. Palliative care is specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses to prevent pain and stress and improve patient and family quality of life. Though palliative care is effective in prolonging survival in patients, further help is needed to prepare families and patients for care-giving.

The aim of this study was to determine the psychological effects of advanced lung cancer on patients and caregivers.

39 patients were used in this study. Patients and caregivers were split into two groups – a group who received usual medical care (standard medical care and specialized medical care provided to the patient after advanced lung cancer diagnosis) and an intervention group (manuals given to patients and caregivers covering self-care, stress and coping, symptom management, communication etc. and provide counseling sessions).

At the beginning of the study 33% of patients and 60% of caregivers had high levels of depression and 46% of patients and 69% of caregivers had high levels of anxiety. Following the study, patients and caregivers in the intervention group had significantly lower levels of depression compared to the usual care group. Patients and caregivers in the intervention group had significantly lower anxiety levels compared to the usual care group. Patients and caregivers in the intervention group were significantly more competent in regards to lung cancer management compared to the usual care group.

Caregivers in the intervention group who experienced depression at the beginning of the study experienced an 83% decrease in depression levels compared to 18% of usual care caregivers. Patients in the intervention group who experienced depression at the beginning of the study experienced a 71% decrease in depression levels compared to 33% of usual care patients. Caregivers in the intervention group who experienced high anxiety levels at the start of the study experienced a 67% decrease in anxiety compared to 17% of usual care caregivers. Patients in the intervention group who experienced high anxiety levels experienced a 38% decrease in anxiety compared to 20% of usual care patients.

The authors conclude that patients and caregivers who received intervention therapy experienced reduced depression and anxiety levels. 

Further studies are required to allow the results presented here to be widely applied. 

If you are suffering from depression or anxiety brought on by lung cancer diagnosis and care, please get in touch with your doctor.