Women who have breast cancer can feel an increase in psychological distress such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, social isolation, sexuality concerns, and self-blame.

Pepperdine University

 (PTS) describes a general set of symptoms a person may suffer after enduring an intensely stressful situation. Some PTS symptoms are feeling afraid or nervous, increased heart rate, avoiding situations that remind of the traumatic incident, being distracted, having shaky hands, and having nightmares about the incident.

Posttraumatic Stress (PTS)

 A large percentage of people have Chronic Illness; the chronic illnesses have significant psychosocial ramifications for both the affected person and their family members. This in return creates new challenges for the field of psychology.


The Impacts of Chronic Illness

American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Clinical psychology. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/ed/graduate/specialize/clinical 

American Psychological Association: Clinical Psychology

Carver, C. S., & Antoni, M. H. (2004). Finding Benefit in Breast Cancer During the Year After Diagnosis Predicts Better Adjustment 5 to 8 Years After Diagnosis. Health Psychology, 23(6), 595–598. https://doi.org/10.1037/0278-6133.23.6.595

Finding Benefit in Breast Cancer During the Year After Diagnosis Predicts Better Adjustment 5 to 8 Years After Diagnosis.

PTG describes positive psychological change experienced as a result of struggling with highly stressful life circumstances. PTG involves "life-changing" psychological shifts in thinking and relating to the world and the self that contribute to a personal process of change that is deeply meaningful.

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) 

The Psychological Impact of Breast Cancer

There is a large percentage of the population experiences Chronic Illness. Due to a lack of relevant research and lack of diagnosis, the true amount remains unknown.

Prevalence of  Chronic Illness

• Work or School Absence
• Healthcare Utilization
• Temporary Disability

Different Impacts of Chronic Illness

- poor doctor and patient communication
- the patients personal beliefs 
- the patients personality traits
- the way the patients family interacts

Factors that Increase the Likelihood of Greater Chronic Illness impact

Due to the changes and stress associated with Chronic Illness, the patient is biologically and psychologically effected. This will also effect their environment and the people around them. 

Psychosocial Impacts of Chronic Illness

Parkinson's Disease is a chronic illness that impairs motor movement. Most research has focused on the physical aspects of the disease, but there have been observed psychological trends as well.

Parkinson's Disease (PD) Patient's Mental Health

When a physician discloses or communicates to their patient a new medical diagnosis. Regarding diagnosis disclosure in dementia (specifically Alzheimer's disease), a number of physicians have been hesitant to tell patients they have this disease in fear of their patients experiencing high emotional distress and feelings of suicidality.

Diagnosis Disclosure in Dementia

- Meaning-making coping model
- Emotion-focused coping
- Problem-focused coping 
- Transactional model of stress and coping 
- Dual process model of loss 


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