Coping with Cancer

Written by: Martin Winkler

First version: 22 Jul 2008. Latest revision: 28 Aug 2008.

Question:

 Is it possible to cope with a potential terminal disease like cancer?

Answer:

Any severe medical diagnosis or terminal illness can cause additional mental impairments. Very often adjustment problems like additional sleeping problems, anxiety or depressive symptoms have a big impact on the quality of life.

These psychological problems should be considered because a combined medical and psychotherapeutic treatment offers best chances for the patient. So it would be good to include a therapist with psychotherapeutic skills and a psychiatrist with knowledge about possible medical help (like antidepressants) into the treatment team.

For most of these patients a valuable improvement will be achieved by a combination of pharmacological and psychological help. So do not hesitate to ask for a proper evaluation and treatment for your problems! More.

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