Lecture 24 - Health Psychology

Question 1

What is key for the ‘before illness develops’ period?

Answer 1

Communication and identification of risks (BRCA1 and BRCA2) and changes in behaviour (smoking).

Question 2

What is key for the ‘diagnosis’ period?

Answer 2

Account for the variability in reactions from different people. Communication is key here, with empathy playing a role.

Question 3

What is key for the ‘treatment decision’ period?

Answer 3

Continuum of doctor-led to patient-led treatment selection. Doctors should emphasize communication and understanding, while patients should ask questions and study resources.

Question 4

What is key for the ‘treatment’ period?

Answer 4

Variety of different reactions depending on treatment choice - anxiety before surgery, depression during radiotherapy, and nausea in chemotherapy.

Question 5

What is key for the ‘between end of treatment and 5-year survival’ period?

Answer 5

Most people return to normal but some have heightened anxiety from fear of recurrence, with 30% being clinically anxious and 10-20% being clinically depressed.

Question 6

What is key in end-of-life issues?

Answer 6

Balance of life prolonging and palliative care. Also issues of uncertainty, fear, grief, etc.

Question 7

What is key when dealing with survivors?

Answer 7

Can not experience changes, but there can be extremely different identities, relationships and quality of life. Positive attitude adds emotional burden and does not correlate with survival, but can improve quality of life.