The Psychological Effects of Facial and Neck Surgery Flashcards
Describe the epidemiology of head and neck cancers in the UK
The number of men diagnosed with cancer it higher than women, however the number of women developing head and neck cancers is increasing more than it is increasing in men. Scotland has the highest incidence rate in the UK
What defines a chronic disease?
Disease lasting more than 3 months and may get worse
What are some factors that related to the psychological well-being of head and neck cancer patients
Health related QoL,
Psychological distress,
Facial appearance and,
Fear of cancer recurrance.
What does the quality of life comprise of?
Physical health and functioning, psychological state, level of independence, social relationships, occupation and finance and personal beliefs.
What are the key issues in head and neck cancer patients that affect quality of life?
Comorbidity and disability, self-care, pain, speech, eating and swallowing, financial and work and the impact on family and friends.
What are the methods of measuring quality of life?
Questionnaires or interviews. There is no gold standard.
At what month is patients anxiety and depression at its worst?
Anxiety - Worse initially, at 0 months.
Depression - worse at 2 months
What is the patients perception of change in appearance in the context of disease?
1) Survival is paramount. Appearance changes are the price to pay for survival.
2) Relationship with disease (different phases and depends if they have a positive out negative outlook)
3) care team - eased their facial changes if they had a good team
What is the patients perception of appearnce change influenced by in context of the social world
Other’s positive reactions eased patients psychological distress where as negative reactions made it harder for patients.
How did patients struggle to deal with appearance changes in the context of themselves
Self under attack (struggling with self identity), They struggled with their self to self rating, they struggled with their place in the world and they struggled with rebuilding the self
What are the psychosocial consequences of disfigurement?
- Higher rates of anxiety and depression,
- Lower self esteem,
- Negative body imagine and self-perceptions,
- Difficulty forming relationships,
- Negative reactions from others,
- Stigma and discrimination,
- Severe may be less of a psychological burden than mild
What is the psychology of cosmetic surgery?
Studies suggest 50% of people who get plastic surgery have mental disorders such as; Mood disorders, eating disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, trauma, OCD or psychotic disorders
What is FCR?
Fear of cancer recurrence. This can impact a patients quality of life and exacerbate anxiety and depression
What model can clinicians use to assess how well a patient is adjusting to treatment?
The common sense model of illness which looks at how the patient copes and appraises these methods
What is the role of carers in patients treatment and recovery?
Retains structure to everyday life, helps patients with medication, treatments and adherence to medical treatments. Practical and mobility support, emotional support and helps out when family interactions are not supportive.
