Posttraumatic stress disorder following cancer: A conceptual and empirical review

Maria Kangas, Jane L. Henry, Richard A. Bryant*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

397 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Life-threatening illness has recently been recognized as a stressor that can precipitate posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This development has raised questions over the extent to which the PTSD diagnosis is applicable to the psychological reaction to being diagnosed with cancer. This paper identifies the core conceptual issues pertaining to cancer-related PTSD, critically reviews the empirical literature on PTSD following cancer, and considers the possible mechanisms and course of PTSD following a diagnosis of cancer. Specific issues that need to be considered in the assessment and treatment of cancer-related PTSD are reviewed. This review highlights that there is a need for stronger empirical base to guide clinical management of PTSD in cancer patients.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)499-524
Number of pages26
JournalClinical Psychology Review
Volume22
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2002
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cancer
  • Life-threatening illness
  • Posttraumatic stress disorder

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