Psychiatric aspects of head and neck cancer surgery.
Psychiatric problems of patients with head and neck cancer include reactions to disfiguring illness and treatment; adjustment to alterations of speech, eating, and other functions, including sex; changes in body image; alcohol and tobacco addiction; pain; organic brain syndromes; and dealing with terminal illness. Although speech is often compromised, head and neck patients can communicate and psychiatric work is possible. The consultation-liaison psychiatrist can provide considerable assistance by utilizing psychodynamic, behavioral, and pharmacologic modes of treatment and by working with family members and staff.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000628:therapy; D001828:Body Image; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019965:Neurocognitive Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis; D059408:Pain Management; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011570:Psychiatry; D014029:Tobacco Use Disorder / Q000628:therapy