Identification of PTSD in cancer survivors.
The authors measured the rate and determinants of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a group of cancer survivors. Patients who had a history of cancer diagnosis with at least 3 years since diagnosis, receiving no active treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation, were interviewed (N = 27). Patients, who were part of the DSM-IV PTSD field trial, were compared with a community-based control group matched for age and socioeconomic status. One member of the survivor group (4%) and no members of the control group met criteria for current PTSD (NS). Six of the survivors (22%) and no control subjects met lifetime criteria (P < 0.02). Cancer patients have a higher rate of PTSD than found in the community. Symptoms closely resemble those of individuals who have experienced other traumatic events.
Alter
C L
CL
Department of Psychiatry, North Shore University Hospital-Cornell University Medical College, USA.
Pelcovitz
D
D
Axelrod
A
A
Goldenberg
B
B
Harris
H
H
Meyers
B
B
Grobois
B
B
Mandel
F
F
Septimus
A
A
Kaplan
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D013629:Tamoxifen / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D013629:Tamoxifen