title: Behavioral interventions in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of children with cancer.
abstract: Behavioral interventions used to reduce distress and increase cooperation in children undergoing cancer treatment incorporate: contingency management, cognitive/attentional distraction, hypnosis, systematic desensitization, modeling and behavioral rehearsal. In most cases clinical interventions integrate these procedures into a multimodal intervention package. Although in most behavioral interventions the 'therapist' is a nurse, social worker or child psychologist; parents often take an active role in behavioral intervention. Early return to school can 'normalize' the child's life in the midst of coping with cancer and can promote optimal rehabilitation. More research is needed on the integration of behavioral methods with other therapeutic methods (e.g., pharmacologic). Indeed, research in this area of pediatric oncology must be continuously updated as advances in other areas may affect clinical decisions regarding preferred psychosocial intervention methods.
authors.affiliation: Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York 10029, USA.
authors.forename: K N
authors.initials: KN
authors.lastname: DuHamel
authors.forename: W H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Redd
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Vickberg
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents