Schepper F, Schachtschabel S, Christiansen H
Abteilung für Pädiatrische Onkologie, Hämatologie und Hämostaseologie, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig, Liebigstraße 20a, Leipzig, Germany.
Klin Padiatr. 2012 Apr;224(3):201-6. doi: 10.1055/s-0032-1306347. Epub 2012 Apr 13.
In the last decades the chances of surviving childhood cancer have increased. Nowadays psychological and psychosocial long term side effects become more spotlighted. Especially the posttraumatic stress disorder is focused at the moment as a possible side effect of childhood cancer. Cancer as a life-threatening illness is unpredictable and associated with repeating loads, such as medical procedures or treatment. Most of the patients report anxiety, especially young children have an increased risk of making a traumatic experience while undergoing medical treatment. A psychological support before, meanwhile and after can ensure compliance as well as reducing emotional and behavioral disorders. Even preventive impact is conceivable. Therefore psychological support has become a standard in pediatric cancer treatment. The current case report of the 10 year old Tom is a practical example how to support has undergoing medical procedures. The interventions described have the aim of stabilizing the patient and reducing his anxiety and discomfort. They also show an effect on self-efficacy.
