Historically, the term ‘Brain Tumour’ instils a fear and triggers patients to contemplate the burden that would come along with the recourse. Questions such as ‘Will I be bed-ridden?’ or ‘Will I be able to go back to work?’, continue to haunt patients right from the time of detection and diagnosis.
This emotional burden sticks with them throughout the duration of the treatment, recovery and beyond. Hence, it’s imperative for patients to seek or have psychological support from the initial phase of treatment that leads to a healthier mind.
Early psychological therapy interventions can increase the patient’s chances of coping with emotional challenges related to the disease, and implementing such coping strategies from the initial phases significantly reduced anxiety and depression in brain tumour patients.
Here we delve deeper into the complex emotional territory of brain tumours and highlight how important psychological support is for successful rehabilitation.
A Multifaceted Challenge — The Emotional Toll
The emotional toll on an individual who has been diagnosed with a brain tumour does not just end at the immediate fear of having the disease. They are left to deal with the unknown consequences of what lies ahead.
In a 2023 study published in the Journal of Neuro-Oncology, 51.5% of patients exhibited clinically elevated levels of anxiety, and 32.3% exhibited clinically elevated levels of depression at the start of the study. By themselves, these cognitive impairments diminish quality of life considerably; for example, memory loss and fatigue are common as people progress with their illness while many also develop low self-esteem due to personality changes characterised by lack of motivation and heightened irritability.
In some cases, it can even lead to violent behaviour adding undue strain on personal relationships, fostering social isolation, and reinforcing feelings of absolute solitude.
Open and honest communication among physicians, patients, families and caregivers is therefore key in the entire process of diagnosis up to treatment. Patients are able to get individualised support by sharing their fears, worries, and experiences which also helps them actively participate in decisions about their care. Effective communication enhances trust and understanding between all stakeholders involved that is needed to handle the emotional complexities brought by the diagnosis.
Rebuilding Function and Resilience
Brain tumour rehabilitation focuses on maximising patient’s functional independence as well as overall well-being. The multifaceted approach encompasses not only physical difficulties but also emotional and psychosocial difficulties that the patient will face post confirmation of a brain tumour diagnosis.
Healthcare experts treating brain tumour patients collaborate and adopt a multi-disciplinary approach offering many types of therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy, coping skills training, supportive therapy and family therapy providing patients the tools to cope with stress, anxiety and depression.
Beyond the Walls of Therapy
Fighting a brain tumour diagnosis necessitates the cultivation of resilience through therapy and other interventions. This calls for healthy living practices such as exercising regularly, adopting techniques such as yoga and meditation and having a well-balanced diet and enough sleep.
While the psychological impact of brain tumours is significant, advancements in rehabilitation and robust support systems can empower patients to navigate this tumultuous journey and improve their quality of life.
—The author, Dr Nitin A Menon, is Lead Consultant - Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai. The views expressed are personal.
This emotional burden sticks with them throughout the duration of the treatment, recovery and beyond. Hence, it’s imperative for patients to seek or have psychological support from the initial phase of treatment that leads to a healthier mind.
Early psychological therapy interventions can increase the patient’s chances of coping with emotional challenges related to the disease, and implementing such coping strategies from the initial phases significantly reduced anxiety and depression in brain tumour patients.
Here we delve deeper into the complex emotional territory of brain tumours and highlight how important psychological support is for successful rehabilitation.
A Multifaceted Challenge — The Emotional Toll
The emotional toll on an individual who has been diagnosed with a brain tumour does not just end at the immediate fear of having the disease. They are left to deal with the unknown consequences of what lies ahead.
In a 2023 study published in the Journal of Neuro-Oncology, 51.5% of patients exhibited clinically elevated levels of anxiety, and 32.3% exhibited clinically elevated levels of depression at the start of the study. By themselves, these cognitive impairments diminish quality of life considerably; for example, memory loss and fatigue are common as people progress with their illness while many also develop low self-esteem due to personality changes characterised by lack of motivation and heightened irritability.
In some cases, it can even lead to violent behaviour adding undue strain on personal relationships, fostering social isolation, and reinforcing feelings of absolute solitude.
Open Communication is the Bedrock of Trust
Open and honest communication among physicians, patients, families and caregivers is therefore key in the entire process of diagnosis up to treatment. Patients are able to get individualised support by sharing their fears, worries, and experiences which also helps them actively participate in decisions about their care. Effective communication enhances trust and understanding between all stakeholders involved that is needed to handle the emotional complexities brought by the diagnosis.
Rebuilding Function and Resilience
Brain tumour rehabilitation focuses on maximising patient’s functional independence as well as overall well-being. The multifaceted approach encompasses not only physical difficulties but also emotional and psychosocial difficulties that the patient will face post confirmation of a brain tumour diagnosis.
Healthcare experts treating brain tumour patients collaborate and adopt a multi-disciplinary approach offering many types of therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy, coping skills training, supportive therapy and family therapy providing patients the tools to cope with stress, anxiety and depression.
Beyond the Walls of Therapy
Fighting a brain tumour diagnosis necessitates the cultivation of resilience through therapy and other interventions. This calls for healthy living practices such as exercising regularly, adopting techniques such as yoga and meditation and having a well-balanced diet and enough sleep.
While the psychological impact of brain tumours is significant, advancements in rehabilitation and robust support systems can empower patients to navigate this tumultuous journey and improve their quality of life.
—The author, Dr Nitin A Menon, is Lead Consultant - Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai. The views expressed are personal.
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