Summary: Unmet Mental Health
Addressing the unmet mental health needs of cancer patients in the England.
Introduction:
1.8million people are currently living with cancer in England. This is set to grow to 3million by 2030 (UK Department of Health, Macmillan Cancer Support & NHS Improvement, 2013). This can be largely attributed to an increased prevalence of unhealthy lifestyles. Advancements in treatment and early diagnosis means that 40% are not expected to die from the disease (Macmillan Cancer Support, 2013). 50% are expected to live beyond five years compared to only 28% in the early 1970s (Gordon-Dseagu, 2006).
Whilst many will return to their normal lives many will suffer the consequences of treatment or continue …show more content…
This assessment could use the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety Scale, the 7-item Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale or the Increased Access to Psychological Therapies tool (NICE, 2011b).
NICE 2011a and NICE 2009 both recommend the DSM-IV classification to make a formal diagnosis however, the ICD-10 classification system, that makes a diagnosis based on counting symptoms, is also considered.
There are several limitations that should be addressed. The assessment tools do not take into account the presences of symptoms from physical illness that could result in the incorrect ‘counting’ of symptoms leading to an incorrect diagnosis. None have been validated for use on those living with cancer. With six potential measures identified, it might be confusing for health professionals.
DSM-IV is recommended as the majority of the research uses this measure. It provides definitions for seasonal variations and symptoms that are uncommon, however, as this is not specific to cancer or long-term conditions it could lead to false positive results. More research is required.
Patient Centred …show more content…
(2008). Long-term conditions positive practice guide. [Online]. London: Crown Publishing. [Accessed 1 August 2014]. Available from: http://www.iapt.nhs.uk/silo/files/longterm-conditions-positive-practice-guide.pdf.
Department of Health, Macmillan Cancer Support & NHS Improvement. (2013). Living with and beyond cancer: taking action to improve outcomes. London: Department of Health.
Gordon-Dseagu. (2006). Cancer and Health Inequalities: An Introduction to Current Evidence. London: Cancer Research UK.
Hadert, A. (2013). Adapting cognitive behavioural therapy interventions for anxiety or depression to meet the needs of people with long-term physical health conditions. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of Exeter, Exeter.
Hobbie, W. L., Stuber, M., Meeske, K., Wissler, K., Rourke, M. T., Ruccione, K. et al. (2000). Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress in Young Adult. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 18 (24), 4060-4066.
Layard, R. (2006). The case for psychological treatment centres. London: RL447.
Macmillan Cancer Support. (2013). Cured – but at what cost? Long-term consequences of cancer and its treatment. London: Macmillan Cancer
Introduction:
1.8million people are currently living with cancer in England. This is set to grow to 3million by 2030 (UK Department of Health, Macmillan Cancer Support & NHS Improvement, 2013). This can be largely attributed to an increased prevalence of unhealthy lifestyles. Advancements in treatment and early diagnosis means that 40% are not expected to die from the disease (Macmillan Cancer Support, 2013). 50% are expected to live beyond five years compared to only 28% in the early 1970s (Gordon-Dseagu, 2006).
Whilst many will return to their normal lives many will suffer the consequences of treatment or continue …show more content…
This assessment could use the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety Scale, the 7-item Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale or the Increased Access to Psychological Therapies tool (NICE, 2011b).
NICE 2011a and NICE 2009 both recommend the DSM-IV classification to make a formal diagnosis however, the ICD-10 classification system, that makes a diagnosis based on counting symptoms, is also considered.
There are several limitations that should be addressed. The assessment tools do not take into account the presences of symptoms from physical illness that could result in the incorrect ‘counting’ of symptoms leading to an incorrect diagnosis. None have been validated for use on those living with cancer. With six potential measures identified, it might be confusing for health professionals.
DSM-IV is recommended as the majority of the research uses this measure. It provides definitions for seasonal variations and symptoms that are uncommon, however, as this is not specific to cancer or long-term conditions it could lead to false positive results. More research is required.
Patient Centred …show more content…
(2008). Long-term conditions positive practice guide. [Online]. London: Crown Publishing. [Accessed 1 August 2014]. Available from: http://www.iapt.nhs.uk/silo/files/longterm-conditions-positive-practice-guide.pdf.
Department of Health, Macmillan Cancer Support & NHS Improvement. (2013). Living with and beyond cancer: taking action to improve outcomes. London: Department of Health.
Gordon-Dseagu. (2006). Cancer and Health Inequalities: An Introduction to Current Evidence. London: Cancer Research UK.
Hadert, A. (2013). Adapting cognitive behavioural therapy interventions for anxiety or depression to meet the needs of people with long-term physical health conditions. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of Exeter, Exeter.
Hobbie, W. L., Stuber, M., Meeske, K., Wissler, K., Rourke, M. T., Ruccione, K. et al. (2000). Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress in Young Adult. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 18 (24), 4060-4066.
Layard, R. (2006). The case for psychological treatment centres. London: RL447.
Macmillan Cancer Support. (2013). Cured – but at what cost? Long-term consequences of cancer and its treatment. London: Macmillan Cancer