Choose one chronic illness (heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, asthma, cancer, kidney disease, lupus, Alzheimer disease, etc.) and discuss the ways in which psychology is involved at various stages such as at the initial onset of symptoms, diagnosis, and ongoing management of symptoms and treatments. You can do research online or talk to someone you know who has the chronic illness you chose to cover.

 

Share at least one behavioral change a family member or friend can make to help someone who has the selected chronic illness.

The chronic illness we can choose and discuss about is cancer.

References-

Cassileth BR, Lusk EJ, Strouse TB, et al. A psychological analysis of cancer patients and their next-of-kin. Cancer. 1985 Jan;55(1):72-76. DOI: 10.1002/1097-0142(19850101)55:1<72::aid-cncr2820550112>3.0.co;2-s.

Step-by-step explanation

The C word is a scary one. Any individual who hears the word cancer is scared and filled with dread. There are various tests and procedures that are done to get to this diagnosis. The onset of symptoms can varies from individual to individual. Some have a genetic history of cancer in their families while others work in environments that can be very stressful and lead to cancer. Every person will react to symptoms differently. Some one with a strong personality might think that it is nothing serious and might be due to some minor issue. Some person who worries a lot might get stressed with the symptoms and think about the inevitable. Therefore, how a person reacts to the symptoms initially depends on their personality traits and attitude.

How the diagnosis is explained to the patient is very crucial. If the doctor does not do this delicately, it can cause more stress and anxiety to the patient. Generally, doctors ask a caregiver or family member to come along with the patient to explain their report and diagnosis. If this is done properly, the patient might not feel as scared and anxious. The way people react to this news also depends on their personalities. Some might be in denial at first. they will be unable to digest that they have been diagnosed with something like this. Others might get upset and sad and feel that their life is coming to an end. This might lead to depression or anxiety disorders.

Management of symptoms and treatment of cancer is challenging. Chemotherapy sessions drain out the patient and they become weak and their immune system gets compromised. Vaccinations and medication are painful and have many side effects like hair loss, weight loss, loss of appetite, liver and kidney problems etc. This might weaken the patient's morale and make them question the treatment and disease. If the patient does not have a good support group, it becomes more difficult to cope with the disease. Talking to a therapist about this sudden life change is very helpful. Many people who go to therapists report feeling that they can cope better with the disease because of this. Every individual uses a different coping mechanism and what works for one might now work for another. How they cope with the stress of the disease depends on their psychological make up, their thoughts, feelings and frontal lobe functions.

One behavioral change that the family member can make is to not be sorry or sympathetic all the time towards the patient suffering from cancer. Many times, patients have reported feeling like they are treated delicately or in such a way that they are fragile. It is important to keep a relationship that existed before the patient got diagnosed. This will help them to cope better.