[Psychological adjustment and prevalence of psychiatric disorders in cancer patients]. / Adaptación psicológica y prevalencia de trastornos mentales en pacientes con cáncer.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and the predictors of mental disorders in cancer patients. PATIENTS AND METHOD: 400 ambulatory cancer patients were included in the study. All the patients with a score of 14 or higher in the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) received a structured clinical interview (SCID-I. DSMIV) with the objective of determining the prevalence of mental disorders. RESULTS: 24% cancer patients had criteria for a mental disorder. The predictors of mental disorders were radiotherapy treatment, psychopharmacological treatment and pain. CONCLUSIONS: These results support the need to assess the possible anxious and depressive symptoms during cancer treatment and follow up. The predictors found can help to detect possible psychiatric cases in cancer patients.

Unified Protocol for psychiatric and psychological assessment of candidates for transplantation of organs and tissues, PSI-CAT.

INTRODUCTION: Transplantation is the treatment option that offers improved survival and quality of life as compared to organ failure. Psychiatric and psychological aspects of transplant candidates are important, especially in the pre-assessment stage, as the influence of these factors can hinder post-surgical outcome in both the implanted organ survival and the quality of life of the transplanted person. Of particular importance, are the factors related to pathology due to substance use, psychopathology, and psychosocial support. There are currently few guidelines on the correct evaluation of patients eligible for these complex procedures. METHOD: Nineteen psychiatrists and clinical psychologists from six public hospitals in Catalonia conducted a systematic consensus to determine the design of a Unified Protocol psychological and psychiatric evaluation. An annual work plan was implemented, during which; the objectives were defined, a literature review was conducted, the inclusion and exclusion criteria were discussed, questionnaires were selected, and a structured interview was developed. RESULTS: With the implementation of the work plan, the Assessment Protocol presented in this article was designed. CONCLUSIONS: systematic work and improving cooperation between psychiatrists and clinical psychologists, has led to homogeneity and consensus on a unified evaluation protocol.

Dispositional optimism and coping strategies in patients with a kidney transplant.

INTRODUCTION:  Dispositional optimism is a personal resource that determines the coping style and adaptive response to chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the correlations between dispositional optimism and coping strategies in patients with recent kidney transplantation and evaluate the differences in the use of coping strategies in accordance with the level of dispositional optimism.  MATERIAL AND METHOD: Patients who were hospitalised in the nephrology department were selected consecutively after kidney transplantation was performed. The evaluation instruments were the Life Orientation Test-Revised, and the Coping Strategies Inventory. The data were analysed with central tendency measures, correlation analyses and means were compared using Student’s t-test.  RESULTS:  66 patients with a kidney transplant participated in the study. The coping styles that characterised patients with a recent kidney transplantation were Social withdrawal and Problem avoidance. Correlations between dispositional optimism and coping strategies were significant in a positive direction in Problem-solving (p<.05) and Cognitive restructuring (p<.01), and inversely with Self-criticism (p<.05). Differences in dispositional optimism created significant differences in the Self-Criticism dimension (t=2.58; p<.01).  CONCLUSIONS: Dispositional optimism scores provide differences in coping responses after kidney transplantation. Moreover, coping strategies may influence the patient’s perception of emotional wellbeing after kidney transplantation.