Psychological considerations in colonoscopy.

ABSTRACT

In summary, psychological issues around the colonoscopy procedure have not yet been fully studied or even formulated. The framework taken here is to consider psychological preconditions to disease, psychological barriers to screening, and ways to maximize the psychological strength of patients when presenting serious diagnoses. Two common themes are present in this review. First, the idea of hopelessness and loss of personal control is present throughout the research in terms of personality predispositions, decisions to seek care, and outcome of disease when present. Physicians need to address the question, what can I do to maximize the hopefulness of this person before, during, and after screening? Are we encouraging an optimistic perspective in the lives of others? The second theme is closely related and that is the critical nature of the patient/physician relationship in all stages of health/illness behavior. It is often the positive, empathic strength of this relationship that affects patient behavior and ultimately the patient's medical outcome. Future research as well as physician self-examination and increased knowledge in this area are truly important. It is in this way that the procedure of colonoscopy truly becomes part of the total patient care.