[Effect of psychological interventions on psychosocial variables in patients with colorectal cancer: a narrative review of the literature]. / Efecto de intervenciones psicológicas sobre variables psicosociales en pacientes con cáncer colorrectal: una revisión narrativa de la literatura.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To describe the effects of psychological interventions on anxiety, depression, emotional distress and/or quality of life (QoL) of patients with colorectal cancer. Methods: Narrative literature review in MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Cochrane Library, 2011-2021. Results: A total of 553 articles were obtained, of which twelve were included. Most were brief, individual, face-to-face interventions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy was the most reported intervention, showing positive effects on QoL, specifically in stoma patients; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and solution-focused therapy also identified improvements in QoL. Reminiscence therapy and a self-efficacy intervention reported significant improvements in anxiety and depression. Relaxation and writing training were not proven effective; psychoeducation showed inconsistent effects. Conclusion: There is a paucity of studies conducted during the last years, which do not evidence a consensus of the therapeutic model that produces consistent improvements in psychological well-being.