Psychiatric Disorders in Cancer Patients
Expert-defined terms from the Postgraduate Certificate in Psycho-Oncology course at LearnUNI. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
**Anorexia** #
**Anorexia**
Concept #
Anorexia, in the context of cancer, refers to a loss of appetite or a decrease in food intake that can lead to weight loss and malnutrition.
Explanation #
Anorexia is a common symptom in cancer patients, caused by a variety of factors including the cancer itself, treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation, and psychological factors. It can lead to significant weight loss, malnutrition, and decreased quality of life.
**Cachexia** #
**Cachexia**
Concept #
Cachexia is a complex metabolic disorder characterized by weight loss, muscle wasting, and weakness.
Explanation #
Cachexia is a common and often irreversible condition in advanced cancer patients, and is associated with poor prognosis. It is caused by a combination of factors including anorexia, inflammation, and metabolic abnormalities.
**Delirium** #
**Delirium**
Concept #
Delirium is an acute disturbance in attention and awareness, characterized by confusion, disorientation, and changes in cognition.
Explanation #
Delirium is a common complication in cancer patients, especially in those who are hospitalized or receiving palliative care. It can be caused by a variety of factors including medication side effects, infections, and metabolic abnormalities.
**Depression** #
**Depression**
Concept #
Depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities.
Explanation #
Depression is a common complication in cancer patients, with a prevalence of up to 25%. It can have a significant impact on quality of life, treatment adherence, and survival.
**Fatigue** #
**Fatigue**
Concept #
Fatigue is a subjective feeling of physical, emotional, and cognitive tiredness or exhaustion.
Explanation #
Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms experienced by cancer patients, and can be caused by the cancer itself, treatments, and psychological factors. It can have a significant impact on daily functioning and quality of life.
**Neuropsychological** #
**Neuropsychological**
Concept #
Neuropsychological refers to the study of the relationship between the brain and behavior, including cognitive, emotional, and social functioning.
Explanation #
Neuropsychological assessments are used to evaluate cognitive and emotional functioning in cancer patients, and can help to identify areas of impairment and inform treatment planning.
**Neuropsychiatric** #
**Neuropsychiatric**
Concept #
Neuropsychiatric refers to disorders that affect the brain and behavior, including cognitive, emotional, and motor functioning.
Explanation #
Neuropsychiatric symptoms are common in cancer patients and can include delirium, depression, and cognitive impairment.
**Neurotoxicity** #
**Neurotoxicity**
Concept #
Neurotoxicity refers to damage to the nervous system caused by exposure to toxic substances, including chemotherapy and radiation.
Explanation #
Neurotoxicity can have a significant impact on quality of life, and can manifest as peripheral neuropathy, cognitive impairment, or encephalopathy.
**Psychosis** #
**Psychosis**
Concept #
Psychosis is a serious mental disorder characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.
Explanation #
Psychosis is a rare but serious complication in cancer patients, and can be caused by the cancer itself, treatments, or other factors.
**Psycho #
oncology**
Concept #
Psycho-oncology is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on the psychological, social, and behavioral aspects of cancer.
Explanation #
Psycho-oncology aims to improve the quality of life of cancer patients and their families through the prevention, early detection, and treatment of psychological distress.
**Sleep Disturbance** #
**Sleep Disturbance**
Concept #
Sleep disturbance refers to problems with the quality, duration, or timing of sleep.
Explanation #
Sleep disturbances are common in cancer patients, and can be caused by the cancer itself, treatments, or psychological factors. They can have a significant impact on quality of life and daily functioning.
**Suicide** #
**Suicide**
Concept #
Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one's own death.
Explanation #
Suicide is a rare but serious complication in cancer patients, and is associated with depression, hopelessness, and poor quality of life.
**Tumor Lysis Syndrome** #
**Tumor Lysis Syndrome**
Concept #
Tumor lysis syndrome is a metabolic disorder caused by the rapid destruction of cancer cells.
Explanation #
Tumor lysis syndrome can lead to electrolyte imbalances, renal failure, and hyperuricemia, and can have a significant impact on quality of life and survival.
**Wernicke’s Encephalopathy** #
**Wernicke’s Encephalopathy**
Concept #
Wernicke’s encephalopathy is a neurological disorder caused by thiamine deficiency.
Explanation #
Wernicke’s encephalopathy is a medical emergency and can lead to confusion, ataxia, and ophthalmoplegia. It is a rare but serious complication in cancer patients, and is associated with poor prognosis.