Decision making and distress among individuals diagnosed with follicular lymphoma

J Psychosoc Oncol. 2012;30(4):426-45. doi: 10.1080/07347332.2012.684853.

Abstract

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is an indolent lymphoma that generally responds well to treatment. However, individuals with FL commonly face multiple complex treatment decision-making (TDM) experiences because it frequently follows a relapsing and remitting course. This study explored TDM and distress among individuals with FL (N = 32). Results indicated that most participants reported little decisional conflict or regret and wanted to be actively involved in TDM. However, more than 25% of participants reported clinically-relevant cancer-specific distress, and 60% indicated moderate or higher anxiety symptoms. Research is needed to clarify the cause and course of the psychological distress revealed in this study.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anxiety / epidemiology
  • Conflict, Psychological
  • Decision Making*
  • Emotions
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, Follicular / diagnosis
  • Lymphoma, Follicular / psychology*
  • Lymphoma, Follicular / therapy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Participation / psychology*
  • Stress, Psychological / epidemiology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires