Incidence and Psychophysiology of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Breast Cancer Victims and Witnesses

Abstract

The objectives are (a) to evaluate the incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in breast cancer patients and 'witnesses' (i.e., significant others), and (b) to validate - interview-based diagnosis by measuring physiologic responses during script-driven imagery of patients' and witnesses' personal experiences with breast cancer. To date, 35 patients and 26 witnesses have been studied. Telephone interview data have been obtained on an additional 24 patients and 21 witnesses. Results to date suggest that the incidence and physiologic responses of breast cancer patients and witnesses are lower than those of survivors of other traumatic experiences.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 1996
Accession Number
ADB222448

Entities

People

  • Roger K. Pitman

Organizations

  • Harvard College

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Biomedical Research
  • Breast Cancer
  • Diseases And Disorders
  • Institutional Review Board
  • Materials
  • Medical Personnel
  • Mental Disorders
  • Neoplasms
  • Psychiatry
  • Standards
  • Traumatic Stress Disorder

Fields of Study

  • Medicine
  • Psychology

Readers

  • Criminal Law
  • Oncology and Biomarker-Based Cancer Detection.
  • Psychological Intervention/Treatment for Stress, Anxiety, PTSD, and Related Emotional and Cognitive Health Symptoms.