Anxiety disorders

Anxiety is a natural emotional reaction to a threatening situation. A tumor diagnosis can also be a threatening situation that triggers anxiety. However, the presence of anxiety is not the same as a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder. If anxiety occurs over a period of weeks and exceeds the normal level, an anxiety disorder may be present.Fears that are frequently described by cancer patients include

• Fear of dying from the disease,
• Fear of being “at the mercy of others”,
• Fear of the consequences of treatment,
• fear of “abandonment” and social isolation,
• Fear of pain and suffering

These fears reduce the quality of life and significantly restrict everyday life. They can manifest themselves, for example, as panic disorder with sudden anxiety attacks lasting a few minutes or as generalized anxiety disorder with a feeling of inner tension and restlessness about an object that is not clearly defined over a longer period of time.In addition to psychological stress, anxiety can also trigger physical symptoms, such as a racing heart, sweating, shortness of breath, dizziness, stomach and intestinal problems, sleep disorders, nervousness, trembling, tension, irritability, concentration problems and exhaustion.

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Adjustment disorder

An adjustment disorder is a mental illness that occurs when a person has difficulty adapting to stressful life circumstances or coping with certain changes. These changes can affect various areas of life, such as relationships, work, health or place of residence. Typical triggers for adjustment disorders are major life changes such as the loss of a loved one, separation, divorce, job loss, relocation or a serious illness such as cancer.

An adjustment disorder is therefore caused by an unfavorable or absent processing of a drastic, emotionally stressful event.The symptoms of an adjustment disorder can be varied and include emotional reactions such as

• Sadness,
• anxiety,
• irritability,

but also

• sleep disorders,
• concentration problems and
• social withdrawal and isolation.

In contrast to an anxiety disorder or depression, this disorder often begins up to one month after the triggering event and lasts for a maximum of six months. Adjustment disorders are therefore usually temporary. Symptoms usually improve over time as patients learn to deal with the situation or it changes.Depending on the severity and intensity of the anxiety disorder, professional help through therapy or counseling may be required to strengthen coping skills and alleviate symptoms. This should first be discussed with the treating doctors.

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Depression

Depression is a mental illness characterized by persistent and deep feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness and loss of interest. Depression is described as a depressed mood. It does not describe a short-term emotional state, but a persistent condition that affects all areas of daily life.

The symptoms of depression can be physical, emotional and cognitive. These include

• persistent sadness or a feeling of emptiness
• Reduced interest and pleasure in previously enjoyed activities
• Lack of energy and excessive tiredness

The following symptoms may also occur:

• Sleep disturbances
• Reduced concentration and attention
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
• Thoughts of death or suicide

The risk of developing depression in the context of cancer is four times higher. Factors favoring the occurrence of mental illness are pain, physical complaints, fatigue and a history of mental illness. Some of these points occur significantly more frequently in tumor patients.