Symptoms of posttraumatic stress in Australian women with ovarian cancer

ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and nature of symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in women with ovarian cancer. A further aim was to examine the demographic, medical and psychosocial factors associated with PTSD symptoms. MethodOne hundred and eight women with ovarian cancer were assessed for PTSD, quality of life, depression, anxiety, posttraumatic growth, optimism, coping and social support. ResultsClinically significant symptoms were experienced by 9.25% of participants for PTSD, 5.6% for depression and 13.9% for anxiety. Poorer quality of life was associated with total PTSD symptoms, and avoidance and intrusive symptoms. Depression was associated with avoidance and intrusive symptoms. Anxiety was associated with total, avoidance, intrusive and hyperarousal symptoms. Finally, coping by substance use/self-blame was associated with total, avoidance and hyperarousal PTSD symptoms. ConclusionsLevels of PTSD in women with ovarian cancer were equivalent to that of the general population. Poorer quality of life, depression, anxiety and maladaptive coping, characterised by avoidance, substance use and self-blame, were associated with increased symptoms of PTSD. Copyright (c) 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.