Symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder and adjustment disorder in hematological cancer patients with different treatment regimes

BackgroundSymptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and adjustment disorder (AjD) are common in hematological cancer patients as they face severe stressors during their serious disease and often intensive treatment, such as stem cell transplantation (SCT). Aims of the present study were to provide frequency and risk factors for PTSD and AjD based on updated diagnostic criteria that are lacking to date.Material and methodsIn a cross-sectional study, hematological cancer patients were assessed for stressor-related symptoms via validated self-report questionnaires based on updated criteria for PTSD (PCL-5) and AjD (ADMN-20). Frequency and symptom severity were estimated among the total sample and SCT subgroups (allogeneic, autologous, no SCT). SCT subgroups were compared using Chi-squared-tests and ANOVAs. Linear regression models investigated sociodemographic and medical factors associated with symptomatology.ResultsIn total, 291 patients were included (response rate: 58%). 26 (9.3%), 66 (23.7%) and 40 (14.2%) patients met criteria for cancer-related PTSD, subthreshold PTSD and AjD, respectively. Symptom severity and frequency of criteria-based PTSD and AjD did not differ between SCT subgroups (all p > 0.05). Factors associated with elevated symptomatology were younger age (PTSD: p p = 0.02), physical comorbidity (PTSD: p p < 0.001) and active disease (PTSD: p = 0.12; AjD: p = 0.03).ConclusionBased on new criteria, a considerable part of hematological cancer patients reports PTSD and AjD symptoms. Younger patients and patients with physical symptom burden might be particularly at risk and need to be monitored closely to enable effective treatment at an early stage.

Automated summary

This study aimed to provide the frequency and risk factors for PTSD and AjD in hematological cancer patients based on updated diagnostic criteria. The results showed that a considerable number of patients reported symptoms of PTSD and AjD, and younger patients and those with more severe physical symptoms might be more susceptible.