Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Cancer diagnosis and treatment may lead to a sense of helplessness and anxiety. Some survivors ignore these feelings as they try to move on with their lives. Unfortunately, studies show that unresolved feelings of helplessness and anxiety may actually increase the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Kazak et al., 1997). PTSD is estimated to occur in as many as one-fifth of all pediatric cancer patients (President's Cancer Panel, p. 45). Symptoms of PTSD include:

• Recurring and distressing dreams or recollections about the traumatic event.
• Inability to recall important aspects of the trauma.
• Heightened arousal, such as nausea or increased heart rate, triggered by reminders of the original experience.
• Feelings of detachment from others.
• Sleep disturbances.
• Irritability or outbursts of anger.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Intrusive, unwanted thoughts.
• Avoidance of stress-inducing settings and situations.

If you feel that you are experiencing symptoms of PTSD, you may want to contact a professional counselor or your hospital social worker. For a list of specialists and support groups in your area, contact the National Association of Social Workers at www.naswdc.org or the American Psychological Association at 1-800-964-2000.