The American Cancer Society web site news describes research of the stress of parents whose children have been treated for cancer.
Link: ACS :: Parents of Kids with Cancer Suffer Post-traumatic Stress
Summary: A study of the parents of children undergoing treatment for cancer finds that in most of the families, at least one of the parents has symptoms of post-traumatic stress. Although the symptoms may fade with time, they can interfere with the care of the child and the parent's well-being, researchers from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia report in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Why it's important: In the past, parents who were having trouble dealing with their child's illness were thought to be either "anxious" or "depressed." But the parents may really be having symptoms of post-traumatic stress, which can be far more damaging. Parents who experience these symptoms may have trouble complying with their child's caregiving needs. They may respond inappropriately to health care providers. The family may not function well when cancer treatment is over. Recognizing the post-traumatic symptoms and helping parents overcome them may avoid these problems.
The bottom line: The study authors say health care providers need to be aware of the effect cancer treatments and tests may have on the psychological health of the parents. Parents should be counseled on how to deal with the stress of their child's treatment and taught when to seek more extensive professional help.
Every man is his own worst enemy
Posted by: woolrich outlet | December 17, 2011 at 08:14 PM