The influence of cognitive schemas on the mixed anxiety-depressive symptoms of breast cancer patients

BMC Women's Health

Mirela Frandeș¹  Cătălina Giurgi-Oncu²  Ana Cristina Bredicean²  Ion Papavă²  Daciana Grujic³  Ica Secoșan³  Zorin Crăiniceanu³  Ioana Alexandra Riviș⁴  Cristina Oprean⁵ 

[1] Department of Functional Sciences, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy;Department of Neuroscience, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy;Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara;“Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy;“Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy;

关键词: Breast cancer;    Cognitive schemas;    Anxiety;    Depression;    Mastectomy;    Breast reconstruction;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12905-020-00898-7

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Background The surgical treatment of breast cancer involves various psychological consequences, which differ according to individual characteristics. Our study aimed to identify the role that cognitive schemas had in triggering anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients diagnosed with breast cancer that underwent oncological and plastic surgery treatment. Methods 64 female patients, diagnosed with breast cancer from an Oncology and Plastic Surgery Hospital, were selected to participate in this study between March–June 2018. They were divided into two groups: I. 28 patients who underwent mastectomy surgery; II. 36 patients, who required mastectomy and, subsequently, also chose to undergo breast reconstruction surgery. For the purposes of evaluating a possible change in mental health status, we employed two assessment scales: the Young Cognitive Schema Questionnaire - Short Form 3 (YSQ-S3) and the Romanian version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale – 21 (DASS-21R). Results Participants who underwent mastectomy and subsequent breast reconstruction surgery employed cognitive schemas that did not generate symptoms of depression or anxiety. In contrast, the cognitive schemas found in women who refused reconstructive breast surgery were significantly correlated with the presence of anxiety-depressive symptoms. The cognitive schema domain of ‘disconnection and rejection’ correlated uncertainly with the presence of anxiety-depressive symptoms for the group with breast reconstruction (Spearman’s ρ = 0.091, p = 0.644), while for the other group the correlation was moderate-strong (Spearman’s ρ = 0.647, p <  0.01). Negative emotional schemas were significantly correlated with the presence of anxiety-depressive symptoms (Spearman’s ρ = 0.598, p <  0.01) in the group of participants without reconstructive surgery. Conclusion A correct identification of dysfunctional cognitive schemas and coping mechanisms at the commencement of the combined treatment in breast cancer patients could serve as an indicator for the evolution of their mental health, therefore assisting professionals in establishing the most suitable psychological, psychotherapeutic and psychiatric intervention plan.

【 授权许可】

Unknown