Treatment related psychological distress during adjuvant chemotherapy as a conditioned response Journal Article


Authors: Sabbioni, M. E. E.; Bovbjerg, D. H.; Jacobsen, P. B.; Manne, S. L.; Redd, W. H.
Article Title: Treatment related psychological distress during adjuvant chemotherapy as a conditioned response
Abstract: Summary: Patients receiving cycles of cytotoxic chemotherapy for cancer often experience noxious side effects following treatments and may develop classically conditioned side effects, such as anticipatory nausea and vomiting (ANV) during the course of repeated infusions. The present study explored the possibility that classical conditioning processes may also contribute to treatment related psychological distress. Sixty-six patients, scheduled for adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer (stages I, II, IIIa), agreed to participate. Patients were assessed in the clinic on the first day of every chemotherapy cycle and in their homes three to five days before their final cycle. Patients experienced considerable psychological distress during the course of chemotherapy, and particularly before the first infusion. Prior to the last cycle of chemotherapy, psychological distress was significantly higher in the clinic environment than in patients' homes. Consistent with classical conditioning, psychological distress did not escalate over the days before treatment, but rather increased abruptly when patients returned to the clinic. The results of the present study indicate that several factors are involved in patients' anticipatory psychological distress and highlight the potential contribution that conditioning processes may make to patients' emotional distress in the clinic environment. © 1992 Kluwer Academic Publishers.
Keywords: adult; major clinical study; doxorubicin; fluorouracil; chemotherapy; methotrexate; antineoplastic agent; breast cancer; nausea; vomiting; lorazepam; psychology; cyclophosphamide; dexamethasone; thiotepa; vinblastine; adjuvant chemotherapy; prochlorperazine; intravenous drug administration; psychological distress; oral drug administration; anticipation; human; female; article; anticipatory side effects; classical conditioning
Journal Title: Annals of Oncology
Volume: 3
Issue: 5
ISSN: 0923-7534
Publisher: Oxford University Press  
Date Published: 1992-05-01
Start Page: 393
End Page: 398
Language: English
PUBMED: 1616894
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.annonc.a058214
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 30 July 2019 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Sharon L. Manne
    29 Manne
  2. William H. Redd
    48 Redd