Open AccessPsychiatric disorders in adolescent cancer survivors: A systematic review of prevalence and predictors
Author(s) -
Kosir Urska,
Wiedemann Milan,
Wild Jennifer,
Bowes Lucy
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
cancer reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.261
H-Index - 5
ISSN - 2573-8348
DOI - 10.1002/cnr2.1168
Subject(s) - psychosocial , anxiety , clinical psychology , psychiatry , psychological intervention , distress , mental health , medicine , coping (psychology) , population , depression (economics) , medline , environmental health , political science , law , economics , macroeconomics
Background Adolescent cancer survivors are a particularly vulnerable group of young patients. Compared with healthy peers, adolescent survivors face more psychosocial difficulties and are at increased risk of developing psychiatric disorders. Aims We aimed to establish prevalence rates and predictors of psychiatric disorders in young cancer survivors and discuss areas for targeted interventions. Method We systematically reviewed four major online databases: Embase, PsychINFO, Scopus, and Medline for quantitative studies evaluating mental health in adolescent cancer survivors. We used a narrative synthesis approach. Results Nineteen studies met our inclusion criteria. Across the sample, up to 34% met criteria for post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), 13% for clinical depression, and 8% for anxiety. Maladaptive coping, illness relapse, higher number of late effects, brain tumor diagnosis, and poor family functioning and parental distress were associated with higher psychological distress. Conclusions A significant subset of adolescent survivors reports PTSD, anxiety, and depression symptoms. Individuals who present with more vulnerabilities and higher risk indices should be routinely assessed in order to reduce the psychological, social, and economic burden associated with poor mental health in this population. Early prevention strategies should target maladaptive coping mechanisms and promote healthy peer relationships and family functioning.