Psychiatric Care of the Radiation Oncology Patient - Holmes 2017

Psychiatrists are increasingly involved in cancer care. Psychiatrists know less about radiation oncology than other doctors. Psychiatrists should be conversant with radiation therapy (RT) and its neuropsychiatric consequences. We searched PubMed for studies describing RT-related anxiety, claustrophobia, PTSD, and neurocognitive impairment. Radiation necrosis and endocrinopathies may potentially cause psychological problems. We introduce RT delivery. Psychiatrists may treat patients before, during, or after RT, and each phase is distinct. Anxiety over therapy, especially mask immobility, can impede treatment. Psychiatric symptoms can occur from cognitive impairment and endocrinopathies. Consulting psychiatrists should be familiar with RT and its neuropsychiatric repercussions. Additional research is needed to assist patients tolerate RT and to prevent and treat RT-induced cognitive impairment.

Holmes EG, Holmes JA, Park EM. Psychiatric Care of the Radiation Oncology Patient. Psychosomatics. 2017 Sep-Oct;58(5):457-465. doi: 10.1016/j.psym.2017.04.004. Epub 2017 Apr 15. PMID: 28599843; PMCID: PMC5650081.