Effectiveness of Supportive Psychotherapy in Patients Suffering from Cervical Cancer

Background: Cervical cancer is the second most occurring cancer amongst Indian women. Cancer patients report that their psychological needs are not met, and studies show that patients with comorbid depression and anxiety are a greater burden on healthcare resources than those with singular disorder. Supportive psychotherapy is one of the most commonly used therapy while working with such patients. Methods: Thirty-two cervical cancer patients, who were diagnosed with stage 1 and stage 2 cervical cancer, within the age range of 30–50 years, diagnosed with mild anxiety and/or depression were recruited for supportive psychotherapy sessions. Pre- and post-psychotherapy evaluation of depression, anxiety, quality of life (QoL), and coping were determined by Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety, WHOQOL BREF, and COPE Inventory, respectively. Statistical analysis was done by paired t -test using SPSS V.20. Results: The study shows that there is significant improvement after postpsychotherapy with regards to all the variables, namely: depression, anxiety, QoL and coping. Conclusion: Supportive psychotherapy is useful in reducing depression, anxiety, and helpful in improving QoL and coping style. Supportive psychotherapy seems to have helped cervical cancer patients cope better with their cancer diagnosis.