Psychosocial distress

[6] Symptoms manifest as psychological disorders, decreased ability to work and communicate, and a range of health issues related to stress and metabolism.

However, stigmatization of psychosocial distress is present in various sectors of society and cultures, causing many patients to avoid diagnosis and treatment, in which further action is required to ensure their safety.

As an increasingly relevant field in medical care, further research is required for the development of better treatments for psychosocial distress, with relation to diverse demographics and advances in digital platforms.

[11] 39 different prompts classified as "Practical", "Family", "Emotional", "Spiritual", and "Physical" categories are utilized to evaluate the wellbeing of patients experiencing psychosocial distress.

Psychosocial Distress Management (DM) is mandatory in oncology care for every phase of disease treatment, and it involves screening, assessment, triage, intervention and outcome monitoring.

[17][18] Each stage is personalized based on individual factors of age, race/ethnicity, sex, LGBTQ+, socio-economic status, physical/cognitive limitations, literacy, mental health/substance abuse history, as recommended by the APOS and Association of Oncology Social Work's (AOSW) 2021 consensus panel.

[17] Positively assessed patients are triaged to optimal interventions, while their clinical contacts and referrals are tracked by the health institution to ensure treatment is received.

[19] These targeted referrals are made towards optimal evidence-based treatments based on the patient's specific psychosocial symptoms and individual factors, with adherence to the NCCN's 2020 guidelines.

[32] Hence, in cases where patients decline psychosocial support, educational materials should be provided, accessibility improved via advertising, and comprehensive care integrated in the normal disease treatment.

[35] As a result, the term "Psychosocial Distress" was coined in 1999 by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), as a means to differentiate between the two and destigmatize such discussion between healthcare providers and patients.

[37] However, adherence to these guidelines was lacking until in 2015, "Psychosocial Support" was officialized as a criterion in Commission on Cancer (CoC) accreditation by the American College of Surgeons (ACS), which raised universal recognition of distress.

Photo of a woman suffering from stress and emotional distress.
Diagram illustrating the comprehensive effects of stress on bodily functions.
Diagram illustrating the Distress Thermometer (DT).
Diagram illustrating the 5 steps of psychosocial distress management (DM).
Fetizma- a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor antidepressant (SNRI) for treatment of psychosocial depression symptoms.
Group hug at a patients group therapy.
A video in which clinical health psychologist Dr. Lynne Padgett and cancer survivor Reverend Dr. James Brewer-Calvert discuss the social stigma against mental illnesses.