Being diagnosed with cancer is commonly associated with psychological distress. Especially patients with advanced disease report a range of distinct symptoms that are referred to as existential distress. The conceptualization of existential distress is mainly characterized by the loss of a sense of meaning and purpose in life resulting from the confrontation with a life-threatening disease. Existential distress has a significant impact on health care outcomes and quality of life. It has been found to be associated with suicidal ideation, even in the absence of mental disorders such as depression. Meaning-centered psychotherapy offers effective interventions with regard to reducing existential distress in cancer patients.
Eine Krebserkrankung kann mit starken emotionalen Belastungen einhergehen. Insbesondere Menschen mit fortgeschrittener Erkrankung berichten über ein breites Spektrum an Symptomen, das unter dem Begriff der existenziellen Belastung zusammengefasst wird. Diese Form der Belastung ist mit Einschränkungen der Lebensqualität bis hin zu Suizidgedanken assoziiert. Sinnzentrierte Psychotherapie ist wirksam hinsichtlich der Reduktion existenzieller Belastung.
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