Objective: Prostate carcinoma is the most frequent tumor in men. The psychosocial distress associated with the diagnosis and the relevant treatment approaches available are summarized and critically evaluated based on the present literature.
Methods: A computer search for appropriate studies was done using previously defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The studies were evaluated for methodological quality based on the criteria of the Cochrane Collaboration.
Results: 47 cross-sectional and longitudinal studies of psychosocial distress and 13 controlled studies with mostly psychoeducative interventions were identified for the period from 1980 to 2007. Psychosocial distress resulted from urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and the related lack of role confidence as well as problems in partnership. The intervention studies reveal their efficacy especially with respect to improved coping with disease in prostate-specific problems. Some studies also show a decrease in depressive symptoms and loss of confidence, improved communication in the partnership and improved physical and emotional well-being of the partner.
Discussion: Because of the broad heterogeneity of the interventions and measuring instruments used, a metaanalysis could not be performed. The results show that even low-threshold, brief interventions may lead to small to moderate effects in disease-specific problems. No intervention studies have yet been performed in Germany.