PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS IN SURVIVORS OF HODGKINS-DISEASE

The object of this study was to reveal the psychological distress amon g survivors of Hodgkin's disease. Between 1985 and 1993, 55 patients w ere treated for Hodgkin's disease at our small oncological unit. In De cember 1994 all 49 survivors were mailed a questionnaire consisting of the Impact-of-Event Scale and a visual-analogue scale measuring quali ty of life, to which 42 patients responded (86%). Half of the patients reported moderate to high levels of psychological distress. Scores pr edicting significant stress response syndrome were revealed in 19% of the patients. Women reported statistically significant lower psycholog ical distress on the intrusion (P=0.025) and avoidance scale (P=0.047) and a higher quality of life (P=0.032). In order to improve patients' care and support, cases at risk should be identified. Among patients with Hodgkin's disease, men seems to be at highest risk, This study sh ould be helpful for developing supportive interventions for survivors of Hodgkin's disease.