![]() ![]() ACT's goal is to create psychological flexibility (PF) in individuals via 6 core processes (i.e., acceptance, defusion, self-as-context, being present, values, and committed action). Therefore, ACT addresses the specific and dynamic nature of cancer adaptability ( 10). Instead, this treatment emphasizes acceptance and values because it affects the emotions of patients with cancer. Hayes in 1983, and compared to other psychological interventions, focuses less on the symptoms of psychological pathology. ![]() Recently, attention to acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for patients with cancer has increased. Also, lack of attention and treatment of post-traumatic stress symptoms in patients with cancer and their survivors can increase pain experience, wish to die, disability, poor self-care, and less healthy lifestyle ( 6, 9). They show it with characteristics such as intense fear, panic, avoidance, and helplessness ( 7, 8). In this regard, studies show that about 50% to 60% of patients with breast cancer perceive cancer diagnosis and treatment as a severe threat to life and physical health. In other words, another outcome of cancer diagnosis and treatment is the amount of stress experienced by patients, which in many cases is similar to the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As a life-threatening disease, cancer can cause cancer-related post-traumatic stress in patients ( 6). Therefore, relief from physical and mental suffering is one of the essential goals of patient care. Today, with care advancements for patients with cancer, the survival rate of this group of patients is increasing. Therefore, the study of the effect of psychological interventions on this syndrome's modulation seems necessary ( 5). On the other hand, despite the need for research on demoralization syndrome related to cancer, clinical factors affecting it and psychotherapy's role to modulate it are not well-established. Therefore, demoralization syndrome is a significant mental health concern in patients with cancer and survivors that need scientific consideration and intervention ( 2, 3). Also, studies show that demoralization syndrome is more closely related to patients' tendency to die and even predicts it better than depression. This syndrome is associated with the patient's persistent perceived inability to cope with the situation. ( 4) defined the demoralization syndrome as “a psychiatric condition characterized by hopelessness, helplessness, lack of meaning, and existential distress”. ![]() One of the most common clinical problems among patients with cancer and survivors is demoralization ( 3). Even months and years after diagnosis or treatment, these patients may still experience psychological distress and emotional dysfunction ( 1, 2). BackgroundĪs one of the most common types of cancer in women, breast cancer can lead to several physical and psychological consequences such as fear of death, fear of cancer recurrence, hopelessness, post-traumatic stress, sleep problems, and reduced quality of life. According to the results, using ACT as a complementary treatment along with medical treatment to prevent and reduce demoralization syndrome and cancer-related trauma is recommended in patients with breast cancer and survivors.īreast Demoralization Post-traumatic Cancer Survivors Acceptance and Commitment Therapy 1. ![]()
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