Anxiety, Depression, Distress, and Resilience in Patients with Haematological Malignancies. The Effect of Nine Weeks of Psychological Support on Psychological Status and Stress Biological Markers

Background: Subjects affected by hematological malignancies may suffer relevant psychosocial alterations. Methods: Thirty-eight patients involved in a nine-weeks psychological support program were evaluated before and after the treatment using psychometric assessment scales and through the study of stress biological markers such as brain derived neurotrophic factor, cortisol and adrenocorticotropic homone (ACTH) levels, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. A control group consisting of hematological patients comparable to the study group but who were not subjected to psychological support was created for the evaluation of biological variables. In this group the biological markers were also studied with an interval of 9 weeks. Results: Participation in the psychological treatment was found to be correlated with reduction in self-reported anxiety and depression, and improvement of distress thermometer, impact of event scale, and needs evaluation. On the other hand, no change was evident about the quality of life and in mindfulness. Plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were increased after the retreat. In the control group we evidenced an increase of ACTH concentrations after nine weeks, testifying an increase in stress levels. Conclusions: The psychological health is proved as essential to preserve and enhance well-being in hematological patients. Therefore, the psychosocial area must be integrated in all regards in the context of ordinary care.