Abstract
The peri-diagnostic period for cancer patients and their families is regularly associated with acute and chronic emotional turmoil. Mood disorders, Panic disorders, Adjustment disorders and syndromes similar to PTSD are often evident.
Given the high and not unexpected affective dysregulation following a diagnosis of cancer there is clearly a place for mood related psychoeducation interventions for this medical cohort (cancer patients) whom are often placed into a position of powerlessness by the psychobiosocial implications of the diagnosis of cancer.
There is some evidence that a positive mental state may correlate with improved survival rates for some forms of cancer. Such psychobiological findings may support a link between emotional equilibrium and immune regulation.
This paper outlines a psychoeducative intervention for patients recently diagnosed with cancer. The methodology and mood tools offered to cancer patients are discussed. Paradigms that combine optimal mood balance, robust immune function and prolonged quality survival rates are also explored.