Posttraumatic Stress Response Symptoms And Using Alcohol In Breast Cancer Patients After Mastectomy

Introduction: Post-traumatic stress disorder if not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner can lead to alcohol abuse. Objectives: We observed 67 women who underwent mastectomy due to breast cancer. They had Test of Screening for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in different periods (2-8 months after the operation, post-traumatic stress syndrome was revealed, which they associated with mastectomy. Methods: All patients were divided into two groups of the first group - those who had previously abused alcohol (n=12). And the second group was those who did not abuse alcohol before mastectomy (n=55). The degree of alcohol dependence (AUDIT - alcohol consumption test) was determined first by the study after mastectomy, when symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder were detected, and then by an annual examination over five years. Results: All patients had an early wake-up disorder. Also, the patients and their environment noted unmotivated aggression, which led to frequent conflicts in the family and with friends who ended in alcoholic excesses. All the patients noted an increase in the frequency and amount of alcohol consumption. While the patients of the first group did not even try to control the situation and did not feel remorse, the patients of the second group tried to fight against alcohol abuse and underwent antialcohol therapy.. Conclusions: Patients who have undergone a mastectomy may be recommended to undergo test post-traumatic stress disorder (Test of Screening for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)) in time of annual oncologist's inspection and to consults a psychiatrist and narcologist as required.

Author(s): Sushko Vyacheslav V

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