Families with children aged 0-18 who are navigating pediatric cancer face numerous challenges throughout diagnosis and treatment. While many children are resilient during the treatment journey, the emotional, social, cognitive, behavioral, and physical health needs of both patients and their families require careful attention. Mental health professionals and psychologists play a crucial role in helping families manage challenges, reduce stress, and adapt to periods of change and uncertainty.
Ways Psychological and Behavioral Health Support Can Help
Psychologists and mental health service providers can assist in several ways, including:
- Coping with emotional challenges and adapting to life changes caused by illness.
- Managing treatments and their side effects effectively.
- Providing strategies for pain management.
- Supporting adherence to medical routines such as taking medications, wearing masks, or completing rehabilitation exercises.
- Reducing stress during medical procedures.
- Addressing sleep-related issues.
- Identifying and treating depression and anxiety.
- Tackling developmental delays and cognitive concerns.
- Offering educational assessments and support.
- Assisting with transitions at the end of treatment.
- Supporting families through grief and loss.
- Providing guidance for long-term survivors to cope with their new normal.
Psychological Assessments
Psychological evaluations help mental health professionals understand problems better and identify care needs. During an assessment, a psychologist or trained specialist meets with the child and their caregivers to discuss thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Tools like questionnaires may also be used. Additionally, psychologists review medical records and consult with other care team members to provide recommendations for educational support or accommodations.
Based on the type of cancer and treatment, assessments may focus on:
- Attention span
- Learning and IQ
- Memory
- Academic and job-related skills
- Language and communication abilities
- Emotional well-being
- Behavior patterns
- Developmental milestones
- Physical well-being
Types of Psychological Treatments
Various treatment approaches can address psychological concerns, including:
- Therapy options such as talk therapy or cognitive-behavioral interventions.
- Behavioral techniques for managing stress and anxiety, including relaxation and biofeedback.
- Family counseling, group therapy, or peer support groups tailored to age or shared experiences.
Mental health professionals also collaborate with hospitals and social workers to ensure comprehensive support, covering aspects like medical care, social reintegration, and mental health education.
Some challenges can be resolved with short-term interventions, while others may require long-term or more complex therapies.
Finding a Psychologist or Mental Health Provider
Mental health professionals who support pediatric cancer patients and their families often provide care as part of a multidisciplinary team. Services may include:
- Psychiatrists
- Clinical psychologists or neuropsychologists
- Psychiatric nurses
- Medical social workers
- Professional counselors
- Pastoral counselors
Families can access mental health services through their care team or seek community-based providers. Care teams often help connect families with local resources and organizations for further support.
Treatments for Depression
Engaging with a Trained Therapist
Speaking with a skilled therapist is one of the most effective treatments for depression.
Some people opt for therapy lasting several months to address specific issues.
Others may choose therapy spanning years to work through more complex challenges.
The choice depends on you and your therapist’s recommendations.
Here are some commonly used therapies:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
This therapy helps you understand how your behaviors and thought patterns contribute to depression.
Your therapist will guide you in recognizing and changing negative behaviors. - Interpersonal Therapy (IPT):
IPT focuses on your relationships with others and how they affect you.
The therapist highlights unhelpful habits and works with you to improve them. - Problem-Solving Therapy:
This approach addresses specific problems you’re facing and helps you find practical solutions.
Medications for Depression
Medication is another common treatment for depression.
If one antidepressant doesn’t work, your doctor may suggest a different one or adjust the dosage.
Sometimes, a combination of medications is recommended.
There are several types of antidepressants available, including:
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
Some of the most commonly prescribed SSRIs are:
- Celexa (citalopram)
- Lexapro (escitalopram)
- Paxil (paroxetine)
- Prozac (fluoxetine)
- Zoloft (sertraline)
Other serotonergic antidepressants include:
- Brintellix (vortioxetine)
- Viibryd (vilazodone)
Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
Examples of SNRIs include:
- Cymbalta (duloxetine)
- Effexor (venlafaxine)
- Fetzima (levomilnacipran)
- Pristiq
- Khedezla (desvenlafaxine)
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
These are some of the earliest medications used for depression.
Common TCAs include:
- Amitriptyline (Elavil)
- Desipramine (Norpramin)
- Doxepin (Adapin, Sinequan)
- Imipramine (Tofranil)
- Nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor)
- Protriptyline (Vivactil)
Other Medications
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Aplenzin)
- Mirtazapine (Remeron)
You can also read : Emotional Maturity Tips for Stability in Life
Recommendations for Successful Treatment
Active participation is key to effective treatment.
Instead of feeling like a passive patient, work collaboratively with your healthcare provider.
It’s natural to feel skeptical or unsure about treatments at first.
However, consistent effort can lead to noticeable improvements.
Here are some tips for success:
- Follow your treatment plan.
- Take prescribed medications as directed.
- Do not stop taking medications without your doctor’s approval.
- Adopt healthy lifestyle changes.
- Reduce stress at home and work.
- Be honest with your therapist or doctor.
- Stay open to new ideas.
- Don’t give up.
Treatment, combined with persistence, can help restore your energy and confidence.
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