STRESS AND DIAGNOSIS UNCERTAINTY
by DrJudy
Filed under Stress Research and Studies, Stress World News
STRESS MANAGEMENT RESEARCH CONSIDERING PATIENT ANXIETY AND UNCERTAINTY IS INTERESTING READING
Stress research has recently shown that for anxious patients not knowing a possible diagnosis can cause more stress than actually knowing that you have a serious illness. Stress and anxiety levels are higher with diagnosis uncertainty. At the recent annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America, Associate Professor of Radiology, Dr Elvira Lang, reported on the study undertaken by herself and a colleague at the Harvard Medical School in Boston.
STRESS AND ANXIETY LEVELS OF PATIENTS
Dr Lang reported that the study looked at 214 women of which a group who were waiting to undertake uterine fibroid tumor treatment or cancer treatment and a group who were undertaking a breast biopsy. Prior to undergoing these medical procedures these women all completed tests that would measure their levels of anxiety and stress.
This stress related research found women coming in for a breast biopsy and therefore uncertain of what the diagnosis would be, had significantly higher levels on tests for anxiety and slightly higher on other tests, than those women already diagnosed and having treatment for fibroids and malignant cancer.
HAVING A DIAGNOSIS HELPS IN STRESS MANAGEMENT
Dr Lang found that when people receive a diagnosis, even though it is negative and confirms a serious illness they did gain some control and understanding of their situation and also treatment options. For those without a diagnosis, they did not have this understanding or control and therefore, did not know how to handle the situation and were more anxious and stressed.
STRESS MANAGEMENT LANGUAGE
Further, Dr Lang suggested that it would be beneficial for health care institutions to deal with this patient anxiety. This is assisted by using different language rather than ‘it will only hurt a little bit’ and removing words like ‘hurt’ in explanations and using more clear comfort-based language that did focus on reinforcing the personal strengths of patients in dealing with the situation.
STRESS MANAGEMENT AND STRESS RELIEF IMPLICATIONS
This study has implications for our further understanding of stress relief and stress management. When you remove uncertainty and you know what you are dealing with then your stress, anxiety and worry levels can be significantly reduced, even though such knowledge can have negative consequences.
At the Global Organization for Stress, you can also read further summaries of stress research and studies relating to issues of stress relief and stress management.
STRESS AND A STRESS RELIEF EXPRESSION SESSION
by DrJudy
Filed under Stress Management Strategies
STRESS CAN BE RELEASED WITH A SPECIAL STRESS RELIEF EXPRESSION SESSION…
Stress and tension and strain can be reduced when you express yourself and communicate your feelings.
Stress management and stress relief experts suggest that you need to get our feelings out.
When you keep your feelings and thoughts inside, they can build up and cause further physical, psychological and emotional stress.
THE POWER OF A GROUP STRESS REDUCTION PROCESS
So get those stressful feelings out. Arrange with a group of friends to have a regular stress reduction expression session.
This session is for each person to vent and complain about everything and anything they want to. Other members should simply listen attentively and not judge what is said. This is a very important group process.
THE GETTING IT OUT STRESS MANAGEMENT PURPOSE
The purpose of this stress relief expression session is not to come up with solutions or advice. It is simply a chance to have a good whinge, to vent and express those feelings and thoughts. You will find your anxiety and tension will dissipate as your bottled up stress disappears.
WHAT ARE YOUR IDEAS FOR THE STRESSED OUT?
What are your thoughts about a stress relief expression session? Add your comments to this latest post and share your thoughts with others. We would also be delighted to read about your own stress management and stress relief strategies.
FROM THE GLOBAL ORGANIZATION FOR STRESS
These stress ideas and strategies are brought to you by the Association of the Global Organization for Stress. Do you know of others who would benefit from these stress tips? Then tell them to sign up as a free basic member for the Global Organization for Stress right now…
READY TO BEGIN YOUR PREMIUM ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP?
If you are wanting more in-depth information on stress, stress management and stress relief? Then it is time for you to upgrade and become a Premium Association Member of the Global Organization for Stress.
