[Mental Health]Negative psychology triggers actual physiological reactions…

Text◆Chen Yingle (Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical Oncology, University of Hong Kong, Specialist in Clinical Oncology)

Side effects usually occur during treatment and vary in scope and severity from person to person, but most will disappear after chemotherapy ends.

No drug is without side effects. Psychological worries can affect physical health. There is no need to amplify the side effects of anti-cancer treatment due to excessive psychological stress or anxiety.

(Hong Kong News) Recently, I went to a community center to explain the side effects of anti-cancer drugs. The host asked: “Are there any anti-cancer drugs that have no side effects?”

I answered affirmatively: “No.”

No anti-cancer drugs and no side effects

In fact, this is a very good question. In anti-cancer treatment, many people hope that drugs will have no side effects, but in fact, it is difficult to avoid side effects even with the mildest treatment. For the reason, let us use the following two practical examples. Discuss it.

1. Placebo effect vs. nocebo effect

In controlled clinical trials, patients in the control group take an ineffective placebo (that is, a fake drug without any pharmaceutical ingredients), but they will experience a certain degree of symptom improvement and therapeutic effect, which is called the placebo effect. This is because patients are full of positive expectations and confidence in the treatment, which produces positive physical and mental effects.

The nocebo effect is the opposite of the placebo effect. When a patient anticipates a negative outcome, related symptoms or side effects occur in reality, which is an actual physiological response due to negative psychology. For example, a patient is told that a certain drug can cause dizziness, even though the drug itself does not have this side effect, but the patient develops symptoms of dizziness because of fear.

Therefore, both the placebo effect and the nocebo effect reflect the importance of patient psychological factors in treatment.

The patient had vomited before chemotherapy

2. Anticipatory vomiting

Many anti-cancer drugs may cause nausea and vomiting. In addition to acute (vomiting immediately after chemotherapy) and delayed vomiting (vomiting 24 hours or after chemotherapy), there is also a type called “anticipatory vomiting”. Anticipatory vomiting refers to the patient’s vomiting reaction before chemotherapy is injected.

The main reason is that patients have experienced severe vomiting reactions to chemotherapy. This experience leads to a conditioned reflex. Even if no drugs are injected, patients will have anticipatory vomiting as long as they come to the day chemotherapy center or smell the smell of drugs. If the patient Being more anxious and nervous can also lead to vomiting.

To solve “anticipatory vomiting”, it is not only necessary to use anti-nausea drugs, but also requires behavioral therapy, as well as anti-anxiety or mood-stabilizing drugs to assist.

Optimism can reduce side effects

If patients can stay positive and optimistic, will cancer treatment have better results?

Research has not shown that staying positive can control the growth of cancer cells. However, some studies indicate that optimism and a positive attitude can alleviate some of the side effects associated with cancer and cancer treatment, leading to a better quality of life for patients. For example, positive emotions can stimulate the neuroendocrine system, regulate the body’s immune function, and enhance the ability to fight against diseases.

Secondly, optimistic and positive patients usually have higher adaptability and adjustment ability, and are better at coping with the various changes in life caused by cancer, such as changes in lifestyle, changes in work, etc., and they are also more outgoing and will find suitable candidates. friends and family helpers.

In addition, people who are always positive and optimistic usually pay more attention to life adjustments, such as diet, sleep, etc. If the quality of diet and sleep is better, they will naturally be better able to cope with the side effects of anti-cancer treatment.

Make positive friends, have fun and laugh

On the road to fighting cancer, it is inevitable that you will sometimes feel sad, angry or depressed. There will always be ups and downs in your mood. This is normal. To maintain a positive attitude, you may consider:

◆Spend more time with positive and positive friends

◆Reduce getting along with negative people

◆Ask friends or family for help when needed

◆Actively participate in gatherings with family and friends

◆Discover new interests and learn new things

◆Laugh out loud as you please

Keep your mood relaxed, smile every day, and the world will be more beautiful.

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