Fundamentos para la elaboración de un plan psicoterapéutico en adolescentes con cáncer.

Abstract

The objective of the following essay is to base the elaboration of a psychotherapeutic intervention plan for adolescents with initial diagnosis of cancer. Cancer is considered a problem that in recent years has increased morbidity and mortality rates. Receiving news of cancer in adolescence can cause an emotional imbalance. Young people with initial diagnosis of cancer sometimes lack coping strategies, since they respond with disbelief, isolation, aggression, irritability and fear of death. There is no scientific evidence of psychological therapies designed specifically for the group of adolescents despite the higher probability of diagnosis at this stage; however, today there are different forms of intervention to treat the emotional responses caused by cancer, among which the following are highlighted: the psychosocial model, counseling, acceptance and commitment therapy, emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Currently, cognitive-behavioral therapy has shown greater empirical evidence and is considered an effective treatment in adolescents with cancer. Adjuvant psychological therapy with cognitive behavioral focus is a proposal of psychological treatment specifically for people with cancer by Folkman and Greer, this emphasizes the emotions and therapeutic relationship with the aim of reducing emotional distress, develop coping strategies and improve quality of life.