Cognitive behavioral therapy effects in cancer patients: a review

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has shown consistent efficacy in relation to improved psychological well-being of cancer patients. Objective: To review the literature reported in MeDline, PsycinFO, cinAHl, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences collection in the period from 2005 to 2010 on the effects of cBT in cancer patients. The articles covered the following criteria: Patients on any type or combination of medical treatment, or in follow-up period, evaluation of disorders and/or therapeutic targets based on valid and reliable instruments, and interventions that describe the techniques used CC. We identiied 25 original studies, which are consistent with respect to the beneicial effects of CBT on various indicators of quality of life, inside of which is depression, anxiety, insomnia, pain, cognitive dysfunction and fatigue, as well as management of obesity and overweight in patients at follow-up. no studies conducted in Mexico. We recommend further studies to increase the evidence about the effects long term primarily in populations underrepresented in the studies reviewed.