Annals of behavioral medicine : a publication of the Society of Behavioral Medicine
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Distress is Interdependent in Patients and Caregivers with Newly Diagnosed Incurable Cancers.
Individuals with advanced, incurable cancer often experience high physical and psychological symptom burden. Family and friend caregivers are at risk for emotional distress. ⋯ In the context of newly diagnosed incurable cancer, caregivers experience more pronounced anxiety, while patients report greater depressive symptoms. Findings indicate that anxiety and depressive symptoms are interrelated among dyads facing newly diagnosed incurable disease. Results emphasize the importance of addressing distress in both patients and caregivers. Future research should discern when dyadic versus individual psychosocial interventions would be optimal.