Dissociation among individuals receiving cancer care: A scoping review

Abstract

Problem identification

Dissociation is a common presentation of trauma, distinguishable from classic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. While pre-cancer and cancer-related traumatic experiences are prevalent among cancer-affected individuals, the specific impact of traumatic dissociation is unclear.

Literature search

This scoping review includes a search of English articles published between 1980 and 2019 referencing dissociation in the context of cancer-affected adults.

Data evaluation/synthesis

Articles assessed how dissociation was addressed in relation to pre-cancer and cancer-related trauma exposure and treatment. Out of 1,265 articles, 71 met inclusion criteria, and 15 underwent a full review. Two studies addressed dissociation related to pre-cancer trauma, nine in regard to cancer-related trauma only, and four in relation to both trauma types. No studies included experimental designs or described interventions.

Conclusions

Despite high rates of trauma exposure among cancer-affected adults, limited studies specifically address the impact of dissociation. Further inquiry on this topic is needed, especially on treatment implications.

Keywords:

• Acute stress disorder
• adverse childhood experiences
• dissociation
• post-traumatic stress disorder
• psychosocial stress
• trauma-informed care

Disclosure statement

We have no known conflict of interest to disclose.

Notes

* These are the articles that are included in the scoping review. Full reference information for all reviewed articles can be found in the authors’ digital supplemental material (https://doi.org/10.18738/T8/QFOHB6).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Lisa S. Panisch

Lisa S. Panisch is now at the University of Rochester Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide and is supported by the National Institute of Mental Health of the National Institutes of Health under award number T32MH20061. The content of this article is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.