The Emotional Consequences of Corticosteroid Use in Hematology: Preliminary Findings

Abstract

This article presents the findings from a pilot study conducted as a first step in understanding the myriad psychological and psychiatric sequelae stemming from the use of steroids for hematology patients. Descriptions of the side effects experienced by 10 hematology patients undergoing steroid treatment are documented and discussed. Steroid usage can have a range of physical and emotional side effects on patients, including hematology patients. The insights are a serious reminder to all who care for hematology patients that the psychological and psychiatric side effects of steroids need to be taken seriously.

KEYWORDS:

• steroids
• hematology
• psychological
• psychiatric
• emotional
• side effects

The authors would like to thank Mrs. Elaine Phillips for her transcriptions and Dr. Paul Pun and Dr. Peter Mollee for their contribution to participant enrollment. The authors would also like to thank Dr. Paul Pun, psychiatrist, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, and Dr. Michael Leahy, Director of Haematology, Fremantle Hospital, Western Australia, for their contribution to the study.