Effect of Psychosomatic Symptom Intervention on Psychosomatic Symptoms During Initial Treatment in Patients With Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: A Single-blind Randomized Controlled Trial.
Shuhua Luo, Xiaoxiao Wei, Jiaxin Zhao et al.
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In 30 seconds
This single-blind randomized controlled trial evaluated a 12-week psychosomatic symptom intervention in 84 patients with differentiated thyroid cancer recruited from one cancer hospital. Compared with usual care, the intervention group had lower anxiety and depression at post-intervention and follow-up assessments (P < .001). Thyroid-stimulating hormone target attainment was 59.5% in the intervention group versus 26.2% in controls (P = .008); self-management efficacy and shoulder joint function also differed significantly between groups (P < .001). The findings suggest potential psychological and physical benefits during initial treatment.
Key findings
- Anxiety and depression were significantly lower in the intervention group at both post-intervention and follow-up assessments (P < .001).
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone target attainment was 59.5% with intervention versus 26.2% in controls (P = .008).
- Self-management efficacy and shoulder joint function differed significantly between groups (P < .001).
Why it matters
Initial treatment for differentiated thyroid cancer can involve psychological and physical symptoms. This trial suggests that a structured psychosomatic intervention may address both, alongside a higher thyroid-stimulating hormone target attainment rate. These outcomes are relevant to recovery and self-care, although the findings come from a single-hospital study and should be interpreted in that context.
What to keep in mind
Participants were recruited from one cancer hospital; the abstract does not report the duration of follow-up.