Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
Miggitsch, EM.
Biopsychosocial melanoma research - stress reactivity in patients with malignant melanoma.
[ Dissertation ] Graz Medical University; 2009. pp.85.
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- Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz:
- Trapp Eva-Maria
- Betreuer*innen:
- Richtig Erika
- Schwaberger Guenther
- Altmetrics:
- Abstract:
- Background: The rising, almost epidemic incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma (MM) worldwide is a point of careful investigation. In the past years MM incidence has shown an increase that exceeds all other solid tumours, especially in high developed countries with white population. There exist some studies that suggest a link between cancer and psychological distress, but only little is known about possible mechanisms although there is evidence in literature that psycho-social stress plays a role in the development of MM. The aim of this investigation was to get more detailed information about the individual stress reactivity of patients suffering from MM. Methods: 68 in-patients (25 suffering from MM, 22 with non-melanoma skin cancer [non_MM] and 21 patients of a control group with benign processes), mean age 51.6 years participated in a defined test procedure. According to the present state of science reactivity of psycho-vegetative parameters (in particular blood pressure [BP] and blood pressure variability [BPV]) to a standardised stress stimulus were measured with the Task Force Monitor. Results: Patients suffering from MM showed a higher reactivity of psycho-vegetative parameters due to a mental stressor compared to non_MM group and control group. Furthermore MM patients showed lower values concerning positive stress coping strategies in comparison to patients of the control group. Conclusion: From a biopsychosocial point of view MM patients seem to show higher levels of vegetative strain than controls and non_MM patients respectively. Together with a reduced resilience, strain might play a more important role in MM development than supposed.