Psychological distress

Definition

Psychological distress refers to a state of emotional suffering characterized by feelings of anxiety, depression, and overall discomfort. This distress can arise from the challenges of dealing with acute or chronic health disorders, impacting both the individual’s mental well-being and their ability to manage their physical health effectively.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Psychological distress can significantly influence a patient's adherence to treatment plans and their overall health outcomes.
2. Both acute and chronic disorders can trigger psychological distress, often leading to a cycle where one condition exacerbates the other.
3. Healthcare systems need to address psychological distress through integrated care models that combine physical and mental health services.
4. Individuals with higher levels of psychological distress are at increased risk for developing additional health issues, including cardiovascular disease.
5. The assessment of psychological distress is essential in nursing practice, as it helps tailor interventions that improve both mental and physical health.

Review Questions

• How does psychological distress impact a patient’s ability to manage their chronic illness?
  • Psychological distress can severely hinder a patient’s ability to manage their chronic illness by creating barriers to adhering to treatment protocols. When patients experience anxiety or depression, they may struggle with motivation, making it difficult to follow medication regimens or attend necessary medical appointments. This can lead to worsening health outcomes as the individual becomes overwhelmed by their condition and the associated stress.
• Discuss the role healthcare systems play in addressing psychological distress among patients with acute and chronic disorders.
  • Healthcare systems have a crucial role in addressing psychological distress by implementing comprehensive care strategies that include mental health support. This involves training healthcare providers to recognize signs of psychological distress and integrating mental health professionals into primary care settings. By addressing both physical and mental health needs concurrently, healthcare systems can improve overall patient outcomes and enhance the quality of life for those suffering from acute or chronic disorders.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of unaddressed psychological distress on patients with chronic health conditions.
  • Unaddressed psychological distress can lead to significant long-term consequences for patients with chronic health conditions, such as deteriorating physical health and increased mortality rates. Chronic stress can exacerbate symptoms of the underlying disorder, leading to complications like hospitalization or additional health issues. Moreover, this ongoing emotional suffering can create a feedback loop, where poor mental health leads to poor physical health outcomes, ultimately reducing a patient’s quality of life and increasing healthcare costs.

Related terms

Anxiety: A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome, often prevalent in individuals facing health challenges.

Depression: A common mental health disorder marked by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and various emotional and physical problems, significantly affecting those with chronic illnesses.

Coping mechanisms: Strategies or techniques that individuals use to manage stress and psychological distress, particularly when dealing with health-related challenges.