OA17.01 Stigma and psychological distress in patients with lung cancer: A possible role of EMDR (Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) therapy

Psychological distress is common in patients with lung cancer, and has a severe negative impact on quality of life. Anxiety and depression are the most frequently reported symptoms . In some cases cancer may cause stigma, often linked to the belief that the patient’s behavior (e. g . smoking) caused the disease, and may represent a traumatic event leading to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an evidence-based treatment for PTSD, and has shown promising results in reducing anxiety and depression.

Journal

English

Annamaria Catino
Daniela Bafunno
Giuseppe D'Alonzo
Patrizia Petrillo
Domenico De Pinto
Domenico Galetta

Catino, A., Bafunno, D., D'Alonzo, G., Petrillo, P., De Pinto, D., & Galetta, D. (2025). OA17.01 Stigma and psychological distress in patients with lung cancer: A possible role of EMDR (Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) therapy. Journal of Thoracic Oncology, 20(10), OA17.01. doi:10.1016/j.jtho.2025.08.123