Psychopathology and psychiatric disorders among breast cancer patients.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women. Psychosocial implications of breast cancer involve sexuality, feminine and parental role, couple end interpersonal relationships. Studies investigating emotional response to breast cancer have shown that several variables intervene in influencing the patients’ coping styles and the risk of psychopathology: biological (e.g. type of intervention, reconstructive surgery, hormone-therapy), individual (e.g. personal history, life cycle, previous experiences, personality) and interpersonal variables (e.g. support from family members, stressful life events). Among the most frequent psychiatric disorders, depressive and anxiety disorders represent the most important. Specific intervention both for prevention and treatment (e.g. individual and group psychotherapy, psychopharmacotherapy) are a significant instrument to be applied in clinical care of breast cancer patients.