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Denial and depression in the terminal cancer patient — A clue for management

  • On Death and Dying
  • Published:
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Abstract

While conceding that no one can provide a pat or general formula for easing this dilemma, the author draws on wide experience to defend the patient's right to choose the degree of privacy or communication during his final months of life. Interventive services in this area, she feels, should be considered only when the patient displays behavior that he, not the caregiver, cannot tolerate.

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Bibliography

  • Abrams, R. D.; Jameson, G.; Poelman, H., and Synder, S.: Terminal care. N.E.J.Med. June 21, 1945.

  • Abrams, R. D.: Social service and cancer. J. Obs. & Gyn., November, 1945.

  • Abrams, R. D.: Social casework with cancer patients. Social Casework. December 1951.

  • Finesinger, J. E.; Shands, H., and Abrams, R. D.: Managing the emotional problems of the cancer patient. Clinical. Problems in Cancer Research—Sloan-Kettering Seminar. Memorial Hospital, New York. 1951.

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  • Shands, H.; Finesinger, J. E.; Cobb, S., and Abrams, R. D.: Psychological mechanisms in patients with cancer. Cancer, Vol. 4, No. 6, 1951.

  • Abrams, R. D., and Finesinger, J. E. Guilt reactions in patients with cancer. Cancer. Vol. 6, May, 1953.

  • Abrams, R. D.: The patient with cancer —His changing pattern of communication, N.E.J.Med. February 10, 1966.

  • Abrams, R. D.: The responsibility of social work in terminal cancer. In: Psychosocial Aspects of Terminal Care. To be published by Columbia University Press, 1971.

  • Abrams, R. D.: Crises in Cancer—A Guide for the Health Team, the Family, and Other Caregivers. In preparation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard School of Public Health, USA

    Ruth D. Abrams M.S. (Formerly clinical and research social worker, visiting associate)

  2. Laboratory of Community Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, USA

    Ruth D. Abrams M.S. (Formerly clinical and research social worker, visiting associate)

Authors
  1. Ruth D. Abrams M.S.
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Additional information

She also maintains a private practice at 1180 Beacon Street, Brook-line, Massachusetts 02146.

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Abrams, R.D. Denial and depression in the terminal cancer patient — A clue for management. Psych Quar 45, 394–404 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01574280

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01574280

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