Problem-solving Therapy

Problem-solving Therapy

Problem-solving therapy (PST) focuses on the present and helps patients to use their skills and individual resources to function better. Patients are taught how their psychological symptoms may be linked to psychosocial problems that they are facing and are provided with a structured strategy for resolving their problems. If these problems can be resolved, their symptoms may improve. PST includes the following seven steps: (i) explaining the treatment and its rationale; (ii) identifying, defining and breaking down the problem; (iii) establishing achievable goals; (iv) generating solutions; (v) evaluating and choosing the appropriate solution; (vi) implementing the chosen solution and (vii) evaluating the outcome after the implementation. PST is mainly used to help patients list and summarize problems commonly encountered by cancer patients. These include cancer treatment; symptoms; treatment side effects; fear of recurrence/metastasis; relationships with medical staff, family and other people; and economic, information and employment/school issues. PST also includes tips and worksheets for patients to use while progressing through each step of the treatment. Although the effectiveness of PST for ameliorating depression among advanced cancer patients has not been rigorously tested, some studies have suggested that it is effective for cancer patients.

Ref: Tatsuo Akechi, Psychotherapy for Depression Among Patients with Advanced Cancer, Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology, Volume 42, Issue 12, 1 December 2012, Pages 1113–1119