P3-195Cancer as a trauma? Predictors of development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in patients with cancer

Abstract Background Experiencing cancer is a highly stressful (traumatic) life-event which can lead to development of PTSD. PTSD can evolve after trauma in predisposed individuals, after being triggered by risk factors. The aim of this paper is to analyze the level of PTSD in patients with cancer in the context of other potential risk factors. Methods Three path models were analyzed in a sample of patients with cancer (N = 216). The models were focused on development of PTSD (PCL-5) in the context of psychological distress (SCL-90), personality traits (EPQ-R), perceived cognitive deficit (FACT-Cog), social support (BSSS), stressful life events, and selected socio-demographic, anamnestic, and medical variables. Mediation and moderation effects were also examined in the tested models. Results Two models explained 63% of the variation in PTSD, while one model explained 60% of the PTSD variation as well as 23% of the variation in perceived cognitive deficits. All 3 models revealed that neuroticism and psychological distress had a statistically significant positive influence on the level of PTSD. In all 3 models, it was found that neuroticism influenced PTSD directly and also indirectly by means of a higher level of psychological distress. Specifically, it was found that this relation depends on the time passed since the patients were diagnosed with cancer and also on the history of mental disorders. In patients with history of mental disorders and in the patients with a lower level of social support, a statistically significant positive influence of stressful life events on PTSD was found. Conclusion The Results draw attention to the possible mechanisms of the PTSD development under different combinations of individual risk factors. These findings offer not only new suggestions for the future research but provide also valuable implications for clinical practice.