The Emotional Toll of B-Cell Lymphoma

Emotional distress can be a common manifestation in lymphoma patients, which can affect their quality of life. Seeking mental health support is another challenge, as not many people feel comfortable or know where to find it. In this article, you’ll learn what factors may contribute to distress and how support systems may help reduce it.

Many people with relapsed B-cell lymphoma feel emotionally distressed 

In a study of 26 people with aggressive B-cell lymphoma that had returned after one or two rounds of treatment, nearly half reported signs of psychological distress. These signs were measured using a standard screening tool called the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Understanding the emotional toll of lymphoma is important because untreated distress can affect sleep, energy levels, relationships, and even willingness to continue with medical care.

Few patients with distress receive mental health support

Even though many participants reported distress, only 27% of them received any form of mental health treatment. Over 55% did not receive treatment, and 18% said they did not want support.

This gap between need and care may reflect barriers such as stigma, lack of access to services, or not recognizing when help is needed. For patients and families, this highlights the importance of speaking with the care team if emotional well-being becomes difficult to manage.

Distress affects quality of life, especially mental well-being

The study found that people with high distress levels reported much lower scores on a mental health quality of life survey. This means they had more challenges with emotional stability, concentration, and overall mental wellness.

Recognizing this impact is crucial because emotional health plays a role in physical healing and daily functioning. Addressing distress early may improve a patient’s ability to manage their illness and maintain social connections.

What may cause distress in people with lymphoma

A separate review of 41 studies looked at what might contribute to distress in people with lymphoma. Several risk factors stood out:

• Younger age
• Relapsed disease
• Ongoing symptoms or other health conditions
• Challenging treatment periods, such as active therapy or post-treatment transitions

Patients with these experiences may need closer monitoring for emotional well-being, which is why the support from family, friends, and healthcare providers is essential. Returning to work and having a sense of control were linked to reduced distress.

A call for better emotional care 

The studies reviewed in this article show that distress in people with lymphoma is common but often untreated. More consistent screening, especially for those at higher risk, could help healthcare teams identify who needs support.

Routine tracking of distress and the factors linked to it could also lead to better care in the future. Studies like these show that emotional support should become a more regular part of lymphoma care, alongside physical treatment.

Keep reading more articles about mental health in blood cancers: 

• Mental Health Therapy Technique for Blood Cancer Patients: EMDR
• Breaking the Stigma: Debunking Mental Health Myths 
• Mental Health Concerns in Low-Grade Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
• How Can Antidepressants Aid Cancer Care?

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Sources: 

• Factors of emotional distress in lymphoma: A systematic review
• Unmet mental health needs in patients with advanced B-cell lymphomas