Role of Psychosomatic Medicine in Complex Medical Cases: A Case Study of a Patient With Breast Cancer Who Refused Mastectomy

TL;DR

This case study shows how psychosomatic medicine helped a breast cancer patient with anxiety agree to surgery through teamwork and communication.

Contribution

Highlights the role of psychosomatic medicine in managing complex cases with psychological and medical challenges.

Findings

Integrated multidisciplinary strategies improved patient compliance with treatment.

Effective communication reduced patient resistance and improved outcomes.

Post-surgery anxiety levels significantly decreased, showing treatment success.

Abstract

Psychosomatic medicine has been known to play a pivotal role in the management of complex medical cases by providing a bridge between the physical disease and psychological distress. This case study focuses on a 42-year-old Saudi female diagnosed with breast cancer and generalized anxiety disorder. In addition to anxiety, the patient had a history of obsessive-compulsive personality traits, which contributed to her reluctance to undergo mastectomy. Significant challenges and noncompliance with treatment were caused by her unwillingness and inadequate interaction with the medical team. An integrated multidisciplinary strategy including psycho-oncological interventions was necessary because of the complexity of this case. Communication issues were addressed through the concerted efforts of the specialist teams. A comprehensive patient-practitioner understanding was established, which enabled the teams to persuade the patient to undergo surgical intervention. Overcoming her initial resistance, the patient eventually complied with the treatment plan, leading to a successful surgery. Postsurgical evaluations using the Hamilton Anxiety Scale indicated a significant reduction in anxiety levels. This case underscores the critical contribution of psychosomatic medicine to healthcare, especially in challenging situations that demand additional resource allocation, further highlighting the importance of an interdisciplinary approach, efficient communication, and patient-practitioner rapport in healthcare outcomes