Managing distress in cancer patients with attachment based interventions: A case report

Key points Cancer diagnosis and its lengthy treatment can have profound psychological effects, including shock and disbelief at initial diagnosis, worry, depression with multiple losses and recurrences, and long‐lasting side effects from treatment Emotional regulation through secure attachments can aid in the recovery process, which could be useful for cancer patients who have heightened attachment needs secondary to emotional and physical vulnerability during the cancer treatment We discuss the case of a Caucasian woman seeking psychiatric care for distress in the context of cancer diagnosis and treatment, who benefited significantly from supportive and attachment‐based interventions In concordance with attachment‐based interventions, we focused on building a safe therapeutic relationship, exploring prior trauma, and addressing its role in current interactions with authority figures with the patient. Her ability to adapt and cope with illness was strengthened using mindfulness and self‐soothing While caring for distressed oncology patients, collaboration of care between the teams involved in treatment can be key to get through challenging situations and impasses during the treatment course