Psychosocial implications for the patient with a high-grade glioma

Abstract

The purpose of this article was to explore the psychosocial implications of being diagnosed with a high-grade glioma, World Health Organization III/IV and IV/IV, to better inform healthcare providers and researchers of the patient experience. The information is the cumulative data collected from hundreds of patient interviews in a large metropolitan brain tumor clinic over a 7-year period. Three themes of loss emerged--loss of independence, loss of self, and loss of relationships. This information is presented on behalf of the patients for acknowledgement of their experience and for identification of the need for increased psychological and concrete services to better serve this population.