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Clients dealing with cancer may develop post-traumatic stress (PTS). Cancer-

related PTS can occur anytime during or after treatment. The symptoms of PTS are
similar to those of post-traumatic stress disorder but are generally not as severe.
IV. Specific Phobia
A. Description
1. Irrational fear of an object, activity, or situation that
persists and that leads to avoidance.
2. Associated with panic-level anxiety or fear if the
object, situation, or activity cannot be avoided
3. Defense mechanisms commonly used include
repression and displacement.
B. Types (Box 65-3)
C. Interventions
1. Identify the basis of the anxiety.
2. Allow the client to verbalize feelings about the
anxiety-producing object or situation; talking
frequently about the feared object is the first step in
the desensitization process.
3. Teach relaxation techniques, such as breathing
exercises, muscle relaxation exercises, and
visualization of pleasant situations.

4. Promote desensitization by gradually

introducing the individual to the feared object or
situation in small doses.

Always stay with the client who is experiencing anxiety to

promote safety and security. Never force the client to have contact with
the phobic object or situation.
V. Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders

A. Obsessions: Preoccupation with persistently intrusive

thoughts, impulses, or images and ideas

B. Compulsions: The performance of rituals or repetitive

behaviors an individual is driven to perform to prevent some
event, divert unacceptable thoughts, and decrease anxiety.
1. Obsessions and compulsions often occur together and
can disrupt normal daily activities.
2. Anxiety occurs when one resists obsessions or
compulsions and from being powerless to resist the
thoughts or rituals.

3. Obsessive thoughts can involve issues of

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