ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the effect of psychological intervention on the mental conditions and the quality of life of patients with radiation encephalopathy(REP).Methods thirty-five patients with REP from radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma were divided into the control group(n=17)and the experiment group(n=18)according to their registration sequence. The control group was managed with conventional nursing,and the experiment group with individualized psychological intervention in addition to routine nursing for 12 weeks.The two groups were compared in terms of depression and quality of life by Hamilton Depression rating Scale(HAMD)and The short-form health survey questionnaire(SF-36).Results The two groups before treatment showed no statistical difference in scores by HAMD and SF-36(P>0.05).The experiment group was superior to the control group after intervention in depression and quality of life(P<0.01).Conclusion Psychological intervention may alleviate REP in the patients at poor psychological status and improve their quality of life.