Management of emotional and psychological symptoms associated with fatigue in palliative care

Bruera, 2007Henson, 2020Pedersen, 2020

Managing the psychological and emotional symptoms associated with fatigue is an essential component of management (see Approach to managing fatigue in palliative care). Psychosocial support is necessary because of the known correlation between fatigue, depression, anxiety and distress. Fatigue can be caused by depression; conversely, living with fatigue and its impact on quality of life, loss of function and social contact can cause or exacerbate depression and emotional distress.

Management involves:

• providing emotional and psychological support by offering regular contact with healthcare professionals—see also Overview of emotional, psychological and behavioural symptoms in palliative care
• treating depression, anxiety and distress
• considering specific psychosocial interventions (eg cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction or mindfulness-based cognitive therapy) for cancer-related fatigue if clinically appropriate and availableFabi, 2020Mochamat, 2021Park, 2020Poort, 2017.