Intensity of mental health treatment of cancer-related psychopathology: the predictive role of Early Maladaptive Schemas

Abstract

Purpose: With the limited availability of mental healthcare, it is of utmost importance to provide care that matches the needs of patients: short if possible, but also more intense when necessary. This study explored whether Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMSs) play a predictive role in the intensity of needed mental health treatment of cancer-related psychopathology. Methods: EMSs were assessed before mental health treatment in 256 patients who sought help at a specialized mental health care centre for those affected by cancer in the Netherlands. Data about treatment indication and intensity of mental health treatment were collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to assess the predictive value of the EMSs total score and specific domains on treatment indication and treatment intensity. Results: The presence of more severe EMSs predicted an indication for a more intense mental health treatment before start of the treatment, and actual more intense mental health treatment. The domain Impaired Autonomy and Performance appeared to be conceptually close to the domain Disconnection and Rejection, we left the latter out in our multivariate analysis and then found that Impaired Autonomy was the best predictor of intensity of mental health treatment. Conclusion: Our findings imply that assessing EMSs could help to identify patients who will receive more treatment time.