Features of the distress associated with a disease:
(1) an unpleasant emotional experience
(2) multifactorial
(3) has the potential to be disabling for the patient
(4) may interfere with the ability to cope with all or parts of the disease and its treatment
(5) may vary in severity during the course of the disease, from none to extreme
As a result of the distress the patient may experience:
(1) depression, dysphoria, anxiety, panic or other psychological responses
(2) social isolation or withdrawal
(3) a change in behavior or personality
(4) impairment of intimate relationships
(5) a spiritual crisis
