A qualitative study to explore psychological distress and illness burden associated with opioid-induced constipation in cancer patients with advanced disease
Palliative Medicine, 06/21/2012
Dhingra L et al. – Irrational thoughts and educational needs included beliefs that nutrition could improve constipation, the supposition that constipation indicated deteriorating health, and catastrophic beliefs. Psychological distress included depressive symptoms and anticipatory anxiety related to constipation. Decision–making revealed cognitive dissonance about using opioids and conflicting preferences about continuing use.



