Psychiatrists

A cancer diagnosis brings tremendous anxiety about how to manage the daily regimen of medications, scheduling appointments and other life responsibilities.  This anxiety can make the pain seem more acute, and often is a barrier to patients feeling as though they can manage their disease.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who are trained to prescribe anti-anxiety medications to help with many of these symptoms.  Many of these medications also help improve the nerve pain and other chronic side effects.

Depending on your pain and anxiety levels, the pain management specialists at Washington Cancer Institute at MedStar Washington Hospital Center will design an individualized treatment program for you, including psychiatric treatment.  Medication is often combined with weekly talk sessions with a trained psychologist or social worker, as another way to manage anxiety.