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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

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Can Exposure To Radiation And Chemo Result In Psychosis?

A friend of mine has recently had rectal cancer surgery. Prior to surgery she did radiation and oral chemo (6 pills a day). She is now experiencing (what I think may be pyschosis) and tried to commit suicide. She thinks she is loosing her mind. Could this be a result of the surgery and chemo?

I am very frightened for her!

Thank you.
Darlene Wickens
Sat, 5 Apr 2014
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.


Certain medication can have a side effect of causing psychiatric symptoms. But without knowing the exact medication, it is difficult to say whether your friend's symptoms are due to the chemotherapy or radiation.

Another possibility is that the stress of a severe illness like cancer itself can lead to psychological problems. With the limited information that you have provided, it is difficult to inpoint any diagnosis. So, kindly report her symptoms to her treating doctor so that she can get psychiatric help.

Wish you all the best.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist
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Can Exposure To Radiation And Chemo Result In Psychosis?

Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query. Certain medication can have a side effect of causing psychiatric symptoms. But without knowing the exact medication, it is difficult to say whether your friend s symptoms are due to the chemotherapy or radiation. Another possibility is that the stress of a severe illness like cancer itself can lead to psychological problems. With the limited information that you have provided, it is difficult to inpoint any diagnosis. So, kindly report her symptoms to her treating doctor so that she can get psychiatric help. Wish you all the best. Regards, Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar Consultant Psychiatrist