What is Demoralization syndrome - Meaning and definition

Published by Roberto Wenk. Reviewed by Alison Ramsey. Last updated date: November 11, 2018.

Hopelessness, loss of meaning, and existential distress are proposed as the core features of the diagnostic category of demoralization syndrome.
This syndrome can be differentiated from depression and is recognizable in palliative care settings.
It is associated with chronic medical illness, disability, bodily disfigurement, fear of loss of dignity, social isolation, and — where there is a subjective sense of incompetence — feelings of greater dependency in others or the perception being a burden.

Kissane DW, Clarke DM, Street AF. Demoralization syndrome - a relevant psychiatric diagnosis for palliative care. Journal of Palliative Care, 2001;17(1),12-21.

Published by Roberto Wenk. Reviewed by Alison Ramsey. Last updated date: November 11, 2018.

It is a syndrome of existential distress (suffering) that occurs in patients who are dealing with severe conditions, such as a physical illnesses or mental disorders, especially disorders that threaten life or the integrity of being.
It denotes a persistent failure of coping with internally or externally induced stress.

The DS-II (Demoralization Scale) is a 24-item self-report scale validated to enable the measurement of demoralization in patients with advanced cancer, and also in measuring patients who are having problems coping.

Meaning-centered therapy, which once might have been called an existentially oriented therapy, or supportive-expressive therapy, or cognitively oriented therapy, are treatments for demoralization.

Adapted from Medscape News & Perspective. Demoralization Is 'Part of Vision' of Care for Cancer Patients.Available at http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/866943?src=wnl_edit_tpal&uac=6705FY#vp_2. Accessed on August 5, 2016. To view the entire article and all other content on the Medscape News and Perspective site, a free, one-time registration is required.

Demoralization syndrome

Related terms

To cite