Psychiatric sequelae of corticosteroid use in hematology in Australia: A qualitative study

Despite widespread steroid usage for treating hematological conditions, minimal attention focuses on associated psychiatric side‐effects. In the present study, we examined hematology patients’ experiences of high‐dose steroid treatment. This was undertaken by the use of a qualitative, descriptive design, which included convenience sampling and the inductive, cyclic, and constant comparative thematic analysis of interview transcripts. Eighteen patients participated, who were diagnosed with lymphoma, myeloma, leukemia, or idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura. Four themes emerged: side‐effects, misattribution of cause, self‐management, and fragmented information. The study results revealed that hematology patients administered steroids can experience negligible to extensive erratic side‐effects, with severe adverse repercussions. Psychological reactions to steroids are often misattributed. Patients mostly self‐manage adverse effects experienced and receive only fragmented preparatory information, often not understanding steroid side‐effects. Nurses could provide helpful “in the moment” education for inpatients who misunderstood steroid‐related adverse effects, such as aggressive urges. Adverse repercussions for family were occasionally evident. Education, support, and ongoing care for patients experiencing adverse steroid side‐effects are inadequate. Health professionals need to develop patient‐ and family‐centered educational resources for potential, unpredictable, and usually adverse steroid side‐effects.