Citation

Stern JM, Jacyna N, Lloyd DA. Aliment. Pharmacol. Ther. 2008; 27(10): 910-918.

Affiliation

Psychological Medicine Unit, St Mark's Hospital, Harrow, UK. julianstern@hotmail.com

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1365-2036.2008.03646.x

PMID

18284646

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Home parenteral nutrition is established as standard management for patients with chronic severe intestinal failure. Although the treatment is welcomed by many patients, there are psychological consequences of living with a central venous catheter and there are associated restrictions to the lives of patients on home parenteral nutrition. A subgroup of home parenteral nutrition patients may use their central venous catheter for self-harm. AIMS: To review existing literature relating to abnormal psychological responses to central venous catheters in patients receiving home parenteral nutrition and the psychological meaning of living with a central venous catheter. It also attempts to alert professionals to ways in which patients may self-harm using their central venous catheters. METHODS: A literature review was performed. Data were obtained both from literature searches and from personal experience at a Psychological Medicine Unit attached to a large home parenteral nutrition centre. RESULTS: Patients receiving home parenteral nutrition may use their central venous catheter in various ways to self-harm. Motivation may be conscious or unconscious. Sequelae of such self-harm may be life-threatening. CONCLUSION: This paper concludes with recommendations for best practice with respect to the psychological management of home parenteral nutrition patients in whom central venous catheter abuse is suspected.

Language: en