Ward Dependence Syndrome: A case report

Ward dependence syndrome is a special psychological, behavioral and clinical manifestation proposed in this study that occurs in patients with chronic diseases, especially advanced malignant tumors. Although it is not neccessary for the patients with continuous hospitalization, the patients are extremely reluctant to leave the medical environment psychologically and regard the ward as the only safe place. This study reports a 70-year-old female patient with colon cancer. After a clear pathological diagnosis, due to distrust of the diagnostic process, fear of disease progression, and lack of confidence in the ability of family care, she continuously refused anti-tumor treatment and discharge recommendations during two hospitalization sessions lasting a total of 86 days, demonstrating typical ward dependence behavior. This case emphasizes the importance of identifying and addressing psychosocial factors in tumor treatment and proposes a "body-mind-society" holistic care model for the ward dependence syndrome. Clinical trial number: not applicable.