The Phenomenon of Uncertainty in Somatic Diseases

Uncertainty is often viewed as negative or anxious and formative state of stress. Nevertheless uncertainty itself reflects a neutral cognitive state and is neither a desirable nor a fearful state until its consequences are determined. People evaluate the situation and thereby set a vector of uncertainty, viewing it as a positive or negative event associated with opportunity or threat. Uncertainty caused by ambiguous, contradictory information about the disease with unclear, insufficient data for prognosis increases the distress of patients with somatic diseases and negatively affects their quality of life. Аt the same time, with negative dynamics of the disease, patients can maintain a certain level of uncertainty to preserve their existing emotional well-being. The article discusses the conditions that contribute to the emergence of uncertainty, factors influencing the manifestation of this phenomenon, as well as assessment mechanisms and coping strategies involved in the process of patients’ adaptation to new functioning conditions. Patients' assessment of events under conditions of uncertainty affects the formation of their internal picture of the disease, emotional state, psychosocial adaptation and adherence to treatment. Among the prognostic factors of non-adherence to treatment, there are areas related to the patient, treatment, interaction between the patient and the doctor, and the healthcare system, which to varying degrees have various aspects of uncertainty 1. The presented results of the international practical studies confirm the influence of uncertainty on the emotional state and mental well-being, the extent of distress, the manifestation of anxiety and depression, the use of various coping strategies, the quality of life of patients with various nosologies, which permits to make an assumption about the obligatory manifestation of this phenomenon in one form or another during illness. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to this phenomenon, study its manifestations and take it into account in the providing psychological assistance to patients in the process of coping with the disease and treatment.