Damocles Syndrome
On several occasions, figures from history or mythology are used to name and explain different psychological experiences, one of these figures is that of Damocles, whose story is used to explain how a person who has overcome a very dangerous and hard disease can be prey to the fear that it will reappear. In this way, we speak of Damocles syndrome when there is an inordinate fear of relapse of a disease.
This syndrome is seen mostly in cancer patients (cancer patients). In these cases, having a certain fear of relapse is normal and even a well-founded fear. However, when this uncertainty or this fear that the disease will reappear becomes intense and affects people’s daily lives, then we refer to Damocles syndrome: we are in a situation in which worry and fear have become pathological. In this article we will explain what Damocles syndrome is and how it can be properly managed to overcome it.
Why is fear of disease relapse called Damocles syndrome?
The fear and pathological uncertainty that a disease will attack again is called Damocles syndrome because, according to the story of Damocles, he was a courtier at court Dionysus II and exchanged his place at the table with Dionysus to enjoy the benefits to be in your place.
One night, during a banquet, Damocles looked up and noticed that above him was a sword hanging by a very thin thread. Being aware of this reality, Damocles is unable to continue enjoying the banquet and only thinks that at any moment the sword will fall on him.
A similar case occurs with cancer patients, who after overcoming the disease develop irrational fears of relapse. In addition, these fears increase when the moments of routine exams approach, because the person feels that the ghost of the disease can come true again, and thus, all that they have gained in terms of regaining normality can vanish.
Why does Damocles syndrome appear?
Damocles syndrome appears as a result of a vital experience that connects the individual with a very intense fear, the low tolerance to uncertainty that all human beings have and the situation of non-control that one has in the face of relapse into a disease like cancer.
All these aspects mean that surviving an important disease can cause an experience like this syndrome, which can also accompany the patient for the rest of his life. And the worst thing is that despite the positive medical reviews, the fear may not go away. What the person may really think is that these reviews are not effective and therefore do not detect relapse.
On the other hand, those who survive childhood cancer with a high probability will have this syndrome. Thus, despite the fact that the survival rate in childhood cancer has gone from 60% to 80% according to a study by the Mayo Medical School (, 2018), the diagnosis of cancer continues to connect people with the most primitive fears.
Because, beyond fearing death, they fear pain and the loss of “normality.” And so, any sign that may presage that it may be necessary to return to the starting square is seen as something extremely shocking and threatening.
How to deal with Damocles syndrome
First of all, it is important to follow the medical indications given by the specialist handling the case. On the contrary, it is not uncommon that, even with their best intention, the people around us end up making our fear greater with their opinion or story.
Second, you have to live your emotions, communicate them and accept them. In fact, in people who are survivors of situations that mark a before and after in their life, it can be very useful to go to therapy or help groups. Because in these groups, you learn to manage your emotions in a more adaptive way.
And in this sense, working with the family of the former cancer patient is essential . As published in the Journal of Cancer Education (Curda, 2010), working with the family of the patient is a key aspect to overcome Damocles syndrome, because the family is a context that can increase or appease the fear of relapse.
On the other hand, the person can train skills that help them live in the present and deal with anticipatory concerns. Because, realistically, the fear of relapse is supported by the data: in many cases there is a probability of relapse. The problem is when this probability is inflated or the anticipation begins to limit the person’s daily life in a serious way.
Finally, as with other syndromes or psychological experiences, it is easier to leave Damocles syndrome behind with qualified help. In this sense, both therapy groups and specialized psychological care are a fundamental tool for managing fear of a possible relapse.
