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What psychological support is available for people with AML and their families and caregivers?
Vanessa Marais
March 16, 2026
For AML World Awareness Day 2026, Know AML was pleased to speak with Know AML ambassadors Vanessa Marais, a clinical psychologist in South Africa; Erik Aerts, a specialist hematology nurse based in Switzerland; and Charles Craddock, an acute myeloid leukemia (AML) physician based in the United Kingdom. We asked, What psychological support is available for people with AML and their families and caregivers, and how can they access it?
Vanessa explains that an AML diagnosis can be traumatic. Long hospital stays, isolation from family and friends, and treatment side effects can have a lasting impact on a person’s emotional wellbeing. While psychological support during treatment is usually offered by the hematology team, which may include a social worker or clinical psychologist, Vanessa encourages patients and families to ask their medical team for additional psychological support if needed. She emphasizes that emotional challenges can continue after treatment ends, often during the transition back to everyday life when patients no longer have regular support from their medical team, and that patients and caregivers can feel unprepared for the difficulties they face during this time. Vanessa recommends that patients request referrals to external psychologists for ongoing psychological support.
Erik emphasizes that patients should receive psychological support as early as possible in their AML journey. He adds that many hospitals have psychological specialists, social workers, specialist nurses, or spiritual care providers who can offer additional support for patients and their families and caregivers. Erik also highlights the importance of supporting caregivers’ emotional wellbeing throughout their loved one’s diagnosis and treatment.
Charles adds that psychological support for people with AML must begin with honest, compassionate communication from their care team at diagnosis. He explains that clear information about the diagnosis, treatment options, and prognosis can help patients process the situation and understand what to expect. He agrees that psychological challenges often become more pronounced after patients return home, when isolation and financial pressures can take their toll. Charles echoes that it is important for patients to seek psychological support not only during treatment but also in the months or years that follow.
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