Measurement of depression in patients with cancer

International Journal of Innovative Studies in Sociology and Humanities

Given the impact that depression has on both quality of life and self-esteem, as well as on basic functions or treatment compliance, it is necessary to try to characterize the clinical specificities of depression in a patient with cancer (Hoffman& Weiner, 2007, p.2853). Barriers to Diagnosis and Treatment Various obstacles stand in the way of identifying and treating depression. First, we must mention the restraint of clinicians who consider the patient's mood swings as borderline and ultimately normal manifestations in the context of a serious illness. Perhaps fearing intrusion when it comes to approach a patient's experience.

Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 1998

The prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment of depression in the cancer patient are reviewed. Although frequently encountered in the cancer patient population, depression often remains undiagnosed and untreated. This carries grave consequences in that depressed cancer patients experience a poorer quality of life, are less compliant with medical care, have longer hospital stays, and have higher mortality rates. Diagnostic assessment of depression in the cancer patient raises difficulties both upon phenomenological and etiological grounds. In particular, the presence of neurovegetative symptoms which may be secondary to either cancer or depression may cloud the diagnostic picture. Due to the serious consequences of unrecognized depression, a more sensitive inclusive approach to diagnosis is recommended in the clinical setting. Finally, the limited data regarding treatment of depression in patients with cancer is reviewed. This includes a discussion of both psychosocial and pharmacological interventions which are shown to alleviate depression, improve quality of life measures, improve immune function, and lengthen survival time.

2017

Introduction Cancer is a term used to describe a group of diseases characterized by an abnormal growth of cells which have the ability to invade adjacent tissues and even distant organs. 1 Cancer patients suffer from both bodily as well as psychosomatic symptoms. There are numerous types and variations of depressive disorders, but the common clinical manifestations are depressed mood, persistent body aches, loss of pleasure in work and life, easy fatigability and sleep as well as appetite disturbances. Taking into account depressive disorders among cancer patients is important because of its commonness, cost and colossal effects on the personality. 2 6 Depressive disorders are well-known in patients suffering from chronic fatal diseases. Cancer survivors are more prone to such disorders because of prolonged bodily symptoms, high cost of treatment and fear of reemergence. Delay in the diagnosis of major depression among cancer patients leads to worsening of the quality of daily livin...

Clinical practice and epidemiology in mental health : CP & EMH, 2007

Cancer patients experience several stressors and emotional upheavals. Fear of death, interruption of life plans, changes in body image and self-esteem, changes in social role and lifestyle are all important issues to be faced. Moreover, Depressive Disorders may impact the course of the disease and compliance. The cost and prevalence, the impairment caused, and the diagnostic and therapeutic uncertainty surrounding depressive symptoms among cancer patients make these conditions a priority for research. In this article we discuss recent data, focusing on detection of Depressive Disorders, biological correlates, treatments and unmet needs of depressed cancer patients.

Depression among cancer patients is highly prevalent and common comorbidity. This study was aimed at assessing the depression among cancer patients. Methods and Materials: This study was conducted using cross sectional, descriptive research design, at B. P. Koirala Memorial Cancer hospital and B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences in Nepal. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the samples-50 cancer patients (Cases), 100 controls. The tools used for the data collection were, 1. Semi structured proforma to collect information on socio demographic characteristics of cases and controls 2. 18 items Standardized depression Screening Quiz developed by Goldberg. Data was collected using the pretested and predetermined tools using the interview method after obtaining the informed written consent from the participants. Collected data was analyzed through appropriate descriptive statistics (Frequency, %, Mean and SD) and inferential statistics (t test) using SPSS version 16. Results: Regarding level of Depression among Cancer Patients 72% of the cancer patients had some form of depression which varied in degrees. Depression scores was also higher (M 18/90, SD 4.2) in cases than controls (M 9/90, SD 2.32) which was statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: Depression is common comorbidity among cancer patients, which can be identified and treated effectively. Key Words: Depression, Cancer Patients

Psychosomatics, 2006

Depressive symptoms not only impair quality of life in cancer patients but constitute an independent risk factor for increased mortality. In order to accurately and efficiently identify depression in cancer patients, the authors developed a biostatistical strategy to identify items of the 21-item, observer-rated Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (Ham-D) that would optimize the diagnosis of depression among cancer patients. Exhibiting a relatively high sensitivity and specificity, our most optimal diagnostic tool contained six Ham-D items (late insomnia, agitation, psychic anxiety, diurnal mood variation, depressed mood, and genital symptoms). This study may serve as a prototype to generate valid instruments accurate for the diagnosis of major depression in other populations of cancer patients.

European Journal of Cancer Care, 1998

It is estimated that 20-25% of cancer patients suffer often unrecognized and untreated long-term depression, a condition that can make life miserable. Symptoms can include: lack of sleep; loss of interest in life; anxiety; irritation; loss of concentration; and, in severe cases, thoughts of suicide; leading to an overall poor quality of life. Given that the majority of patients diagnosed with clinical depression can be effectively treated with one form of treatment or another (psychological, pharmacological or a combination) it is now important that health care professionals routinely assess and offer treatment for depression in cancer patients. Therefore, this article reviews the literature on depression caused by cancer and highlights practical ways in which health care workers can measure and subsequently treat depression using pharmacological and psychological approaches.

Supportive Care in Cancer, 2004

Goals of work: In order to obtain references for adequate diagnostic procedures of depressive syndromes in cancer patients, the present study analyzes first the prevalence of somatic, emotional, and cognitive symptoms of depression. In a second part, the ability of diagnostic procedures to discriminate between patients with and without comorbid affective disorder is investigated. Patients and methods: From a crosssectional survey investigating comorbid mental disorders in cancer patients with standardized clinical assessment, a subsample of 71 patients with current affective disorders and depressive symptoms according to the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV) were analyzed. In addition to patients' symptom patterns, a discriminant analysis including all de-pressive symptoms was conducted. Main results: Cognitive symptoms are less prevalent in cancer patients than somatic and emotional symptoms. Loss of interest discriminated best between patients with and without diagnosis of comorbid affective disorder. Additionally, decreased energy and fatigue proved to have discriminatory value. Conclusions: Cognitive symptoms should receive special attention in diagnostic procedures for affective disorders in cancer patients. In spite of possible symptom overlap with the cancer disease and its treatment, fatigue proves to be a useful criteria for diagnosis of depression.

Eastern Journal Of Medicine, 2019