Depression and cancer

Authors

  • Sara Mota Borges Bottino Hospital Pérola Byngton; Centro de Referência da Saúde da Mulher
  • Renério Fráguas Universidade de São Paulo; Faculdade de Medicina; Hospital das Clínicas; Instituto de Psiquiatria
  • Wagner Farid Gattaz Universidade de São Paulo; Faculdade de Medicina; Hospital das Clínicas; Instituto de Psiquiatria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0101-60832009000900007

Keywords:

Depression, cancer, diagnosis, treatment

Abstract

Depression is the most common psychiatric disorder in patients with cancer, with prevalence rates ranging from 22% to 29%. This variability is associated to cancer sites, clinical stages, pain, limited physical functioning, beyond the existence of social support. Depression is associated to poorer prognosis and higher cancer mortality. Depressive syndromes can be a consequence of the antineoplasic therapies, as occurs in 21% to 58% of the patients treated with alfa-interferon. Sadness and desperation can inhibit the search for care by the patients, and difficult depression recognition. Antidepressant treatment is effective, and improve the adherence to cancer treatments, reducing side effects as nausea, pain and fatigue. In cancer patients, pretreatment with antidepressants seems to minimize depressive symptoms induced by interferon-alfa. Psychosocial interventions as relaxing techniques, group and individual psychotherapies can also be applied to reduce depressive and stress symptoms in patients with cancer.

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Published

2009-01-01

Issue

Vol. 36 No. supl.3 (2009)

Section

Reviews of Literature

License

Once accepted for publication, the manuscript becomes permanent property of the Archives of Clinical Psychiatry. This copyright transfer subsumes exclusive and unlimited entitlement of the Archives of Clinical Psychiatry to publish and distribute the full contents of articles in whichever publishing medium, including press and electronic media, in Brazil and abroad.

Manuscripts are accepted with the understanding that the Editor and the editorial staff have the right to make revisions aimed at greater conciseness, clarity, and conformity with Journal style, of course without changing its content.

How to Cite

Depression and cancer . (2009). Archives of Clinical Psychiatry, 36(supl.3), 109-115. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0101-60832009000900007