Depressive spectrum disorders in cancer: prevalence, risk factors and screening for depression: a critical review

Authors

  • R. Caruso Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; ;University Hospital Psychiatry Unit, Integrated Department of Mental Health and Addictive Disorders, S. Anna University Hospital and Health Authorities, Ferrara, Italy
  • M. G. Nanni Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; ;University Hospital Psychiatry Unit, Integrated Department of Mental Health and Addictive Disorders, S. Anna University Hospital and Health Authorities, Ferrara, Italy
  • M. Riba Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA and University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann, Arbor, MI, USA; ;Psycho-oncology Program, University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
  • S. Sabato Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
  • A. J. Mitchell Department of Psycho-oncology, University of Leicester and Leicestershire Partnership Trust, Leicester, UK
  • E. Croce Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
  • L. Grassi Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; ;University Hospital Psychiatry Unit, Integrated Department of Mental Health and Addictive Disorders, S. Anna University Hospital and Health Authorities, Ferrara, Italy

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1080/0284186X.2016.1266090

Abstract

Background: Although depression and mood-related disorders are common in persons with cancer, these conditions remain frequently overlooked in clinical practice. Negative consequences of depressive disorder spectrum have been reported (e.g. suicidal ideation, increase physical complications and somatic symptoms, negative influence on prognosis), indicating the need for routine screening, assessment and management.

Methods: A search of the major databases (Medline, Embase, PsycLIT, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library) was conducted on the reviews and meta-analyses available in order to summarize relevant data concerning depressive disorders spectrum in terms of prevalence, risk factors, and screening and assessment among patients with cancer across the trajectory of the disease.

Results: The data show a prevalence of depression and depressive disorders between 5% and 60% according to the different diagnostic criteria, the tools used in the studies (e.g. semi-structured psychiatric interview and psychometric questionnaires), as well as the stage and type of cancer. Furthermore, despite the significant health care resources devoted to cancer care and the importance of addressing depressive symptoms, assessment and management of depressive spectrum disorders in cancer patients remains suboptimal.

Conclusions: Routine screening and adequate assessment of depressive spectrum disorders is necessary in patients with cancer in order to effectively manage the multifaceted and complex consequences on cancer care.

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Published

2017-02-01

How to Cite

Caruso, R. ., Nanni, M. G. ., Riba, M. ., Sabato, S. ., Mitchell, A. J. ., Croce, E. ., & Grassi, L. . (2017). Depressive spectrum disorders in cancer: prevalence, risk factors and screening for depression: a critical review. Acta Oncologica, 56(2), 146–155. https://doi.org/10.1080/0284186X.2016.1266090

Issue

Vol. 56 No. 2 (2017): Acta Oncologica

Section

Articles