Prevalence of depression and anxiety among cancer patients

INTRODUCTION

Among patients with malignant cancer, anxiety and depression are the most prevalent mental health conditions.^[1-3] A cancer diagnosis is linked to an increased risk of common mental illnesses in people without a prior psychiatric history. These disorders may negatively impact cancer therapy and recovery, as well as survival and quality of life. There have been instances where patients’ psychological issues have caused them to stop receiving chemotherapy.^[4] Chronic medical conditions have been linked to depression in both directions. Because of poor adherence to treatment regimens, the presence of anxiety and depression impairs the results of treatment.^[5-7] According to the World Health Organization, the prevalence of depression is rising significantly and is forecast to overtake all other diseases in terms of the global burden of disease by 2030.^[8] The sensation of fear brought on by the expectation of danger, whether internal or external, is known as anxiety.^[9] Depression is a mood disorder marked by pervasive sorrow of mood, diminished concentration and attention, thoughts of guilt and worthlessness, decreased interest in pleasurable activities, and change in vegetative functions of the body, i.e., sleep and appetite.^[10] Anxiety and depression are connected with severe functional impairment, ranging from poor work functioning, absenteeism, diminished productivity. Depression as a comorbid disorder contributes to the growing economic burden, with 38% of the overall costs due to depression itself.^[11]

Cancer patients have a rather high rate of psychiatric comorbidity; about half of them experience emotional problems such as adjustment disorder, anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem.^[12-14] According to recent research, 48.7% of cancer patients receiving inpatient treatment had anxiety and sadness. Regarding cancer patients, this is in line with the findings of another study conducted in Pakistan that found that 52% of cancer patients had the disease, and a study conducted in Iran that found that rates for anxiety and depression were 57% and 47.2%, respectively.^[15,16] An increased incidence of anxiety and depression was linked to a greater stage of cancer. The incidence of mental health conditions, particularly anxiety disorders, was linked to a lower socioeconomic status.^[17] The current study intends to investigate the connection between cancer patients with psychiatric illnesses. Depression is becoming more and more important both globally and in India as a major contributor to years lost as a result of disability (Disability Adjusted Life Years, or DALYs) as an independent risk factor and in the exacerbation and duration of illness. Studies evaluating the levels of stress, anxiety, and depression in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy are scarce. In light of this, the aforementioned study aims to evaluate the anxiety and depression levels of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

RESULTS

30 cancer patients undergoing outpatient treatment filled out the surveys.

The average age of the patients was 52.57 years. Most of the patients (n = 19; 63.33%) were above 50 years of age. There were more males (n = 17; 56.67%) than girls (n = 13; 43.33%) [Table 1]. The predominant mental illness for somewhat more than half (n = 17; 56.67%) of the patients was either a depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder. The majority of patients with generalized anxiety disorder (n = 11; 36.67%) had mild anxiety (n = 5, 16.6%), followed by moderate anxiety (n = 4, 13.3%), while the least number had severe anxiety (n = 2, 6.67%) [Figure 1]. Depression was somewhat more prevalent than generalized anxiety disorder (n = 15; 50%). The majority of patients (n = 10, 33.33%) had moderate depression, just a tiny percentage (n = 2, 6.67%) had severe depression, and only a minor percentage (n = 3, 10%) had mild depression [Figure 2].

Close

Figure 1:

Distribution of patients according to their anxiety on Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A).

Export to PPT

Close

Figure 2:

Distribution of patient according to their depression on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D).

Export to PPT

DISCUSSION

The current study aims to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression in cancer patients. According to our research, 33% of patients had moderate depression, 10% had mild depression, and 7% had severe depression. In addition, 16% of patients had light anxiety, 13.3% had strong anxiety, and 6.6% had severe anxiety. According to a study by Hassan et al., the prevalence of depression and anxiety was 22.0% and 31.7%, respectively.^[18] According to one study, roughly 32.8% of breast cancer survivors had depression, based on a large sample of cancer patients.^[19] According to research by Hong and Tian, 66.72% of cancer patients have depression.^[20] 54 (45.0%) and 14 (11.7%) individuals, respectively, experienced mild and severe anxiety, according to the current study. Mild, moderate, and severe depression symptoms were reported by 29 (24.2%), 39 (32.5%), and 2 (1.7%) individuals, respectively.^[20] Our study’s results also showed a substantial correlation between cancer patients’ income level and their degrees of anxiety and depression, with those with lower incomes reporting higher levels of these conditions.

CONCLUSION

Our study found that many cancer patients suffered from anxiety and depression, highlighting the significance of this problem and the need for more attention. Anxiety and depression can make it more difficult to follow treatment regimens, successfully control symptoms, and adopt healthy lifestyle choices. It can make physical symptoms worse and lead to more people using healthcare services. Therefore, mental therapies may be necessary during cancer patients’ therapy to control their anxiety and depression.