Predicting Anxiety and Depression in Cancer Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Nordin K, Glimelius B
Primary Institution: Department of Oncology, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
Hypothesis
Can anxiety and depression be predicted 6 months after a cancer diagnosis based on initial measures of anxiety, depression, coping, and subjective distress?
Conclusion
Initial levels of anxiety and depression can predict similar levels 6 months after a cancer diagnosis.
Supporting Evidence
- Patient anxiety and depression close to the diagnosis explained approximately 35% of the variance in anxiety and depression found 6 months later.
- A model using cut-off scores for anxiety and depression achieved a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 98%.
- The HAD scale combined with the IES intrusion subscale may help detect patients at risk of delayed anxiety and depression.
Takeaway
Doctors can tell if cancer patients might feel anxious or sad later by looking at how they feel right after their diagnosis.
Methodology
Patients were interviewed using structured questionnaires assessing anxiety, depression, coping, and subjective distress at diagnosis, 3 months, and 6 months later.
Participant Demographics
Patients with gastrointestinal cancer.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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