Mental Distress in Head and Neck Cancer Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Hammerlid E, Ahlner-Elmqvist M, Bjordal K, Biörklund A, Evensen J, Boysen M, Jannert M, Kaasa S, Sullivan M, Westin T
Primary Institution: Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg University, Sweden
Hypothesis
This study aims to assess the levels of mental distress and psychiatric morbidity in newly diagnosed head and neck cancer patients.
Conclusion
The study found that approximately one-third of head and neck cancer patients experienced significant levels of anxiety or depression throughout the year.
Supporting Evidence
- One-third of patients scored as a possible or probable case of a major mood disorder at each measurement point.
- Anxiety levels were highest at diagnosis, while depression was most common during treatment.
- Females were more anxious than males at diagnosis.
- Patients under 65 years scored higher for anxiety than those over 65.
- Patients with lower performance status and more advanced disease reported higher levels of mental distress.
Takeaway
Many people with head and neck cancer feel very sad or worried, especially when they first find out they are sick.
Methodology
Patients answered the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale six times over one year to assess mental distress.
Participant Demographics
The mean age of participants was 63 years, with 72% being male.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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