by Lynn Chua

Created on: July 16, 2009   Last Updated: July 19, 2009

Every individual, no matter healthy or ill, will experience periods of sadness or depression in his or her lifetime. And people with cancer or their family member especially the care giver are three times more likely than the general population to develop depression. Studies generally indicate that about 25 percent of people with cancer have depression, but only 2 percent of cancer patients in one study were receiving antidepressant medication. It is because most of the time depression in cancer patients goes unrecognized for several reasons; sometimes depression is misinterpreted to be a reaction to the diagnosis and some of the depressive symptoms are said to be attributed to the cancer itself. Finally, depression may be viewed as just the side effect of cancer treatments such as corticosteroids or chemotherapy.

Depression can exist before the diagnosis of cancer or may develop after the cancer is identified. Mostly because cancer or just the thoughts of cancer cause stress, this might result in depression.

Depression is a serious medical condition that affects thoughts, feelings, and the ability to function in everyday life. It adds to a cancer patient's suffering, interferes with his or her motivation to engage in cancer treatment and it can limit the energy needed to keep focused on treatment. Studies shows that, compared to patients without depression, depressed cancer patients experience greater distress, more impaired functioning and less ability to follow medical regimens. Treating depression in these patents not only improves the psychological condition but reduces suffering and enhances quality of life. There is evidence that the lifting of a depressed mood can help enhance survival.

Other factors which increase the risk of depression in someone with cancer are, history of depressive illness, alcohol or other substance abuse, poorly controlled pain, advanced disease, disability or disfigurement, medications such as steroids and chemotherapy agents, the presence of other physical illness, social isolation, and socio-economic pressures.

With treatment, up to 80% of all depressed people can improve, usually within weeks.

Psychotherapy is effective in treating depression in patients with cancer, even those without depression, has been shown to be beneficial in a number of ways. These treatments include, improving self-concept and sense of control, and reducing distress, anxiety, pain, fatigue, nausea, and sexual problems. There is some indication that psychological intervention may increase survival time in some cancer patients.

Electro-convulsive therapy is a safe and often effective treatment depression in cancer patients. Because it is fast-acting, it may be of particular use for depression in cancer patients who experience severe weight loss or debilitation, or who cannot take or do not respond to antidepressant medications.

When depression is present it should not be taken for granted that cancer will induce depression that depression is a normal part of dealing with cancer, or that depression cannot be alleviated for a person suffering from cancer. It must be treated even when a person is undergoing complicated regimens for cancer and it should be managed by a mental health professional. Like a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker who is in close communication with the physician providing the cancer treatment. This is especially important when antidepressant medication is needed or prescribed, so that potentially harmful drug interactions can be avoided.

Therefore professionals, patients, and families must be alert for depressive symptoms in cancer patients, and seek evaluation for depression when indicated.

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