Depression Can Be a Side Effect of Cancer, Yet Few Are Treated for This Serious Health Problem

Statistics show that millions throughout the world are affected by cancer. While those dealing with the health issue are often struggle with depression as a side-effect of symptoms or related health treatments, recent research published in The Lancet Psychiatry, The Lancet and The Lancet Oncology have found that few with cancer are directly treated for this mental health issue, which affects about 7 percent of American adults.

Research from The Lancet Psychiatry based findings on a data analysis from over 21,000 cancer patients who attended clinics in Scotland, UK. Researchers found that major depression was much more likely in these participants than the normal population.

Findings in The Lancet examined a new program for treating depression, known as the Depression Care for People with Cancer program (DCPC)--a systematic treatment program that helps deliver a team of specialist cancer nurses and psychiatrists to work with patients. The system also provides the option for antidepressants and psychological therapy.

For their research, the study authors examined 500 adults who had both cancer and major depression. All were randomly assigned to receive either DCPC or the standard form of care from a doctor who may have prescribed them antidepressants or referred them to certain mental health services.

A six-month follow up showed that 62 percent of the participants responded to treatment, with 50 percent experiencing a reduced severity of depression compared to about 17 percent of the patients who received the usual care. Furthermore, researchers found that the benefits of the intervention program were maintained for about 12 mounts and even led to a general loss of depression, overall.

Lastly, research from The Lancet Oncology tested a specially adapted version of DCPC against the usual form of care for 142 patients with lung cancer and major depression. Findings showed that those who received intervention saw improvements in their depression that was reported during the 32-week follow up period. Researchers also found that many of the participants had improved their anxiety.