P0235 - The outcome of depression and cancer diseases

Abstract

Objective:The purpose of this study is to diagnose MDD and to determine its influence to the prognostic and outcome of cancer diseases.

Material and Methods:

The study comprises 30 patients diagnosed with cancer. These patients were admitted in the Hematological Clinic of Arad during May 2006–October 2006 and were evaluated physically, psychiatric and psychological. The psychological evaluation was made with Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD) and Global Assesment of Functioning Scale (GAFscore) at admission and after 3 weeks of antidepressant treatment.

The patients were divided into two groups:

1. - GroupA–15patients diagnosed with MDD, that were undergoing mirtazapine;

2. - GroupB–15 patients that were not treated with antidepressants.

Results:

The majority of the patients (n=16) were diagnosed with moderate depressive episode and only 4 patients weren't diagnose with depression. Fatigue was present to all patients included into the study while weight loss and loss of appetite were present to 16 and 12 patients. The evolution of average of HAMD scores was better in group A than in group B (5 vs.1,73). GAF score of 90-81, 80-71, 70-61 point was recorded in a higher percentage in the patients of group A.

Conclusions:

Patients with cancer have a high rate of MDD.

MDD is a negative prognostic factor for cancer diseases. It influences and modifies the prognostic of disease.