Mental disorders in cancer patients: observations at a tertiary care centre in Pakistan

To study the frequencies of mental disorders among adult cancer patients in relation to their age, gender, marital status and type of malignancy. Socio-demographic characteristics and cancer diagnoses were recorded on a data capture form. Diagnoses of mental disorders were made on the basis of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual [DSM - IV] fourth edition. Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre. Two hundred and twenty newly diagnosed cancer patients were interviewed by a clinical psychologist before commencing any cancer treatment. Diagnosis of any mental disorder was transcribed using DSM-IV criteria and data thus collected were analyzed using SPSS for Windows. Observed frequencies of various mental disorders were compared with respect to patient's age, gender, marital status and type of cancer. Sixty five percent patients presented with various mental disorders. Adjustment disorders and mood disorders accounted for 34% each, while anxiety disorder was seen in 30% and remaining had delirium and somatoform disorders. Mental disorders were more common in males and in younger age group. The oncologists and physicians treating cancer patients should carefully evaluate their patients for symptoms of any associated mental disorder and provide the required clinical support

incidence of anxiety and its correlates in cancer patients receiving radiotherapy

To observe the incidence of anxiety in radiotherapy cancer patients in relation to their age, gender, education, marital status, performance status and type of disease. Data regarding socio-demographic variables and disease type was recorded on a data capture form. The presence of anxiety was measured by administering Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale, whereas patients' performance status was measured by administering Kernofsky Performance Status Scale. Patients coming to the Department of Radiation Oncology, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre for their treatment were included in this study. A consecutive sample of 113 patients was taken and followed up to study the incidence of anxiety. Data over various parameters like age, gender, education, marital status, disease type and performance status was recorded. Fifty percent of cancer patients receiving radiotherapy were found to be suffering from anxiety. Among 89% of patients, anxiety lowered after the therapy, in 3% it increased and remained static in 8%. Patients with low education and low performance status presented with high anxiety. Among all the patients, no significant relationship between anxiety and gender, age, marital status and site of the disease was observed. Correlates other than radiotherapy procedure can also cause anxiety in patients but further research is required to establish those correlates of anxiety. It is recommended that all radiotherapy patients should be provided education and procedural information designed to familiarize them with the forthcoming experience in order to reduce their anxiety