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

ABSTRACT

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