[Depression in cancer patients. Early recognition--adequate treatment]

During or following chemotherapy, cancer patients frequently suffer from depression, asthenia and lassitude, which may have an unfavorable effect on the course of the disease. Psychotherapeutic interventions and psychopharmaceuticals can significantly ameliorate these symptoms and thus improve the patient's quality of life. Over the long term, the general practitioner has a key diagnostic and therapeutic function. While monitoring the further course of the patient, he can recognize the signs of depression and call in specialist help.