Psychiatric sequelae following breast cancer chemotherapy: a pilot study using claims data

Despite attention to depression and cognitive disorders, the prevalence of other mental disorders following breast cancer chemotherapy has not been well described. The authors undertook a pilot study using insurance claims data to compare the prevalence of mental disorders other than depression in a population of breast cancer surgery patients who did versus did not receive postsurgical chemotherapy treatment. Women receiving chemotherapy in addition to surgery were more likely to be diagnosed with adjustment disorders (odds ratio=2.01, 95% CI=1.04-3.87). Prevalence of depression, anxiety, cognitive, and sleep disorders were not dependent on receipt of post-surgical chemotherapy treatment. These findings support the need for heightened awareness for mental conditions following chemotherapy.