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Antidepressant medication use in palliative care.
Karl E Miller1, Stephen M Adams, Martha M Miller
1Department of Family Medicine, Chattanooga Unit, University of Tennessee COM, Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA.
The American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Care
|April 1, 2006
Summary
Approximately 25% of terminal patients experience depression. Early screening and treatment of mood and anxiety disorders are crucial for patient and family well-being in palliative care.
Area of Science:
- Palliative Care Medicine
- Psychiatry
- Oncology
Background:
- Depression and mood disorders affect roughly 25% of patients nearing the end of life.
- Untreated mood and anxiety disorders negatively impact patients and their families.
- Screening for depression can be initiated with a single question, followed by validated tools if positive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the prevalence of depression and anxiety in terminal patients.
- To emphasize the importance of screening and intervention for mood disorders.
- To address the limited research on antidepressant use in hospice and palliative care.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a single-question screening for depression.
- Employing validated screening tools for depression and anxiety disorders.
- Reviewing existing literature on antidepressant efficacy in palliative care settings.
Main Results:
- Depression screening can be simple and effective.
- Anxiety disorders also require identification and management.
- Antidepressant medication use in hospice and palliative care is understudied.
- Antidepressants may also aid in pain management as adjuvant therapy.
Conclusions:
- Screening for depression and anxiety is essential in terminal care.
- Further research is needed on the use of antidepressants in palliative and hospice settings.
- Antidepressants show potential for managing mood disorders and pain in this population.