[Pain therapy and depression in cancer patients]

In a pilot study involving eleven terminal tumor patients suffering pain, the effect of monotherapy with oral, slow-release morphine on analgesia, somatogenic components, depression and state of psychic health was investigated. A significant decrease in pain intensity was observed. A significant correlation was found between analgesia and changes in depression. Individual assessment on the basis for the Hamilton Depression Scale revealed a significant association between the treatment of pain and sleep disturbances, depressive states, restlessness and suicidality. In addition, analgesia led to an improvement in general psychic health as indicated by the v. Zerssen scale. A reactive-depressive symptomatology in tumor patients suffering pain can be positively influenced by selective opiate therapy.