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Depression in children with cancer

M Dunitz1, P J Scheer, L Wurst

  • 1Psychosomatic Division, University Childrens Hospital, Graz.

Padiatrie Und Padologie
|January 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

This study evaluated depression in 34 pediatric cancer patients, finding a lower occurrence than expected. Standardized psychiatric interviews and rating scales assessed depression during chemotherapy.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Child Psychiatry
  • Clinical Psychology

Background:

  • Depression is a significant concern in pediatric cancer patients.
  • Standardized assessment tools are crucial for accurate diagnosis and monitoring.
  • Previous assumptions about depression rates in this population require empirical validation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the occurrence and severity of depression in pediatric cancer patients.
  • To monitor depression during induction chemotherapy.
  • To compare observed depression rates with initial assumptions.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 34 children with cancer admitted to a pediatric oncology unit was studied.
  • Standardized psychiatric interviews and validated rating scales (Children's Depression Rating Scale, Self-Report Symptom Checklist for Major Depressive Disorders) were employed.
  • Children were assessed four times at weekly intervals post-admission and chemotherapy initiation.

Main Results:

  • A total of 340 diagnostic ratings were conducted by three trained raters.
  • "Clearcut" depression was identified in 6 out of 34 children (approximately 17.6%).
  • This represents 25 out of 340 total ratings, indicating a lower prevalence than initially presumed.

Conclusions:

  • The occurrence of "clearcut" depression in pediatric cancer patients appears to be lower than commonly assumed.
  • Regular, standardized assessments are vital for identifying and managing depression in this vulnerable group.
  • Further research is warranted to explore contributing factors and refine intervention strategies.

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