[Comorbidities between fatigue and depression in patients with colorectal cancer]

The objective of this study was to identify and characterize the comorbidities of fatigue and depression in colorectal cancer patients. A non-probabilistic sample of 154 outpatients (53% men; mean age 49.6 +/- 11.7 years; mean education 8.9 +/- 5.4 years). Fatigue was evaluated using the Revised Piper Fatigue Scale (min:0; max:10) and depression was evaluated using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) (min:0; max: 63). Fatigue was identified by 76 (49.4%) patients, and was intense (total score > or =6) for 19.7%. Scores compatible with depression (BDI >20) were found in 11 (7.1%) patients. Fatigue and depression were correlated (r = 0.395, p < 0.001). Comorbidities of moderate/severe fatigue and dysphoria/depression occurred in 12.3%. Fatigue was present in all patients with depression (100%) and depression occurred in 18% of patients with fatigue. Fatigue and depression are related phenomena. Comorbidities can be deleterious to the patient. Depression had a stronger effect on the occurrence of fatigue than the effect of fatigue on depression.