Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
03:59
Therapeutic Massage for Psychological Well-being in Geriatric Oncology
Published on: May 22, 2026
Depression and the cancer patient
1Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021.
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
|July 1, 1990
Summary
Depression affects at least 25% of cancer patients, with risks including advanced cancer and pain. Treatment involves psychotherapy, medication, and sometimes electroconvulsive therapy for improved mental health.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Psychiatry
- Psychosocial Oncology
Background:
- Depression is common in cancer patients, with at least 25% meeting criteria for major depression or adjustment disorder.
- High-risk groups include those with a history of affective disorder, alcoholism, advanced cancer, uncontrolled pain, or certain medications/illnesses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical presentation of depression in cancer patients.
- To discuss the evaluation and pharmacologic treatment of depression in this population.
- To highlight the importance of assessing suicidal risk.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of clinical depression in cancer patients.
- Discussion of diagnostic criteria and risk factors.
- Overview of treatment modalities including psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and electroconvulsive therapy.
Main Results:
- Depression is a significant comorbidity in cancer patients.
- Specific patient characteristics and cancer-related factors increase depression risk.
- Comprehensive evaluation is crucial for effective management.
Conclusions:
- Effective management strategies for depression in cancer patients are available.
- Pharmacologic treatments are a key component of care.
- Continued research into optimal treatment is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
02:18Cancer
Cancers arise due to mutations in genes involved in the regulation of cell division, which leads to unrestricted cell proliferation. Modern science and medicine have made great strides in the understanding and treatment of cancer, including eradicating cancer in some patients. However, there is still no cure for cancer. This is largely due to the fact that cancer is a large group of many diseases.
02:12What is Cancer?
Cells and tissues must meticulously coordinate their activities for the normal functioning of the human body. Therefore, they exhibit socially responsible behavior - resting, growing, dividing, differentiating, or dying - for the organism’s benefit. Cancer arises when cells divide uncontrollably and invade other tissues or organs.
Although people have known about cancer for centuries, it was only in 1761 that Giovanni Morgagni of Padua performed a detailed autopsy of patients who died from...
Although people have known about cancer for centuries, it was only in 1761 that Giovanni Morgagni of Padua performed a detailed autopsy of patients who died from...
02:49Cancer Therapies
Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
02:49Cancer Therapies
Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
01:21Cancer Survival Analysis
Cancer survival analysis focuses on quantifying and interpreting the time from a key starting point, such as diagnosis or the initiation of treatment, to a specific endpoint, such as remission or death. This analysis provides critical insights into treatment effectiveness and factors that influence patient outcomes, helping to shape clinical decisions and guide prognostic evaluations. A cornerstone of oncology research, survival analysis tackles the challenges of skewed, non-normally...
01:19Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer
Chronic stress has been linked to both the onset and progression of serious health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes and cancer. Type 2 diabetes, a widespread chronic illness, is closely associated with obesity and insulin resistance, both of which often worsen under stress. Studies indicate that men experiencing high levels of chronic stress face a 45% higher risk of developing diabetes compared to those with minimal stress. Stress triggers physiological responses that elevate blood...