Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 23, 2025
Measuring the Motor Aspect of Cancer-Related Fatigue using a Handheld Dynamometer
Published on: February 20, 2020
Do physical symptoms predict psychological issues in patients with cancer?: the Memorial Symptom Assessment
Katherine Webber1, Andrew Neil Davies2, Melanie Waghorn3
1Department of Supportive and Palliative Care, Royal Surrey Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, UK kath@kathwebber.com.
Objectives:
This study aimed to determine if individual physical symptoms were predictive of psychological disorders.
Methods:
This study was a secondary analysis of data from two studies which used the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Short Form (MSAS-SF) to assess both physical and psychological symptoms. Correlation between individual symptoms and the validated psychological subscale (MSAS-PSYCH) were performed using Spearman's coefficient. Linear regression analysis was performed to assess whether correlated symptoms predicted the presence of psychological disorders.
Results:
1507 patients' data were analysed. The physical symptoms of pain, lack of energy, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, 'feeling bloated' and 'I don't look like myself' were correlated with MSAS-PSYCH. Other physical symptoms existed independently to psychological symptoms. None of these physical symptoms were independently predictive of a mood disorder.
Conclusions:
This study presents a large data set evaluating psychological symptom correlations. There are certain physical symptoms which correlate with mood disorders, but these are not independently predictive. It is not known whether the correlative data are cause or effect. Comprehensive assessment remains essential to assess all problems.
Trial Registration Number:
The trial registered was at National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network Portfolio (Central Portfolio Management System (CPMS) ID 30723) Integrated Research Application System Identification (IRAS) ID 198753.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Disorders of the Female Reproductive System
01:30Negative and Cognitive Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia manifest as deficits in normal emotional and behavioral functioning, profoundly impacting daily life. Individuals with schizophrenia often display a flat affect, characterized by a near-total absence of emotional expression,...
01:19Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer
01:29Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include:
01:23Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...
01:17Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System I: Subjective Data
Health History
The initial step in assessing the GI system is obtaining a comprehensive health history. This includes inquiring about the patient's history or presence of problems...