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Published on: December 15, 2023
Depression and anxiety in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing free flap reconstruction
Priscilla F A Pichardo1, Vincent M Desiato1, Ryan N Hellums1
1Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA, United States of America.
Purpose:
To determine the prevalence and severity of depression and anxiety in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) undergoing treatment with free-flap (FF) reconstruction.
Methods:
Participants with HNC undergoing FF reconstruction were given the validated 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and a 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) questionnaire prior to surgery. Patient factors and responses were analyzed.
Results:
Seventy-one patients were included. Mean (SD) pre-operative PHQ-9 was 7.6 (7.04) with 34 % (n = 24) having moderate to severe depression. Mean (SD) pre-operative GAD-7 was 6.5 (6.86) with 30 % (n = 21) having moderate to severe anxiety.
Conclusion:
Prevalence of depression and anxiety is high in this cohort and undiagnosed in 22 % and 18 % of patients, respectively. Due to the findings, it is prudent to screen HNC patients at initial diagnosis and offer mental health services.
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