Psychotropic medications in oncology and in AIDS patients

This chapter has reviewed the prevalence of cancer and of psychiatric syndromes in the cancer setting. Guidelines have been given for the evaluation and treatment of specific psychiatric syndromes, as well as several special problems found in the cancer setting. In general, the major principle of using psychiatric medications in the patient with cancer or advanced AIDS is to use them to improve comfort, and not to withhold them when they may be of benefit.