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Depression in the patient with brain cancer
University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI
Depression in the patient with brain cancer is a common occurrence, with emotional, cognitive, and physical sequelae. Depression may be associated with increased morbidity and mortality in this population. In addition, depression is the most important independent predictor of quality of life in patients with brain cancer. The etiology of depression may be due to tumor location, treatment, or patient response to the diagnosis. Predictors have been identified, but the incidence is likely underdiagnosed. Treatment of depression usually includes a combination of psychotherapy, group therapy, and medications. Throughout treatment, patients with brain cancer should be screened aggressively for depression. Depression etiology, screening tools, and treatment need to be studied further to improve outcomes in these patients.
| Commun Oncol 2007;4:533–536, 539 | full text |  107 kb |