Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences (Oct 2024)

Assessment of psycho-emotional symptoms in cancer patients in an Oncology-Palliative Care Department from Romania

  • Roxana Andreea Rahnea-Nita,
  • Laura Florentina Rebegea,
  • Elena Gabriela Valcu,
  • Mihaela Dumitru,
  • Radu Valeriu Toma,
  • Mihai Georgescu,
  • Georgia Luiza Serbanescu,
  • Maria Alexandra Barbu,
  • Georgiana Bianca Constantin,
  • Gabriela Rahnea-Nita

DOI
https://doi.org/10.22543/2392-7674.1524
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11, no. 2
pp. 428 – 436

Abstract

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Introduction. Anxiety and depression have an increased prevalence in cancer patients, especially in those in an advanced stage of the disease. These disorders have a major impact on the social life, existential concerns and quality of life of cancer patients. Materials and Methods. A number of 114 consecutive patients were included in the study (in a period of 2 weeks) who were screened for anxiety, depression and for other common symptoms, using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS). Results. Regarding the age - the abnormal level of anxiety and depression: the percentage of patients over 65 years was higher than the percentage of patients under 64 years, both in terms of anxiety and depression. Regarding the Performance status ECOG - abnormal level of anxiety and depression: the percentage of patients with ECOG = 3-4 is higher than that of patients with ECOG = 0-2. Results. The increased prevalence of anxiety and depression requires psychological counseling and treatment. It is important for these symptoms to be identified as soon as possible, in order to provide a good quality of life. Conclusions. The model we propose is for the HADS to be a screening tool on admission to a palliative care ward, for certain categories of patients.

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