Assessment and pharmacotherapy of depression.

Depressive disorders are experienced by a significant number of patients with cancer, with reported rates of 0%-58% (Massie, 2004). Numerous studies have demonstrated that depression in patients with cancer is underdiagnosed and inadequately treated as a result of a number of factors (Schwartz, Lander, & Chochinov, 2002). Although more severe or complex situations involving depression or other mental illness necessitate specialist referral, sometimes professionals treating patients with cancer may find the need to initiate treatment.