The influence of distressing symptoms to levels of depression in cancer patients.

Purpose: Our objectives were to identify the depression and the distressing symptoms in younger and elderly advanced cancer patients.

Methods: : The instruments that have been used were the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) for younger patients, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) for geriatric patients and the M. D. Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI) for the severity and impact of cancer-related symptoms.

Results: A trend for significant correlation was found between the GDS and MDASI symptoms for nausea (p=0.058), while a significant correlation was observed for increased sadness (p=0.011), increased constipation (p=0.021), interference of symptoms in mood (p=0.012) and in relations with people (p=0.007); interference of symptoms in mood was the most important risk factor. For younger patients, many statistically significant associations were found between distressing symptoms and depression; however, interference of symptoms in mood (p=0.045) was the only important risk factor.

Conclusion: Health-care professionals should take into consideration the risk factors for depressive symptoms suggesting a holistic care in advanced cancer patients.