Depressive disorders in an out­patient oncology setting: prevalence, assessment, and management

摘要: Objective. To assess the prevalence of depressive disorders among cancer patients attending out-patient oncology clinic a major hospital, and to initiate development valid practical psychological morbidity screening instrument suitable for local conditions. Design. Survey utilising self-report scales full psychiatric interviews. Setting. Radiotherapy department, Groote Schuur Hospital. Patients. Breast cancer, head neck lymphoma clinics. Results. A total 456 completed Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS). Of that sample, 245 also Beck Inventory (BDI), 100 were subjected structured interview. The depression in this population is approximately 14%, which lower than estimates reported elsewhere. Only 14% interviewed depressed cases had been identified treated by existing health care system, highlighting need tools. Appropriate tools management strategies are discussed. Conclusion. This study highlighted routine implementation cost-effective settings. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.