Citation

Chochinov HM. Lancet Oncol. 2001; 2(8): 499-505.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, Lancet Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1016/S1470-2045(01)00456-9

PMID

11905726

Abstract

Clinical depression is a relatively common, and yet frequently overlooked, source of suffering among patients with cancer. All patients who face a life-threatening diagnosis such as cancer experience a normal albeit painful emotional reaction, but a substantial minority will become clinically depressed. This article reviews some basic information that oncology practitioners may find helpful in identifying patients at risk of experiencing a major depression. A brief overview of the epidemiology, diagnostic criteria, screening approaches, and special issues, such as depression in the elderly, high-risk populations, and suicide is also provided.

Language: en

Keywords

Depressive Disorder; Humans; Neoplasms; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Suicide