1
|
Subramaniam DS, Zhang Z, Timmer Z, DeMarco EC, Poirier MP, Hinyard LJ. Palliative Care and Mental Health among Pancreatic Cancer Patients in the United States: An Examination of Service Utilization and Health Outcomes. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:842. [PMID: 38667604 PMCID: PMC11050506 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12080842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Palliative care (PC) utilization remains low among pancreatic cancer patients. This study explores the association of PC with mental health service and pharmacotherapy utilization among pancreatic cancer patients. METHODS Retrospective analysis was conducted on a sample of patients in the United States with newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer using Electronic Health Record data from Optum's Integrated Claims-Clinical data set. Subsequent diagnoses of anxiety and depression and PC consultation encounters were determined using ICD-9/10 codes. Adjusted associations of mental health treatments with PC and patient characteristics were quantified using multiple logistic regression. RESULTS Among newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer patients (n = 4029), those with PC consultations exhibited a higher prevalence of anxiety (33.9% vs. 22.8%) and depression (36.2% vs. 23.2%). Mental health service use and pharmacotherapy varied, with the highest utilization among patients having both anxiety and depression. Treatment pattern was also influenced by age (aOR 1.832 for age <55 vs. 65-70 years). Notably, PC consultations showed no significant effect on the likelihood of documented treatment. DISCUSSION Our study emphasizes underutilization of PC and MH treatment for pancreatic cancer patients. These findings imply a crucial need for further investigation into palliative care's role in addressing mental health concerns among pancreatic cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Divya S. Subramaniam
- Department of Health and Clinical Outcomes Research, Advanced HEAlth Data (AHEAD) Institute, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA (Z.T.); (M.P.P.)
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Crampton E, Weisse CS. Antidepressant Use During Hospice Patients' Final Months on Routine Home Care. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2023; 40:953-958. [PMID: 36242518 DOI: 10.1177/10499091221134028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Antidepressants can be used to manage symptoms at the end of life, but the dying process can impact their use. Objectives: To examine the use of antidepressants during hospice patients' final months of home care. Methods: A retrospective case records review of 227 hospice patients in their last three months of care in a residential setting. Chart reviews were conducted of medication logs, hospice staff notes, and caregiver narratives to examine antidepressant use including types of medications prescribed and factors associated with medication maintenance. Results: Thirty percent of patients were prescribed at least 1 antidepressant for symptoms including depression, anxiety, pain, disturbances in sleep, and poor appetite. The majority (96.1%) of patients were not administered their antidepressant on the day of death, and more than half (61.8%) did not receive their antidepressant during their last 3 days of life. A quarter (25.5%) of patients on antidepressants did not receive medication 4-7 days prior to death while some (12.7%) went without their antidepressant for 8 or more days. Antidepressant use was discontinued by hospice staff or caregivers due to a variety of reasons including difficulty swallowing, minimal consciousness, confusion, nausea, or patient refusal. Conclusions: Antidepressants are prescribed to manage multiple symptoms at the end of life, but use is often disrupted during patients' final days. Tapering and other prescription adjustments may be warranted to avoid risk of antidepressant discontinuation syndrome (ADS).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Carol S Weisse
- Director of Health Professions/Professor of Psychology, Union College, Schenectady, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lee W, Chang S, DiGiacomo M, Draper B, Agar MR, Currow DC. Caring for depression in the dying is complex and challenging - survey of palliative physicians. BMC Palliat Care 2022; 21:11. [PMID: 35034640 PMCID: PMC8761382 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-00901-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is prevalent in people with very poor prognoses (days to weeks). Clinical practices and perceptions of palliative physicians towards depression care have not been characterised in this setting. The objective of this study was to characterise current palliative clinicians' reported practices and perceptions in depression screening, assessment and management in the very poor prognosis setting. METHODS In this cross-sectional cohort study, 72 palliative physicians and 32 psychiatrists were recruited from Australian and New Zealand Society of Palliative Medicine and Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists between February and July 2020 using a 23-item anonymous online survey. RESULTS Only palliative physicians results were reported due to poor psychiatry representation. Palliative physicians perceived depression care in this setting to be complex and challenging. 40.0% reported screening for depression. All experienced uncertainty when assessing depression aetiology. Approaches to somatic symptom assessment varied. Physicians were generally less likely to intervene for depression than in the better prognosis setting. Most reported barriers to care included the perceived lack of rapidly effective therapeutic options (77.3%), concerns of patient burden and intolerance (71.2%), and the complexity in diagnostic differentiation (53.0%). 66.7% desired better collaboration between palliative care and psychiatry. CONCLUSIONS Palliative physicians perceived depression care in patients with very poor prognoses to be complex and challenging. The lack of screening, variations in assessment approaches, and the reduced likelihood of intervening in comparison to the better prognosis setting necessitate better collaboration between palliative care and psychiatry in service delivery, training and research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Lee
- University of Technology Sydney, Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation (IMPACCT), Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia.
- St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, 390 Victoria St, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010, Australia.
| | - Sungwon Chang
- University of Technology Sydney, Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation (IMPACCT), Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Michelle DiGiacomo
- University of Technology Sydney, Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation (IMPACCT), Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Brian Draper
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Meera R Agar
- University of Technology Sydney, Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation (IMPACCT), Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - David C Currow
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lee W, Sheehan C, Chye R, Chang S, Loo C, Draper B, Agar M, Currow DC. Study protocol for SKIPMDD: subcutaneous ketamine infusion in palliative care patients with advanced life limiting illnesses for major depressive disorder (phase II pilot feasibility study). BMJ Open 2021; 11:e052312. [PMID: 34183351 PMCID: PMC8240583 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-052312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Major depressive disorder (MDD) in people with advanced life-limiting illnesses can have significant impact on the quality-of-life of those affected. The management of MDD in the palliative care setting can be challenging as typical antidepressants may not work in time nor be tolerated due to coexisting organ dysfunctions, symptom burden and frailty. Parenteral ketamine was found to exhibit effective and rapid-onset antidepressant effect even against treatment-resistant depression in the psychiatric population. However, there is currently neither feasibility study nor available prospective study available to inform of the safety, tolerability and efficacy of such for MDD in the palliative setting. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is an open-labelled, single arm, phase II pilot feasibility study involving adult patients with advanced life-limiting illnesses and MDD across four palliative care services in Australia. It has an individual dose-titration design (0.1-0.4 mg/kg) with weekly treatments of subcutaneous ketamine infusion over 2 hours. The primary outcome is feasibility. The secondary outcomes are related to the safety, tolerability and antidepressant efficacy of ketamine, participants' satisfaction in relation to the trial process and the reasons for not completing the study at various stages. The feasibility data will be reported using descriptive statistics. Meanwhile, side effects, tolerability and efficacy data will be analysed using change of assessment scores from baseline. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval was acquired (South Western Sydney Local Health District: HREC/18/LPOOL/466). The results of this study will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals and presented at relevant conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry Number: ACTRN12618001586202; Pre-results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Lee
- Improving Care for Palliative Aged, and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation (IMPACCT), Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Richard Chye
- Palliative Care, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- University of Notre Dame, Darlinghurst, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sungwon Chang
- Improving Care for Palliative Aged, and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation (IMPACCT), Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Colleen Loo
- Black Dog Institute, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brian Draper
- Department of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Meera Agar
- Improving Care for Palliative Aged, and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation (IMPACCT), Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David C Currow
- Improving Care for Palliative Aged, and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation (IMPACCT), Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Cancer Institute New South Wales, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lee W, Pulbrook M, Sheehan C, Kochovska S, Chang S, Hosie A, Lobb E, Parker D, Draper B, Agar MR, Currow DC. Clinically Significant Depressive Symptoms Are Prevalent in People With Extremely Short Prognoses-A Systematic Review. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 61:143-166.e2. [PMID: 32688012 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Currently, systematic evidence of the prevalence of clinically significant depressive symptoms in people with extremely short prognoses is not available to inform its global burden, assessment, and management. OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence of clinically significant depressive symptoms in people with advanced life-limiting illnesses and extremely short prognoses (range of days to weeks). METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis (random-effects model) were performed (PROSPERO: CRD42019125119). MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and CareSearch were searched for studies (1994-2019). Data were screened for the prevalence of clinically significant depressive symptoms (assessed using validated depression-specific screening tools or diagnostic criteria) of adults with advanced life-limiting illnesses and extremely short prognoses (defined by survival or functional status). Quality assessment was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Systematic Reviews Checklist for Prevalence Studies for individual studies and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) across studies. RESULTS Thirteen studies were included. The overall pooled prevalence of clinically significant depressive symptoms in adults with extremely short prognoses (n = 10 studies; extremely short prognoses: N = 905) using depression-specific screening tools was 50% (95% CI: 29%-70%; I2 = 97.6%). Prevalence of major and minor depression was 10% (95% CI: 4%-16%) and 5% (95% CI: 2%-8%), respectively. Major limitations included high heterogeneity, selection bias, and small sample sizes in individual studies. CONCLUSIONS Clinically, significant depressive symptoms were prevalent in people with advanced life-limiting illnesses and extremely short prognoses. Clinicians need to be proactive in the recognition and assessment of these symptoms to allow for timely intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Lee
- University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia; St Vincent Hospital, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Marley Pulbrook
- St Vincent Hospital, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | | | - Sungwon Chang
- University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Annmarie Hosie
- St Vincent Hospital, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia; University of Notre Dame Australia, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Lobb
- Calvary Hospital, Kogarah, New South Wales, Australia; University of Notre Dame Australia, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Deborah Parker
- University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brian Draper
- University of New South Wales, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Meera R Agar
- University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David C Currow
- University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
The varied physical, social, and psychological stressors that accompany advanced disease can be burdensome and cause intense emotional suffering, hindering the ability of patients and families to cope in day-to-day life and negatively affecting quality of life. This article addresses key concepts for the assessment and management of commonly encountered types of psychological distress in serious illness including grief, prolonged grief, major depressive disorder, death contemplation, and suicidal ideation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kanako Y McKee
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System, 4150 Clement Street, Box 181G, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA.
| | - Anne Kelly
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System, 4150 Clement Street (NH 181), San Francisco, CA 94121, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tiernan E, Casey P, O'Boyle C, Birkbeck G, Mangan M, O'Siorain L, Kearney M. Relations between Desire for Early Death, Depressive Symptoms and Antidepressant Prescribing in Terminally Ill Patients with Cancer. J R Soc Med 2017; 95:386-90. [PMID: 12151487 PMCID: PMC1279962 DOI: 10.1177/014107680209500803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Some patients with advanced cancer express the wish for an early death. This may be associated with depression. We examined the relations between depressive symptoms and desire for early death (natural or by euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide) in 142 terminally ill patients with cancer being cared for by a specialist palliative care team. They completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale questionnaire and answered four supplementary questions on desire for early death. Only 2 patients expressed a strong wish for death by some form of suicide or euthanasia. 120 denied that they ever wished for early release. The desire for early death correlated with depression scores. Depressive symptoms were common in the whole group but few were on antidepressant therapy. Better recognition and treatment of depression might improve the lives of people with terminal illness and so lessen desire for early death, whether natural or by suicide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Tiernan
- Our Lady's Hospice, Harold's Cross, Dublin 6W, Ireland.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lloyd-Williams M. Depression–-the Hidden Symptom in Advanced Cancer. J R Soc Med 2017; 96:577-81. [PMID: 14645605 PMCID: PMC539654 DOI: 10.1177/014107680309601202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mari Lloyd-Williams
- University of Liverpool Medical School, Department of Primary Care, Harrison Hughes Building, Brownlow Hill, Liverpool L69 3GB, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
Depression and other mood disorders occur in approximately 25 percent of terminal patients. Untreated, depression and mood disorders can have a significantly negative impact on patients andfamilies. Screeningfor depression can be done as easily as asking one question: “Areyou depressed?” A positive response to this question can be followed with one of the more extensive screening tools. Anxiety disorders can also have a negative effect on patients and their families. These can be identified by also using one of the validated screening tools. Use of the antidepressant medications for treating depression and, in some cases, anxiety disorders has not been well studied in hospice and palliative care. Some of the antidepressants can also serve as adjuvant therapy in pain management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karl E Miller
- Department of Family Medicine, Chattanooga Unit, University of Tennessee COM, Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Low JA, Kwek SK, Pang WS. The Psychopathology of Depression in the Advanced Cancer Patient. PROGRESS IN PALLIATIVE CARE 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/09699260.2001.11746910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
11
|
Lloyd-Williams M. Why are we Reluctant to Diagnose Depression in Palliative Care Patients? PROGRESS IN PALLIATIVE CARE 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/09699260.2001.11746909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
12
|
Rosenberg L, deLima Thomas J. Pharmacologic Management of Depression in Advanced Illness #309. J Palliat Med 2016; 19:783-4. [DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2016.0075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
13
|
Sanjida S, Janda M, Kissane D, Shaw J, Pearson SA, DiSipio T, Couper J. A systematic review and meta-analysis of prescribing practices of antidepressants in cancer patients. Psychooncology 2016; 25:1002-16. [PMID: 26775715 DOI: 10.1002/pon.4048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Revised: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antidepressants are commonly used for the pharmacological treatment of depression. We aimed to summarise the prevalence of antidepressant prescription to cancer patients, and differences by study or patient characteristics. METHODS PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus and psychINFO were searched using keywords 'psychotropic', 'antidepressants', 'prescription' and 'cancer'. Prevalence of antidepressants, type, dose and follow-up of antidepressants and prescriber details were extracted. RESULTS Overall, 1537 articles between 1979 and February 2015 were found, 38 met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed according to PRISMA guidelines. The prevalence rate of prescribing antidepressants to cancer patients was 15.6% (95% CI = 13.3-18.3). Prescription was significantly less common in studies from Asia (7.4%; 95% CI = 4.3-12.5), more common in female (22.6%; 95% CI = 16.0-31.0) or breast cancer patients (22.6%; 95% CI = 16.0-30.9). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were the most frequently prescribed antidepressants. General practitioners and psychiatrists, followed by oncologists, were identified as the major providers of antidepressant prescriptions to cancer patients. Few studies reported the exact dose, length of time drugs were prescribed for or follow-up regimens. CONCLUSIONS There is considerable variation in the prescribing patterns of antidepressants across the world, with few studies reporting robust data on exact dose or follow-up regimens. Prospective studies that monitor antidepressant prescribing, including details of reasons for prescribing and the healthcare providers involved, dose, change in dose or type of medication and follow-up are needed to ascertain whether patients are being treated optimally and if side effects or drug-drug interactions are identified and managed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saira Sanjida
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Institute for Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Monika Janda
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Institute for Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - David Kissane
- Department of Psychiatry, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Joanne Shaw
- Psycho-oncology Co-operative Research Group, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Tracey DiSipio
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Institute for Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jeremy Couper
- Department of Psychiatry, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Rhondali W, Freyer G, Adam V, Filbet M, Derzelle M, Abgrall-Barbry G, Bourcelot S, Machavoine JL, Chomat-Neyraud M, Gisserot O, Largillier R, Le Rol A, Priou F, Saltel P, Falandry C. Agreement for depression diagnosis between DSM-IV-TR criteria, three validated scales, oncologist assessment, and psychiatric clinical interview in elderly patients with advanced ovarian cancer. Clin Interv Aging 2015. [PMID: 26203235 PMCID: PMC4506027 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s71690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Depression, a major outcome in cancer patients, is often evaluated by physicians relying on their clinical impressions rather than patient self-report. Our aim was to assess agreement between patient self-reported depression, oncologist assessment (OA), and psychiatric clinical interview (PCI) in elderly patients with advanced ovarian cancer (AOC). Methods This analysis was a secondary endpoint of the Elderly Women AOC Trial 3 (EWOT3), designed to assess the impact of geriatric covariates, notably depression, on survival in patients older than 70 years of age. Depression was assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale-30 (GDS), the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, the distress thermometer, the mood thermometer, and OA. The interview guide for PCI was constructed from three validated scales: the GDS, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition, revised (DSM) criteria for depression were used as a gold standard. Results Out of 109 patients enrolled at 21 centers, 99 (91%) completed all the assessments. Patient characteristics were: mean age 78, performance status ≥2: 47 (47%). Thirty six patients (36%) were identified as depressed by the PCI versus 15 (15%) identified by DSM. We found moderate agreement for depression identification between DSM and GDS (κ=0.508) and PCI (κ=0.431) and high agreement with MADRS (κ=0.663). We found low or no agreement between DSM with the other assessment strategies, including OA (κ=−0.043). Identification according to OA (yes/no) resulted in a false-negative rate of 87%. As a screening tool, GDS had the best sensitivity and specificity (94% and 80%, respectively). Conclusion The use of validated tools, such as GDS, and collaboration between psychologists and oncologists are warranted to better identify emotional disorders in elderly women with AOC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gilles Freyer
- Medical Oncology Unit, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Université Lyon 1, Pierre-Benite, France
| | - Virginie Adam
- Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine Alexis Vautrin, Vandoeuvrelès-Nancy, France
| | - Marilène Filbet
- Palliative Unit, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Université Lyon 1, Pierre-Benite, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Annick Le Rol
- Medical Oncology, Hôpital Perpétuel Secours, Levallois-Perret, France
| | - Frank Priou
- Medical Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Départemental Les Oudairies, La Roche-sur-Yon, France
| | - Pierre Saltel
- Supportive Care Department, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Claire Falandry
- Geriatrics and Oncology Unit, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Université Lyon 1, Pierre-Bénite, France
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Reich M. Les troubles psychiatriques en soins palliatifs et en fin de vie. Presse Med 2015; 44:442-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2015.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Revised: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
|
16
|
Lloyd-Williams M, Payne S, Reeve J, Dona RK. Thoughts of self-harm and depression as prognostic factors in palliative care patients. J Affect Disord 2014; 166:324-9. [PMID: 25012448 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2014.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2013] [Revised: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 05/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study explored whether scores indicating depression on Patient Health Questionnaire 9 and patient reports of thoughts of self-harm were prognostic factors for survival in advanced cancer. METHOD Patients with advanced cancer were recruited into the study from palliative care day units and invited to complete measures for depression which included Patient Health Questionnaire 9, and Edinburgh Depression Scale at recruitment, and at 8, 16 and 24 weeks. RESULTS 629 patients were recruited into the study; 139 (22%) died during 6 months follow up and 235 patients (37.4%) died during the study period. The age range of patients recruited was 21-94 years-mean age 66 years and 67% of patients recruited were female. The overall median survival of patients recruited was 37.1 weeks (95% CI 36.0, 39.9 weeks) (range 0-116 weeks). The estimated median survival time of patients whose baseline PHQ9≥9 was 36 weeks with 95% confidence interval of (31, 39) and for patients whose baseline PHQ9<9 was 39 weeks (95% CI 37, 45)-baseline PHQ9 alone was predictive of death. The median survival times were 37.9 weeks for patients who did not indicate thoughts of self-harm and 34.7 weeks for patients who reported thoughts of self-harm at baseline suggesting that risk of death was 1.4 times higher among patients who reported thoughts of self-harm. LIMITATIONS Patients were recruited only from within palliative day care units and assessments were made only by validated tools and not by clinical interviews. CONCLUSIONS In this large longitudinal study, moderate to severe depression as measured by PHQ9 and patient reports of thoughts of self-harm were associated with earlier mortality. This paper supports the need for supporting patients psychologically at the end of life and specifically in treating depression in this patient group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mari Lloyd-Williams
- Academic Palliative and Supportive Care Studies Group, Institute of Psychology, Health and Society, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Sheila Payne
- Help the Hospices Chair in Hospice Studies, Director of the International Observatory on End of Life Care, Division of Health Research, University of Lancaster, UK
| | - Joanne Reeve
- Health Services Research, Institute of Psychology, Health and Society, University of Liverpool, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Kétamine et dépression : vers de nouvelles perspectives thérapeutiques en soins de support ? PSYCHO-ONCOLOGIE 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s11839-014-0453-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
|
18
|
Porche K, Reymond L, Callaghan JO, Charles M. Depression in palliative care patients: a survey of assessment and treatment practices of Australian and New Zealand palliative care specialists. AUST HEALTH REV 2014; 38:44-50. [DOI: 10.1071/ah13041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Objective To explore the practices of members of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Palliative Medicine (ANZSPM) in assessing and treating depression in palliative care patients. Methods Semistructured questionnaires were forwarded to ANZSPM members in consecutive mail-outs to survey diagnostic and treatment practices for depression. Results The response rate was 62.3%. The median prevalence of depression, as perceived by respondents, in the present respondent patient populations was 20% (range 0%–90%); 57.1% of respondents always assessed for depression, whereas 42.9% assessed for depression sometimes. The majority (98.9%) of respondents relied on clinical interviews to assess depression; non-somatic symptoms of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV) criteria were more useful than somatic symptoms. The depression screening tools most frequently used were one- and two-item questions. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods were used to treat depression, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors the most frequently prescribed medications. Psycho-educational and supportive counselling were the most frequently used non-pharmacological interventions. Nominated measures to augment depression management included improving access to psychiatry, psychology and other allied health services, the development of a screening tool specific to palliative care patients and associated guidelines for depression management. Conclusions This is the first Australasian study to explore the practice of medical practitioners regarding depression in palliative patients. Incorporation of screening tool questions into palliative care assessment interviews may warrant future research. What is known about the topic? Depression in palliative care patients has a negative impact on quality of life; however, little is known about how Australasian palliative care medical practitioners manage depression in this patient population. What does this paper add? To the researchers’ knowledge, this is the first Australasian study that explores the practices of local palliative care specialists in the management of depression in palliative patients. What are the implications for practitioners? Overall management of depression in palliative care populations by Australasian practitioners is similar to that of their European colleagues. Consensus is that for assessment of depression in palliative patients, non-somatic symptoms of DSM-IV criteria are more useful than somatic symptoms. Practitioners report the need for improved access to psychiatric, psychological and other support services, for a palliative care-specific depression screening tool and for depression management guidelines applicable to palliative care patients.
Collapse
|
19
|
Anquinet L, Rietjens J, van der Heide A, Bruinsma S, Janssens R, Deliens L, Addington-Hall J, Smithson WH, Seymour J. Physicians' experiences and perspectives regarding the use of continuous sedation until death for cancer patients in the context of psychological and existential suffering at the end of life. Psychooncology 2013; 23:539-46. [PMID: 24307235 PMCID: PMC4282582 DOI: 10.1002/pon.3450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2013] [Revised: 09/07/2013] [Accepted: 10/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The use of continuous sedation until death for terminally ill cancer patients with unbearable and untreatable psychological and existential suffering remains controversial, and little in-depth insight exists into the circumstances in which physicians resort to it. METHODS Our study was conducted in Belgium, the Netherlands, and the UK in hospitals, PCUs/hospices, and at home. We held interviews with 35 physicians most involved in the care of cancer patients who had psychological and existential suffering and had been continuously sedated until death. RESULTS In the studied countries, three groups of patients were distinguished regarding the origin of their psychological and existential suffering. The first group had preexisting psychological problems before they became ill, the second developed psychological and existential suffering during their disease trajectory, and the third presented psychological symptoms that were characteristic of their disease. Before they resorted to the use of sedation, physicians reported that they had considered an array of pharmacological and psychological interventions that were ineffective or inappropriate to relieve this suffering. Necessary conditions for using sedation in this context were for most physicians the presence of refractory symptoms, a short life expectancy, and an explicit patient request for sedation. CONCLUSIONS Physicians in our study used continuous sedation until death in the context of psychological and existential suffering after considering several pharmacological and psychological interventions. Further research and debate are needed on how and by whom this suffering at the end of life should be best treated, taking into account patients' individual preferences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Livia Anquinet
- VUB-UGent End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Julião M, Oliveira F, Nunes B, Barbosa A. Time and Life Perception in the Terminally Ill: Its Utility in Screening for Depression. J Palliat Med 2013; 16:1433-7. [DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2013.0149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Julião
- Center of Bioethics, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Center for Evidence Based Medicine, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Palliative Medicine – IIHSCJ – Casa de Saúde da Idanha, Belas, Portugal
- Centro Clínico Champalimaud - Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Fátima Oliveira
- Department of Palliative Medicine – IIHSCJ – Casa de Saúde da Idanha, Belas, Portugal
| | - Baltazar Nunes
- Department of Epidemiology, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - António Barbosa
- Center of Bioethics, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital de Santa Maria, Lisbon, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Rhondali W, Girard R, Saltel P, Lloyd-Williams M, Filbet M. Validity and acceptability of a French-language version of the Brief Edinburgh Depression Scale. PROGRESS IN PALLIATIVE CARE 2013. [DOI: 10.1179/1743291x11y.0000000018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
|
22
|
|
23
|
Les traitements antitumoraux chez les patients traités pour une pathologie psychiatrique. ONCOLOGIE 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s10269-012-2244-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
24
|
Warmenhoven F, van Rijswijk E, van Hoogstraten E, van Spaendonck K, Lucassen P, Prins J, Vissers K, van Weel C. How family physicians address diagnosis and management of depression in palliative care patients. Ann Fam Med 2012; 10:330-6. [PMID: 22778121 PMCID: PMC3392292 DOI: 10.1370/afm.1373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2011] [Revised: 09/29/2011] [Accepted: 10/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Depression is highly prevalent in palliative care patients. In clinical practice, there is concern about both insufficient and excessive diagnosis and treatment of depression. In the Netherlands, family physicians have a central role in delivering palliative care. We explored variation in family physicians' opinions regarding the recognition, diagnosis, and management of depression in palliative care patients. METHODS We conducted a focus group study in a sample of family physicians with varied practice locations and varying expertise in palliative care. Transcripts were analyzed independently by 2 researchers using constant comparative analysis in ATLAS.ti. RESULTS In 4 focus group discussions with 22 family physicians, the physicians described the diagnostic and therapeutic process for depression in palliative care patients as a continuous and overlapping process. Differentiating between normal and abnormal sadness was viewed as challenging. The physicians did not strictly apply criteria of depressive disorder but rather relied on their clinical judgment and strongly considered patients' context and background factors. They indicated that managing depression in palliative care patients is mainly supportive and nonspecific. Antidepressant drugs were seldom prescribed. The physicians described difficulties in diagnosing and treating depression in palliative care, and gave suggestions to improve management of depression in palliative care patients in primary care. CONCLUSIONS Family physicians perceive the diagnosis and management of depression in palliative care patients as challenging. They rely on open communication and a long-standing physician-patient relationship in which the patient's context is of great importance. This approach fits with the patient-centered care that is promoted in primary care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franca Warmenhoven
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Hallford DJ, McCabe MP, Mellor D, Davison TE, Goldhammer DL. Depression in palliative care settings: the need for training for nurses and other health professionals to improve patients' pathways to care. NURSE EDUCATION TODAY 2012; 32:556-560. [PMID: 21862185 DOI: 10.1016/j.nedt.2011.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2011] [Revised: 07/25/2011] [Accepted: 07/28/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Depression is highly prevalent in patients receiving palliative care; however, detection rates are low, with many patients who suffer with depression continuing to go undetected and untreated. A number of factors unique to this setting, as well as issues relating to staff knowledge and self-efficacy working with depression, may impede the detection of patients who are depressed by professional health care staff. Although programmes aimed to train nurses and other allied health staff in depression may be an effective way to improve detection rates, there have been few studies investigating the efficacy of these interventions. This article draws upon recent literature to provide a narrative review of barriers to detection and factors relating to professional palliative care staffs' ability to provide pathways to care for patients who suffer with depression in this setting. Previously evaluated training programmes are reviewed and the argument is made that further development and empirical evaluation of depression training interventions for staff in this setting will provide services with evidence-based methods of training nurses and other professional care staff and improve the pathways to care for patients who suffer with depression.
Collapse
|
26
|
Antidepressants to cancer patients during the last year of life-a population-based study. Psychooncology 2012; 22:506-14. [DOI: 10.1002/pon.3059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2011] [Revised: 01/31/2012] [Accepted: 02/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
|
27
|
Daher IN, Kim C, Saleh RR, Plana JC, Yusuf SW, Banchs J. Prevalence of Abnormal Echocardiographic Findings in Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Evaluation of Echocardiography for Identifying Cardiac Abnormalities in Cancer Patients. Echocardiography 2011; 28:1061-7. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-8175.2011.01490.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
|
28
|
Irwin SA. The role of glutamate in my professional life: From molecular neuroplasticity to the relief of suffering. Dev Psychobiol 2011; 53:482-8. [DOI: 10.1002/dev.20558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
|
29
|
Rayner L, Price A, Hotopf M, Higginson IJ. Expert opinion on detecting and treating depression in palliative care: A Delphi study. BMC Palliat Care 2011; 10:10. [PMID: 21619580 PMCID: PMC3125275 DOI: 10.1186/1472-684x-10-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2010] [Accepted: 05/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a dearth of data regarding the optimal method of detecting and treating depression in palliative care. This study applied the Delphi method to evaluate expert opinion on choice of screening tool, choice of antidepressant and choice of psychological therapy. The aim was to inform the development of best practice recommendations for the European Palliative Care Research Collaborative clinical practice guideline on managing depression in palliative care. METHODS 18 members of an international, multi-professional expert group completed a structured questionnaire in two rounds, rating their agreement with proposed items on a scale from 0-10 and annotating with additional comments. The median and range were calculated to give a statistical average of the experts' ratings. RESULTS There was contention regarding the benefits of screening, with 'routine informal asking' (median 8.5 (0-10)) rated more highly than formal screening tools such as the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (median 7.0 (1-10). Mirtazapine (median 9 (7-10) and citalopram (median 9 (5-10) were the considered the best choice of antidepressant and cognitive behavioural therapy (median 9.0 (3-10) the best choice of psychological therapy. CONCLUSIONS The range of expert ratings was broad, indicating discordance in the views of experts. Direct comparative data from randomised controlled trials are needed to strengthen the evidence-base and achieve clarity on how best to detect and treat depression in this setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Rayner
- Department of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Cicely Saunders Institute, King's College London, UK
- Department of Psychological Medicine, The Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, UK
| | - Annabel Price
- Department of Psychological Medicine, The Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, UK
| | - Matthew Hotopf
- Department of Psychological Medicine, The Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, UK
| | - Irene J Higginson
- Department of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Cicely Saunders Institute, King's College London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Rayner L, Lee W, Price A, Monroe B, Sykes N, Hansford P, Higginson IJ, Hotopf M. The clinical epidemiology of depression in palliative care and the predictive value of somatic symptoms: cross-sectional survey with four-week follow-up. Palliat Med 2011; 25:229-41. [PMID: 21228092 DOI: 10.1177/0269216310387458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
This cross-sectional survey aimed to determine the prevalence and remission of depression in patients receiving palliative care and to ascertain the predictive value of somatic symptoms in making the diagnosis. Three hundred consecutive patients were interviewed within one week of their initial assessment by a specialist nurse at a palliative care service with in-patient and homecare facilities in south London, UK. Depression was assessed using the PRIME-MD PHQ-9. Presence of somatic symptoms (fatigue, sleep disturbance, poor appetite) was determined using the EORTC-QLQ-C30 quality of life questionnaire. Fifty-eight (19.3% [15.3 to 23.3]) patients met criteria for Major Depressive Disorder; 109 (36.3% [32.3 to 40.3]) met criteria for 'Any depressive syndrome'. Patients with Major Depressive Disorder were more likely to be male, and to have non-malignant disease, pain, poor performance status and desire for an early death. Of those patients with Major Depressive Disorder at baseline, 69% (27/39) had remitted four weeks later. Of those not depressed at baseline, 11% (19/174) met criteria for depression at follow-up. The positive predictive values of sleep disturbance, poor appetite and fatigue were low (<24%), whereas the negative predictive values of these symptoms were high (>89%). The high prevalence of depression in palliative care attests to the need for psychological assessment and support. Depression in patients receiving palliative care is unstable, suggesting that symptoms should be carefully monitored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Rayner
- King's College London, Department of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Cicely Saunders Institute, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Ito T, Shimizu K, Ichida Y, Ishibashi Y, Akizuki N, Ogawa A, Fujimori M, Kaneko N, Ueda I, Nakayama K, Uchitomi Y. Usefulness of pharmacist-assisted screening and psychiatric referral program for outpatients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Psychooncology 2011; 20:647-54. [DOI: 10.1002/pon.1945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2010] [Revised: 01/11/2011] [Accepted: 01/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
|
32
|
The development of evidence-based European guidelines on the management of depression in palliative cancer care. Eur J Cancer 2011; 47:702-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2010.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2010] [Revised: 11/18/2010] [Accepted: 11/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
33
|
Rayner L, Price A, Evans A, Valsraj K, Hotopf M, Higginson IJ. Antidepressants for the treatment of depression in palliative care: systematic review and meta-analysis. Palliat Med 2011; 25:36-51. [PMID: 20935027 DOI: 10.1177/0269216310380764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Depression can exacerbate symptoms associated with life-threatening illness and increase disability and distress. In palliative care, depression occurs in a context of multiple symptoms, which complicates detection and treatment. While systematic reviews of antidepressants have been conducted in specific life-threatening diseases, no previous study has synthesized the evidence in palliative care. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of antidepressants for the treatment of depression in palliative care. MEDLINE, EMBASE, PSYCINFO and Cochrane trials registers were systematically searched to identify randomized controlled trials comparing antidepressants and placebo for the treatment of depression in palliative care. The primary outcome was efficacy assessed at three time-points. Twenty-five studies were included in the review. At each time-point antidepressants were more efficacious than placebo: 4-5 weeks odds ratio (OR) 1.93 (1.15-3.42) p = 0.001; 6-8 weeks OR 2.25 (1.38-3.67) p = 0.001; 9-18 weeks OR 2.71 (1.50-4.91) p = 0.001. This review provides evidence that antidepressants are effective in treating depression in palliative care. Their superiority over placebo is apparent within 4-5 weeks and increases with continued use. It is probable that the effect sizes yielded in this review overestimate the efficacy of antidepressants due to biases such as selective reporting and publication. Nevertheless, the magnitude and consistency of the effect suggests genuine benefit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Rayner
- Department of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Cicely Saunders Institute, King's College London, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Depression in advanced cancer. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2010; 14:395-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2010.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2009] [Revised: 01/27/2010] [Accepted: 01/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
35
|
Shiroma PR, Geda YE, Mohan A, Richardson J. Antidepressant prescription pattern in a hospice program. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2010; 28:193-7. [PMID: 21051782 DOI: 10.1177/1049909110385539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Prevalence of treatable depression is as high as 25% among terminally ill patients. The incidence of antidepressant use was ascertained at the Mayo Hospice Program in Rochester, Minnesota, from June 1, 2007, to December 31, 2008. The 18-month cumulative probability to receive an antidepressant during hospice was estimated at 11.7%. Depression and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were the most common clinical indication and class of antidepressant, respectively. Survival was the main predictor to receive an antidepressant with an odds ratio of 2.71 (95%CI: 1.60-4.60) for each additional day in hospice. Proper diagnostic tools for this population, education about the benefits of antidepressants in palliative care, and clear guidelines about antidepressant class and dosages are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paulo R Shiroma
- Geriatric Psychiatry Clinic, Mental Health Service Line, Minneapolis VA Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Consulting and prescribing behaviour for anxiety and depression in long-term survivors of cancer in the UK. Eur J Cancer 2010; 46:3339-44. [PMID: 20727734 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2010.07.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2010] [Revised: 07/21/2010] [Accepted: 07/22/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cancer survivors may experience long-term depression or anxiety, however, there is little previous research on the use of services in this area. We explored consultation and prescribing behaviour for depression and anxiety amongst cancer survivors in British primary health care. METHODS This study uses data on 26,213 survivors of breast, colorectal and prostate cancer at least 5 years post-diagnosis, matched to four controls without cancer, from the UK General Practice Research Database. We compared consultations for depression and anxiety, and prescribing for anti-depressants and anxiolytics between cancer survivors and controls. RESULTS Multivariate, matched regression models showed no difference in consulting for depression or anxiety between any cancer survivors and matched controls. However, breast cancer (odds ratio (OR) 1.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10-1.22) and prostate cancer survivors (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.16-1.47) were more likely to receive a prescription for an antidepressant. Breast cancer survivors (IRR 2.49, 95% CI 1.82-3.42) and prostate cancer survivors (IRR 2.84, 95% CI 1.94-4.17) who died received significantly more antidepressants than controls who died. There were no differences in anxiolytic prescribing for colorectal and prostate cancer survivors compared to controls. However, breast cancer survivors nearing the end of life received a greater number of anxiolytic prescriptions compared to controls (IRR 1.84, 95% CI 1.36-2.49). CONCLUSIONS In this cohort of cancer survivors, there were no differences in consultation behaviour for depression and anxiety compared to controls. However, breast and prostate cancer survivors access more antidepressants, and those nearing the end of life received the highest volume of prescriptions. Breast cancer survivors at the end of life also receive more anxiolytics.
Collapse
|
37
|
|
38
|
Wasteson E, Brenne E, Higginson IJ, Hotopf M, Lloyd-Williams M, Kaasa S, Loge JH. Depression assessment and classification in palliative cancer patients: a systematic literature review. Palliat Med 2009; 23:739-53. [PMID: 19825894 DOI: 10.1177/0269216309106978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to review the literature on depression in palliative cancer care in order to identify which assessment methods and classification systems have been used in studies of depression. Extensive electronic database searches in PubMed, CancerLit, CINAHL, PsychINFO, EMBASE and AgeLine as well as hand search were carried out. In the 202 included papers, 106 different assessment methods were used. Sixty-five of these were only used once. All together, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was the most commonly used assessment method. However, there were regional differences and while the HADS dominated in Europe it was quite seldom used in Canada or in the USA. Few prevalence and intervention studies used assessment methods with an explicit reference to a diagnostic system. There were in total few case definitions of depression. Among these, the classifications were in general based on cut-off scores (77%) and not according to diagnostic systems. The full range of the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria was seldom assessed, i.e. less than one-third of the assessments in the review took into account the duration of symptoms and 18% assessed consequences and impact upon patient functioning. A diversity of assessment methods had been used. Few studies classified depression by referring to a diagnostic system or by using cut-off scores. Evidently, there is a need for a consensus on how to assess and conceptualize depression and related conditions in palliative care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabet Wasteson
- Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), N-7006 Trondheim, Norway.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
|
40
|
The treatment of depression in patients with advanced cancer undergoing palliative care. Curr Opin Support Palliat Care 2009; 3:61-6. [DOI: 10.1097/spc.0b013e328325d17a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
|
41
|
Lloyd-Williams M, Shiels C, Taylor F, Dennis M. Depression--an independent predictor of early death in patients with advanced cancer. J Affect Disord 2009; 113:127-32. [PMID: 18558439 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2008.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2007] [Revised: 04/08/2008] [Accepted: 04/08/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Depression is common in patients with late stage cancer. This study was carried out to investigate whether depression is associated with survival, measuring physical symptoms as a potential confounding variable. PATIENTS AND METHODS One hundred and thirty two patients formed the study sample and eighty-seven patients participated in the study. The Edinburgh Depression Scale (EDS) and self-rated symptoms list were completed three times over an eight-week period and analyzed, together with relevant demographic and clinical factors. RESULTS Depression was self-rated in 29% (25/87) of patients at the initial screen and 54.5% of surviving patients remained depressed at eight-week follow-up. No significant associations were found between baseline EDS 'caseness' and demographic factors or tumour type. However EDS scores were significantly correlated with four symptoms measures. Sixty two percent (54/87) of patients died during the 12 month period of the study. The EDS score had a significant independent effect upon risk of death in study period - a one-point increase in EDS score raises risk of outcome (death) by 7%. CONCLUSIONS Depression is an independent predictor of poor survival in patients with advanced cancer. It is important that patients with advanced cancer are screened for depression and appropriate interventions offered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mari Lloyd-Williams
- Division of Primary Care, School of Population, Community and Behavioural Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Symptom distress in advanced cancer patients with anxiety and depression in the palliative care setting. Support Care Cancer 2008; 17:573-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s00520-008-0529-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2008] [Accepted: 10/15/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
43
|
Endo C, Akechi T, Okuyama T, Seto T, Kato M, Seki N, Eguchi K, Hosaka T, Furukawa TA. Patient-Perceived Barriers to the Psychological Care of Japanese Patients with Lung Cancer. Jpn J Clin Oncol 2008; 38:653-60. [DOI: 10.1093/jjco/hyn088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
|
44
|
Okuyama T, Nakane Y, Endo C, Seto T, Kato M, Seki N, Akechi T, Furukawa TA, Eguchi K, Hosaka T. Mental health literacy in Japanese cancer patients: ability to recognize depression and preferences of treatments-comparison with Japanese lay public. Psychooncology 2007; 16:834-42. [PMID: 17120276 DOI: 10.1002/pon.1119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insufficient knowledge about mental illness and its treatment has been shown to constitute a major barrier to its adequate care for mental illness in the lay public (LP). We therefore examined Japanese cancer patients' (CP) ability to recognize depression and their preferences of its treatments. PARTICIPANTS AND METHOD One hundred lung CP and 300 LP were selected at random to participate in the study. Structured interviews using a vignette of a person with both cancer and depression were conducted with CP, and those using a vignette of a person with depression were carried out with LP, respectively. RESULTS Only 11% of CP recognized the presence of depression in the vignette, while 25% of LP did (p<0.001). There were few significant differences in the preference for standard psychiatric treatments between CP and LP: standard treatments such as antidepressants (CP: 39%, LP: 36%) were less often rated as helpful, whereas non-standard treatments such as physical activity (CP: 85%, LP: 66%) were most often rated as helpful. CONCLUSIONS The results indicated that cancer patients' knowledge about mental illness and its treatment were insufficient. Psychological education may reduce patient-related barriers to seek and to utilize optimal mental health care in cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toru Okuyama
- Department of Psychiatry and Cognitive-behavioral Medicine, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Lloyd-Williams M, Shiels C, Dowrick C. The development of the Brief Edinburgh Depression Scale (BEDS) to screen for depression in patients with advanced cancer. J Affect Disord 2007; 99:259-64. [PMID: 17055588 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2006.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2006] [Revised: 09/13/2006] [Accepted: 09/15/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The development of a brief valid tool to screen for depression in patients with advanced cancer is important. This paper reports data on the psychometric properties of the Brief Edinburgh Depression Scale. METHOD Two hundred and forty six patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria completed the 10-item EDS and Present State Examination. RESULTS Factor extraction revealed 6 items from the ten item EDS. The most valid cut off for defining a case, using the PSE diagnosis as the "gold-standard", was a score of 6 out of 18 on the Brief Edinburgh Depression Scale which gave a sensitivity of 72% and specificity of 83% with a PPV of 65.1% and NPV of 87.1%. CONCLUSIONS The six item EDS is a brief and sensitive method of screening for depression in advanced cancer patients--this novel use of the Edinburgh depression scale may have a significant impact on the assessment and thus management of this distressing symptom.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mari Lloyd-Williams
- Academic Palliative and Supportive Care Studies Group, Division of Primary Care, School of population, community and behavioural sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3GB.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Shimizu K, Akechi T, Shimamoto M, Okamura M, Nakano T, Murakami T, Ito T, Oba A, Fujimori M, Akizuki N, Inagaki M, Uchitomi Y. Can psychiatric intervention improve major depression in very near end-of-life cancer patients? Palliat Support Care 2007; 5:3-9. [PMID: 17461366 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951507070022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Although depression is a prevalent and burdensome psychiatric problem in end-of-life cancer patients, little is known about its susceptibility to treatment, especially when patients reach very close to the end of life. This study was conducted to evaluate response rate of that end-of-life depression to psychiatric intervention and to assess the feasibility of conventional evidence-based pharmacological therapy for depression.Methods: The medical records of 20 patients who were referred to the psychiatry division for major depressive disorder and died within 3 months after the referral were reviewed. The Clinical Global Impression–Improvement (CGI-I) Scale was used for each case, and responders were defined as patients whose scores were much or very much improved. All pharmacological treatments were extracted, and the doses of the antidepressant prescribed were compared to their evidence-based-defined therapeutic doses.Results: Of the 20 patients, seven were responders, but no response was achieved when the survival time was less than 3 weeks. Most patients were treated with antidepressants, but the doses prescribed were far less than the defined doses, especially the doses of the tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs).Significance of results: These results suggested that patients' survival time largely determines susceptibility to psychiatric treatment, and it is hard to achieve response in patients whose survival time was less than about 1 month. Implementation of conventional evidence-based pharmacological treatment is difficult, especially with TCAs, and various antidepressants, which can be administrated by other routes, are needed when oral intake is impossible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ken Shimizu
- Psychiatry Division, National Cancer Center Hospital, Chuou-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Wilson KG, Chochinov HM, Skirko MG, Allard P, Chary S, Gagnon PR, Macmillan K, De Luca M, O'Shea F, Kuhl D, Fainsinger RL, Clinch JJ. Depression and anxiety disorders in palliative cancer care. J Pain Symptom Manage 2007; 33:118-29. [PMID: 17280918 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2006.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2006] [Revised: 07/05/2006] [Accepted: 07/07/2006] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Depression and anxiety disorders are thought to be common in palliative cancer care, but there is inconsistent evidence regarding their relevance for other aspects of quality of life. In the Canadian National Palliative Care Survey, semi-structured interviews assessing depression and anxiety disorders were administered to 381 patients who were receiving palliative care for cancer. There were 212 women and 169 men, with a median survival of 63 days. We found that 93 participants (24.4%, 95% confidence interval=20.2-29.0) fulfilled Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition diagnostic criteria for at least one anxiety or depressive disorder (20.7% prevalence of depressive disorders, 13.9% prevalence of anxiety disorders). The most frequent individual diagnosis was major depression (13.1%, 95% confidence interval=9.9-16.9). Comorbidity was common, with 10.2% of participants meeting criteria for more than one disorder. Those diagnosed with a disorder were significantly younger than other participants (P=0.002). They also had lower performance status (P=0.017), smaller social networks (P=0.008), and less participation in organized religious services (P=0.007). In addition, they reported more severe distress on 14 of 18 physical symptoms, social concerns, and existential issues. Of those with a disorder, 39.8% were being treated with antidepressant medication, and 66.7% had been prescribed a benzodiazepine. In conclusion, it appears that depression and anxiety disorders are indeed common among patients receiving palliative care. These disorders contribute to a greatly diminished quality of life among people who are dying of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keith G Wilson
- The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Center, Ottawa, Ontario, and Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Abstract
Doctors in all specialties will be involved in the care of patients with terminal malignant and non-malignant disease where the aim is palliation rather than cure. An understanding of the principles of symptom management in this context is therefore a generic skill that all doctors require. This article provides practical guidance on how to manage common physical and psychological symptoms encountered in palliative medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dylan Harris
- Department of Adult Medicine, Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport NP20 2UB
| | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Gruneir A, Smith TF, Hirdes J, Cameron R. Depression in patients with advanced illness: An examination of Ontario complex continuing care using the Minimum Data Set 2.0. Palliat Support Care 2005; 3:99-105. [PMID: 16594434 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951505050170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Objective: In this study, we examined the prevalence of depression, its recognition, and its treatment in continuing care patients with advanced illness (AI).Methods: All data were obtained from the Ontario (Canada) provincially-mandated MDS 2.0 form for chronic care. Of 3,801 patients, 524 met our empiric definition of AI, which was predicated on a previously validated algorithm. The MDS-embedded Depression Rating Scale (DRS) was used to measure psychological well-being and a score of 3 or greater indicated potential depression.Results: Twenty-nine percent of patients with AI scored greater than 3, making them nearly twice as likely to be potentially depressed as other patients (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.5–2.2). Despite this patients with AI were less likely to have received antidepressants (28.9% vs. 38.2%), even among those with a diagnosis (45.3% vs. 58.4%). Using logistic regression, correlates of potential depression were identified and surprisingly patients with cancer were substantially less likely to be depressed (AOR 0.37, 95% CI 0.2–0.6). Further investigation revealed that cancer patients were more likely to be treated for depression and to be recognized as being within the terminal phase of illness.Significance of results: These findings suggest that a high proportion of terminally ill patients had unmet needs for psychological support. As well, they suggest that cancer patients received better targeted end-of-life care, which resulted in an overall decrease in psychological distress when compared to other patients with similarly advanced illness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Gruneir
- Department of Community Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Even though depression has serious and wide-ranging effects on outcomes in palliative care, errors in the identification of depressed patients are common. OBJECTIVES To examine the clinical validity of widely publicised one- and two-question screening tools for depression in two palliative care settings. Also, to examine the construct validity and acceptability of a new empirically derived algorithm. METHOD Participants were Australian palliative care patients in an inpatient hospice (n=22) or the community (n=69). Patients completed an unstructured interview about their feelings, questions relevant to three reference standards, two screening questions for depression and questions about the acceptability of the screening questions. RESULTS The clinical validity of the one- and two-question screening tools did not generalise across the two care settings. In contrast, the algorithm met stringent criteria for clinical validity for two reference standards in both settings. The algorithm also selectively identified patients whose unstructured interviews referred to themes consistent with depression. The algorithm includes potentially sensitive questions about anhedonia and depressed affect. However, almost all patients and staff reported that asking such questions soon after referral was acceptable. CONCLUSIONS A four-question algorithm designed to identify patients who warrant follow-up for depression showed clinical validity, generalizability and construct validity, and the content was acceptable to patients and clinicians.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Robinson
- School of Psychology, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide SA 5001, Australia.
| | | |
Collapse
|