Prediction of depressive symptomatology after treatment of head and neck cancer: the influence of pre-treatment physical and depressive symptoms, coping, and social support

Abstract

Background: Head and neck cancer and its treatment can have important psychosocial implications, and many patients become depressed. The aim of this prospective study is to examine whether pretreatment variables can be used to predict depression 6 and 12 months later.

Methods: Head and neck cancer patients (155) treated with surgery and/or radiotherapy completed a questionnaire including items on social support, coping, depressive symptoms, physical functioning, and physical symptoms before and after treatment.

Results: By using 5 variables (physical symptoms, depressive symptoms, emotional support, extent of the social network, and avoidance coping), it was possible to predict those patients who would have symptoms at 6 (81%) and 12 months (67%) after treatment. Inclusion of actual physical symptoms reported at follow-up increased these percentages to 89% and 82%.

Conclusions: It is concluded that screening for psychosocial variables and physical symptoms before treatment can be used to determine which patients are at risk of developing depressive symptoms after treatment.