The course of anxiety and depression for patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma or diffuse large B cell lymphoma: a longitudinal study of the PROFILES registry

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to prospectively assess anxiety and depression among patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Also, to compare its prevalence with a normative population, identify subgroups with more anxiety and depression, and assess its impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Methods: The population-based Eindhoven Cancer Registry was used to select patients diagnosed with HL or DLBCL from 1999 to 2010, 489 responded (T1). The HADS was completed four times (T1-T4), with a 1-year interval. Linear mixed-models were used to assess the course of anxiety and depression and identify high-risk subgroups.

Results: Both anxiety and depression were reported more often by patients compared to the normative population (p < 0.05). Over the four time points, approximately 10% of patients reported to be always and 15% reported to be sometimes anxious or depressed. Anxiety and depression did not improve in time. Patients with comorbidity and patients who were lower educated reported higher anxiety and depression scores (p < 0.05). Younger DLBCL patients reported higher anxiety scores, whereas older DLBCL patients reported higher depression scores over time (p < 0.05). Global health status/HRQoL was clinically relevant lower in patients with anxiety and depression and this appeared to be constant over time.

Conclusion: More HL and DLBCL patients experience anxiety and depression compared to their counterparts in the general population and it did not improve in time.

Implication for cancer survivors: Clinicians should be aware that former lymphoma patients with anxiety and depression have a deteriorated global health status/HRQoL and refer patients to suitable aftercare when necessary.