Use of Medications for Treating Anxiety and Depression in Cancer Survivors in the United States

Abstract

Purpose This study used population-based data to estimate the percentage of cancer survivors in the United States reporting current medication use for anxiety and depression and to characterize the survivors taking this type of medication. Rates of medication use in cancer survivors were compared with rates in the general population. Methods We analyzed data from the National Health Interview Survey, years 2010 to 2013, identifying cancer survivors (n = 3,184) and adults with no history of cancer (n = 44,997) who completed both the Sample Adult Core Questionnaire and the Adult Functioning and Disability Supplement. Results Compared with adults with no history of cancer, cancer survivors were significantly more likely to report taking medication for anxiety (16.8% v 8.6%, P < .001), depression (14.1% v 7.8%, P < .001), and one or both of these conditions combined (19.1% v 10.4%, P < .001), indicating that an estimated 2.5 million cancer survivors were taking medication for anxiety or depression in the United States at that time. Survivor characteristics associated with higher rates of medication use for anxiety included being younger than 65 years old, female, and non-Hispanic white, and having public insurance, a usual source of medical care, and multiple chronic health conditions. Survivor characteristics associated with medication use for depression were largely consistent with those for anxiety, with the exceptions that insurance status was not significant, whereas being widowed/divorced/separated was associated with more use. Conclusion Cancer survivors in the United States reported medication use for anxiety and depression at rates nearly two times those reported by the general public, likely a reflection of greater emotional and physical burdens from cancer or its treatment.

Fig 1.

National Health Interview Survey sample flow diagram. Note that figure excludes participants for whom cancer history or current anxiety or depression medication use information was missing. Meds, medications for anxiety or depression.

Fig 2.

Venn diagram depicting overlap of medication use for anxiety and depression in (A) cancer survivors who report taking medication(s) and (B) adults without cancer who report taking medication(s). National Health Interview Survey 2010 to 2013. Meds, medications.

Fig A1.

(A) Adjusted estimates from logistic regression models of medication use for anxiety and depression in cancer survivors by cancer type, as compared with adults without cancer, National Health Interview Survey 2010 to 2013. Blue dashed line represents the percentage of adults without cancer taking medication for anxiety. Gold dashed line represents the percentage of adults without cancer taking medication for depression. (B) Adjusted estimates of medication use for anxiety and depression in cancer survivors by time since diagnosis, as compared with adults without cancer, National Health Interview Survey 2010 to 2013. Blue dashed line represents the percentage of adults without cancer taking medication for anxiety. Gold dashed line represents the percentage of adults without cancer taking medication for depression.