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Review
. 2017 Jun;19(6):33.
doi: 10.1007/s11920-017-0785-7.

Depressive Spectrum Disorders in Cancer: Diagnostic Issues and Intervention. A Critical Review

Rosangela Caruso  1   2 , Maria GiuliaNanni  1   2 , Michelle B Riba  3   4   5 , Silvana Sabato  1 , Luigi Grassi  6   7
Affiliations
Review

Depressive Spectrum Disorders in Cancer: Diagnostic Issues and Intervention. A Critical Review

Rosangela Caruso et al. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2017 Jun.

Abstract

Depressive spectrum disorders, including major depression, persistent depression, minor and sub-syndromal depression, and other forms of depressive conditions, such as demoralization, are among the most common psychiatric consequences of cancer patients, affecting up to 60% of patients. In spite of the negative effects and the burden for cancer patients and their families, these disorders often remain under-recognized and undertreated. The present review aims at summarizing the relevant data concerning the diagnostic challenges within the depressive spectrum disorders among cancer patients. Also, the most relevant data relative to integrated intervention, including psychopharmacological and psychosocial treatment, for depression in cancer patients are critically evaluated. It is mandatory that health care professionals working in oncology (e.g., oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, primary care physicians, nurses, social workers, psychologists) receive training in the diagnosis and integrated management of the different types of disorder within the spectrum of clinical depression.

Keywords: Antidepressants; Cancer; Depression; Psychiatry; Psychopharmacology; Psychotherapy.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest

Rosangela Caruso, Maria Giulia Nanni, Silvana Sabato, declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Michelle B. Riba is on the editorial board of Current Pyschiatry Reports as the editor of a section and receives money for this work. Dr. Riba recuses herself from the review of this paper. Dr. Riba also has edited books on psycho-oncology for which she receives royalties. Dr. Grassi has edited books on psycho-oncology for which he receives royalties.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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