Evaluation of Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety among Breast Cancer Patients

Abstract

Background: People who have previously used psychiatric services may be particularly vulnerable and at greater risk of mortality following a cancer diagnosis. The present study assessed depression and anxiety among breast cancer patients. Materials and Method: The present study was conducted on 64 women with breast cancer. The Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 (GAD-2) questionnaire were produced as ultra-brief screening instruments for depression and anxiety in all patients. Results: Age group <40 years had 12, 40-60 years had 20 and >60 years had 32 patients. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Maximum patients were of stage III (30) followed by stage II (18), stage IV (10) and stage I (6). Treatment given was mastectomy in 46 patients and ongectomy in 18 patients. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). PHQ- 2 with score >3 was observed in 12 and GAD- 2 with score >3 was seen in 15 patients. The difference found to be significant in breast cancer patients with or without depression and anxiety (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Authors found that breast cancer patients had higher level of depression and anxiety level.