Depressive symptoms in autologous bone marrow transplant (ABMT) patients with cancer: An exploratory study

Author(s): Rosti, G., Albertazzi, L., Marangolo, M.

Journal/Book: Psycho Oncol. 1996; 5: Baffins Lane, Chichester, W Sussex, England PO19 1UD. John Wiley & Sons Ltd. 305-310.

Abstract: The purpose of the study was to examine the prevalence of depressive symptoms and related psychosocial and medical factors in patients submitted to autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT) for solid tumors. Forty-four cancer inpatients were assessed for the presence of depression and psychological stress symptoms (Symptom Questionnaire) (SQ) on admission to the hospital (Time 1-T1) and after ABMT (Time 2-T2). Coping strategies (Mental Adjustment to Cancer scale), external locus of control and social support (Social Provision Scale) were also evaluated at T1. The prevalence of depression ('cases') declined from T1 to T2 (41% to 27%). Patients who were depressed at T2 had higher scores on Anxiety and Depression, External Locus of Control and lower scores on social support at T1 than nondepressed. Regression analysis indicated that depression and anxiety at T1 and days spent during isolation with fever were the best predictors of depression at T2. These preliminary findings strengthen the importance for clinicians to evaluating psychosocial and medical variables which may favour depression in cancer patients submitted to ABMT.

Note: Article Grassi L, Univ Ferrara, Clin Psichiat, Cso Giovecca 203, I-44100 Ferrara, ITALY

Keyword(s): PSYCHOSOCIAL MORBIDITY; QUESTIONNAIRE; CHEMOTHERAPY; RECIPIENTS; ADJUSTMENT; SURVIVAL; LOCUS

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