Original Research Article
Year: 2018 | Month: May | Volume: 5 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 76-85
Anxiety and Depression in Post Mastectomy Patients Receiving Radiotherapy: A Study from Tertiary Centre in Haryana
Dr. Savita Kundu1, Dr. Rajiv Gupta2, Dr. Asha Kumari3, Dr. Vivek Kaushal4
1Ex. Senior Resident, Department of Psychiatry, PGIMS, Rohtak
2Senior Prof & Head, Department of Psychiatry, PGIMS, Rohtak
3Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, SHKM, GMC, Nalhar, Nuh
4Senior Prof & Head, Department of Radiotherapy, PGIMS, Rohtak
Corresponding Author: Dr. Asha Kumari
ABSTRACT
Background- Study was planned to assess anxiety and depression and its socio-demographic correlates in post mastectomy breast cancer patients who were referred for radiotherapy.
Methods- This was a prospective study involving 61 patients in whom anxiety and depression were assessed using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) at baseline, 1 month and 3 months of radiotherapy. Patients with scores > 7 on HADS were assessed by consultant psychiatrist using ICD-10 and considered for intervention.
Results- At baseline, in anxiety group, 10 patients (16.4%) fell into borderline group and 6 (9.8%) were cases (>11 score) whereas, in depression group, 6 (9.8%) were in borderline group and 5 (8.2%) were probable cases. During radiotherapy (at 1 month) and after radiotherapy (at 3 months), prevalence of anxiety and depression was seen to decrease in patients. At baseline, there was statistically significant difference in anxiety symptoms in the age group of 20-39 (50 %), 40-59 age group (16.2%), 60-89 age group (30%). (p<0.05)
Conclusions- Study finding shows that anxiety and depression decreased at follow-up evaluations with intervention. So, there should be involvement of mental health professionals in the management of patients with breast cancer.
Key words: Anxiety, Depression, Post mastectomy, Radiotherapy
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