The American Cancer Society suggests that a diagnosis of cancer can be especially frightening, and that the individual may experience numerous emotions and fears or denial related to the future. Signs and symptoms related to cancer distress can include sadness, emptiness, weight loss/gain, tiredness/fatigue, memory problems, fatigue, suicidal ideation and feelings of worthlessness. Depression can indeed be part of the disease process, but it should never be passed off as "normal." Help is available and should be sought right away.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is an effective treatment for depression associated with cancer. MedConnect.com suggests that mental health professionals bring the diagnosis out into the open so that the patient can work through the many emotions attached to diagnosis, and focus more on the present tasks pertaining to treatment. The individual may feel isolated or alienated by friends or family, and become consumed with worrying about the future. The best way to encourage healing is to discuss options openly, and alleviate the stress burden for optimum healing.
Antidepressant Drugs
Antidepressant drugs may be an adjunctive treatment for cancer distress and to raise depressed moods. The American Cancer Society posits that cancer treatments are especially taxing on the body, and this can add to anxiety and depressed moods. It is imperative to seek help immediately as new prescriptions can take up to a month to exhibit the full effects of the drug. According to HemOncToday, an online journal, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Prozac, are considered favorable options as they have great adverse-effect profiles and do not increase gastrointestinal problems. Similarly favorable would be the dual-acting serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors such as Effexor and Cymbalta, as they improve depressive moods and efficacy in producing full remission of symptoms with pain relief.
St. John's Wort
The National Cancer Institute suggests that in lieu of antidepressant drugs, some cancer patients prefer a more natural approach using St. John's Wort supplements. While this is not an FDA-approved treatment for depression, it certainly holds potential for enhancing overall mood. Individuals considering St. John's wort are highly encouraged to seek the advice of a licensed health professional before embarking on a new treatment. This supplement is contraindicated for use with drugs that treat HIV infection.
References
- American Cancer Society: "Depression"; 2009
- National Cancer Institute: "Depression, PDQ"; Apr 2010
- Hematology Oncology Today: "Recognizing and Treating Depression in Your Patients with Cancer; Zawistowski MD, C; 2010
- MedConnect: "Perspective-Psychotherapy and the Cancer Patient"; Krelstein, MJ; 2009
