Cachexia, depression, and sickness behaviour

摘要

Objectives nnCachexia is a common symptom of malignant disease towards the end of life. It has been suggested that it is accompanied by depression. The mechanism of this association is purported to be inflammatory cytokines. Literature and clinical studies supporting this link are lacking. nnMethods nnA literature search was carried out. A small audit of cachectic patients admitted to a hospice was conducted. Data collected included affective status. nnResults nnThe literature suggests a link between cachexia and sickness behaviours, but not depression. In the audit 40 consecutive cachectic hospice inpatients were evaluated. The age range was 57‐83 years with a mean of 74 years. Seventy per cent of the study individuals were male. Thirty-one patients (80%) did not fulfil current or historical criteria to support an affective diagnosis; however, nine (20%) did. nnConclusion nnThis audit did not support the contention that cachectic patients are commonly depressed. This warrants further research.