Predictors of Psychological Stress in Breast Cancer Patients - What Should Physicians and Nursing Staff Pay Attention to in an Oncological Setting?

摘要

Purpose: The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer causes psychological stresses which can lead to severe psychiatric disorders. Anxiety and depression, in particular, are prevalent in oncological patients and may persist without suitable intervention.Material and Methods: The aim of the study was to identify significant predictors for psychological stress due to anxiety and depression in a homogeneous sample of 401 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients one week following surgery. Mental comorbidities were assessed in an interview (PO-Bado) and using a self-rating tool (HADS-D). Results: According to HADS-D, anxiety and depression were significantly increased (p < 0.001); the incidence of anxiety and depression was 22% and 12%, respectively. In the perioperative phase, anxiety and depression symptoms could be predicted based on "somatic problems", "intake of psychotropic drugs" as well as "history of psychiatric or psychological treatment" (R~2 = 0.18 or R~2 = 27).Conclusion: Our results may serve as first indications to physicians in the clinical setting which can help them to identify mentally vulnerable patients and prescribe treatment as required.