Key result
Oncologists accurately recognized the absence of depression 79% of the time, but underestimated symptoms in more depressed patients, with concordance dropping to 33% and 13% for mild-to-moderate and severe depression.
Why the study?
Does physician assessment accurately recognize depression in cancer patients compared to patient self-rating?
Population
1,109 cancer patients treated by 12 oncologists in 25 ambulatory oncology clinics affiliated with Community…
Comparison
Physician rating of patients' level of… vs Patients' self-rating using the Zung Self-Rating…
Design
Cross-sectional
Authors
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Supports consideration of formal depression screening in oncology; cross-sectional data leaves open outcome benefits in trials.
Cross-Sectional (n=1,109)
Yes
Does physician assessment accurately recognize depression in cancer patients compared to patient self-rating?
Oncologists tend to underestimate the level of depressive symptoms in cancer patients, especially those with moderate to severe depression, highlighting the need for formal screening instruments.
Passik et al. (1998) conducted a cross-sectional in Cancer with depressive symptoms (n=1,109). Physician rating of depressive symptoms vs. Patient self-rating (Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale) was evaluated on Concordance between physician ratings of depression and patient endorsement on the ZSDS. Oncologists accurately recognized the absence of depression 79% of the time, but underestimated symptoms in more depressed patients, with concordance dropping to 33% and 13% for mild-to-moderate and severe depression.