Prevalence of depression and anxiety among cancer patients

Objectives: The objective is to study the prevalence of anxiety and depression in patients with cancer. Material and Methods: Cancer patients who presented to the oncology and psychiatric departments of AIIMS were the subject of a cross-sectional investigation. Participants’ informed written agreement was obtained during the development of the case and thorough verbal explanations and descriptions of the research issue. Confidentiality was guaranteed to them. The lead investigator used Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale after using the semi-structured proforma to record the patients’ sociodemographic information. The ICD-0 criteria will be applied to diagnose anxiety and depression. Results: The average age of the patients was 52.57 years. The predominant mental illness of somewhat more than half ( n = 17; 56.67%) of the patients was either a depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder. The majority of patients with generalized anxiety disorder ( n = 11; 36.67%) had mild anxiety ( n = 5, 16.6%), followed by moderate anxiety ( n = 4, 13.3%), while the least number had severe anxiety ( n = 2, 6.67%). Depression was marginally more prevalent than generalized anxiety disorder ( n = 15; 50%). Conclusion: Depression and anxiety can make it more difficult to follow a treatment plan, make physical symptoms worse and lead to more people using healthcare services. Therefore, mental therapies may be necessary during cancer patients’ therapy to control their anxiety and depression.