Treatment of psychic symptoms of a cancer patient in a palliative care
Idman, I.
Duodecim; Laaketieteellinen Aikakauskirja 129(4): 403-409
2013
ISSN/ISBN: 0012-7183 PMID: 23484357 Document Number: 670402
Approximately a third of cancer patients suffer from psychic symptoms recognizable by tested indicators during their illness. The most typical symptom picture is a mixed one consisting of anxiety and depression associated with changes in activity level (fatigue, over-alertness) and sleeping disturbances. According to a recent meta-analysis, some mood disorder fulfilling the DSM or ICD criteria can be diagnosed in approx. 30 to 40% of hospitalized cancer patients. The interpretation as mood disorder included all diagnoses of depression, anxiety disorders as well as mood problems of the adjustment disorder level.